Failing to clean air fryers properly highlighted as a key hazard

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission campaign focuses on how to use air fryers properly, including cleaning them. Picture: iStock

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is launching an information campaign today on how to use air fryers properly, following concerns about the number of owners who rarely or never clean their air fryers.

The campaign forms part of a wider product safety investigation by the CCPC which was launched earlier this year.

“The investigation was prompted by the growing popularity of air fryers, the recall of 60,000 units by the CCPC last year, and an increase in consumer contacts,” the watchdog said.

The product safety team tested a variety of air fryer models available on the market to check if they met product safety standards. 

The testing, which was carried out by an independently accredited laboratory, found good levels of compliance with applicable product safety legislation, with no significant safety concerns among the air fryers tested.

Safe use of air fryers  

“However, incidents involving air fryers can and do occur, and the CCPC is reminding consumers of some simple steps they can take to use air fryers safely, including following the manufacturer’s instructions, keeping them in a well-ventilated area, and cleaning them regularly,” it stated.

The watchdog said its research showed that 73% of those surveyed own an air fryer, with 41% of those using it every day.

“However, the survey also showed less than half (44%) of daily users clean their air fryer every day, while 7% of daily users only clean it about once a month. As little as 3% of all air fryer owners say they never clean it,” it said.

While the CCPC has ordered product recalls — such as the Tower 8L Vortx Dual Basket Air Fryer last year — it is urging consumers to make sure they are following instructions for the safe use, storage, and cleaning of their air fryer. File picture

CCPC communications director Grainne Griffin said: “Product safety isn’t just about the product itself; it’s also about how that product is used. Air fryers are extremely popular in recent years, but it’s important that they’re used and maintained correctly.

“We’re pleased to confirm that no serious issues were identified in our air fryer testing. Product safety rules are there to protect consumers, and we’re glad to see businesses meeting those standards.

“All air fryers must meet strict product safety rules, so we were glad to see from our extensive investigation that the models we tested are meeting those rules.

“Compliant products can still be dangerous if used incorrectly. Nearly three-quarters of kitchens in Ireland now have an air fryer, and we do hear from consumers whose air fryers overheat or go on fire, so it is important to take steps to mitigate this risk.”

In 2025, the CCPC warned consumers to stop using certain models of Tower air fryers following a recall from the company.

Almost 60,000 affected models had been sold in retail outlets in Ireland.