Cooking Safety

A safer kitchen starts with safer habits. On this page you will find general cooking safety advice and safety tips whilst cooking with a deep fat fryer or an air fryer.

chip pan fire.

General cooking safety

  • Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking on the hob. Keep matches and saucepan handles out of their reach to keep them safe. 
  • Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.  
  • Double check the cooker is off when you’ve finished cooking. 
  • Take care if you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking, take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk. 
  • Make sure saucepan handles don’t stick out – so they don’t get knocked off the stove. 

Take care with electrics 

  • Keep electrics (leads and appliances) away from water. 
  • Check toasters are clean and placed away from curtains and kitchen rolls. 
  • Keep the oven, hob and grill clean and in good working order.  A build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire. 
Young woman taking tasty french fries from deep fryer in kitchen

Deep fat frying 

  • Make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil so it doesn’t splash. 
  • If the oil starts to smoke – it’s too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool. 
  • Use a thermostat controlled electric deep fat fryer. They can’t overheat. 

What to do if a pan catches fire: 

  • Don’t take any risks. Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so.  Never throw water over it. 
  • Don’t tackle the fire yourself – Get Out, Stay Out, Call 999. 

Cooking with an air fryer 

Air fryer fires are increasing across the UK, with national statistics and Freedom of Information data showing hundreds of incidents attended by Fire & Rescue Services. Many are caused by simple but avoidable mistakes.

Important: Never leave an air fryer unattended while in use. If it starts smoking, sparking or overheating, switch it off and unplug it immediately if safe to do so.

Below you can find ways to reduce the risk of fire whilst using an air fryer:

Air fryer machine in kitchen. Lifestyle of new normal cooking.

Do:

  • Read the manufacturer’s instructions – not all air fryers are the same.
  • Use on a clean, hard surface away from walls, cupboards and flammable items.
  • Keep your air fryer clean and wash the basket after every use to prevent grease build-up.
  • Plug directly into a wall socket.
  • Use only a small amount of oil.
  • Use silicone moulds designed for your air fryer basket.
  • Unplug the appliance when not in use.

Don’t:

  • Use extension leads.
  • Place the air fryer on top of the hob.
  • Use excessive oil.
  • Put baking paper in the air fryer.

Page last reviewed: January 2026
Next review due: January 2027