Before going to bed, most people check that the doors are locked, the lights are off, and the stove is switched off. But there is one kitchen appliance that often gets overlooked during the nightly routine, and firefighters say leaving it plugged in unnecessarily can create an avoidable fire risk. That appliance is the air fryer.
Air fryers have become popular in American kitchens because they offer a convenient way to prepare crispy chicken, potatoes, vegetables, and other meals without heating a full-sized oven. They are compact, relatively easy to operate, and convenient for busy households.
However, their popularity has also brought attention to an important safety issue. Like other electrical cooking appliances, air fryers contain heating elements and electrical components that can malfunction under certain circumstances.
Fire safety officials recommend unplugging them when they are not being used.
The advice sounds simple, but it highlights an important household habit that could help prevent an avoidable emergency.
Why Firefighters Are Warning About Air Fryers
An air fryer works by circulating hot air around food using a heating element and a fan. This allows food to cook quickly and develop a crispy texture.
However, the same technology that makes air fryers convenient also means they generate considerable heat during operation.
If an air fryer is damaged, improperly maintained, or placed too close to flammable materials, it can become a fire hazard.
It is advised that homeowners unplug air fryers when they are not in use to prevent accidental activation.
This does not mean every plugged-in air fryer will catch fire. Properly functioning appliances are designed to operate safely when used according to manufacturer instructions.
However, disconnecting the appliance from electricity when it is not needed removes one potential source of danger.
For families accustomed to leaving small appliances plugged in permanently, this is a simple habit worth reconsidering.
A Real Fire Shows Why the Warning Matters
In February 2025, firefighters in Bournemouth, England, responded to a kitchen fire involving an air fryer.
According to the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, the appliance caught fire after its owner attempted a cleaning technique found online.
The building’s fire alarms activated, and a sprinkler system extinguished the flames before firefighters arrived.
Investigators identified the air fryer as the source of the fire.
Fire officials subsequently reminded residents to follow manufacturer instructions when cleaning and maintaining air fryers.
The incident demonstrated that improper appliance maintenance can have serious consequences.
It also reinforced the importance of treating air fryers as electrical cooking equipment, not harmless countertop gadgets.
The Hidden Problem With Leaving Appliances Plugged In
Many households leave their air fryers connected to wall outlets throughout the day and night.
After cooking dinner, someone may remove the basket, wash the dishes, and walk away without thinking about the appliance.
Although switching off a properly functioning air fryer normally stops the cooking process, leaving it connected means parts of its electrical system may remain energized.
A damaged power cord, faulty electrical connection, or internal malfunction could create a problem.
It is recommended to unplug small appliances when they are not being used.
This advice applies to air fryers, toasters, and other countertop devices.
Unplugging does not eliminate every possible household fire hazard, but it disconnects the appliance from the electrical supply.
That small action adds an extra layer of protection.
Grease and Food Debris Can Make Matters Worse
Electrical problems are not the only concern.
Air fryers can also accumulate grease, oil, crumbs, and leftover food particles during regular cooking.
When these materials build up around hot surfaces, they may increase the risk of smoke or fire during operation.
For example, someone who regularly prepares chicken wings, bacon, or other fatty foods may notice grease collecting inside the cooking basket.
If the appliance is not cleaned properly, residue can remain near the heating area.
Fire safety experts recommend cleaning air fryers according to the manufacturer’s instructions and letting them cool before handling or washing removable components.
The important distinction is that cleaning should be done correctly.
Pouring water into electrical components, using inappropriate cleaning chemicals, or following unverified internet cleaning tricks can damage the appliance.
Regular maintenance and responsible use matter as much as unplugging it afterward.
Where You Place Your Air Fryer Matters
An air fryer needs adequate space for hot air to circulate.
Placing it directly beneath low cabinets, close to curtains, or against combustible materials can create unnecessary risks.
During operation, vents release hot air that needs somewhere to escape.
Fire officials recommend keeping air fryers away from walls and ensuring ventilation openings remain unobstructed.
The appliance should also be positioned on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
Avoid placing it on a stovetop, where an accidentally activated burner could damage or ignite it.
Another common mistake is using an extension cord or overloaded power strip for high-powered cooking appliances.
Whenever possible, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting the air fryer to a suitable wall outlet.
These precautions can help prevent problems while the appliance is operating.
Other Kitchen Appliances Deserve Attention Too
Although air fryers are receiving attention, they are not the only countertop appliances that should be unplugged after use.
Toasters, toaster ovens, electric kettles, and certain coffee makers can also present electrical or heating-related hazards.
The Electrical Safety Foundation International advises consumers to unplug toasters and other countertop appliances when they are not being used.
Toasters deserve particular attention because accumulated crumbs and food particles can become fire hazards.
Regularly clean the crumb tray and keep the appliance away from combustible objects.
The same general principle applies throughout the kitchen: if a small appliance does not need electricity overnight, disconnecting it may reduce unnecessary risk.
However, refrigerators, freezers, and other equipment designed for continuous operation should remain connected per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Why Bedtime Is an Important Moment to Check
An electrical malfunction can happen at any time, but nighttime fires present additional dangers.
When people are sleeping, they may not notice smoke, unusual smells, or other warning signs right away.
That makes prevention especially important before everyone goes to bed.
The London Fire Brigade recommends turning off and unplugging electrical appliances that aren’t designed to run continuously.
Its bedtime guidance also encourages households to check cooking equipment, avoid running certain appliances unattended overnight, and keep escape routes clear.
Working smoke alarms are essential because they provide an early warning if a fire starts.
Unplugging an air fryer should be part of a broader nighttime safety routine, not the only precaution a household takes.
The Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
Even an appliance that has worked perfectly for years can develop problems.
Homeowners should watch for unusual signs that may indicate electrical damage or overheating.
These include a burning smell, smoke, unusual buzzing noises, damaged cords, discolored plugs, or an outlet that becomes unusually hot.
If any of these symptoms appear, stop using the appliance.
Do not attempt to repair complicated electrical components without the necessary knowledge.
A damaged appliance should be inspected by a qualified professional or replaced when appropriate.
The U.S. Fire Administration advises replacing appliances with cracked, damaged, or loose electrical cords.
Continuing to use a visibly damaged air fryer just because it still switches on creates unnecessary risk.
A Simple Nightly Kitchen Routine
Keeping the kitchen safer does not require expensive equipment or complicated changes.
After preparing dinner, allow the air fryer to finish cooking and switch it off.
Once it is safe to do so, unplug it from the outlet. Let it cool completely before cleaning or storing it.
Check that the stovetop and oven are off, remove unnecessary clutter from cooking areas, and make sure towels or other combustible materials are not resting against hot appliances.
Before bed, make sure smoke alarms work and keep household exits accessible.
These small steps can become part of the same routine as locking doors and switching off lights.
Consistency matters more than complication.
The Two-Second Habit Worth Remembering
Air fryers are useful appliances, and there is no reason for families to abandon them simply because they require responsible handling.
Millions of people use them to prepare everyday meals, and properly maintained models can provide years of convenient service.
However, convenience should never replace basic electrical safety.
Firefighters’ advice is straightforward: turn off your air fryer and unplug it when you are finished using it.
Clean it properly, allow enough ventilation, inspect the cord, and never ignore signs of malfunction.
The next time you finish cooking dinner, take an extra moment before leaving the kitchen.
That small habit could help prevent an avoidable electrical hazard and provide one less thing to worry about when the lights go out.
