How to safely use multiple air fryers

Key takeaways

• Air fryers are becoming so popular that some households are running multiple appliances at once, but this can increase electrical load and potential fire risks.

• Cooking appliances remain the leading cause of accidental dwelling fires in England, with experts urging people to avoid overloading sockets and extension leads.

• Simple safety measures such as checking electrical loads, allowing ventilation space, keeping appliances clean and following accommodation rules can help prevent accidents.

Air fryers have gone from kitchen gadget to household essential for many – and now people are taking it to the next level, with videos of “air fryer kitchens” packed with multiple appliances attracting hundreds of thousands of views on TikTok.

But as students settle into university life and cooking activity increases this autumn, homeowners and students should take care when using them to avoid overloading appliances and increasing the risk of fires.

This warning comes as Government data shows that cooking appliances remain the largest specified ignition category for accidental dwelling fires in England, accounting for 42% of these fires from March 2025-2026.¹

Does using multiple air fryers increase fire risk?

Having more than one air fryer isn't automatically unsafe, but Kara warns that homeowners should consider the total electrical load of everything being used at the same time.

Most extension leads are rated at 13 amps, although some older leads and cable reels may be rated at 10 amps or less.² A single air fryer can use up to 11 amps, meaning households operating multiple air fryers could be at an increased risk. 

Kara Gammell
Personal Finance & Insurance Expert

Be careful not to overload your kitchen

Air fryers have become a kitchen essential. If you have one or more air fryers, it’s important to think about how and where you're using them.

Two air fryers running at the same time can be a significant electrical load, particularly when other appliances, like toasters and kettles, are also being used. 

This doesn’t mean you can’t run more than one air fryer at once; it’s about following the manufacturer's instructions, avoiding overloaded sockets, and giving appliances enough space to safely operate.

With kitchens becoming increasingly packed with electrical gadgets, a few simple checks could help households avoid an accident – and potentially a costly insurance claim.

Kara’s top tips for using your air fryer safely

1. Check the electrical load

Before switching on multiple air fryers, check the maximum load of your socket or extension lead. Don't assume that because you can plug several appliances into an extension lead, it's safe to run them all simultaneously. 

2. Give your air fryer plenty of space

Air fryers require ventilation, so don't squeeze one into a tight space or position it directly against walls. If you've got more than one air fryer, check the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure they have enough room around them. 

3. Don't leave it unattended

It's tempting to switch on an air fryer and leave the kitchen while you do other chores, but you should never leave an air fryer unattended while it's in use. If you notice an unusual smell, noise, smoke or anything else that doesn't seem right, switch it off immediately and stop using it.

4. Keep it clean

Grease and food debris can build up over time, so regular cleaning is important. Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions and allow the appliance to cool completely before cleaning it.

5. Check plugs and cables

Take a few seconds to look at the plug, socket and cable before using your air fryer to check for burn marks, melted plastic, damaged or frayed cables, unusual smells, buzzing or crackling sounds.

6. Check the rules if you're a student

Students heading into halls or shared accommodation should check their accommodation's rules before bringing an air fryer with them. Some student accommodation may have specific restrictions on cooking appliances, so don't assume you're allowed to use one in your room.

_Sources

<sup>1. Gov.uk
2. Electrical Safety First</sup>