Can I Use an Air Fryer Outside? Handy Outdoor Air Frying Tips
One of the best things about air fryers is that they’re so versatile. You can pretty much cook anything in them, from French fries to chicken wings to cake. But what about cooking outdoors? Can you use an air fryer outside, or do you have to stick to cooking indoors?
The answer is yes—but there are a few things you need to keep in mind first. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about using an air fryer outdoors.
1. You Will Need a Power Supply
One of the most important things to remember when using an air fryer outdoors is that you’ll need a power supply. That means either being close enough to your house to plug into an outlet or investing in a good-quality extension cord. If you’re going to be cooking for a long period of time, we recommend the latter, so you don’t have to worry about tripping over cords or running out of power halfway through your cookout.
You may use a portable battery or generator if you are camping and do not have an outlet nearby. Depending on the power of your air fryer, you should choose one that can go at least over 1000 watts. To be safe, go for something that can run more than 1500 watts. This way, you won’t run out of power.
2. The Air Fryer Will Need to Be undercover
When setting up the air fryer outdoors, ensure it is protected from the elements.
Since the air fryer operates with electricity, it’s essential to keep it dry. Air fryers are not waterproof if it starts raining, which can damage your unit and be a safety hazard. Therefore, air fryers should not be used outdoors on rainy days. A covered patio or gazebo would be ideal.
When camping, using a tarp can provide the undercover needed. Under no circumstances should you wrap it in bags or plastic while in operation, as this can become a fire hazard.
Even if it is not raining, place the air fryer in a shaded area. The intense sun can cause the air fryer to overheat. As air fryers were not built for extreme conditions, direct exposure to hot sun rays may lead to malfunctions.
3. Make Sure That the Surface is Level and Sturdy
When setting up your air fryer outdoors, it needs to be on a level and sturdy surface. This will prevent your air fryer from tipping over. We recommend setting up your air fryer on a picnic table, countertop, or flat surface. Avoid using it on grass or sand, as these surfaces can be uneven and cause your air fryer to tip over.
4. Cooking Area to Be Clean and Dust-Free
Keeping the cooking area clean and free of dust would prevent any dirt from dust getting into the air fryer through the vents. All it takes is a good wipe down of the cooking area with a clean cloth or paper towel before setting up your air fryer.
5. Air fryers release heat
The air fryer will release heat from its vents during the cooking process. Therefore, it is recommended to bring along a heat-resistant mat so that your air fryer can be placed on top of it. That way, this prevents any damage to the surface it is cooking on top of. These mats can also provide extra stability to keep the air fryer in place while cooking.
6. Make sure that you have enough working space
When cooking outdoors, you may not have as much counter space as you do inside your kitchen. Keep this in mind when deciding how much food to cook at once—especially when you are hosting a party. You may need to cook in smaller batches, so you will need more space to place all the batches of food.
7. Storing my air fryer outdoors
Air fryers were primarily built to be used indoors; therefore, it is not recommended to leave your air fryer outdoors permanently as it will be damaged from harsh weather conditions.
Some outdoor air fryers, like the Masterbuilt Outdoor Air Fryer, are made to withstand weather conditions. However, it is still recommended to place these air fryers undercover and cover them to protect them while not in use.
8. Safety precautions
- Since the air fryer releases heat, it is essential to keep people and pets away from the unit while cooking. Especially children.
- Make sure that nothing is blocking the vents, as the heat may cause damage (depending on the object’s material). Especially keep flammable objects away from the air fryer while it’s cooking.
- When choosing a surface to put the air fryer on, ensure that the surface is sturdy enough when something bumps it. For instance, running children and pets may cause the air fryer to topple.
Conclusion
Air fryers may be easily used outdoors for a relaxing day in your backyard or to make an easy camping meal. There are just a few things to remember when using an air fryer outdoors.
Just take note of the power supply, undercover requirement, level, and sturdy surface area, clean cooking area, enough working space, and tips and precautions around safety while the air fryer is cooking. This way, you’ll be sure to have a delicious and safe cookout!
