Air fryers are among the most common kitchen items in every British household today. Known for offering quick and easy meals with less oil and energy consumption, they have become a top choice for many. 

However, experts have urged users to avoid making this one mistake that cost one person £80,000. Experts from Aviva Insurance warned that leaving the air fryer unattended when it is in use can lead to serious fire incidents. The insurance provider has seen significant home insurance claims relating to air fryer fires, and in one case, £80,000 worth of damage to a customer’s kitchen. The average claim for 2024 amounted to £29,555.

The insurer commissioned a survey through Censuswide, revealing that approximately two-thirds (68 %) of respondents own an air fryer.

It also surveyed the air fryer habits of the people and found that 12% of those who participated in the survey leaving the air fryer unattended when it is in use.

According to the experts, one should always monitor their air fryer while it's in use to prevent overheating or other issues.

Hannah Davidson, senior underwriting manager at Aviva, says: "With the increasing popularity of air fryers, it's crucial that users are aware of the associated fire risks. 

“Aviva’s survey shows that nearly one five UK residents have encountered fire-related issues with air fryers, from smoking and overheating to explosions and fires. This, alongside our claims insights, underscores the need for constant vigilance.

“Simple practices such as not leaving air fryers unattended, avoiding excessive amounts of oil when cooking, placing air fryers on non-flammable surfaces, and ensuring proper ventilation during use can significantly reduce fire risks.

"Keeping a fire blanket and a small fire extinguisher in the kitchen is also good practice.”

1. Follow the manufacturer's instructions

2. Never leave your air fryer unattended

3. Using excess oil

4. Ensure proper placement of the air fryer

5. Clean your air fryer regularly

6. Check your air fryer for any damage

7. Avoid overfilling your air fryer

8. Keep your air fryer away from water

9. Have fire safety equipment ready

10. Purchase the right home insurance