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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to think it’s fine to use an air fryer whilst it’s inside of a cupboard?

119 replies

HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMn · 30/06/2026 14:54

Currently having a new kitchen installed and have requested plug sockets inside of a tall larder/pantry unit. I told the fitter I planned on putting my air fryer inside of this unit so that it didn’t have to be on display.

He told me that this would make everything inside the unit greasy - can anyone who has this set up confirm? He said the grease that accumulates inside of an oven is what would accumulate on the inside of the cupboard if I used it in there.

OP posts:
LilyBunch25 · 30/06/2026 22:35

Yikes. No. This type of appliance needs some ventilation.

Juninho10 · 30/06/2026 22:29

We recently had the same idea. The air fryer is in the cupboard but sat on a sliding mechanism so when we use it we slide it out so it has adequate ventilation. Works really well. Let me know if you want a picture OP.

NoisyMonster678 · 30/06/2026 22:08

Up in smoke.......FGS don't, just don't.

BreatheAndFocus · 30/06/2026 22:05

I’d worry about it being a fire hazard aswell as any potential grease.

LoSlo3toGo · 30/06/2026 22:03

HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMn · 30/06/2026 20:23

I have a ninja air fryer and the minimum distances are 15cm to the top, sides and back which is achievable in the cupboard.

Show quote history

Mine has similar minimum distances

in your situation I would put the AF on a tray, slide out onto the counter for use & to cool down, then put away

TicklishMintDuck · 30/06/2026 21:57

When did common sense stop being common?

viques · 30/06/2026 21:41

I can’t remember the exact wording but I am pretty sure that the instructions on mine talked about having space around the airfryer to avoid overheating.

goingtotown · 30/06/2026 21:39

When I use my Air Fryer I put it in front of an open window to release steam & smells.

MsGreying · 30/06/2026 21:36

The instruction book will explain where it needs to be situated when in use.

Gowlett · 30/06/2026 21:30

The cupboard would become quite smelly?

godmum56 · 30/06/2026 21:28

to all those who mentioned the amount of grease vented from an air fryer, many thanks. I definitely wont be getting one now.

cinnamontroll · 30/06/2026 21:28

Absolutely not. I have to clean grease residue from behind it regularly on the tile backsplash. Cupboard would be disgusting.

Mistymagic77 · 30/06/2026 21:27

We store in such a cupboard and I just pull it forward. Been in there six years without issue 🙈!

Cheeky19863 · 30/06/2026 21:08

I cant believe people are actually this stupid

Latenightreader · 30/06/2026 21:00

My airfryer cracked a ceramic tile when I didn't pull it far enough away from the wall!

PrizedPickledPopcorn · 30/06/2026 20:57

I have the same arrangement but with 2 important differences- the cupboard used to be a fridge freezer, so was already ventilated and I had an Ikea pull out mechanism fitted to the shelf. We open the door, slide out the shelf then use it.

vickylou78 · 30/06/2026 20:54

The top and back of the air fryer get hot... They need ventilation and shpuloeben be used on a counter under a cupboard. You have to pull them out and use on the counter top with nothing above or behind them.

If you use it in cupboard it will warp the cupboard and plus be a fire risk and second will get the cupboard all greasy.

impatientfury · 30/06/2026 20:52

My two level Ninja melted my Joseph Joseph chopping board enclosure the first time I used it. Granted it was very close to the vent. But basically, HUGE fire risk. Don't do it.

Feralbookworm · 30/06/2026 20:27

yeah you need to bring it out. I’m always scrubbing even the tiles behind my air fryer on the counter as it makes them a bit greasy. Eventually the moisture would get into the shelves etc

Original poster
HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMn · 30/06/2026 20:26

Thanks all. I probably won’t be using in the cupboard. But I can’t believe the huge outrage or disbelief of some posters! The cupboard does actually allow for the minimum clearance distance of 15cm in all directions!

OP posts:
Original poster
HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMn · 30/06/2026 20:23

Honeyhonayboo · 30/06/2026 20:18

It literally says on it the minimum distance it should be left right, and under something. It’s unlikely this could be accommodated in a cupboard.

I have a ninja air fryer and the minimum distances are 15cm to the top, sides and back which is achievable in the cupboard.

OP posts:
Honeyhonayboo · 30/06/2026 20:18

It literally says on it the minimum distance it should be left right, and under something. It’s unlikely this could be accommodated in a cupboard.

Pherian · 30/06/2026 20:17

HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMn · 30/06/2026 20:15

This is the sort of thing I meant. Would there definitely not be adequate airflow in something like this? Thanks for asking your husband!

Show quote history

He still says no. If it ever caught on fire you need to be able to unplug it and remove it. They go up very quick due to the intense heat.

PrettyLittleRose · 30/06/2026 20:17

What?! No! Of course it's not fine to do this! 😂

JSMill · 30/06/2026 20:16

It’s not safe. An air fryer needs ventilation.