That headline is basically about placement, not about avoiding air fryers indoors altogether. Air fryers are designed for indoor countertop use, but they need adequate ventilation and a heat-resistant, stable surface. Manufacturer guidance should always take priority for your specific model.
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Tower Housewares
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5 places to avoid
Inside a closed cabinet or cupboard — restricted airflow can allow heat to build up.
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Tom’s Guide
Directly underneath low cabinets or shelves — hot air and steam can damage cabinetry and interfere with ventilation.
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Tom’s Guide
Pressed against a wall or backsplash — exhaust vents need open space. Consumer Reports recommends at least 5 inches between the back and a wall or other object; some manufacturers specify about 10 cm (4 inches) on all sides.
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Consumer Reports
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On a stovetop — even when the burners are off, manufacturers specifically warn against this placement because of external heat and the possibility of accidentally activating a burner.
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Instant Pot
Near curtains, towels, paper, or other flammable materials — the hot exhaust and surrounding surfaces can create a fire or scorching hazard.
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Tom’s Guide
Best setup: use the air fryer on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface with the manufacturer’s specified clearance on all sides, with the exhaust able to discharge freely.
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Tower Housewares
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So I would rewrite the viral headline as: “5 Places You Should Avoid When Using an Air Fryer—And the Safest Place to Put It.”
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