An air fryer expert has issued a fresh overfilling warning to the millions of people who own the kitchen gadget.

And in doing so, he’s also explained what he reckons is the perfect level when it comes to your air fryer’s capacity.

Consumer experts at Which? regularly put the latest gadgets to the test so that the average British consumer can get a better idea of what they might be buying next time they need a new device such as a toaster, television, laptop, child car seat, or even sun cream.

At the core of that advice is a focus on the simple air fryer, which has quite simply boomed in popularity over the last decade.

In their latest video, Which? reveals five things you need to know before buying an air fryer. But if we’re honest, it applies just as much to those that already have them, so make sure you pay attention.

In what is the latest piece of advice from Which?, it follows on from a list of five things you should never do when stacking a dishwasher – but not everybody is convinced.

And on the topic of air fryers, it is the latest piece of advice issued to the public, with previous warnings including flagging a common mistake that could cause your home to set on fire.

Millions of Brits have an air fryer (Getty Stock Images)

Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis has also got involved in the past, warning over a significant issue when it comes to cooking in your air fryer over your traditional oven.

And then there’s a big issue with cooking particular foods in your air fryer, with a warning against it.

The overfilling warning from Which? comes down to what manufacturers are telling us as punters.

And according to the consumer experts, the advice they’re giving is a little off. Up to 40 percent off in some cases, if we’re being critical.

Air fryers make really crispy chips and wedges (Getty Stock Images)

“Don’t believe those internal volumes,” so says Harry Kind a tech expert at Which?.

“Manufacturers like to claim that their air fryer has a capacity of ‘x’ number of litres. But who is measuring their food in litres?

“Instead, properly inspect the basket or cooking space. Overfilling will make food cook unevenly.”

And what about getting that perfect fill level? Laughlin says: “How many layers of chips can you reasonable get in?

“In our tests we usually find that the true capacity tends to be around 60 percent to 80 percent of the claimed maximum.”

Laughlin and Which? also advise to spend at least £50 on your air fryer so you know you’re getting something that ‘doesn’t feel flimsy’.

And at the same time, we need to be honest in knowing that air fryers might save you a few quid over the years, it’ll take a long time for you to break even.

An expert in all things kitchens has revealed one of the most common air fryer mistakes we’re making at home that could potentially set our homes on fire.

Despite being around for almost two decades, air fryers have only really boomed in popularity in the last decade or so with millions of Brits having them in our homes as a way to cook food quicker and for less money.

With their popularity increasing by the day, warnings and advice have come alongside the device given how widely they are being now used on a daily basis.

That includes how to avoid a toxic issue that could really hurt you and why cooking bacon in it is a big no no.

Even Martin Lewis has got involved in the debate, so you know they’ve made it to the big time now.

But a fresh survey of 500 people has revealed Brits are putting their homes at serious risk of damage or even starting a fire due to how – and where – they use their air fryers.

The survey, from Toolstation, found that 56% of people use their air fryer directly below their kitchen cabinets. It’s similar for those with a kettle too, with 67% admitting to doing this.

Air fryer (Getty Stock Images)

For Cara Yates, Kitchen Senior Category Manager at Toolstation, the damage done here can be incredibly serious, with air fryers requiring ventilation to safely cook food in your home.

“Air fryers and kettles, while useful, can pose a risk to your kitchen due to the heat they generate when in use,” Cara says.

“Specifically, air fryers require ample space for proper air circulation to prevent the appliance from overheating.

“Placing them under low cabinets can damage both the air fryer and the cabinet, resulting in discolouration, warping, and even a potential fire hazard.”

Everyone loves an air fryer (Getty Stock Images)

Cara explained exactly how you should position your air fryer when using it as the outcome could be pretty bad otherwise and cost you a fair bit to fix.

She said: “Air fryers should be placed on an open countertop away from any walls and corners and ideally on a heat-proof mat to protect the countertop.”

On kettles, she said: “Kettles also pose a risk when placed directly below cabinets, as the steam they release can cause moisture damage to cabinets over time.

“This excessive moisture can lead to mould growth and structural damage, reducing the lifespan of your kitchen cabinets.

“Again, to help prevent damage to overhead cabinets, consider using the kettle on a kitchen surface that has plenty of space above it.

“If this isn’t an option, then make sure to wipe away condensation to keep the cabinet base dry and prevent any possible mould growth.”

Experts have said you’re putting your home at risk of ‘burning down’ if you clean your air fryer with a common hack that has been posted to and viewed on TikTok countless times.

By this stage, I know more people with an air fryer than without, with the kitchen appliance booming in popularity over the last decade or so.

They’ve been around for a lot longer than that, being invented back in 2006, but have seen a recent boom when it comes to cooking food efficiently, saving pennies on your electricity bill and cutting down the cooking time on a wide range of foods.

Making sure you’re using it properly is essential, though, to avoid having significant problems in your home.

Doctors have also issued guidance when it comes to maintenance of the kitchen device, saying there is a toxic consequence if you don’t do things properly.

And then there’s bacon and why you should avoid it at all costs when it comes to air fryer cooking.

One of the worst things when it comes to the air fryer is cleaning it. The drawers are clunky and if you don’t tackle them quickly after cooking, you can be left with some stubborn grease, fat and gunk in the bottom of it.

Over on TikTok, one cleaning method has gone viral and become a somewhat common method for many air fryer owners.

But doing it this way could set your home on fire, so says experts from consumer advice website Which?.

We’re talking about the viral trend of filling the base of your air fryer with soapy water and turning the machine on for a short period of time.

Andrew Laughlin knows what’s what (Instagram / Which?)

“This right here, it’s the dumbest way to clean your air fryer and burn down your house,” says Andrew Laughlin, a tech expert at Which?.

“That TikTok hack where you try to air fry half a jug of soapy water is a surefire shortcut to a broken air fryer.”

The science behind this says that you’re at a big risk of short-circuiting and overheating the device once the water starts to get incredibly warm.

On the right way to go about it, he said that sadly it’s ‘not as lazy as that hack’, explaining: “But cleaning is sometimes boring and takes a bit of effort.

“Like with salted caramel, little and often is best.

Washing your drawer in the sink is the way to go (Instagram / Which?)

“Cleaning after every use might seem like a bit of a chore but it actually uses the least effort in the long run.

“Unplug it first and let the whole thing cool down, but don’t let it stand too long.

“This gives oils a chance to solidify, bonds to form with the basket, and starches start dehydrating – getting locked into the nooks and crannies of the surfaces.

“Mop up any oil with a paper towel so it doesn’t end up clogging your pipes. Then dunk the basket in warm, soapy water.

“Don’t forget to check the inside of the appliance, as grease and food might be sticking to the walls. Use a damp cloth or a gentle sponge to wipe it away.”

“Every month or so, you should give your air fryer a deeper clean. Go at the heating element with an old toothbrush and a damp cloth. Don’t be too rough and don’t use too much water. Don’t use scourers or scrapers, you’re just going to break something.

“And don’t waste a dishwasher tablet on it either; washing up liquid will do just fine.”

Commenting, one person said: “The reason why I don’t have an air fryer is that it’s another thing to clean.”

A second wrote: “I put mine in the dishwasher.”

On the ‘hack’ to fill your air fryer with soapy water, some weren’t convinced. One wrote: “Disagree. Have been using the washing up liquid method for ages and not had an issue. Use it like a pre-rinse to get any stubborn crap out.”

Your air fryer is probably the apple of your eye when it comes to kitchen appliances – they’re speedy, make anything scrummy and leave a lot less washing up.

But your plans to recreate a wacky TikTok recipe might have been brought to a halt over the weekend, as a popular brand has announced an urgent recall of several models.

So, if you bought an air fryer from Best Buy, you ought to listen up.

The US firm have warned that the gadgets could burn users, start a fire or injure people when glass shatters, which has obviously sparked fear among the army of air fryer owners.

Six models made in China by Insignia – including a dual basket model, two air fryer ovens and three normal air fryers – were found to be the culprits.

cpsc.gov/Recalls

During the investigation, officials said that they found that four air fryers had the ability overheat to the point where the handles can melt or break, or even pose as a fire and burn hazard.

The two air fryer ovens mentioned can also overheat, except their handy glass door feature could also shatter too.

This had the potential to cause lacerations to those close to the device while they’re cooking up a storm if it does break.

Owners have been urged to immediately stop using the recalled models and to get in touch with Best Buy promptly.

cpsc.gov/Recalls

You can check out some tips here which can help you understand the instructions on how to destroy it or to submit your model to Best Buy for refunding.

Around 187,400 Insignia air fryers are being the recalled in the US, alongside another 99,900 in Canada due to the safety concerns which first emerged on Friday (15 March).

At this time, Best Buy has received 24 reports of overheating, glass shattering or even melting devices – including six cases of air fryers catching on fire.

cpsc.gov/Recalls

But thankfully, the incidents did not cause any injuries or property damage for users.

So, how on earth do you find out if you own one of these dangerous gadgets?

First things first, take a look at your air fryer and check if the brand name INSIGNIA is on the top or front of your unit.

From there, you can find the model number at the bottom of the appliance to see if yours is part of the recall.

The models which are subject to the recall are as follows:

• NS-AF34D2
• NS-AF5DSS2
• NS-AF5MSS2
• NS-AF8DBD2
• NS-AF10DBK2
• NS-AF10DSS2

If you are affected, you can then register for the recall by completing the online form found on the links above, which will begin the process for you to receive a refund.

The announcement states: “To register, you will need scissors to cut the cord and a device that can snap and upload photos of your unit. You may also upload a copy of your purchase receipt (if available).

“Instructions on the requirements for the destruction of the unit are provided as you move through the registration process. “You will need to follow these instructions to be approved for a refund.”

As always, when you’re using an air fryer you should practice safety precautions such as not leaving it plugged in overnight, keeping the device away from liquids, keeping an eye on it as it cooks and ventilating the area.