With Christmas approaching, shoppers in Ireland are being advised to check their air fryer models and batches before gifting or using them as several major recalls have been issued this year.
Air fryer in the kitchen (stock)(Image: Getty Images)
With Christmas just around the corner, many people across Ireland may be buying or receiving air fryers as gifts. These appliances have grown increasingly popular in recent years, with households investing in them to eat healthier while cutting down energy costs.
Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food, drastically reducing the need for oil and helping to lower calorie intake and saturated fat compared with traditional frying methods.
Beyond the health benefits, air fryers can also be more economical than using an oven. With many households feeling the pinch from the ongoing cost of living crisis, air fryers promise faster cooking times, which can reduce energy use and lower electricity bills.
But despite their growing presence in Irish kitchens, some air fryers have been flagged as a serious safety risk. Over the past year, several major recalls have been issued due to fire hazards.
It has been found that certain models could overheat and, in rare cases, catch fire – posing a significant risk in homes during one of the busiest cooking periods of the year.
Christmas shoppers are urged to double check the model and batch of any air fryer they plan to gift or use this Christmas.
It is worth noting that recalls only apply to specific models or batches, and the vast majority of air fryers on the market remain safe when used according to manufacturer instructions.
Tower Vortx 8L Dual Basket Air Fryer
In July, RKW Ltd issued an urgent recall of the Tower Vortx 8L Dual Basket Air Fryer after it was discovered that a manufacturing defect could cause the device to overheat and catch fire during use.
Tower 8 Litre Vortx Dual Basket Air Fryer
More than 5,300 of the affected air fryers were sold in Lidl stores across Ireland in 2024.
Brand: TowerModel: T17129LBatch numbers: PO264626, PO264638, PO264628, PO264634, PO264632, PO264630, PO271391, PO271397, PO271395, PO271399, PO271393, PO271401
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has urged consumers to unplug the appliance immediately and check the batch and model number against the label on the unit.
Instructions for checking your model and batch number are available on the Tower Housewares Recall webpage here. If your air fryer is affected, contact towerproduct@customersvc.co.uk for further support.
Tower 2.2L Manual Air Fryer, Tower 4L Manual Air Fryer, Tower 4L Digital Air Fryer and Tower 2L Compact Manual Air Fryer
Earlier this year, several other Tower-branded models were pulled from shelves due to similar fire risks. An estimated 55,000 units were sold in Ireland between 2020 and 2024 through major retailers including Argos, Dealz, Tesco, Lidl, Amazon and the Tower Housewares website.
The affected models are:
T17023 Tower 2.2L Manual Air FryerT17061BLK Tower 4L Manual Air FryerT17067 Tower 4L Digital Air FryerT17087 Tower 2L Compact Manual Air Fryer
The CCPC warned that these models may overheat and ignite due to a manufacturing defect and echoed the same advice: “It is important that consumers should stop using the affected products immediately, unplug them and contact Tower Housewares.”
Tower Housewares recalls air fryers(Image: CCPC)
Consumers can check whether they own one of the affected units by checking the model number on the appliance rating label. To do this, see the steps on the Tower Housewares Recall webpage here.
Anyone who purchased theirs via Amazon can also contact the retailer directly through their account to explore available remedies.
Haden 11L Stackable Air Fryer
In June, a separate recall was issued for the Haden 11L Stackable Air Fryer, which was sold to around 52 customers at The Range stores.
SKU number: 387933Batch: All batches affected
According to the CCPC, when used for extended periods at the highest temperature setting, the heating element can cause the plastic casing to warp or melt, posing a burn injury and fire hazard.
The Range recalls the Haden 11L Stackable Air Fryer(Image: CCPC)
Owners are advised to stop using the product immediately and return it to any The Range store for a full refund.
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