Misunderstandings and safety precautions when using mechanical air fryers

Mechanical air fryers have become a healthy kitchen tool for more and more families due to their simple operation and affordable price. However, during use, many users have some misunderstandings and even ignore safety precautions, resulting in poor results or safety hazards.

Common misunderstandings about the use of mechanical air fryers
1. Misunderstanding 1: Thinking that mechanical air fryers are suitable for all ingredients
Although mechanical air fryers can heat quickly and achieve the "frying" effect, not all ingredients are suitable for cooking with them. For example, when high-water content ingredients (such as tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.) are fried in an air fryer, a large amount of water vapor will be generated due to the rapid evaporation of water, resulting in heavy moisture in the frying basket, affecting the taste of the food, and even causing moisture in the frying pan parts, shortening the life of the equipment. If flour or flour-coated ingredients are wrapped too thickly, they may not be crispy enough when fried. When choosing ingredients, their water content and texture should be considered to avoid affecting the use of the fryer.

2. Misunderstanding 2: Ignoring the preheating step
Many users believe that the air fryer can directly put ingredients in and start cooking. In fact, preheating is very important for mechanical air fryers. Preheating can quickly make the temperature in the fryer reach the set value, ensuring that the food can be evenly heated when it is put in. For frozen ingredients, preheating can better ensure that the skin is crispy and the inside is cooked. If you skip preheating, the food may be heated unevenly, some parts may be overcooked, and the taste will be greatly reduced. The preheating time is usually 3-5 minutes. Please refer to the manual for specific instructions.

3. Myth 3: The frying basket is too full
The heating principle of the mechanical air fryer relies on high-speed hot air circulation. If the frying basket is too full, it will seriously hinder the air circulation, resulting in the heat not being able to evenly cover the surface of the food. This will not only make the fried food partially hard and partially overcooked, but also prolong the cooking time and waste electricity. At the same time, the accumulation of ingredients is prone to moisture, which affects the frying effect. It is recommended that the ingredients put in each time should not exceed 3/4 of the capacity of the frying basket, and frying in multiple times will have a better effect.

4. Myth 4: Failure to clean the fryer in time
During the use of the mechanical air fryer, grease and food residues will remain on the surface of the frying basket and the inner pot. If it is not cleaned in time, it will not only produce odor over time, but also may breed bacteria and affect health. The accumulation of oil and residue will affect the heat dissipation and working efficiency of the machine, and increase the risk of failure. When cleaning, you should unplug the power first, remove the frying basket after the fryer cools down, and clean it with warm water and neutral detergent. Avoid scratching with hard objects such as steel wool to maintain the performance and appearance of the machine.

Safety precautions for mechanical air fryers
1. Keep the machine dry and avoid water ingress
The mechanical air fryer contains electrical components and mechanical control devices. Water ingress can cause circuit short circuits and even fire. When cleaning, avoid directly rinsing the main body with water, and only wipe the surface with a damp cloth. At the same time, it should be placed in a ventilated and dry environment after use to avoid humid weather or water vapor intrusion. If the machine accidentally gets water in, the power should be turned off immediately and a professional should be contacted for maintenance. Do not disassemble it by yourself.

2. Use a power socket that meets the specifications
The mechanical air fryer has a large power supply and usually requires an independent power socket and a power supply that meets the rated voltage. If the socket voltage is unstable or a low-quality power strip is used, it is easy to cause current overload, causing electrical failure or fire risk. It is recommended to confirm that the socket rated power matches the air fryer before use, and avoid using multiple high-power appliances in the same socket at the same time to ensure safe use of electricity.

3. Place it steadily and away from flammable objects
When the air fryer is working, the temperature of the body and frying basket is high. If it is placed unsteadily or near flammable objects, there is a safety hazard. When using, the mechanical air fryer should be placed on a flat, heat-resistant table to avoid tipping or sliding. At the same time, keep away from flammable objects such as curtains, paper, plastic bags, etc. to prevent high temperature from causing fire. After use, wait for the machine to cool completely before storing it.

4. Avoid touching the hot parts during operation
The mechanical air fryer heats up quickly, and the frying basket and body will become very hot. Be sure to use a special handle or heat-insulating gloves during operation to avoid touching the hot parts directly with your hands to prevent burns. Especially when removing the frying basket, be gentle to prevent hot oil splashing and causing injuries. Children should be supervised by adults when using it.

5. Check the mechanical parts regularly
The knobs, switches and other mechanical parts of the mechanical air fryer may become loose, worn or even malfunction after long-term use. Regularly check the tightness and sensitivity of these parts. If any abnormality is found, repair or replace them in time to avoid abnormal use or safety accidents caused by mechanical failure. At the same time, keeping the mechanical parts clean and free of dust accumulation will help extend the life of the machine.