Four dangerous mistakes people are making while using their air fryer on Christmas Day

Oven space will always be at a premium on Christmas Day, with home cooks often creating meticulous plans around when their favorite festive treats are going in to ensure everything is served piping hot.

Air fryers have been a festive miracle in this regard, with many of us now relying on them to get our roasted potatoes extra crispy, while also saving precious space in the oven on the big day.

But an over-reliance on these efficient countertop cooking devices can lead to dangerous and potentially hazardous mistakes, which could turn a day of joy and merriment into a 'Christmas catastrophe'.

A consumer safety charity has warned that people using air fryers over the holiday season should avoid four common errors that 43 percent of users have admitted they make when operating their devices, telling home cooks not to 'let your air fryer be the Grinch that stole Christmas'.

It can feel like you need two extra hands and four extra ovens on Christmas Day (Getty Stock Images)

Stephen Curtler, product safety manager at Electrical Safety First, warned: “The air fryer has changed kitchen cooking habits forever and whilst they can be a convenient and efficient way to cook, like any electrical appliance, they need to be used safely as the last thing anyone wants is their festive feast turning into a Christmas catastrophe."

While air fryers are safe to use, with the increased workload over Christmas, it is best to keep an eye on them to ensure they are functioning properly.

Any non-cooking smells or strange noises are an immediate sign that something is wrong.

Speaking to the Herald Series, Curtler advised: "When using your air fryer, it’s best not to leave it unattended. If you smell burning plastic or hear any unusual noises coming from your machine, unplug it straight away and contact the manufacturer."

The most common mistake made by people (16 percent) when using their air fryer is leaving baking paper inside as it reaches temperatures over 400F. This can significantly increase your risk of fire and ruin your Christmas celebrations.

Millions of Americans will be relying on their air fryers to make their Christmas meal a success (Getty Stock Images)

After leaving the appliance unattended (14%), at least 12 percent of users admitted to the charity that they do not clean their air fryer regularly, while one in 10 said they also keep the countertop oven near a wall while in operation.

Curtler from Electrical Safety First warned: "Avoid using too much oil and don't use baking paper inside, as this can restrict the airflow your device needs to operate safely, and if the paper comes loose, it could come into contact with the heating element and catch fire."

The charity is also reminding people thinking about purchasing an air fryer this Christmas to think twice before grabbing a bargain from an online retailer, where third-party sellers sometimes shift substandard products that could increase the risk of a dangerous fire in your home.

Curtler added: "With dangerous electrical products still flooding online marketplaces, choosing where you shop is just as important as how you use your appliances."