Small Kitchen Appliance Makeover DIY Air Fryer Makeover

Be inspired with this small kitchen appliance makeover. Change the dark color of your air fryer to coordinate with the look of your kitchen

Hey there, friend! Are you tired of looking at the same old boring color of your air fryer? Well, I have some exciting news for you! In this article, I will be sharing a step-by-step guide on how to give your small kitchen appliances like an air fryer a much-needed makeover with just a few supplies and a little bit of elbow grease.

Let’s get started on this fun and easy DIY project that will have your air fryer looking like a high end appliance in no time!

The following post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and then buy something, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you! Thank you for supporting my blog. full disclosure here.

This post is sponsored by Dixie Belle. All opinions are my own!

Pinterest graphic with text overlay "paint your air fryer ReinventedDelaware.com" with the kitchen appliance makeover in the background.

Can You Paint Small Kitchen Appliances?

Appliance Paint Options

Yes, you can paint small kitchen appliances, and it’s an easy way to give them a fresh new look. There are several options for appliance paint, including liquid stainless steel paint and appliance spray paint.

My air fryer has a plastic exterior so I chose a paint and supplies I am very familiar with, Dixie Belle paint products. Since my air fryer does not get hot on the outside, I knew this paint would work great.

I will include some other paint options later in this post. For now, I will show you how I gave our air fryer an easy makeover.

Black air fryer sitting on a table before a DIY kitchen appliance makeover.

List of Supplies:

Here are the supplies I used for my DIY kitchen appliance makeover:

Prep Work

Before starting the DIY kitchen appliance makeover, I made sure to do the necessary prep work to ensure a smooth and successful project. Here are the steps I took:

  • First, I vacuumed the inside and top vent of the air fryer using a shop vac to remove any dust or crumbs.
  • Next, I cleaned the exterior surface of the air fryer using a mixture of White Lightning cleaner and a micro-fiber cloth. I made sure to dry it with a paper towel afterward.
  • I then taped off the areas that I didn’t want to be painted, including the control panel, the silver on the handle, and the glass door, using painter’s tape.
  • To scuff up the exterior surface, I used a super fine grit flexible sanding pad Surf Prep RAD Pad.
  • Finally, I used a damp cloth to clean up any dust I created and allowed the air fryer to dry completely.

By following these steps, I was able to prep the air fryer for painting and achieve a professional-looking finish.

PRO TIP: Remove the door if you are able! It’s much easier to paint around the door if it is removed. Take my word for it ๐Ÿ™‚

Prime the Air Fryer

Before applying any paint to your air fryer, it is important to prime it first. This will ensure that the paint adheres properly and gives the best results. Here are some tips on how to prime your small appliance.

  1. Choose a good primer: Make sure to choose a primer that is specifically designed for plastic surfaces. This will help the paint adhere better and last longer.
  2. Thin coats: Apply thin coats of primer to the appliance, making sure to cover it evenly. This will help the primer dry faster and prevent drips.
  3. Smooth finish: Use a paintbrush, foam roller or foam brush to smooth out any brush marks or uneven spots in the primer. This will help ensure a smooth finish for the final coat of paint.
  4. Paint roller: If you prefer, you can also use a paint roller to apply the primer. This can help save time and ensure even coverage.
  5. Dark color: If you are painting your small appliance a dark color, consider using a gray primer instead of white. This will help the dark color show up better and give a more professional look.

I applied the first coat of Slick Stick primer, which looked a bit rough, but that’s normal. After allowing it to dry, I applied a second coat for more coverage, sanding between coats. Then I let the second coat dry overnight.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your small appliance makeover turns out great and lasts for years to come.

Paint the Air Fryer

Dixie Belle Silk All in One Mineral Paint in the color Endless Shore was the perfect choice for my kitchen. The paint includes a primer, paint, and sealer all-in-one, making the process quick and easy.

If I had know the door could be removed, I certainly would have done that. It would have made this process easier! Hindsight is twenty-twenty! If you can remove the door on your air fryer, I suggest you do it. It will make the painting much easier!

Lady applying Dixie Belle Silk Mineral paint to the outside of an air fryer.

I painted the air fryer in the same way I applied the primer: two thin coats of paint with plenty of drying time between coats. I also lightly sanded between coats to ensure a smooth finish.

After the second coat of paint had dried, I applied a light third coat coat to ensure full coverage and a factory finish. It’s important to note that the paintbrush may spill over the edges, so I cleaned up any excess paint with a superfine sanding pad and Xacto knife.

Overall, painting my air fryer was a fun and easy project that gave my air fryer a fresh new look. If you’re looking to give your air fryer a makeover, I highly recommend Dixie Belle Silk All in One Mineral Paint for a smooth and long-lasting finish.

Kitchen Appliance Makeover DIY

This project was an easy way to update the black air fryer that looked like a black hole on our countertop. We love using the air fryer in our kitchen but I must admit, I didn’t like the dark color.

I was able to update the appliance without spending a fortune on a new one. The change made a huge impact in that corner of our kitchen!

I thought you might like to see some other color options so I found some great paint colors that were inspired by the retro look of Smeg appliances. The colors will bring a fun and playful vibe to any kitchen.

Overall, this kitchen appliance makeover was a fun and affordable way to update the look of my kitchen. I highly recommend giving it a try!

And there ya’ have it! Doesn’t it look so much better? I like to think of this as a Smeg dupe. Have you heard of Smeg? Their products look retro and are usually rounded like our air fryer but they are a bit pricey.

Also, I don’t think they carry an air fryer. Let me know in the comments if they do!

Close up of a painted air fryer sitting on a kitchen counter.

thanks for being here!

I hope you are enjoying this project! Let me know if you have any questions. Or leave me a comment to tell me about your project and ideas!

thanks, Cindy ๐Ÿ˜€

Air Fryer Makeover Before and After

Here is the kitchen appliance makeover before and after shots. Can you believe the difference? That little corner in our cafeฬ was always so dark but the light color on the air fryer really brightens it up, don’t you think?

It coordinates with my ironstone sugar bowl too and that just makes me happy ๐Ÿ™‚

It’s just a pretty place to make toast in the morning ๐Ÿ™‚

BTW, we’ve been using the painted air fryer for a month every day and it’s holding up so well! I’ve wiped it down several times when I am cleaning up the cafeฬ each morning and it cleans beautifully!

It’s the little things in life that can brighten our day!

***UPDATE: We have used our painted air fryer over the last couple of years and it is still doing great! The only change I would make is to not paint the handle. It is showing slight wear. I think it would look better if I had left it with the original black finish.

White kitchen cabinets with a painted air fryer and other kitchen items on the counter.

Appliance Paint Colors

Looking to give your kitchen a modern look? Consider painting your appliances with trendy colors that match your kitchen color scheme. Dixie Belle has a range of Silk All-in-One Mineral Paint colors that can help you achieve the look you want. Here are some of our favorite colors:

  • White: If you want to keep it simple and classic, white is always a great choice. It’s also a perfect option for those who prefer a dark color scheme in their kitchen.
  • Bright Red: This color is perfect for those who want to add a pop of color to their kitchen. It’s a bright and fun color that will give your appliances a unique look.
  • Colorful Appliances: If you’re feeling bold, why not try a colorful appliance? Dixie Belle has a range of colors to choose from, including pink, blue, and green.

In case you are looking for more color options for your kitchen appliance makeovers, I’ve gathered these gorgeous colors by Dixie Belle in their Silk All-in-One Mineral Paint line. Don’t you just love them all so much??

Which is your favorite?

Here are the links for the trendy colors to create a high end look for your air fryer. Any of them would look amazing! Choose one that works in your kitchen!

YouTube Video

Some of us like to watch tutorials as a video so I created one just for you!

More Inspiring Posts!

If you would like to see the process of painting our kitchen cabinets, click the image on the left below!

The image on the right is a serving tray makeover that I used Slick Stick (now called Bonding Boss) on. Youโ€™ll never believe what the tray looked like before I gave it a makeover!

Just click the images below to see the whole post!

Pin the image below to your home decor and kitchen inspiration boards! Just click the pin button at the top left corner!

Pinterest graphic with text overlay "DIY Painted air fryer" with an image of a painted kitchen appliance in the backfground.

Shop for all your paint

supplies here!

Dixie Belle has what you need for your next project!

More Appliance Painting Options

I mentioned earlier that my air fryer has a plastic exterior and it does not get hot on the outside. If your air fryer is metal or if it gets hot on the outside, you should consider using a differnet kind of paint.

For the best results, I recommend using high heat paint, as some air fryers can get hot during use.

High Heat Paint

There are several spray paint options that can be used in high heat situations. Some can even be used on a gas grill! Rustoleum has a line of spray paints that would be a great option.

Liquid Stainless Steel Paint

If you want to give your appliance a stainless steel look, liquid stainless steel paint is a great option. It’s easy to apply and creates a durable, scratch-resistant finish. However, it can be more expensive than other types of appliance paint.

Appliance Spray Paint

Appliance spray paint is an affordable and easy-to-use option for painting your small kitchen appliances. It comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, and stainless steel. Be sure to choose a paint that is specifically designed for appliances to ensure a long-lasting finish.

Thanks for joining our journey!

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Cindy Rust

Cindy has been decorating her home with thrift store finds for 40 years. She is an avid thrift store shopper who loves to makeover the items she finds into vintage-inspired home decor and furniture. When she isn’t thrift shopping or painting a piece of furniture, you can find her making homemade butter, working in her garden, or painting with watercolors.

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18 Comments

  1. What a fabulous idea! Iโ€™m so impressed that the paint adhered to the plastic surface. Thank you for sharing Cindy! Another great idea.

    1. Slick Stick made it possible! So glad you enjoyed the project, Anna!

  2. This looks fabulous, Cindy! I love the way it came out, now it blends in with your kitchen! Great idea!!โค๏ธโค๏ธ

    1. Thanks, Patti, for stopping by for the post!

  3. Oh gosh this is just too cool, Cindy. I would have never thought about painting my mixer or coffee pot. I may just give this a try for my boring black coffee pot. If I do, I will link to your post. I have saved your pin to Pinterest.

    1. Yay! I hope you can give Slick Stick a try on your coffee pot! Thanks for pinning Tammy ๐Ÿ˜Š

  4. I donโ€™t know what to comment on first! How come I didnโ€™t know you were going to be a Grandma? Congratulations The air fryer looks amazing. It is definitely a SMEG dupe! Just live your projects.

    1. Yep, I’m going to be a grandma with grandbaby #2. We’re looking forward to the little bundle๐Ÿ˜Š So glad you enjoyed the post!

  5. You are a paint magician with those Dixie Bell products! That is one impressive makeover, Cindy. I would have never guessed paint could stick to a shiny surface so beautifully. Your transformed air fryer really is a SMEG look-a-like!

    1. And for a lot less money, Karen! Thanks for stopping by. ๐Ÿ˜Š

  6. Congratulations on becoming a grandmother! That is so exciting. As for the air fryer, it looks fabulous. I would never have thought to paint a small appliance. Great job!

    1. Thanks about our little grandbaby who is on his way! And thank you for stopping by Elizabeth!

  7. Leslie Watkins says:

    Thatโ€™s amazing! I would never have thought it a possibility to paint. Looks so much better! Way to go!

    1. Thanks, Leslie! I would have never believed an air fryer could look this good either!๐Ÿ˜Š

  8. Absolutely brilliant Cindy! I love it!!!
    Our air fryer is a basket model which would be even easier to paint.

  9. Hi! I was curious about how the paint has held up! Our air fryer gets a bit warm on the metal outside when it cooks. Not hot, but warm. Wanted to know if the paint would hold up! If so, doing this. Thanks for the inspiration! ๐Ÿ˜Š

    1. Hi Em! Thanks for asking about the appliance makeover! I painted this air fryer four months ago and it has held up perfectly! No peeling, no discoloration even though we have used it daily! There is one little nick where my percolator spout hit it as I was pouring a cup of coffee. Our air fryer is plastic on the outside, not metal. It barely gets warm. Hope this info helps you!