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Where to Put an Air Fryer in a Kitchen (best & worst places)

Where to Put an Air Fryer in a Kitchen (best & worst places)

Air fryers are fast and convenient and allow you to prepare healthier meals without sacrificing your meal’s flavor or its crispy texture. However, with so many small kitchen appliances crowding up your kitchen, it can be tough to decide where to put an air fryer in a kitchen.

The best place to put an air fryer is on the kitchen ​countertop near an outlet. Make sure the area is well-ventilated, as the air fryer will produce hot air when in use. Choose a counter space free from combustible materials like paper or cloth to prevent any possible fire hazard. 

If the kitchen is small, placing the air fryer on a rolling cart or kitchen island is best, as it can be rolled out of the way when not in use.

However, due to the appliance’s size, weight, and heat output, it is a good idea to have a heat-resistant countertop, and the shelf or cabinet should be strong and sturdy enough to support the air fryer.

Best Air Fryer Locations

The best locations for your air fryer depend on the size and type of air fryer you have and the space available in your kitchen. If you own an air fryer, you can consider the following places for optimal convenience:

  • Kitchen Counter
  • Kitchen Island 
  • Under cabinet storage
  • In a pantry

Now let’s talk about the pros and cons of each of these locations so you can decide which one is best for you and your kitchen.

1. Kitchen Counter

Depending on the type of countertop, the kitchen counter is one of the best places to put your air fryer. Not only is it easily accessible, but it also gives you enough space to keep everything organized. Plus, it’s easy to see when you need to take something out of the air fryer.

The kitchen counter also offers a great view of what’s going on inside the air fryer, so you can easily check on the progress of your food. In addition, you won’t have to worry about opening the door to check on the food, as the countertop location allows you to view the contents of the fryer easily.

Furthermore, the kitchen counter is a great spot for the air fryer because it’s out of the way and doesn’t take up much space. This is especially nice if you have a small kitchen. You won’t have to worry about the air fryer taking up too much room and making it harder to move around the kitchen.

2. Kitchen Island

The kitchen island is another ideal location you can consider. It is a great space saver and offers additional counter space that you can use to prepare meals and store small appliances. In addition, the placement of the air fryer on the island allows it to be easily accessible and within reach when you cook.

Additionally, the air fryer can be placed away from other kitchen appliances, allowing for better airflow and efficient cooling of the heating element. This also prevents potential damage to your kitchen cabinets or counters from the hot air being released from the air fryer.

Plus, having the air fryer on the kitchen island allows you to keep an eye on it when you are cooking, so you can quickly adjust to different temperatures or other settings if needed.

3. Under cabinet storage

You can also consider placing the air fryer on the under-cabinet storage. This is because it keeps the appliance away from curious children, pets, and other kitchen users and provides easy access to the air fryer.

This will also help keep the air fryer in a stable, secure location, which is important to ensure the unit’s safety and that of those using it. In addition, the area is typically easy to clean, making it a great spot for an appliance that gets used frequently.

Additionally, having the air fryer in under cabinet storage helps to free up counter space for prepping, cooking, and other activities. This allows you to optimize the use of your kitchen and keep your air fryer out of sight when not in use.

4. In a pantry

The pantry is another optimal location for your air fryer. Pantries are generally well-ventilated, away from direct sunlight, and have plenty of counter space for an air fryer to sit on. Air fryers can generate a lot of heat and moisture, and having the unit in a pantry that’s not directly next to your kitchen can keep your home cool and comfortable.

Plus, pantries are usually close to an outlet, making it easy to plug in the air fryer. It’s a great way to keep the appliance out of sight and out of the way. Pantries also provide plenty of storage for your air fryer basket and other accessories, such as the tray and tongs. And, if you need to keep the air fryer away from children or pets, a pantry is the perfect spot to do so.

Pantries can also help keep the air fryer dust-free and out of reach from little hands. Lastly, a pantry can help keep the air fryer out of the way when you’re not using it, making it easy to grab when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do air fryers take up a lot of counter space?

No. Generally, most air fryers are box-shaped and can easily fit into even the tightest of kitchen spaces. Some models even come with a removable handle to be stored in a cupboard or on a shelf when not in use. However, larger air fryers can cook an entire meal easily and may take up more counter space.

If you have a small kitchen, opt for small appliances. These typically measure around 8-9 inches in width, 12-15 inches in depth, and 8-10 inches in height. Some models may be smaller than these measurements. This size is ideal for smaller spaces since it will fit easily on a countertop without taking up too much room.

There are also some larger air fryers on the market. These models tend to measure around 13-15 inches in width, 17-20 inches in depth, and 12-14 inches in height. They are larger than the smaller models so they will take up more counter space. However, if you’re looking for an air fryer that can cook enough food, this size is the best option.

It’s also important to consider the design of the air fryer when making your decision. The best air fryers come with sleek designs and a flat bottom so they can be placed directly on the counter. Others may have a raised base, requiring you to leave extra space for it.

Air fryer pressure cooker combos offer a great way to cook meals.

The combination of an air fryer and pressure cooker allows you to prepare various tasty and nutritious meals, but you can do that with shorter cooking times.

If you are considering buying an air fryer pressure cooker combo for the first time or looking to invest in another one, then visit my most recent article.

Here I reviewed various air fryer pressure cooker combos to ensure you get the best value for your money. You can save time, energy, and money with the right model.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Where should air fryers not be placed?

Keep your air fryer away from heat, moisture, and dust sources. Air fryers are a great tool for cooking delicious crispy foods, but you shouldn’t place them randomly in your home. To ensure that your air fryer is used safely and effectively, it’s important to place it optimally.

First and foremost, air fryers should not be placed near heat sources. Heat sources can cause the air fryer to overheat, ultimately leading to a fire. It’s important to leave inches of space and avoid placing your air fryer too close to combustible surfaces, such as wood, plastic, or paper, as these materials can catch fire due to the heat generated by the air fryer.

Additionally, ensure your air fryers are far away from water sources, including sinks, dishwashers, and other appliances. The water can cause the appliance to short out, causing an electric shock or other potential dangers.

Also, air fryers should not be placed near dust or pet hair sources. Dust and pet hair can accumulate on the filters of the air fryer, clogging the appliance and potentially leading to a fire. Your air fryers should never be kept in enclosed areas, such as cabinets or drawers, due to the risk of fire. The enclosed area could cause the air fryer to overheat, resulting in a fire.

Undoubtedly, using the air fryer is an incredibly popular way to quickly cook up a variety of tasty and healthy meals without using traditional deep-frying methods.

But despite its popularity, there are still safety concerns associated with air fryers, with many wondering if they can explode.

If you also have similar concerns, you can visit my most recent article to learn more. Here I addressed when an air fryer catches fire, what could lead to overheating, and safety procedures when handling it.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

How far from the wall should an air fryer be?

8 – 12 inches. It is essential to pay careful attention to the distance between the fryer and the wall when it comes to air fryers. This is because a few inches of space can significantly affect the appliance’s ease of use.

Having optimal space between the device and the wall can help ensure that heat and exhaust air can escape the appliance. Conversely, too little space between the air fryer and the wall can cause the appliance to overheat, resulting in decreased efficiency, safety hazards, and other issues.

For standard-sized air fryers, it is recommended that the appliance be kept at least 8 inches away from the wall. This will help ensure that the high temperatures generated by the appliance do not cause any damage to the wall or any other combustible items in the vicinity.

For larger air fryers, such as those with a capacity of 4 quarts or more, it is recommended that the appliance be kept at least 12 inches away from the wall. This will help to ensure that the heat generated by the appliance does not cause any damage to the wall or any other combustible items in the vicinity.

When placing this mini convection oven near the wall, you should also take into consideration the type of wall material you have. Hard surfaces such as drywall, wood, and metal are much safer than softer surfaces such as carpet, cloth, or foam. In addition, keeping combustible materials away from the air fryer will help ensure that your appliance runs safely and efficiently for many years.

Investing in air fryers has many advantages, which you can learn about in my most recent article. The air fryer is a brilliant way to cook foods like French fries, chicken, and fish. It is also useful for making snacks like onion rings and falafels.

Air fryers are also great for those looking to reduce their fat and calorie intake. And, since they cook food faster than regular ovens or deep fryers, they can help you save time in the kitchen.

What are the best surfaces for an air fryer to sit on?

Heat-resistant surfaces. When finding the best surfaces for an air fryer to sit on, you must ensure that the surface is heat-resistant and can handle the heat generated during the cooking process.

You also must ensure that the surface is big enough to accommodate the air fryer. And you want to ensure that the surface is easy to clean and won’t be damaged by any spills or splatters that may occur.

Granite and marble countertops are great choices when it comes to heat-resistant materials. They provide a solid surface to place the air fryer on, are easy to clean, and won’t be damaged by heat.

You can use a heat-resistant cutting board or a heavy-duty trivet if you don’t have granite or marble countertops. Just be sure to place a single layer of paper towel or parchment paper between the air fryer and the cutting board or trivet to protect the surface from heat and moisture.

Finally, you can use a stovetop protector or a silicone mat if you have an electric stovetop. These provide a heat-resistant surface for the air fryer and protect the stovetop from spills and splatters.

Using an air fryer for the first time can sometimes have a strong plastic smell.

If you have also experienced the same and looking for ways to get rid of this smell, then it’s important to visit my most recent article.

Here I explained the general rule to eliminate an air fryer’s plastic smell when cooking, the reasons for the plastic smell in the first place, and if the air fryer’s plastic smell is safe.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Final Thoughts

Using an air fryer is a great way to cook healthier yet delicious and crispy meals. Air fryers are easy to use, require less oil, and cook food quickly. With an air fryer, you can make everything from wet batters and pork chops to fresh vegetables to chicken wings.

The best place to put an air fryer in a kitchen is on an open countertop or island away from other appliances that generate heat.

This will ensure proper air circulation and allow easy access when using the appliance. The worst place to put an air fryer would be in a cabinet or enclosed area, as this can be a fire hazard due to the trapped heat it generates.

Image by Rachel C from Pixabay