CCPC Warns Air Fryer Owners to Clean and Use Appliances Correctly as New Campaign Launches
73% of Irish homes now have an air fryer, CCPC survey finds. Fire safety experts urge owners to ventilate them, avoid extension cords and clean regularly.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has launched a consumer information campaign on the correct use of air fryers, as new research finds that daily users are far less likely to clean their appliance as often as they use it.
The campaign forms part of a wider CCPC product safety investigation into air fryers, launched earlier this year. The investigation was prompted by the growing popularity of air fryers, the recall of 60,000 units by the CCPC last year, and an increase in consumer contacts.
As part of the investigation, the CCPC's product safety team tested a variety of air fryer models available on the market to check compliance with product safety standards. The testing, carried out by an independently accredited laboratory, found good levels of compliance with applicable product safety legislation, with no significant safety concerns identified among the air fryers tested.
However, the CCPC said incidents involving air fryers can and do occur, and is reminding consumers of some simple steps they can take to use the appliances safely, including following the manufacturer's instructions, keeping them in a well-ventilated area, and cleaning them regularly.
The survey findings
Research conducted by the CCPC in partnership with Ipsos B&A, based on a nationally representative sample of 1,011 consumers surveyed by phone between 1 and 7 July 2026, found 73% of those surveyed own an air fryer, with 41% of owners using it every day.
However, less than half (44%) of daily users clean their air fryer every day, while 7% of daily users clean it only about once a month. As little as 3% of all air fryer owners say they never clean it.
In Munster, ownership sits slightly below the national figure, with 70% of respondents saying they have an air fryer in the home. Usage patterns broadly mirror the national picture, with 40% of Munster owners using their air fryer daily and a further 44% using it at least weekly. On cleaning, 22% of Munster owners say they clean their air fryer daily and 51% at least weekly, with 3% saying they never clean it.
What officials said
Grainne Griffin, Director of Communications, CCPC:
"Product safety isn't just about the product itself; it's also about how that product is used. Air fryers are extremely popular in recent years but it's important that they're used and maintained correctly.
We're pleased to confirm that no serious issues were identified in our air fryer testing. Product safety rules are there to protect consumers and we're glad to see businesses meeting those standards. All air fryers must meet strict product safety rules, so we were glad to see from our extensive investigation that the models we tested are meeting those rules.
But compliant products can still be dangerous if used incorrectly. Nearly three-quarters of kitchens in Ireland now have an air fryer and we do hear from consumers whose air fryers overheat or go on fire, so it is important to take steps to mitigate this risk."
Ray Hamill, Assistant Fire Adviser, National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM):
"While the NDFEM data indicates that cooking and heating fires have reduced in the last 25 years, fire safety concerns remain. The growing use of electrical appliances and emerging technologies has introduced new fire safety considerations in the home. Proper use, correct maintenance, and proper ventilation can all significantly reduce the risk of fire.
The single most important measure every home can take is to install and maintain working smoke alarms, as they provide the earliest warning of a fire and remain the best way to protect lives in the home. In the event of a fire, get out, stay out and call 112/999."
How to safely use your air fryer
- Read the instructions before use
- Clean the interior of your air fryer after each use
- Check manufacturing instructions before putting any parts in the dishwasher
- Do not immerse your air fryer in water or any other liquid
- Place your air fryer in a well-ventilated area on a non-flammable surface or material
- Do not place your air fryer against a wall or against other appliances
- Do not cover any of your air vents while using it
- Do not plug your air fryer into an extension cord
- Do not leave your air fryer unattended when in use
- Do not overfill your air fryer
- If you notice strange or burning smells or smoke, turn off immediately and report to the manufacturer and contact the CCPC
Background
In 2025, the CCPC warned consumers to stop using certain models of Tower air fryers following a recall from the company. Almost 60,000 affected models have been sold in retail outlets across the Republic of Ireland.
More information is available at ccpc.ie.