They sit on countertops everywhere—sleek, compact, and humming with promise.
An air fryer can turn frozen fries into golden perfection without a drop of deep-fryer oil. But behind that modern convenience lies a risk most owners never think about—until the smell of burning plastic fills the room.
Across kitchens worldwide, fire departments are responding to an unsettling trend: more and more blazes traced back to the very appliances meant to make cooking safer and healthier. Millions of units have already been pulled from shelves, and still the reports keep coming.
The question isn’t whether air fryers can catch fire. It’s how close yours might be to doing it.
The Hidden Hazards Lurking in Your Air Fryer
Overheating in a Small Space
Inside an air fryer, temperatures can soar to 400°F (204°C). In a tightly sealed compartment, heat has nowhere to go—especially if vents are blocked. Prolonged exposure can warp components or ignite internal wiring. The NFPA lists cooking equipment as the top cause of home fires, and these countertop units are now part of that statistic.
Grease as a Time Bomb
Even “oil-free” cooking produces residue. Bits of food, fat, and crumbs gather in corners and beneath heating elements, creating a tinderbox if left uncleaned. Consumer Reports has linked lack of maintenance directly to appliance fires.
Faulty Wiring
In 2023, 2 million Cosori units were recalled after wiring defects led to dozens of fires. Just a year later, 287,000 Insignia models faced similar action after reports of melting and ignition. Electrical flaws don’t just stop at one brand—they’re an industry-wide concern.
Bad Placement
An air fryer tucked under cabinets or beside curtains isn’t just a bad idea—it’s an invitation for heat buildup and ignition. UK fire services have repeatedly warned against operating them in confined or combustible spaces.
Walking Away Mid-Cook
Even a minute of inattention can be enough. A grease flare-up or faulty wire doesn’t wait for you to come back from the living room.
Fires That Made Headlines
The Cosori Recall (2023): Dangerous wiring led to over 2 million units being pulled from homes.
Insignia Recall (2024): Nearly 300,000 recalled after melting parts were reported.
A UK Kitchen Inferno: One air fryer left running destroyed a home’s kitchen, causing £80,000 in damages.
Tower Brand Recall: More than 60,000 units in the UK and Ireland pulled for potential fire risks.
Staying Safe: Expert-Backed Habits
Clean it every time—no exceptions.
Keep food within the basket’s limit—overfilling blocks airflow.
Give it breathing space—at least 5 inches from walls and never under cabinets.
Skip low-smoke-point oils—avoid anything that burns fast.
Anchor parchment paper—never let it float into heating coils.
Unplug it after use—don’t let it sit live.
Plug directly into the wall—no extension cords.
Check cords often—stop at the first sign of fraying or overheating.
Stay in the room—fires can spark in seconds.
Follow the manual—register your unit for safety alerts.
Research your model—especially secondhand buys.
Keep safety gear nearby—smoke alarm, Class C extinguisher, and a fire blanket.
Red Flags That Mean Stop Using It Immediately
Persistent burning smell
Smoke escaping from vents
Unusual buzzing or sparking
Hot or discolored plug
Melted or warped components
Bottom line: Air fryers are a marvel of modern cooking—but they’re not risk-free. A little grease, a bad wire, or the wrong placement is all it takes to turn a handy gadget into a kitchen disaster.
Respect the heat, know the recalls, and treat your air fryer like the high-powered appliance it is—because dinner shouldn’t come with a side of smoke damage.