People who cook bacon in an air fryer have been warned by a food expert that it may not be the best way to cook the popular breakfast food.

According to dietitian Brenda Peralta, bacon is a very fatty food, and when it cooks in an air fryer, the fat can drip down into the machine. This can cause smoke, splattering grease, and strong smells.

The dripping fat can also build up inside the air fryer over time, which could damage the appliance or even become a fire hazard if grease reaches the heating element.

Another issue is that bacon can be difficult to cook evenly in an air fryer, meaning some parts may end up overcooked while others are still undercooked.

Undercooked bacon can potentially lead to food poisoning, which includes symptoms such as nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea.

Experts say that while bacon can technically be cooked in an air fryer, an oven, pan, or microwave may be safer and cook it more evenly.

They also recommend cleaning the air fryer regularly if cooking fatty foods to prevent grease build-up and smoke problems.

The warning may surprise many people, as air fryers are often seen as a quick and easy way to cook almost anything.