If you’re considering adding an air fryer in your dorm room, here’s everything you need to know!
Air fryers are the new, great way to produce delicious and delicious meals in a stunningly short amount of time.
Over the past few years, homes across the world have made space in their kitchen cabinets for this new shiny appliance.
When compared to traditional ovens, air fryers outweigh their competitor in terms of cost, convenience, and performance.
The appliance is able to reach higher temperatures than traditional ovens and achieve a crunchy and crispy quality in food without deep frying in unhealthy oil.
Plus, they are a small appliance with a moderate price tag, making them an easy order for home (or dorm) delivery on Amazon.
Can You Have an Air Fryer In A Dorm Room?
If you’re thinking about buying an air fryer to open up your culinary possibilities within the confines of your college dorm, read on.
But do realize that although an air fryer would be a good addition to your limited space, there are some safety concerns to first consider before making a big, and perhaps dangerous, purchase.
1. Are Air Fryers Allowed in College Dorm Rooms?
Upon your decision to stay on your college’s property, you most likely agreed to certain policies that require you to abstain from a variety of dorm room activities, like lighting candles, drilling holes in the wall, or bringing potentially dangerous small appliances under the roof.
This ban may include air fryers, rice cookers, and mini fridges.
These types of products, built with exposed heating elements, impose a small risk of a fire or small explosion in the off chance that it was improperly handled on the part of the producer or consumer.
Anything electrical always carries the potential of a fire, so some colleges ban these appliances just to stay on the safe side of things.
However, the fire service deems air fryers “very safe” for use, resulting in some colleges allowing them and other small appliances in dorm rooms. So, always check your school’s housing rules to see your college’s stance on things.
2. Safety Concerns: Why Some College Dorms Say No
So, your college stipulated a ban on air fryers. What gives?
Do they not appreciate the efforts of a hard working college student attempting to explore what culinary masterpieces lie beyond the bounds of the mundane PB&J?
Well actually, it turns out that there are some valid concerns when it comes to allowing an air fryer in specifically a dorm room.
If used improperly, there are instances when air fryers have caused major fires and hefty amounts of structural damage.
Even if not misused on behalf of the student, some manufactured products are built with faulty wiring in the first place, in which case a fire can erupt even when the instruction manual is being followed to a T.
Even if an air fryer is made correctly by producers and used correctly by consumers, the truth is that dorm rooms are walk-in-closet sized spaces with limited ventilation.
If you add a pressurized appliance that can reach up to 450 degrees to the mix, there may not be enough open air for the high-heat output to cool down, opening up the door to possible sparks.
Microwaves, on the other hand, usually can only get up to 200 degrees, and do not impose the risk of grease fires, which is a risk inherent to air fryers that use oil to get food inside crispy and delicious.
A mini fridge, while still subject to faulty wiring, is kept at lower temperatures and have no risk of burns or spontaneous fire.
Due to the lessened risk of these two appliances, they are usually the basic building blocks of a college dorm room “kitchen.”
Read: How To Hang Curtains in a Dorm Room: Step by Step
3. How To Choose The Best Air Fryer (When They’re Allowed)
Yay! So, you read through your housing agreement and just found out that you’re allowed to use an air fryer in a dorm room.
With a ton of different sizes and features of air fryers on the commercial market, it is important you make an informed decision given your circumstances and restraints of living the dorm life. What’s the best air fryer for your situation?
Space is a critical factor to consider when sifting through air fryer options.
With space being limited in a dorm room, you should look for a compact and relatively small air fryer that can fit on any open counter space when in use and tucked into a cabinet or closet when not in use.
Larger air fryers are only necessary when cooking for a large group of people, so going with a compact style, you will save space and can still cook all the chicken nuggets your heart desires!
In addition to compactness, ensure that the air fryer is equipped with safety features that will mitigate any potential risks, such as the automatic shut-off feature and low wattage.
Both of these features will reduce the overall level of heat created when using the air fryer.
Also, consider models that don’t require extension cords or high power outlets, which historically contribute to increased risk of fire hazards.
Best Air Fryer Options For a Dorm Room
The perfect air fryer for a college student will be compact in size, multi-functional, and easy to clean.
An air fryer built with the ability to broil, roast, bake, and reheat will allow you to cook more meals at home.
And if it is easy to clean, you will actually want to cook with the appliance more often, getting more bang for your buck.
CHEFMAN Mini Air Fryer
One option for your dorm room is the Chefman mini air fryer.
It comes with a relatively smaller basket, perfect for a one-person-show.
It has safety features like a digital timer and shake reminder to prevent heat buildup, while only using a maximum of 900 watts of electricity.
DASH Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer
If you want a bit larger of a basket, while remaining in the realm of compact air fryers, go with the DASH.
Although requiring more wattage than the Chefman, the DASH’s basket is a half of a quart larger and has an auto-shut off feature to help reduce the risk of prolonged usage.
2.1Qt Digital Display Air Fryer
For a goldilocks choice, go with the Belaco air fryer.
Its size falls in the middle of DASH and Chefman, and comes with temperature control technology and rapid air circulation, important safety features for small spaces.
Read: The 5 Best Selling Dorm Fans For College Students
If your college bans the use of air fryers on their property, it is not the end of the world.
There are plenty of other ways to improve your diet while still living in the dorm.
Consider other dorm-safe appliances if air fryers are banned, like microwaves, blenders, or electric kettles.
4. Alternatives To Air Fryers in Dorm Rooms
Microwaves are your best option for creating a traditional meal and there are a ton of microwave-friendly cooking tools to make your meals more diverse and fun.
For example, you can buy microwave-safe steamers to cook vegetables, fish and other foods.
Amazon also sells omelet makers, pasta cookers, and crisper pans, all intended for microwave cooking.
Electric kettles allow you to cook soups, oatmeal, or couscous, further opening your dietary options.
Lastly, smoothie bowls and protein shakes are not dependent on heat and can be quick and filling meals made by a blender.
If you feel discouraged from cooking at all without the option of using an air fryer, take advantage of on-campus living by utilizing the dining hall.
Use the dining hall strategically for your main meals and instead only use your dorm room for light snacking to hold you over in between dining hall visits.
After all, you are going to miss the luxury and convenience of a dining hall when it’s gone! Take advantage of this!
Read: 20 College Must-Haves You Can’t Forget About
5. How To Use an Air Fryer Safely in a College Dorm
To use an air fryer without violating any dorm rules, first and foremost make sure you are familiar with the guidance published by your college regarding appliance restrictions.
Here are a few tips to use an air fryer in a dorm room:
When you buy an air fryer, make sure it is low wattage and has features that mitigate the risk of overloading the circuits.
For precautionary measures, ensure that you have read and understand the directions and warnings that come with the specific model that you bought.
When using the machine, always keep an eye on it and don’t leave the room until the appliance has cooled down.
If used with a sense of caution and common sense, an air fryer will improve your quality of life in a dorm room by opening up the door to culinary creativity and a sense of home.
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