Before you head to bed each night, there’s one small but critical step you should take to protect your home and your family—unplugging a certain kitchen appliance that could silently pose a major fire risk while you sleep. That appliance is most commonly the air fryer, though toaster ovens fall into the same high-risk category.
While these devices have become wildly popular for their convenience, efficiency, and ability to cook quick meals without much oil, they can also be dangerous if left plugged in when not in use. It might seem harmless to leave an air fryer or toaster oven plugged in overnight, especially if the appliance is switched off, but many people don’t realize that electrical devices still draw power even in standby mode. Over time, internal components can wear out, wiring may degrade, and cheaply made parts—especially in off-brand or budget models—can begin to fail. When that happens, the risk of short circuits and electrical faults rises dramatically.
Even when the device isn’t actively cooking, a small malfunction in the internal circuit board or heating element could trigger overheating, sparks, or worse—spontaneous ignition. What makes this especially alarming is that these incidents can occur without warning, and if they happen at night while everyone in the household is asleep, the chances of noticing and stopping a fire before it spreads are slim. Fires that start in kitchens are among the most common causes of residential property damage, and many are started by appliances that were believed to be off or safe. The problem is even more dangerous if your home has older electrical outlets that are worn or improperly grounded. In these cases, even a minor electrical surge can be enough to cause a serious issue.
Add to that the possibility of sudden power surges due to storms or utility issues, and the risk becomes even greater. It’s not just air fryers and toaster ovens that can be problematic, either. Other appliances like coffee makers, electric kettles, and especially older model microwaves also pose fire hazards if left plugged in around the clock. These devices often contain heating elements, timers, or sensors that can fail unexpectedly after repeated use. That said, air fryers and toaster ovens have been the focus of particular concern lately due to a growing number of incident reports involving them, prompting safety experts to urge homeowners to unplug them when not in use. As more people use air fryers daily and store them conveniently on their kitchen counters, it’s easy to forget about the risks associated with keeping them connected to power all the time.
In fact, many people don’t even realize that these devices continue to draw a small current of electricity when they’re “off,” which over time increases the likelihood of component breakdowns and malfunctions. Safety professionals emphasize that unplugging your air fryer or toaster oven only takes a few seconds and could prevent a potentially devastating fire. If unplugging every night feels inconvenient, consider plugging the appliance into a surge-protected power strip with an on/off switch, or use a smart plug that allows you to cut power remotely through your phone. These solutions offer peace of mind while maintaining convenience during the day. In the grand scheme of home safety, this is one of the simplest habits you can develop—and one of the most impactful. Just as we lock our doors or turn off the lights before bed, taking a quick glance around the kitchen to ensure high-risk appliances are unplugged should become second nature. Fires caused by small kitchen appliances are often preventable, and the key lies in being proactive. So tonight, before turning in, take a quick walk through your kitchen. Look at your air fryer, toaster oven, and any other countertop gadgets that don’t need to be plugged in overnight. Pull that plug—it could be the one action that keeps your family safe from a fire you never saw coming.
