The National Institute of Technology and Standards, the National Fire Agency, and the Korea Consumer Agency announced on July 1 that they will launch an "Air Fryer Safety Use Campaign" to prevent fires and burns caused by air fryers.
With the increasing popularity of air fryers for their convenience in cooking, there is a growing need for consumer awareness. Improper use of parchment paper or cooking at high temperatures for extended periods can lead to smoke, overheating, and fire hazards.
From January 2021 to April 2023, a total of 490 safety incidents related to household air fryers were reported to the CISS, with 34.7% (170 cases) attributed to fires, smoke, and overheating.
Incidents involving air fryers are closely linked not only to product defects but also to user habits. The structure of air fryers, which circulates hot air, can increase the risk of smoke or fire if airflow is obstructed or if flammable materials are placed too close to the heat source.
Given that air fryers can reach very high internal temperatures, caution is advised. After cooking, the basket and internal metal parts can be extremely hot, posing a burn risk to children and the elderly if handled carelessly.
To promote safe usage, the National Institute of Technology and Standards recommends the following guidelines: do not preheat an empty basket with only parchment paper; be cautious of burns from the product's surface and basket during and immediately after operation; ensure that the hot air outlet is unobstructed and keep flammable materials away; and follow the recommended temperature and cooking time in the product manual.
The agencies will distribute promotional videos and posters containing these safety guidelines in collaboration with consumer organizations and appliance manufacturers, utilizing AI-based short-form content for social media dissemination. The government expressed hope that this campaign will help establish a culture of safe air fryer usage.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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