UK consumers get crisp air‑fryer tips as privacy watchdog flags data‑collection risks

A simple preparation method can give perfectly crisp air‑fried chips: cut potatoes uniformly, soak them in ice‑cold water for five to ten minutes to remove excess starch, dry thoroughly, season and fry at 180 °C for 20 minutes, shaking halfway through. The technique, widely used by restaurants, is reported to deliver a light, fluffy interior with a crunchy exterior.

At the same time, the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has warned that smart air fryers may harvest personal data far beyond what is needed for cooking. Tests have shown some devices request users' exact location and can record audio via the phone, with data sometimes routed to servers in China. The ICO’s new guidance urges manufacturers to limit data collection to what is strictly necessary, be transparent about its use, and give users control. Around 97 % of British households own at least one smart kitchen device, and a recent survey found a third of adults lack confidence in how their data is handled.