How to hide an air fryer in a kitchen for clear and clutter-free worktops

Air fryers went from being a relatively new appliance on the scene to the 'it' feature you'll find in most kitchens. As useful as they are, it's safe to say that many of them aren't the prettiest and can look a little out of place on your kitchen worktops. Finding ways to hide an air fryer will be key to keeping your kitchen as streamlined, tidy, and stylish as possible and ensuring it's close by for everyday use.

We've spoken to the experts to find out the best ways that you can hide, store or disguise your favourite air fryer to help ensure there's a solution for your space and perhaps even bring those dreams of a sleek, clutter-free kitchen to life!

How to hide an air fryer in a kitchen

While custom cabinetry is of course the perfect solution for storing your air fryer, unless you're currently planning a new kitchen this may be more hassle than it's worth. But if you are, then remember to ensure you're getting storage that's right for you and your appliances.

‘Given the plethora of specialised kitchen appliances available today, it's no surprise that achieving a sleek and organised kitchen can pose a challenge for many,’ notes Sinead Trainor, kitchen category manager at LochAnna Kitchens.

‘Smaller appliances like air fryers, blenders, and coffee machines are often integrated gradually, resulting in their storage becoming an afterthought. This frequently leads to these valuable appliances occupying precious countertop space.'

Here's how to avoid this happening to you...unless you’re going for the cluttered Geri Halliwell look, of course.

1. Craft a cupboard curtain

The viral cupboard curtain hack has been a major kitchen trend this year. Popular on social media, this vintage-inspired look has earned its popularity due to the easy-to-replicate look. 

If you have any open shelves or cupboards in your kitchen, putting a curtain pole with a cute little curtain on top will hide any clutter and kitchen essentials. And that includes a bulky appliance like an air fryer.

While you can certainly make a cupboard curtain yourself with some fabric and basic sewing skills, there are also plenty you can purchase ready-made.

2. Put it in a pantry

If you’re lucky enough to have a pantry in your kitchen, then a pantry or even a pull-out or corner larder is the perfect place for hiding your air fryer.

‘A butler’s pantry or an extra tall corner larder provide sturdy arm-height deep shelves, ideal for accommodating both small and larger air fryers alike,’ says Sinead.

‘You could even consider utilising a soft-close pull-out larder with wire baskets, facilitating easy access to comfortably reach smaller appliances.’ 

One thing you should definitely do before purchasing your air fryer is check its dimensions and that it will be able to fit in your chosen storage space. Otherwise, you could find yourself in trouble.

3. Fashion an appliance garage

Appliance garages are a new kitchen trend that emerged this year. Similar to a pantry, it's a spot to store all of your everyday small appliances so that they're away from your worktops while still accessible.

‘An appliance garage is effectively a larger than normal cupboard that can be easily accessed where all of your small appliances can be housed,’ says Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport.

‘You’ll need to think about some key design features, including plug sockets – so that you don’t have to lift out the appliances to use. Perhaps you’ll want a pull-out shelf that the appliance sits on so that you can easily access it. Either pocket or folding doors are also another great feature so that these are easily stored away while the garage is in use.’

4. Pop into deep drawers

Using a large, deep drawer for storing your air fryer is perhaps the easiest way to incorporate into your existing kitchen design as most spaces will have at least one in the set-up.

‘Large drawers in kitchen islands where you’d normally store pans and casserole dishes are a great option as it makes lifting them in and out easier,’ suggests Richard.

5. Showcase a stylish choice

If you're still out there searching for your perfect air fryer then you still have time to wave goodbye to hiding it and instead, choose a more stylish option that you won't mind keeping on show. There are more air fryers coming out in fun colours that can be used to make a statement or be chosen to match your existing kitchen colour scheme.

‘The choice of an air fryer model that complements existing appliances or opting for a neutral colour can notably reduce its visual prominence,’ explains Sinead.

We love Ninja’s new Foodi Max dual zone air fryer in white or the Our Place Wonder Oven (which comes in four different shades) for a fun air fryer you will be happy to have on show.

These ideas should hopefully claim back some of your precious counter space and make your kitchen look all the sleeker.