An air fryer is one of the most convenient kitchen appliances, but sometimes, it may start smoking unexpectedly. This can be alarming, but don’t worry—most of the time, it’s an easy fix!
In this guide, we’ll explain why your air fryer is smoking, how to fix it, and how to prevent future issues. Plus, we’ll cover safety tips, troubleshooting steps, and common questions to keep your air fryer working perfectly.
1. Why Is My Air Fryer Smoking?
Air fryer smoke can come from several causes, including:
✔ Excess grease – Fat from high-fat meats like bacon or burgers drips onto the heating element, causing smoke.
✔ Leftover food particles – Bits of food stuck inside can burn and create smoke.
✔ High temperatures with oily foods – Oils with low smoke points (like olive oil) can burn at high temperatures.
✔ Overcrowding the basket – When too much food is in the air fryer, grease and crumbs can build up.
✔ Dirty air fryer – Grease buildup on the heating element and fan can cause smoke over time.
✔ Cooking high-fat foods without water – Without water in the drip tray, excess fat can overheat and smoke.
Now that you know the causes, let’s move on to the solutions!
2. How to Fix a Smoking Air Fryer (Step-by-Step Guide)
🔥 Step 1: Turn Off the Air Fryer Immediately
If your air fryer starts smoking, turn it off and unplug it to prevent further issues.
🔥 Step 2: Check for Excess Grease or Food Particles
- Open the basket and check if grease or crumbs are burning.
- If you’re cooking high-fat meats, there’s a chance that grease is dripping onto the heating element.
🔥 Step 3: Clean the Air Fryer
- Let the appliance cool down completely.
- Remove and wash the basket and tray with warm, soapy water.
- Wipe down the interior and heating element with a damp cloth.
- For stubborn grease, use a baking soda paste to scrub it off.
🔥 Step 4: Add Water to the Drip Tray
If you’re cooking greasy foods like bacon, burgers, or chicken thighs, pour 2 tablespoons of water into the bottom tray to prevent grease from overheating and smoking.
🔥 Step 5: Use High-Smoke-Point Oils
Avoid using olive oil or butter at high temperatures. Instead, use:
✅ Avocado oil
✅ Canola oil
✅ Grapeseed oil
These oils can withstand high heat without burning and smoking.
🔥 Step 6: Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Give food enough space for air circulation. This prevents grease buildup and ensures even cooking.
🔥 Step 7: Regular Maintenance
- Clean your air fryer after every use to prevent grease buildup.
- Deep clean the heating element at least once a month.
- Make sure your air fryer has proper ventilation while in use.
Following these steps will keep your air fryer smoke-free and working efficiently!
3. The Science Behind Air Fryer Smoke
Why does grease cause smoke?
When fats like butter, oil, or animal fat heat up past their smoke point, they start burning and releasing white or blue smoke.
This is why fatty meats like sausages, bacon, and burgers are more likely to cause smoke—they release a lot of grease, which then burns inside the air fryer.
4. How to Prevent Smoke in the Future
To avoid air fryer smoke altogether, follow these best practices:
✅ Use parchment paper – Helps catch grease and food crumbs.
✅ Cook fatty foods at a lower temperature – Reduces grease splattering.
✅ Drain excess grease mid-cook – Pause cooking and wipe excess oil.
✅ Use aluminum foil or silicone mats – Keeps the bottom of your air fryer clean.
✅ Shake the basket regularly – Ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
Taking these small steps will keep your air fryer smoke-free and safe!
5. Can a Smoking Air Fryer Be Dangerous?
Most of the time, smoke from an air fryer is harmless, but it can become dangerous if:
❌ There’s a lot of built-up grease – This can cause a grease fire if left unattended.
❌ You use the wrong oil – Low smoke point oils can release harmful fumes.
❌ You don’t clean your air fryer regularly – Burnt food can release acrylamides, which are unhealthy compounds.
If your air fryer emits black smoke or starts sparking, turn it off immediately and contact the manufacturer.
6. Common Questions About Air Fryer Smoke
❓ Why does my air fryer smoke when cooking bacon?
➡ Bacon releases a lot of fat. Add water to the tray to prevent grease from burning.
❓ Is it normal for my air fryer to produce white smoke?
➡ White smoke usually means grease is burning. Turn off the air fryer and clean it.
❓ Can I put water inside my air fryer?
➡ Yes! Adding a little water to the drip tray helps prevent grease from overheating.
❓ What if my air fryer still smokes after cleaning?
➡ Try reducing the cooking temperature or checking for hidden grease in the fan area.
7. Final Thoughts: Keep Your Air Fryer Smoke-Free!
Now that you know why your air fryer smokes and how to fix it, you can cook confidently without worrying about smoke filling your kitchen.
➡ Have you ever experienced smoke in your air fryer? Share your experience in the comments! Got other air fryer tips? Let us know!