It's safe to say we love our air fryers - they're convenient, make crunchy chips, and are a Godsend when you're craving chicken tenders. But there’s one thing that's not so safe - too many Kiwis are overlooking the fact that where you put the thing actually matters.

According to fire safety experts, tucking your air fryer up against the wall or under a cupboard is a recipe for disaster. These little kitchen powerhouses pump out a ton of hot air, and without space to vent properly, all that trapped heat can quickly turn your benchtop into a fire hazard.

Here’s the golden rule: give it space - at least 5 to 10 centimetres all around, and above. That means no squeezing it between the toaster and the wall, and definitely no running it under overhead cabinets. Heat and steam can build up fast, warping your cupboards or worse, igniting something flammable.

Make sure your air fryer sits on a stable, heat-proof surface like your kitchen countertop, not a plastic mat or vinyl placemat. And keep anything flammable well away: Dish towels, paper towels, cooking oil, and curtains all need their own safe zone.

A few extra safety reminders while we’re here:

• Plug directly into the wall. Skip the power strip unless it’s rated for high wattage.

• Clean it often. Built-up grease is a sneaky fire hazard.

• Don’t overfill. Overcrowding can cause splatters that hit the heating element.

It’s all pretty simple stuff, but just a few centimetres of breathing room can be the difference between a delicious dinner and a call to the fire brigade.

So, next time you slide that basket in, double-check what’s around your air fryer. Give it space, let it vent, and keep your kitchen (and dinner plans) safe.