Consumer understanding and self-reported practices related to air-fryer cleaning procedures in comparison to manufacturer’s recommendations.

Introduction: Airfryers are kitchen appliances that cook by circulating hot air around the food, thus provide a potentially healthier and energy-efficient alternative to conventional ovens. The use of airfryers has increased in recent years, with UK ownership exceeding 50% of households, with usage being 2-3 times a week. To date, limited research has explored consumer adherence to manufacturer’s instructions and use of such appliances; such factors have implications for food-safety.
Purpose: This study aimed to determine consumer understanding and self-reported practices related to airfryer cleaning procedures associated with manufacturer’s recommendations.
Methods: A scoping review of food-safety and cross-contamination literature, as well as airfryer instructions, informed development of a quantitative, online- survey tool (using Qualtrics) to assess consumers’ awareness of airfryer cleaning requirements and associated self-reported practices. Following piloting, the online survey was distributed to University student consumers over a period of three weeks using social media platforms. Statistical analysis of responses was conducted using SPSS.
Results: Overall, nearly a quarter of respondents reported airfryer use 3-4times a week. Findings indicated considerable gaps in consumers’ understanding of recommended cleaning procedures for airfryers, for example 67% of consumers admitted to not reading airfryer manufacturers recommended cleaning guidelines, with 24% uncertain about how clean their airfryer is after using it. Many (39%) consumers indicated they only clean the parts that ‘look dirty’ after using their airfryers thus, potentially allowing survival and growth of harmful microorganisms, contamination of food and increased risk of foodborne illness.
Significance: Some consumers demonstrated awareness of airfryer cleaning procedures, but many lacked knowledge or and reported engagement in unsafe practices, risking cross-contamination and food-safety. Targeted food-safety education detailing adequate cleaning and maintenance can address these gaps, potentially reducing the risk of foodborne illness and improving food-safety.