I have to admit, I’m a huge fan of my air fryer. The first time I used it, I felt like I had unlocked a secret in the kitchen—crispy fries, perfectly roasted vegetables, and juicy chicken wings came out faster and better than anything from my oven, and with way less mess than pan-frying. It quickly became my go-to for just about everything.

But something happened recently that made me seriously rethink my routine of leaving the air fryer plugged in overnight. After a long and tiring day, I tossed some fries into the air fryer for a late-night snack, added a pinch of salt, and went to watch a movie. I didn’t give it another thought—I left the air fryer plugged in, assuming it wasn’t dangerous when not in use. A couple of hours later, I walked back into the kitchen for a glass of water and immediately smelled something odd. I checked the stove first—nothing there. But then I saw a thin trail of smoke coming from behind the air fryer. I rushed over in a panic and quickly unplugged it. The plug was hot, and the edges had started to melt. It was terrifying to think what might have happened if I hadn’t walked in at that moment. Naturally, I couldn’t sleep after that, so I looked online and discovered I wasn’t alone.

Apparently, air fryers—though generally safe and convenient—have been linked to several fires, especially when left plugged in. The issue often comes down to electrical faults or overheating. Air fryers are powerful appliances that use a lot of electricity. If there’s a defect in the heating element or some internal part malfunctions, the appliance can remain partially active even when it’s not turned on. That constant trickle of electricity through faulty wiring or overheated components creates a very real fire risk. While these issues are rare, they’re serious enough that fire safety experts advise unplugging your air fryer whenever it’s not in use, particularly at night or when you’re away from home. It’s easy to overlook this advice since we’re used to leaving other kitchen appliances like coffee makers or microwaves plugged in all the time. But air fryers are different.

They generate high heat, rely on strong internal fans, and draw significant power—all within a compact, often plastic, casing. That combination can be dangerous if even a small issue goes undetected. Things like leftover grease buildup, a slight wiring defect, or normal wear and tear can be enough to trigger a problem. What surprised me even more were online posts from firefighters warning people to be extra cautious. Fires involving air fryers, while not widespread, can escalate quickly because these appliances are usually sitting on countertops near flammable items like paper towels, wooden cabinets, or curtains.

The kitchen is already the most common area for house fires to start, and adding a powerful appliance left plugged in overnight only increases the risk. So what can you do? First and foremost, unplug your air fryer when it’s not in use. Make it a habit like turning off the lights before bed. Also, inspect your air fryer regularly—look at the plug, the cord, and the unit itself. If you see signs of wear, melting, discoloration, or if it gives off a strange smell, stop using it immediately. Most manufacturers offer support or even free replacements if issues are reported early. Another key step is keeping your air fryer clean. Grease and food residue not only affect how your meals taste but also act as fuel in the event of a fire. Wipe the interior and exterior after each use, and give it a deeper clean every few weeks. Since that incident, I make sure to unplug my air fryer every night without fail. It may seem like an unnecessary step, but it gives me peace of mind knowing I’ve done something simple to protect my home. I still use and love my air fryer nearly every day, but I’ve learned to treat it with respect and caution. These small appliances are incredibly powerful, and one tiny oversight—like forgetting to unplug it—could lead to disaster. So before heading to bed tonight, take just a moment to unplug your air fryer. It’s a small action that could make a big difference.