What To Put Under Air Fryer To Protect Countertop

Originally posted on 26 March 2024 @ 09:20

What To Put Under Air Fryer To Protect Countertop

In the recent past, air fryers have risen to be among one of the household go-to kitchen appliances. Another attractive feature of air fryers is the ability to “fry” deliciously crispy and perfectly crunchy foods without using a pot full of oil. At the same time, these convenient appliances can also wreck your lovely countertops if you take no steps to protect them.

Most Laminate and Solid Surface counters are sensitive to high heat(popcorn setting) cooking appliances which will scorch, discolor, or even melt those specimens as they would any of the similar products listed above.

A typical air fryer can produce heat as high 200°F and even up to of over 400° F concentrated, enough to damage the countertop on some days.

Use a Heat-Resistant Mat

Placing a heat-resistant mat or trivet underneath your air fryer is one of the most straightforward ways to safeguard countertops. If you have a trophy wife or husband and the kitchen gadgets are eye candy look for gorgeous things that capture your heart rather than the price tag…. William Sonoma is gonna be right up there on top of Google when heat mats come to mind…The fun Mango leafy million-dollar one won’t run a 300-degree oven but this little rainbow baby will!

• This provides an air gap between the appliance and the hot countertop.
• It absorbs and dissipates heat, rather than letting it transfer right to the countertop.
• Forms a prime for the air fryer to sit on.
• Comes in various sizes to fit different air fryer bases
• Easy to find and inexpensive.

Parapet 30 A Heat Mat – Be sure to select one that is large enough so it can fit the entire base of the air fryer If any of the air fryer lines the edges, heat can still damage this countertop. The mat should also be a minimum of 1⁄4″ thick for proper heat protection.

Use a Wire Cooling Rack

A simple wire cooling rack, like those used for cooling baked goods, can also be an effective heat barrier between your air fryer and countertop.

Advantages of using a wire cooling rack:

• Allows air circulation under the air fryer to dissipate concentrated heat.
• Elevate the air fryer so it’s not in direct contact with the countertop.
• Metal wire construction is heat-resistant.
• Many sizes are available to fit different air fryer bases.
• Inexpensive and easy to find.

Consider chrome-plated steel or stainless steel wire racks. Ensure it can support the weight of your loaded air fryer without collapsing. The grid pattern should provide the most airflow underneath. Add a heat-resistant pad to the top of the rack for added insulation.

Use an Air Fryer Stand

Purchasing an air fryer stand is an optimal way to keep hot air fryers off your countertops. These stands are designed to both support the appliance and protect surfaces underneath from heat damage.

Key features of air fryer stand:

• Made of heat-resistant materials like powder-coated steel.
• Raise the air fryer 4-12 inches off the counter.
• Provides ventilation space under the air fryer.
• Non-slip feet keep stand in place.
• Available in designs made specifically for various air fryer models.

It’s a safe use of space and assists airflow and heat dissipation. Another plus — they are slim in size and stay off of your countertop.

Chefs who have to prep a lot of food in one go may find this slightly tiring and will need the additional stand. Look for something that syncs up with your countertop height as well so it is comfortable on your back which is most important.

Use a Heat-Resistant Countertop Plate

Countertop plates provide a tough heat barrier between air fryers and counter surfaces. These rigid plates are designed not to warp or degrade under high heat.

Ideal properties of countertop plates:

• Made of tempered glass, ceramic, or metal.
• Withstand temperatures up to 500°F.
• A flat, smooth surface prevents damaging vibrations.
• Contains ventilation holes for air circulation.
• The rim keeps the air fryer base centered and stable.
• Available in round or square shapes.
• Can be decorated to enhance the kitchen aesthetic.

Countertop plates provide complete coverage under the air fryer for maximum protection. The raised edges prevent the appliance from slipping off. Vented plates are best to allow airflow and prevent overheating.

Measure the base of your fryer before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.

Use a Sheet Pan

A basic aluminum or stainless steel sheet pan can make a simple heat barrier for an air fryer. Just place the sheet pan upside down to elevate the air fryer above the countertop.

Benefits of using a sheet pan:

• Metal construction resists high heat.
• Raises air fryer off the counter for air ventilation.
• Allows heat to dissipate instead of transferring to the counter.
• Can find sheet pans in just about any kitchen.
• Provides a stable, flat surface for the air fryer.
• Can line with foil or a silicone mat for extra protection.

Be sure to use a rimmed sheet pan right-side up under the air fryer if you want to catch any crumbs or drips. Use a pan larger than your air fryer base so it doesn’t tip. Avoid thin or warped pans that could bend under the appliance’s weight when loaded.

Use a Pizza Stone

Pizza stones make great heat-resistant bases for air fryers. These ceramic, stone or salt slabs can withstand very high temperatures from ovens and grills, so they are perfect for protecting against hot air frying appliances.

Why a pizza stone works well:

• Withstands temperatures up to 800°F.
• Natural material absorbs and distributes heat evenly.
• Raises air fryer to allow airflow underneath.
• Durable and stable support for air fryers.
• Comes in various sizes to fit different models.

Position a pizza stone with the smooth side facing up to create a flat, even surface for the air fryer. The porous material will absorb excess heat instead of letting it damage your counters. Just be sure to give the stone time to completely cool before handling it after use.

Add Countertop Protection Pads

Self-adhesive heat protection pads can create an extra barrier of insulation under your air fryer. These pads have a foil top layer that reflects heat and a silicone or cork bottom that resists heat damage.

How countertop pads help:

• Adheres directly to the countertop surface.
• Protects an area larger than the air fryer’s footprint.
• Reflective foil pushes heat upward and away from the surface.
• Waterproof and protects from steam.
• Easy to trim pads to fit specific areas.
• The low profile doesn’t take up space.

Countertop pads alone may not provide adequate heat protection. For best results, use pads in conjunction with a heat mat, rack, or other lift method. The pads create added insulation, while the lift allows ventilation. Trim pads to neatly fit the area under the air fryer.

Use a Portable Induction Cooktop

Portable induction cooktops are ideal for using your air fryer without placing it directly on your counters. Induction cooktops only heat up under the cookware placed on their surface, so they stay cool to the touch otherwise.

Why use an induction cooktop:

• Provides a heat-safe surface for the air fryer.
• Draws heat away from the air fryer base.
• Keeps your counters protected.
• Portable so can be stored out of the way.
• More versatile than just an air fryer stand.
• Offers precise temperature control.

Make sure your air fryer is designed for induction cooking. Turn on the induction cooktop with a low or medium-low setting to pre-heat the air fryer without getting overdone. The nonslip feet provide great stability when air frying on countertops.

Conclusion

While an air fryer is healthier to cook with, it often has a power that destroys certain surfaces on the countertop. Adding mats, racks, or stones beneath your air fryers can also help protect your counters.

Crisp up all your favorite fried foods in this air fryer that won’t singe or discolor your countertop with the proper setup.