Air fryers have become a very popular kitchen appliance. They are not just convenient, but they also allow you to make healthy food as per your preferences.
If you’re a frequent air fryer user, then you might be wondering whether it is possible to put your air fryer on the kitchen counter. Some people prefer to have their air fryer close by and not in another room. You may also want to keep it away from small children who could potentially knock it over, so the kitchen is the best place to have your air fryer. However, in this guide, we will discuss if placing an air fryer on a kitchen countertop is a good practice or not.
Can I Put Air Fryer on Countertop?
Air fryers are safe to use on a countertop, however, if you use your air fryer on a daily basis then it can damage your countertop. When cooking in an air fryer, oil can drip down onto the surface of your kitchen counter and make it greasy. If your countertop is made with a porous stone, then it can absorb all the grease and stain your countertop. It may lose its color and shine due to all the greasy residue.
An air fryer can be placed directly on the kitchen countertop depending on the type of countertop. Hard stones and concrete can withstand the heat whereas wood and laminates will get damaged due to heat. The only way an air fryer should be used on a kitchen counter is if you have a stone surface or put down parchment paper to protect your counters.
Air Fryer Temperature
An air fryer is a small appliance that can reach temperatures of up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. However, most models are designed are to work at 350 to 400°F maximum.
If your countertop is made from stones such as marble, granite or quartzite, they can withstand this temperature range easily. But continuous exposure to high temperatures will heat up the stone slab and if it undergoes rapid cooling, the resulting thermal shock will cause cracks in the material over time.
Hence, when the stone counter is hot, allow it to cool down slowly. Do not splash water or spray disinfectant when it is still very hot.
What Countertop is Safe for Air Fryer?
With so many different options for countertops, it is important to know which one will be safe for your air fryer.
Can I Put My Air Fryer on Granite countertops?
You can place air fryer on granite since granite countertops are highly heat-resistant. Many people enjoy using granite countertops because of their durability. However, very high temperatures that are generated from an air fryer followed by sudden cooling can even cause your granite counters to crack.
The real problem with granite is the sealant. Prolonged exposure to excessive heat will cause damage to the sealant on the granite counter. Once the seal is damaged the granite is porous and will get stained.
Air Fryer on Quartz Countertops
You can put an air fryer on a quartz countertop for occasional use. Quartz is a tough and non-porous material and it will not be damaged by the heat of an air fryer. However, keep in mind that quartz is manmade and the quality of the material can vary depending on the manufacturing process. Excessive use of an air fryer on low-quality quartz will damage it.
Laminate countertops
Wood and laminate are not resistant to high temperatures. Laminate is not a good choice as your air fryer support, because it will bend and peel by the high temperatures from the fryer placed on it.
Is Stainless Steel Safe in Air Fryer?
Stainless Steel is a tough material and it can withstand the heat of an air fryer. However, over time, stainless steel will start to show signs of discoloration and wear as well.
Marble Countertops
Marble is another excellent choice for your kitchen because it can withstand the most type of high-temperature heating. It will also not crack or peel like other surfaces would in that situation.
However, marble is highly porous. Do not leave the grease and oil from your fryer on it for long. Otherwise, marble will absorb the liquids and your beautiful counter will get stains.
Do Air Fryers Damage Countertops?
Yes, if you use your air fryer on a countertop too much then it can cause damage to the surface of the material. It will wear down and start to show signs of cracks, peeling or even discoloration which is not what anyone wants in their kitchen.
When you have the fryer on your counter, the normal tendency is to place hot pans and trays directly on the countertop which can also cause damages. Countertops are expensive so it’s best if you protect them from the heat by using protective mats and trivets below the air fryers.
What to Put Under Air Fryer to Protect Countertop?
If you are going to place an air fryer on a countertop, I strongly recommend you get one of those heat-resistant mats or trays to protect your countertop from heat. These mats are inexpensive, designed to withstand the temperature range of the fryers, and are washable.
Alternately you can put the appliance onto tin foil or parchment paper that is generously coated in cooking spray.
Where Should I Place My Air Fryer?
If you have a countertop made with weak material, then it is recommended to keep the air fryer in another room where it wouldn’t damage the base. The best place to put your air fryer is in a ventilated area outside the kitchen. If you have an extra room or space, then it would be better if you placed it there so that your countertops will not get damaged and stay clean.
If your countertop is made with an extremely strong and heat-resistant material, then you can use it on your countertop. However, if you only want to use the air fryer for a certain occasion and not on regular basis then you can use it on all types of countertops with a mat underneath. Just make sure to wipe the counter with a cleaner and a microfiber cloth once you are done cooking.