Is It Safe for Children to Use an Air Fryer? (Everything To Consider)
So your child is about to turn a certain age and he or she wants to become more responsible and involved in the kitchen. And of course, you want to support this mindset because it not only teaches your child independence but also relieves you from cooking.
However, as a beginner in the kitchen, is it safe for children to use an air fryer?
An air fryer is designed to cook food at extreme temperatures, but not at the cost of harming a child. Parents need to explain the importance of following safety protocol when operating an air fryer. Improper use could result in a child sustaining a severe injury and there are many things that can go wrong.
Benefits of children using an air fryer
Parents of large families feel the best feature of owning an air fryer is that their children can begin preparing a meal if they’re staying late at work. Teenagers can begin cooking the meal’s ingredients or they can reheat leftovers from the previous night.
Easy to use
An air fryer is a small oven that uses air as the main source to generate heat. Remember, your cooking time is cut in half for most traditional recipes. It will require you to become a more hands-on cook and shuffle the ingredients inside the basket every few minutes.
Easy to clean
Air fryers are much easier to clean than other cooking appliances. The food tastes great because you’re using very little oil to cook the ingredients.
However, their natural oil and fat residue will build up at the bottom of your pull-out basket drawer over time. So, it is important to clean your air fryer regularly. Here are important tips:
- Never postpone cleaning your air fryer
- Let all removable pieces soak in warm, soapy water
- Use a soft sponge with no abrasive surface
- Use a cloth to clean the interior and exterior of the air fryer
Lots of safety features
An air fryer is a user-friendly cooking device, but the product’s recent popularity has brought attention to its safety features:
- Give the air fryer ample counter space
- Do not place the air fryer on top of the oven
- Use the air fryer on a stable surface
- Never overcrowd the basket
- Never leave the air fryer unattended
- Unplug the air fryer after use
- Immediately clean the air fryer
Drawbacks of children using an air fryer
Owners of air fryers will have their children use the device as it gives them added responsibilities.
However, you’re cooking at a high temperature and it is easy to burn the food if the air fryer is left unattended. The learning curve is steep, so it may take a few supervised cooking sessions before your child gets favorable results.
Possible electrical malfunctions
Like most other cooking appliances, air fryers are susceptible to having electrical malfunctions. If your air fryer fails to turn on or shuts off during the cooking process, check to see if the electrical cord is connected to the wall socket. The solution could be as simple as removing then reinserting the plug back into the socket. If the problem is more serious, you should have a certified electrician check the device’s circuit board.
Risk of burning food
Air fryers can provide quality meals, but the cooking process may become more trial and error at first. It will be beneficial in learning how to cook with your device. Newcomers to air fryers need to learn how to adjust cooking temperatures or there is a good chance of ruining your meal.
Risk of injury
An air fryer is an ideal cooking appliance in most kitchens. But like most devices, you’re susceptible to injuring yourself while using the fryer. Remind yourself that the outer surface of the air fryer will get extremely hot while in use. So, it is best not to touch the surface without wearing protective cooking gloves.
At what age is it ok for children to use air fryers?
Cooking is a wonderful hobby to learn. It involves a series of tasks that can be quite challenging for young children. Ideally, youngsters between the age of 10 and up can begin working independently in the kitchen.
Before allowing access to the air fryer, judge their ability to work with heat, sharp objects, and using kitchen safety protocol while preparing a meal. It will determine if they’re mature enough to use an air fryer.
What is the best brand of air fryer for children?
Air fryers have become a family-friendly cooking tool in most homes. But you need to choose a brand that is compatible with everyone in the household. Here are some of the best choices:
- Cosori Air Fryer XL
- Instant Pot 4-in-1 Air Fryer
- Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven
- Dash Deluxe Electric Air Fryer
Tips that every child needs to learn when using an air fryer
An air fryer is an amazing kitchen appliance. But if children are going to use the item, then there are several tips for using an air fryer correctly:
- Preheat your air fryer
- Do not overcrowd the basket
- Shake the basket while cooking
What are the safety concerns for kids using an air fryer?
Air fryers are a great option to cook quality meals if you’re on a limited schedule. However, if children are going to use the device, then they will need to follow safety guidelines:
- Don’t leave the air fryer plugged in after use
- Use silicone oven mitts when handling the air fryer
- Never use the air fryer in a poorly ventilated space
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