Can you take an air fryer to college or university?

One of the recurring problems of students is: what can I make for lunch? Or, at least, what can I make for lunch in 10 minutes, when all the common cooking equipment in the kitchen is covered in unidentifiable burnt gunk?

An air fryer will help you solve these problems. It’s a shortcut to making quick, cheap, and (hopefully) healthy meals. But can you take one with you to college?

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

If you’re buying an air fryer to take with you, check out our roundups of the best air fryers, best double drawer air fryers, and best Ninja air fryers and cookers we’ve tested.

Emma Rowley / Foundry

Make sure it’s safe

The main concern in university residences, halls, apartments or any other shared accommodation is fire safety. In some cases, housing officers or RAs may want to examine the electrical appliances you bring with you to ensure they are in good condition.

Here’s how to ensure your air fryer passes the test:

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

Lee Bell / Foundry

You may not be able to use it in your dorm

Appliances and devices that heat are often prohibited in student rooms. For example, toasters are often prohibited in individual student rooms due to the risk of fire, as are appliances with heating elements.

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

Additionally, bringing an air fryer that everyone can use can be a great way to bond with new roommates. But if you’re worried about it being used and left for you to clean, you can store it in your room and bring it out to the kitchen when you want to use it.