It also shocked me to read accounts of firefighters posting online warnings about air fryers. They say fires from such appliances, though not very common, often are serious because they are typically left on counters near combustibles such as paper towels, cabinets and curtains. A kitchen is the number one place for house fires already – throw in a big appliance left plugged in overnight and you have fire, literally.
So what is a person to do to be safe? In addition to the obvious (unplugging your air fryer when it isn’t in use), inspect it regularly. Look at the plug, the cord, even the appliance itself. If you see anything unusual (discoloration, melting, cracking, burning smell) under normal operation, discontinue use. Often manufacturers will provide customer support, warranty replacements or repairs if you catch problems early enough.
Keep your air fryer clean too. Grease buildup affects the taste of your food as well as fuel for fires. A quick wipe-down after each use and a deeper clean every couple of weeks can reduce the risk.
After that close call, I now make a point nightly to unplug my air fryer. It’s tedious and unnecessary perhaps, but the peace of mind is more than worth it. Convenience should never outweigh safety, after all, especially where your home and family are concerned.
Not to scare you or make you throw away your air fryer. I still use mine almost daily. But treat it with respect, and a good deal of caution. You forget how powerful these little devices are when they’re very easy to use. And all it takes is one oversight, one forgotten plug, and your favorite kitchen appliance becomes your worst nightmare.
And now, prior to going to bed tonight, take a second or two to unplug that air fryer. You’ll thank us – and so will your home.
