We’ve all been there—it’s late, you’re tired, and the last thing you want to do is fuss with kitchen appliances after making a snack. But that exact laziness almost cost me my home.
One night after air frying some chicken wings, I left the appliance plugged in and went to bed. Around 3 AM, my smoke detector woke me up. I rushed to the kitchen to find my air fryer’s cord smoldering where it met the outlet. The plastic housing had begun to melt.
What I learned afterward shocked me. Air fryers contain heating elements that stay warm long after use. Combined with their powerful motors and compact design, this creates a perfect storm for potential fires if there’s any electrical weakness.
Fire safety experts recommend treating air fryers like space heaters—always unplug them when not in use. I’ve made this my new nighttime ritual, right after brushing my teeth.
