Air fryers have taken over kitchens across the world—offering crispy, delicious meals with little to no oil. But behind the convenience lies a serious concern: a growing number of air fryer-related fires.

Fire departments, safety commissions, and insurance companies are now issuing urgent warnings about these compact appliances.

If you own one, this guide is essential reading. Backed by real incidents, expert advice, and official recall data, it explains the dangers of air fryers and how to use them safely—before a crispy dinner turns into a catastrophe.

Why Are Air Fryers Causing Fires?

1. Concentrated Heat in a Small Space

Air fryers operate at high temperatures—up to 400°F (204°C)—inside a tightly sealed chamber. If not properly ventilated or cleaned, the trapped heat can cause components to warp or ignite.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that cooking appliances are the leading cause of home fires, and small countertop devices like air fryers are contributing to the spike.

2. Grease Buildup

Food residue, oil splatters, and crumbs easily collect in the tray and heating elements. Grease is extremely flammable, and over time it can ignite under high heat.

According to Consumer Reports, failure to regularly clean air fryers is one of the top factors behind small appliance fires.

3. Electrical Faults

Many air fryer fires stem from wiring issues or overloaded power strips. A 2023 recall of over 2 million Cosori air fryers was triggered by overheating due to a faulty wire connection that caused multiple fires.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Best Buy recalled Insignia models after 100+ reports of overheating and melting.

4. Placement and Ventilation

Many users place air fryers under cabinets, near curtains, or too close to walls—blocking airflow and increasing the risk of heat buildup. The Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service specifically warns against using air fryers in enclosed or flammable areas.

5. Unattended Cooking

Setting and forgetting your air fryer is risky. A split-second malfunction or a flare-up from oil residue can escalate. Aviva Insurance found that 12% of owners leave air fryers unattended and 30% wouldn’t know what to do if a fire started.

Real-Life Incidents

• Cosori Recall (2023): Over 2 million units recalled due to fires caused by internal wire faults.
• Best Buy Insignia Recall (2024): 287,000+ air fryers pulled after dozens of reports of parts melting or catching fire.
• UK Home Fire (£80,000 in Damage): A fire caused by an air fryer led to a complete kitchen renovation. Insurer Aviva covered the claim but issued a public fire warning.
• Tower Air Fryers Recalled (2024): Sold in Tesco, Lidl, Argos, and others, 60,000+ units were recalled across Ireland and the UK due to fire risks.

How to Prevent an Air Fryer Fire: 12 Expert-Recommended Safety Tips

While air fryers are generally safe when used correctly, neglecting simple safety measures can quickly turn your countertop cooker into a fire hazard. Here’s how to drastically reduce your risk of a kitchen fire—according to safety experts, fire departments, and product engineers.

1. Clean Your Air Fryer Thoroughly—Every Time

Why: Grease, crumbs, and carbonized food particles can accumulate near the heating element or inside the basket. Over time, these can overheat and ignite spontaneously, especially with fatty or oily foods like bacon, sausage, or chicken wings.

How to do it:

• Let the air fryer cool before cleaning.
• Remove the basket and drip tray.
• Wipe all surfaces with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge.
• Use baking soda and white vinegar to clean stuck-on residue.
• Clean inside the heating element area monthly with a small brush.

Fire officials say 40% of small appliance fires begin due to grease ignition.

2. Avoid Overfilling the Basket

Why: Overloading the basket restricts airflow, leading to overheating and uneven cooking. This can cause the motor to strain, the heating coil to remain on longer, and increase internal temperatures beyond design limits.

Best practices:

• Follow your manufacturer’s basket capacity recommendations.
• Shake or rotate food halfway through cooking to avoid blockages.
• Cook in smaller batches if needed.

Overcrowding is the number one user mistake that leads to air fryer malfunction and overheating.

3. Place Your Air Fryer on a Flat, Heat-Resistant Surface

Why: Air fryers release hot air from vents. If placed too close to flammable objects—like curtains, dish towels, wood cabinets, or wallpaper—they can easily ignite surrounding materials.

Where to place it:

• On a flat, level countertop (stone or ceramic preferred).
• At least 5 inches away from walls or cabinets.
• Never under overhead cupboards or shelves.

Warwickshire Fire & Rescue warns that air fryers should “never be used in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.”

4. Use the Right Cooking Oils (Or None at All)

Why: Some oils have low smoke points and can ignite at high temperatures. Extra virgin olive oil, flaxseed oil, and sesame oil can produce smoke or flames under intense heat.

Safer options:

• Use oils with high smoke points: avocado oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or refined coconut oil.
• Avoid spraying aerosol oil directly onto heating elements.

Air fryers don’t require oil to function—adding it is optional and should be done sparingly.

5. Never Use Loose Foil or Parchment Paper Without Food

Why: Foil and parchment paper can get sucked into the fan and heating coil. If they touch the hot element directly, they may catch fire or block ventilation, causing a unit to overheat and shut down.

Safe usage tips:

• Only use parchment paper that’s made for air fryers (with holes for airflow).
• Always weigh down paper with food so it doesn’t lift during cooking.

Air fryer manufacturers recommend against using foil in models with exposed heating coils on the top.

6. Unplug After Each Use

Why: Even when not in use, air fryers continue to draw power if plugged in. Electrical surges or internal circuit issues could cause spontaneous heating or short circuits.

Action: Always unplug your air fryer immediately after cooking and let it cool on a heat-safe surface.

7. Avoid Extension Cords and Power Strips

Why: Air fryers use 1,200 to 1,800 watts, which can overload power strips or thin-gauge extension cords, causing electrical fires.

What to do instead:

• Plug directly into a grounded wall outlet.
• Avoid using shared kitchen outlets with other high-wattage appliances (microwave, toaster).

CPSC recommends direct plug-ins for all kitchen appliances with heating elements.

8. Check and Replace Damaged Cords or Plugs

Warning signs:

• Frayed or cracked cords
• Discoloration on plug prongs
• Heat coming from the cord during use

If you notice any of these, stop using the air fryer immediately and contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement.

9. Don’t Leave It Unattended

Why: Fires can escalate in under 60 seconds. Unattended appliances are responsible for 32% of cooking-related home fires, according to the NFPA.

Rule of thumb: Never leave the kitchen while your air fryer is running—even if it’s just “for a minute.”

10. Follow Manufacturer Instructions Exactly

Always:

• Register your product so you’re notified of recalls
• Set timers and temperatures according to the food chart
• Avoid using your fryer for unauthorized food types (e.g., popcorn, batter-coated foods)

11. Know Your Model’s Fire Risk History

Before buying or using a secondhand air fryer, check if it’s been recalled:

•  Cosori Air Fryer Recall – 2 Million Units
•  Insignia (Best Buy) Recall – 287,000 Units
•  Tower Air Fryers – 60,000+ UK Recalls

12. Install a Kitchen Fire Extinguisher and Smoke Detector

Essential safety gear:

• Class C fire extinguisher (for electrical appliances)
• Smoke alarm (check battery monthly)
• Fire blanket (for grease or small countertop fires)

Never use water to extinguish an air fryer fire—it may cause electrocution or spread flaming oil.

Signs Your Air Fryer May Be Unsafe

• Smell of burning plastic
• Smoke from vents
• Discolored or hot plug
• Buzzing, sparking, or clicking noises
• Melted plastic parts

If any of these occur: unplug the unit immediately. Do NOT use it again until inspected or replaced.

Conclusion

Air fryers are modern marvels—but they’re not risk-free. As these appliances become more common, so do fires caused by improper use, defects, or neglect. With just a few safety steps, you can protect your home while still enjoying your favorite crispy recipes.

Remember: convenience should never come at the cost of caution.