Air fryers are all the rage these days. They are a great way to cook food without using much oil. However, it can damage your countertop if you don’t have something to put under your air fryer.
So, several accessories can be put under the air fryer to protect your countertops, such as silicone mat, wooden cutting board, ceramic tile, and many more.
This blog post will discuss what you can put under your air fryer to protect your countertops!
Air Fryers and Countertops
Air fryers are excellent. They make delicious food with minimal effort.
However, they are heat-intensive appliances that can generate high heat up to 450°F temperature in active mode. Carelessly using your air fryer on your kitchen countertop without any protection can cause cracks or damage.
One factor determining whether the air fryer would cause damage is the insulation between the air fryer and countertops. The heat can quickly transfer between the two if it is thin.
What to Put Under Air Fryer to Protect Counter?
Specifications
Any object put under an air fryer should be:
- Heat-resistant: It should withstand high heat temperatures up to 450°F.
- Insulating: It should minimize heat transfer from your air fryer to your countertop. This can help prevent damage or cracks in your countertop surface.
- Water-resistant: It should withstand occasional splashes or spills from your air fryer.
- Flat: To ensure that the air fryer is stable, it should be flat and not tilted.
- Anti-cracking: Some materials may expand or contract when exposed to heat. To avoid this, you should choose a material that is not prone to cracking when heated.
- Scratch-proof: Some materials may also scratch your countertop surface, even when properly placed. To avoid this, ensure that the material you choose is resistant to scratching.
- Non-skid surface: An anti-skid surface will help keep your air fryer steady and in place on the countertop.
Best Things to Put Under The Air Fryer
There are several different accessories that you can use under an air fryer:
Silicone Mat
Silicone mat is the best heat resistant mat for air fryer as well as they are durable, easy to clean, and take up little space.
They are also heat-resistant and can withstand high temperatures up to 450°F – perfect for protecting your countertop.
Non-Skid Insulator Mat
This heat-resistant mat is perfect for kitchen countertops, stovetops, or any other area where you need extra protection.
The non-skid bottom will keep the mat in place while you’re working, and the thermal insulation will help to keep your surfaces safe from heat damage.
Wooden Cutting Board
This material provides excellent heat resistance. And these wooden cutting boards can accommodate almost any type of air fryer or oven.
Glass Cutting Board
Another option is to use tempered glass cutting boards. They’re easy to clean, and they look nice on the counter.
The cutting board is not highly heatproof, but it is still an excellent option for air fryer pads.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles aren’t only for floors and walls. You can use them to protect your countertop from heat as well. If you have some leftover after construction, put them to good use!
Bamboo Chopping Board
Bamboo is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a durable and eco-friendly material. It’s easy to clean, heat resistant, and perfect for protecting your countertop from high temperatures.
Aluminum Baking Sheet or Foil
One of the best materials for protecting your counter from heat is aluminum foil or an aluminum baking sheet. It’s easy to clean, can handle high temperatures, and takes up very little space.
Trivet
A trivet is a small, usually round, mat or stand placed under a hot pot or pan to protect the surface of a table or countertop. It is a device used to protect your furniture from being scratched or damaged by hot dishes.
They come in lots of fun and festive designs, but you can also find a more neutral or plain trivet to fit your kitchen setup better.
When choosing a trivet, consider the materials that it is made from, such as silicone, cork, felt, metal, plastic, or wood.
Where to Place Air Fryer in Kitchen
Although the air fryer is a small-size kitchen convectional appliance, it produces a lot of heat while in working mode. So it would be best if you were careful where you place it in the kitchen to avoid damaging the countertop or floor.
- The best spot for your air fryer is on a flat surface far from an electrical outlet. You can put it on the counter or table, but make sure there’s plenty of space around it so that you don’t accidentally damage surrounding items or appliances.
- Always use a stable fixed surface like a kitchen countertop, table, etc.
- Ensure it is a foot away from walls and other appliances to avoid heat damage.
- Also, keep in mind that the surface of your air fryer will be hot while it’s working. So, make sure you give yourself plenty of space around the air fryer when cooking or put something sturdy like a cutting board or trivet underneath it.
- Ultimately, the best way to use an air fryer is to find a spot that works well for you and fits your cooking needs. Whether you place it on the counter or table or in a cabinet or pantry when not in use, be sure to keep it in a safe and dry location.
Safety Tips
Here are some tips for using your air fryer safely in the kitchen.
- Always be sure to read the air fryer user manual before using it. This will let you know how to use the air fryer properly and what materials are safe to put in it.
- Do not place it directly on the stovetop. This safety hazard can damage your appliance or lead to an electrical fire.
- Keep children and pets away from your air fryer when it is on or still hot. Air fryers can get very hot while working and could potentially burn someone if they touch them without protection.
- Make sure to clean your air fryer when it is cool and dry. This will keep it in good condition for more prolonged use and help you avoid unwanted accidents.
- Do not put flammable objects, such as paper towels or plastic bags, into the air fryer with food. This could cause a fire if they are too close to the heating element.
- Please don’t leave your air fryer unattended when it’s working. It will be much easier to accidentally damage surrounding items or even start a fire if you’re not paying attention!
- When not in use, keep your air fryer safely stored away somewhere. This will not only protect it from damage but will also help to keep your kitchen free of clutter.
- Always unplug it when you are not using it. This will help you avoid electrical fires and keep your air fryer in the best condition for as long as possible.
FAQs
Can the air fryer be used to cook frozen foods?
Yes. The air fryer can cook frozen foods such as french fries, chicken nuggets, or veggies without needing to thaw them beforehand.
Is the air fryer easy to clean?
Yes, the air fryer has a non-stick coating and removable parts that make it very easy to clean.
Can the air fryer be used for other cooking methods besides frying?
The air fryer can also be used for baking, grilling, and roasting foods.
Does the air fryer take up a lot of counter space?
No, the air fryer is compact and takes up minimal counter space.
How long does it take to cook food in an air fryer compared to traditional frying methods?
Cook times in an air fryer are typically quicker than traditional frying methods because of the powerful hot air circulation within the appliance.
Are there any safety precautions to remember when using an air fryer?
As with any kitchen appliance, it is essential to use caution when handling hot surfaces and follow all safety instructions outlined in the manual.
Also, ensure to keep children and pets away from the appliance while it is in use.
Can various types of food be cooked simultaneously in an air fryer?
Yes, different foods can be cooked simultaneously as long as they have similar cooking times and are placed on different levels or trays within the appliance.
