Having an air fryer can be a great addition to any kitchen. Air fryers provide a convenient way to make crispy, delicious “fried” foods using little to no oil. However, with their bulky shape and size, air fryers can sometimes be an eyesore on your kitchen counters. If you want to reap the benefits of air frying but don’t love the look of having an appliance out all the time, there are several clever ways to hide your air fryer when not in use.
Stash It In A Cabinet
One of the easiest ways to hide an air fryer is to simply stash it away in a cabinet when you’re not using it. This gets the air fryer completely out of sight and frees up your counter space. The key is picking the right cabinet that will comfortably fit your model of air fryer. Look for a cabinet that is wide and deep enough to house the air fryer with some extra room around it. Ideally, choose a cabinet that has enough vertical space to allow you to open the air fryer’s basket without hitting the top of the cabinet.
A base cabinet, pantry, or deep drawer are all great options. You may need to remove the cabinet’s middle shelf to make room. Before stashing your air fryer, make sure the cabinet doesn’t get too warm when you use surrounding appliances like the oven. Excessive heat could damage the air fryer over time.
Pros:
- Gets the air fryer completely out of sight
- Frees up counter space when not in use
- Typically easy to implement
Cons:
- You lose quick access to the air fryer
- Have to pull it in and out each time you use it
- Need adequate storage space
Use A Rolling Cart
For a hide-away solution that still allows you quick, easy access, try storing your air fryer on a rolling cart that can be stashed under counters or slid into closets when not in use. A rolling cart gives you the flexibility to keep the air fryer handy on your counter when you’re cooking but easily tuck it out of sight when guests come over or you want your kitchen cleared.
Look for a sturdy rolling cart or trolley that will adequately fit the footprint of your air fryer. It should have enough clearance to open the air fryer basket fully and accommodate any accessories. Industrial metal utility carts work well for holding weighty appliances. You can even find rolling carts with storage drawers and shelves to hold cooking oils, utensils, and more.
Pros:
- Allows you to keep the air fryer accessible but hide it away when needed
- Can double as extra storage and prep space
- Caster wheels make it easy to move around
Cons:
- Takes up space when pulled out
- Need room to store the cart when air fryer is not in use
- Pricier than simple cabinet storage
Hide It On A Sliding Shelf
Sliding shelves or pull out drawers offer another way to keep an air fryer handy but out of sight in your kitchen. Mounted slides allow you to store the appliance behind cabinet doors or under your counters. When you want to use the air fryer, just slide it out. Look for high quality, heavy duty slides that can support the weight.
Installing slide out shelves takes a bit more work than the previous methods but provides an integrated storage solution. The slides mount onto the cabinet frame or you can have a custom pullout shelf built. Make sure to measure carefully so the shelf will fit the air fryer. Allow enough space in front of the shelf for the door or drawer front.
Pros:
- Hides the air fryer completely when not in use
- Makes efficient use of existing cabinet space
- Convenient access when you need the air fryer
Cons:
- More difficult to implement than freestanding solutions
- Pull out shelf may limit cabinet storage
- Need cabinet space with adequate depth
Conceal With A Decorative Cover
Rather than hiding the entire air fryer, you can make it visually blend into your kitchen better by slipping a decorative cover over it. Custom-fit appliance covers come in a wide range of materials, colors, and patterns to match your decor. Simply slip the cover on when the air fryer is not in use to make it look like just another kitchen canister or accessory.
Look for a cover made of heat-safe material that allows for airflow so the appliance doesn’t overheat. Covers made of wicker, cotton, linen or canvas work well. Measure your model of air fryer carefully to find a cover that will properly fit.
Pros:
- Disguises the air fryer without removing it from the counter
- Easy to take on and off
- Comes in range of decorative styles
Cons:
- Doesn’t free up as much counter space
- The air fryer is still visible
- Cost of purchasing a cover
Use Strategic Placement
Sometimes the placement of an appliance in your kitchen can make all the difference in keeping it concealed. Look for smart spots in your kitchen layout to place the air fryer where it won’t stand out as much.
Tucking it on a back counter, corner, or higher shelf helps the air fryer blend in more than sitting in plain view on your main countertop. You can also place it on a base cabinet floor behind cabinet doors. Just avoid anywhere that gets direct heat or moisture from the oven, sink, or dishwasher.
Pros:
- Makes use of existing kitchen space
- Easy to implement
- Allows reasonably convenient access
Cons:
- The air fryer is still partially visible
- Have to walk around cabinets/appliances to access it
- Limited by your kitchen layout
Store It In A Different Room
If you have the space, consider storing your air fryer in an entirely different room like a pantry, laundry room, or garage when it’s not being used. This gets the appliance completely away from your main kitchen. Just make sure the alternate room doesn’t have humidity, temperatures extremes, or other conditions that could damage the air fryer.
Ideally choose a nearby room with counter space or shelving where the air fryer can be safely placed. Make sure you can easily access outlets and transport the air fryer into the kitchen when needed. Some people dedicate their air fryer to an alternate cooking space like a basement kitchen or outdoor cooking area.
Pros:
- Removes the air fryer completely from the main kitchen
- Frees up prime kitchen real estate
- Keeps appliance safely away from kitchen heat and moisture
Cons:
- Inconvenient to access
- Requires adequate alternate space
- Can only be used in one room
Build It Into Cabinetry
For the ultimate integrated solution, have your air fryer professionally built into your cabinetry or appliances. Specific cabinets, pull out shelves, and slides can be customized to perfectly fit your air fryer model. This allows you to completely conceal the appliance behind cabinet doors but slide it out or lift the top when you’re ready to use it.
Built-in applications keep the appliance right in your kitchen rather than having to store it externally. Just make sure to follow specifications for clearance, ventilation, and electrical connections. Hiring a professional is recommended to get the custom sizing and installation right.
Pros:
- Hides the air fryer seamlessly in your kitchen
- Makes the most of your cabinet and counter space
- Allows convenient access when needed
Cons:
- Most expensive option
- May require kitchen remodeling
- Professional installation recommended
Conclusion
With a little creativity and the right equipment, there are plenty of ways to keep your air fryer out of sight without sacrificing accessibility and usability. Consider your kitchen layout and cooking habits to decide which storage method works best for your needs and lifestyle. With the clutter gone, you can reap all the benefits of air frying while maintaining a clean, orderly kitchen.