This revolutionary appliance, the air fryer, has earned a place in millions of homes around the world thanks to its ability to deliver crispy, delicious meals with much less oil than traditional frying methods. Despite its growing popularity and the comfort it promises, recent incidents have raised serious concerns, resulting in mass recalls of several models. Previously, demand for air fryers seemed unstoppable, but now both consumers and manufacturers are being forced to reconsider safety and effectiveness aspects of the device.
Recently, a massive recall of 300,000 units of air fryers from the market was announced. This event, with a history of the recall of 600,000 units during 2022, in the home appliance industry has generated a wave of speculation and concerns among users, who have been forced to reconsider the safety and effectiveness of these popular appliances. Although air fryers offer significant advantages, the associated risks are also considerable and should be carefully evaluated. In this note, learn what the reasons for this withdrawal are and whether or not they are harmful to our health and well-being.
The advantage of using an air fryer is that no oil is used. Photo: Getty Images
Why were 300,000 air fryers recalled?
With the growing demand for these appliances, manufacturing companies have also produced defective models that do not meet adequate safety standards, as they include design and manufacturing flaws. Among the reported incidents, which have been alarming, are the following:
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- In March 2024, more than 280,000 Insignia-brand units sold by Best Buy were recalled, according to the U.S. Department of Consumer Affairs, due to dozens of reports of ovens overheating, causing Handles would melt and break. This caused at least six to catch fire due to serious overheating problems.
- In January 2024, Newair had to recall 11,750 Magic Chef brand air fryers, due to similar overheating problems and defective components that were about to break during use.
Was 2024 the first time this massive air fryer recall happened?
No, in 2022, more than 600,000 units of Insignia brand air fryers were recalled for similar problems. This highlights the importance of supervision and quality control in the manufacturing of these popular appliances.
What are the most common problems with air fryers?
The most common problems with air fryers are due to manufacturing defects, such as those listed below:
- Cable overheating
- Breakage of components while the device is in operation
- Overheating of the door and glass
However, there are also cases of usage errors on the part of consumers. For example:
- Filling the basket too much, leaving not enough space between the food and the fan.
- Failure to properly clean the bottom of the fryer are practices that can increase the risk of overheating and fire, since the crumbs and oils that accumulate can easily ignite if not removed regularly.
It is suggested not to place plastic or paper bags inside the fryer. Photo: Getty Images
How to calculate how much an air fryer consumes in Peru?
First, to calculate the cost of operating an appliance like an air fryer, you must start by multiplying the power of the device (in watts) by the hours of use. This total must then be divided by 1000 to convert it to kilowatts. The final step is to multiply the total kilowatts by the cost of one kilowatt-hour, which you can find on your electricity bill. In Peru, the kilowatt is quoted at 0.88 soles.
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For example, if a 1400 watt air fryer is used one hour daily, the approximate monthly cost would be 36.96 soles.
The big disadvantage of using the air fryer is the high electricity consumption. Photo: The Republic
How healthy are air fryers?
According to WebMD, an American corporation that publishes information on human health and well-being, air frying is healthier than frying in oil, even reducing calories by 70% to 80%, as well as the level of fat.
Likewise, a study published by PubMed indicates that air frying reduces by 90% the amount of acrylamide in French fries, a chemical substance present in starchy foods that research links to the possibility of contracting cancer.
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FAQs
FOX Business Flash top headlines for March 14. Best Buy is recalling nearly 300,000 air fryers sold in the U.S. and Canada over concerns that they pose "fire, burn and laceration hazards," according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Why are people getting rid of there air fryers? ›
While air fryers are popular, the most expensive models can start to get a little pricey which could undermine their status as a budget item. Many people came out for halogen ovens as the better option. One person said: "I treated myself to a halogen oven to help with Christmas; I only have one shelf in my oven.
What are the dangers of air fryers? ›
Air fryers get very hot: Interior temperatures, where the food is cooking, can reach almost 500° F. That high heat gets transmitted to some of the exterior parts of the machine, causing users to burn themselves if they're not careful. What's more, this high heat also has the potential to start fires.
Why are air fryers being recalled? ›
“The air fryers can overheat, causing the handles to melt or break, posing fire and burn hazards,” the CPSC states in the recall announcement. “Additionally, the air fryer ovens can overheat and the glass on the door can shatter, posing fire, burn and laceration hazards.”
Why not to buy an air fryer? ›
The arduous cleanup kind of negates the saved cooking time
Many oven-based recipes cook 20% faster in an air fryer. Of course, you also have to clean the air fryer, and it's a bit higher maintenance than an oven or even a toaster oven.
Which air fryers are on recall right now? ›
The recall affected Insignia models bought between November 2021 and November 2023. This wasn't the first time Best Buy pulled Insignia air fryers from shelves. In April 2022, it recalled nearly 700,000 units.
What is the downfall of air fryers? ›
What are Disadvantages of Using an Air Fryer? Air fryers vary in the amount of foods they can hold, but usually do not have a large capacity. Air fryers may not be convenient when cooking for large groups.
Why do chefs hate air fryers? ›
It has numerous benefits and can cook food efficiently. However, the taste can be subpar compared to other cooking methods available at the commercial level. People traditionally enjoy the authentic taste of conventionally fried or deep-fried food items.
Why are people ditching air fryers? ›
The air fryer might be much cheaper to run than most other cooking appliances but they don't tend to be particularly sizeable. With the halogen oven you can probably do all your cooking at once instead of stringing out the food preparation.
Why is Airfryer not healthy? ›
Air-frying equipment is not known to cause cancer, but the process of air frying does result in the formation of certain compounds, like acrylamide, that are linked to cancer development. Acrylamide is classified as a probable human carcinogen.
These not-so-hot air fryers will leave you underwhelmed.
- The Cuisinart Express Oven Air Fry received the lowest score in our air fryers test.
- Brains over beauty: the Kitchen Couture air fryer.
- You get what you pay for with the cheap Kmart Anko 9L Twin Air Fryer AFD2906.
Is the plastic smell in air fryers toxic? ›
If your air fryer is brand new and has started emitting a chemical smell on the first try; then it's not an alarming issue. Manufacturers usually make the air fryer from heat-resistant plastic. The plastic has to be burnt off to some extent to get rid of the residue. This process is known as curing.
Why are people against air fryers? ›
Acrylamide may have links to the development of some cancers, including endometrial, ovarian, pancreatic, breast, and oesophageal cancer. A 2014 study has also suggested a link between dietary acrylamide and kidney, endometrial, or ovarian cancers, though the results are uncertain.
What is the bad news about air fryers? ›
Speaking about using an air fryer, Dr Karan Rajan explained to TikTok followers that the ovens are coated in something called polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are a group of chemicals, used in food packaging, toiletries, non-stick cookware and carpets.
Why are air fryers selling out? ›
Social media has also played a massive part in turning air fryers into a much-desired, sell-out appliance. The video format of TikTok has been particularly influential in showing people just how easy air fryers are to use.
How do I know if my air fryer is toxic? ›
Nonstick air fryers that use materials like Teflon have chemicals that can be associated with health risks. However, experts say that you can only be exposed to these chemicals if your air fryer is damaged. It's best to choose an air fryer made without non-stick chemicals, such as ceramic or stainless steel.
How many years do air fryers last? ›
The average lifespan of an air fryer lasts from 6 months to 3 years. Its lifespan greatly depends on its built quality, frequency of use and maintenance. If the device is made from cheap materials; and is used every day then its maximum lifespan is 6 months to 1 year.
Do air fryers produce more acrylamide? ›
Air fryers reduce the risk of toxic acrylamide formation
This compound forms in certain foods during high-heat cooking methods, such as deep frying.
Do air fryers give off fumes? ›
"There has been some concern about whether air fryers can release toxic chemicals when heated. While it's true that some air fryers may produce harmful compounds when heated to high temperatures, it's important to note that not all air fryers are created equal.