Government warns ‘unplug immediately’ as air fryers could catch fire

The Government’s Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued a warning regarding a specific air fryer model amid concerns that it could pose a fire hazard. The alert highlights the Pro Breeze 2L Air Fryer 1000W with Digital Display, which is sold both on Amazon and Probreeze.com. According to the warning, the fryer contains internal components that may overheat during use, potentially leading to flames.

Individuals are urged to check for air fryers with the barcode 5060596022409, particularly those from batches 20061101, 20061102, 20101001, 20101002, 20120903, 21012603, 21031540. The affected unit is a Black 2L Air Fryer with a pull-out drawer. The notice advises owners to cease using the product immediately and disconnect it from the main power supply. To obtain more information, including guidance on completing the recall registration form, visit the Pro Breeze website at https://probreeze.com/.

Air fryers have gained popularity as kitchen appliances that utilise hot air circulation to cook food. By employing convection principles, these devices rapidly circulate hot air with a fan to create a crispy exterior on foods, mimicking the effect of frying but with significantly less oil. This method offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying, often requiring minimal to no oil for similar taste and texture.

The versatility of air fryers allows for the preparation of a wide array of dishes such as fries, chicken, vegetables, and even baked goods. Typically featuring a basket for food placement, these appliances heat up swiftly, providing a convenient option for quick meals. While introduced by Philips in 2010, air fryers saw a surge in popularity around 2017-2018, largely propelled by social media, health blogs, and food-related TV programmes.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for air fryers soared as more people engaged in home cooking and sought healthier culinary choices. The convenience, ease of use, and healthier cooking methods associated with air fryers contributed to their appeal, further boosting their adoption.

As air fryers continue to be a sought-after kitchen gadget, users are reminded to ensure the safety and compliance of the appliances they use, particularly in light of recent warnings issued by product safety authorities.