Approximately 9.8 million UK households own an air fryer. Over recent years they've become an essential kitchen gadget due to their convenience and simplicity.

However, a firefighter has issued an urgent safety warning following several air fryer-related fires across the UK. Just last year, an 11-year-old girl died following an air fryer fire.

This is far from the only troubling case. So Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue's Station Manager, Richard Booth, has turned to TikTok to share vital guidance you should heed next time you're making a meal.

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"Use an air fryer? Then do so safely! We've attended nine fires caused by air fryers in the last 10 months," he wrote in a caption accompanying his video.

Richard stood beside a typical air fryer model, placed beneath a kitchen cupboard, which poses a potential fire risk.

He said: "We recommend when it's in use bringing it out from under the cupboards and just making sure the general condition of the air fryer and the plug is in good condition and not cracked."

The fireman added that routine inspections should be performed to ensure the drawers open, close and fit correctly and no damage has occurred to them over time.

Next, he turned the air fryer around to highlight vents that expel hot air and may suffer from grease accumulation – another factor to watch out for.

Richard also recommended only using your air fryer to prepare foods considered safe to do so in the instruction manual.

He continued: "In the air fryer there is a non-stick lining, so there's no need to use any grease proof paper or anything like that inside. Make sure you don't overload it."

The firefighter then elaborated on the incidents that had prompted his team to intervene recently.

He said: "Four of the call-outs were where the air fryer were actually on a hob, which had either been switched on accidentally or deliberately. Other incidents were due to poor maintenance and dirty air fryers that had been clogged up with fat.

"There was one incident where someone hadn't checked the packaging - and there was packaging left in one of the drawers of the air fryer. We do still recommend their use, however, they're still much safer and cheaper than using your oven."

In the comments section, people were grateful for Richard's advice. One said: "Love the video, great tips! Had grease proof paper in mine once and it set light! Very dangerous! Keep up the great content."

Another commented: "I always keep mine clean and when not in use I always unplug it. Thank you." Whilst a third simply added: "Well done, thank you."

While a third pointed out: "Can’t understand why an air fryer is not cleaned after every use. There are no excuses."