Air fryers have become a mainstay in UK kitchens, graduating from fad status to near-essential for anyone looking to save on time, energy costs, and cooking oil use.
If you haven’t used one, they’re pretty remarkable machines. Things like oven chips cook in half the time you’d expect from a conventional oven, and they only take a couple of minutes to get up to temperature.
With their popularity has come a huge array of brands big and small who are looking to cash in on the long-term trend. You’ve got your heavy hitters like Ninja and Tefal, but also a sea of lesser-known names that may not meet the quality standards you’d find at higher price points.
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When you’re shopping around for one, it’s best to pay close attention to reviews and take a look to see whether options from smaller names have had any reported issues. Of course, the same is true of the big names, but the more niche picks tend to run into safety problems more regularly.
One recent example is a Haden air fryer available at Amazon, The Range, and Wilko. The 11-litre double-stack model has been recalled after the Office for Product Safety and Standards issued a warning that it poses a ‘serious risk of fire’.
The regulator found the appliance can exceed its maximum temperature and thereby melt and warp its metal and plastic components. It could even set itself alight in extreme cases.
“The product presents a serious risk of fire as the heating element exceeds 150 degrees (the marked limit),” it said.
“After prolonged use on the highest setting, the plastic and metal parts can warp and melt, presenting a risk of fire.”
It added that the product fails to meet requirements laid out in the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 legislation.
Anyone who’s bought an 11-litre double-stack Haden air fryer has been advised to immediately stop using it and return it for a full refund.
In April 2025, four air fryers from Tower were recalled over fire risks, with affected models listed on the Gov.uk website. A Tristar model also faced a recall in 2023.
While the majority of air fryers are safe, it’s best to err on the side of caution when you’re browsing the options.
It’s also important to exercise caution when using any air fryer as they can all potentially pose a fire risk if used improperly. They should be placed in an open space in your kitchen, and they shouldn’t be left to run unsupervised. It’s also recommended that you regularly clean your air fryer by removing food debris and dust that might accumulate in the tray cavity and around the heating element. Don’t attempt any cleaning until the air fryer is completely cold and unplugged.
Rachael Davis