Air fryers are super healthy as they use little to no oil and cook super quickly too. However, one shortcoming surrounding almost every air fryer is the short power cable. As a result, a question most often asked is, can you plug an air fryer into an extension cord?
No, using an extension cord with your air fryer is not recommended. However, if needed, the extension cord should be heavy-duty and match the air fryer’s wattage to prevent overheating of the cord, the air fryer, and the plug point.
Read to learn more about whether it is safe to plug your air fryer into an extension cord.
What type of extension cord can you use with an air fryer?
Although it is not recommended, if you still want to use an extension cord with your air fryer, then you need to keep several points in mind. To begin with, the main factors to consider are the cable’s length and voltage.
As a rule of thumb, using an extension cord that is longer than 5 feet can be troublesome. The reason is that longer cables can cause a voltage drop that might create problems with your air fryer.
Is your air fryer smoking up? Is it normal? Learn now!
Secondly, the cord should have at least a 12-gauge line. This is because air fryers usually have a rating above 1200 watts or 12 amps, which can be handled by a 12-gauge cord that can support up to 14-16 amps.
So, an air conditioner extension cord can be used for an air fryer as it is smaller than 5 feet.
Why you should not use an extension cord with your air fryer
Here are reasons why you should not use an extension cord with your air fryer and directly plug it into the power outlet.
1. Risk of fire
Air fryers tend to pull almost the maximum current from the circuit. Most extension cords aren’t made to accommodate heavy-duty appliances like air fryers. So, despite the insulation, the cord can overheat and catch fire.
Approximately how many amps does an air fryer use on the regular? Learn now.
Moreover, if your extension cord gets exposed to heat inside the kitchen, it can also melt and lead to a fire hazard.
2. Voltage drop
The longer the extension cord, the more chances of a voltage drop. If your appliance experiences a voltage drop, it can quickly get damaged. Therefore, directly plugging the appliance into the socket is recommended.
Want to learn how many watts an air fryer uses? Read now.
3. Tripping over the wires
Why do kitchen appliances come with short cords? Well, that’s because long cords can cause you to trip over them, especially in an enclosed and cramped place such as a kitchen. Therefore, it is always better to avoid using an extension cord in your kitchen.
Is it alright to put the air fryer on the stovetop?
4. Manufacturers do not recommend it
Manufacturers strictly recommend their users not use air fryers with extension cords. Plus, it is also unsafe to plug the air fryer into multiple cords at the same time. That said, the best way to use an air fryer is by plugging it in directly to a wall outlet.
Can you leave your air fryer plugged in? Read now to find out!
Conclusion
In the end, it is always suggested to plug your air fryer directly into a wall socket. But if it is not possible, you should use a 12-gauge extension cord no longer than 5 feet. This will help ensure there are no complications, irrespective of whoever is using it.