Can you take an air fryer to college or university?

One of the perennial student problems is this: What can I make for lunch? Or, at least, what can I make for lunch in 10 minutes, when all the shared cooking utensils in the kitchen are covered in an unidentifiable, burnt mess?

An air fryer goes a long way towards solving these problems. It’s a shortcut to making quick, cheap, and (hopefully) healthy meals. But can you take one to college?

The answer is most likely yes, but with some caveats. Read on to find out what they are.

If you’re looking for an air fryer to take with you, browse our reviews of the best air fryers, the best dual tray air fryers, and the best Ninja air fryers and cookers we’ve tested.

Emma Rowley / Foundry

Make sure it’s safe

Fire safety is the biggest concern in dormitories, halls, flats or any shared student housing. In some cases, accommodation officers or RAs may want to take a look at the electrical items you are bringing with you to ensure they are in good working order.

Here’s how you can ensure that your air fryer passes the test:

In the UK and Europe, check that your device has a CE mark on the packaging (any reputable brand will have this). There is no direct equivalent in the US, although there is a voluntary UL mark you can look out for.
Make sure your air fryer has no loose wiring and is in good condition.
Check that it has the correct plug for your country; an adapter may not be safe for a device with this voltage.
Choose a well-known brand. This doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money. One of the budget-friendly brands we recommend is Cosori. You can check out the store on Amazon UK and Amazon US. The air fryers start around £49.99/$49.99, and they are reliable and robust. If you have a little more to spend, we recommend a Ninja air fryer.

Lee Bell / Foundry

You may not be able to use this in your student room

Devices and appliances that get hot are often banned from dorm rooms. For example, toasters are often banned from individual student rooms due to fire hazards, as are appliances with heated coils.

So you may have to use it in the shared kitchen. We don’t recommend using it secretly in your room as it could set off a smoke detector (especially if you don’t clean it properly).

Plus, bringing an air fryer that everyone can use can be a good way to bond with new roommates. But if you are worried about it being used and you need to clean it, you can keep it in your room and take it to the kitchen when you want to use it.