It is not unusual to find air fryers in kitchens these days, but if you have just bought one, you may be wondering if you can put it on your counter. In addition to being little mini ovens, air fryers can get quite hot, so it’s only natural that you would question that!
No matter what material your kitchen countertop is made of, it is always prudent to protect it. It is possible for an air fryer to create up to 200 °C internally, but the external temperature is solely determined by the air fryers’ insulation and ability to disperse heat. Taking steps to protect your countertop is as simple as it gets.
Can I Put My Air Fryer On The Countertop?
We often hear from air fryer users that they can use their air fryer on the countertop. Although it may seem a strange question, you can certainly shout! Is there a cost associated with the answer?
Throughout this post, I will discuss the underlying issues and obstacles that prevent a straightforward answer to this question.
Let’s take a look at the most common countertop materials and the possible risks associated with air frying on them. In the next step, we will suggest some solutions that may help prevent damage to your countertop by offering batter protection.
What Is The Actual Issue?
The air fryer gets very hot when you cook fried food in it. There’s no way that heat can stay in there. It should disperse heat effectively and remain cool outside if you have a standard air fryer.
Heat dissipation is not as effective as it should be for some, if not most, of these devices. Consequently, you are putting your countertop at risk.
There is no doubt that an air fryer is incredibly hot, as it generates a temperature of 200°C internally. As a matter of fact, your air fryer oven is actually a miniature countertop convection oven. Similar issues would arise with a deep fryer, rotisserie spit, slow cooker, convection toaster, pressure cooker, or other similar appliances.
As such, we need to assume that your countertop appliance will inevitably get hot, with all the risks that comes with it. A correct approach and understanding of the likely outcomes allow us to take the right measures to prevent any damage.
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What Is The Actual Damage To Your Countertop?
It depends on the type of material your countertops are made from what type of damage will occur to them. In addition to these, there are some other common damages:
- Staining
- Burn marks
- Discoloration
- Warping the counter
- Cracking the surface
- Melting laminate surfaces
These damages can ruin the appearance of your counters and result in expensive repairs, if not replacements altogether. Obviously, it makes sense to mitigate risks before they arise.
Can Your Air Fryer Damage Any Surfaces?
Neither surfaces are ‘safe’ per se, since all surfaces have both benefits and risks. There are a number of risks associated with heat on countertops. Despite this, it is true that some people seem to be able to handle it better than others but no one is immune to heat damage.
We have included a few examples of the most commonly used kitchen counter top materials and how they handle heat risk.
Quartz Countertops
The durability and strength of quartz countertops are unmatched. Heat resistance is present, but heatproof is not. Basically, quartz countertops are heat-resistant materials, but they cannot withstand high temperatures for an extended period of time. If you use an air fryer on a quartz counter occasionally, you might not have to worry about damage, but if you use it constantly, you may need to worry.
The majority of quartz countertops are composed of quartz, with the remainder being pigments and resin. Heat from an air fryer can damage resin and countertops since resin can only withstand approximately 150°F.
Granite Countertop
Granite countertops should be able to handle air fryer heat easily under normal circumstances. It is possible to expose granite to temperatures as high as 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike quartz countertops, granite countertops would get damaged from excessive heat not from the granite itself, but from the coating that covers the granite.
There is no reason for this to occur, but sometimes a countertop defect or improper sealant can remove its sealant, making the granite more susceptible to staining. Granite tops are generally fine for using an air fryer on, but if you were using it constantly you might want to consider placing a protective board beneath it.
Marble Countertop
Marble countertops share the same characteristics as granite and quartz countertops. Despite marble’s extreme heat resistance, it’s the sealer that can be harmed. Whenever you use an air fryer regularly, it is best to use a protector.
It is not uncommon for marble to be quite porous, similar to concrete. In the event that the sealer is damaged, it can stain the marble.
Stainless Steel Countertop
There are several different types of stainless steel countertops, all of which can withstand high temperatures. This allows you to use an air fryer without the need for a protective pad.
Concrete Countertops
The durability of concrete countertops is excellent even in extreme temperatures. They have a high strength to weight ratio and are virtually indestructible. In the event that a sealant that does not withstand heat was used, there may be an issue.
A concrete surface that has not been sealed is highly porous, which can easily stain. Air fryer heat can cause concrete staining if it penetrates the sealant. Take note that every concrete contractor will have their own preferences for countertop sealers if you’re putting in a concrete counter. You should ask them how well their choice holds up in high temperatures.
Laminate countertops/Formica countertops
In some cases, laminate materials can crack, burn marks, and even melt from prolonged use of a heating element on the countertop. It is recommended to use a protector when using an air fryer on laminate.
Wood Countertops
It is true that wood countertops are very durable, however excessive heat can cause them to warp and burn. A protective mat should be used underneath the air fryer.
How Can I Protect The Counter Under My Air Fryer?
The options available are varied, some are more suitable than others. In this situation, I would always choose a surface that has been designed specifically for this purpose.
Silicone mats
The most common solution is a silicone mat that can be purchased commercially. A silicone material has excellent heat resistance without actually heating up. For this reason, silicone mats are an excellent choice for protecting your counters.
One of the best things about them is their price. They are affordable and they can be used in various ways. There are a variety of colors and designs available, so you can easily find one that matches the color of your countertop.
Trivets
They are a nice option for countertop protection, and they do a great job at it. A wide variety of sizes is available, so finding one that fits your air fryer shouldn’t be a problem.
Old chopping boards
This may be a great use for an old chopping board. The table is made more attractive if it has feet that raise it above the countertop.
In my kitchen, I prefer using the silicone mat solution because it offers excellent protection and matches the style of my kitchen. You can choose whichever you like, but you must pick one.
What Other Steps Can I Take To Protect Counters?
Air fryers need to be monitored to ensure that they don’t overheat, which helps ensure that they work at their best. Including heat dissipation in this is also important. It is important for an air fryer to efficiently extract heat from the air.
In order to assist in this situation, you can take steps. To begin with, be sure to leave plenty of space around the air fryer. This allows it to extract hot air uninterrupted. This is exactly what your air fryer is designed to do – extract hot air out of the vents as much as possible.
The second step is to ensure the vents are clear. Dirt tends to collect on toaster oven air fryers tucked away in a corner. Eventually, the dirt blocks the vents because it enters them. You cannot extract the heat efficiently if your air fryer has a blocked vent.
Therefore, it is imperative that your power air fryer be kept clean. You can find an article I wrote recently that shows you how to quickly and effectively do this. It is worth your time to take a look at it. Air fryers have a basket, an element, and a surface area all covered.
To conclude, consider buying a high-quality air fryer. Cosori air fryers, Philips air fryers, Nuwave air fryers, Tefal, Instant Pot and Cuisinart are some of the better ones. Those machines perform more efficiently and have their own technology to enhance their performance. Air fryers that cost less are often the least efficient.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Possible To Use An Air Fryer On Granite Countertops?
A granite countertop can be cooked in an air fryer without a problem. The material has some great heat-resistant properties, as I mentioned earlier. There is, however, no guarantee that it will not be damaged. It is still necessary for you to take action to prevent damage. Invest in an air fryer trivet or silicone mat.
How Can I Protect My Countertop From Air Fryers?
There are a number of options available to you, as discussed above. It’s basically your choice between a silicone mat, a trivet, or an old chopping board with feet.
What Is The Best Place To Place My Air Fryer?
A good space may be the only place you can find. When you have the option of placing it, there are a few things to keep in mind. Put it in a well-ventilated, free-flowing area that is clear of obstructions, so it will be able to breathe. Heat can be removed with the help of an extractor fan or a window.
As we discussed previously, there are risks associated with countertops. It is important that you set up your air fryer location in advance to ensure a better experience and to reduce the possibility of damage.