Posted by 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.