I have to admit, I love my air fryer. When I first bought it, I felt like I had discovered the ultimate kitchen miracle. Crispy fries, perfectly roasted vegetables, tender chicken wings—everything came out tasting better than ever, and it cooked faster than a traditional oven while being far less messy than frying on the stove.

It quickly became my go-to appliance for just about every meal. But something happened a few weeks ago that made me seriously rethink the habit of leaving it plugged in overnight. One evening, after a long, tiring day, I tossed in some fries, let them cook, and then plated them with a little salt before settling in to watch a movie. It didn’t even cross my mind to unplug the air fryer after I was done using it. I figured it was harmless since it was off. A few hours later, I wandered back into the kitchen for a glass of water and was hit with a faint burning smell. I instinctively checked the stove first—nothing there.

Then I turned toward the counter and noticed a bit of smoke coming from the back of the air fryer. My heart skipped a beat. When I rushed over and unplugged it, the plug was hot to the touch and slightly melted around the edges. That quiet night could’ve taken a very dangerous turn if I hadn’t walked in when I did. Curious and a bit shaken, I jumped online to see if this had happened to anyone else—and it turns out, I wasn’t alone. There are numerous reports of air fryers overheating or even catching fire when left plugged in due to electrical faults or malfunctioning components. These appliances, while incredibly convenient, draw a significant amount of electricity. If there’s a defect or if the internal heating element fails to disengage properly, it can remain partially energized even when not actively cooking. That constant flow of current, especially through worn or damaged wires, creates a real fire risk.

Experts suggest that even though these incidents are relatively rare, the potential consequences are serious enough to warrant unplugging the appliance whenever it’s not in use—particularly overnight or if you’re leaving the house. It’s true that many of us leave kitchen appliances like coffee makers, toasters, and microwaves plugged in all the time without giving it a second thought. But air fryers are in a different league. They combine intense heat, strong internal fans, and heavy electrical loads in a compact space. Add in factors like grease buildup or minor manufacturing flaws, and the potential for overheating or short circuits increases. I also came across several warnings from firefighters online who mentioned that when air fryer-related fires do occur, they can escalate quickly.

These appliances are typically left on countertops near paper towels, wooden cabinets, or curtains—making the kitchen, already the most common site of household fires, even more vulnerable. To stay safe, the most important thing you can do is simply unplug your air fryer after each use. It’s a small, quick action that can prevent something potentially catastrophic. Additionally, inspect the appliance regularly. Check the power cord and plug for any signs of wear, discoloration, melting, or a strange smell during or after use. If anything seems off, stop using it and contact the manufacturer—many offer support or replacements if problems are reported early. Cleaning your air fryer is equally important. Grease residue doesn’t just affect the flavor of your food—it also becomes a potential fire hazard. Make it a habit to wipe down your air fryer after each use and give it a more thorough cleaning every few weeks. That near miss changed my whole perspective. Now, every single night before I go to bed, I unplug the air fryer. It might seem like a minor inconvenience, but knowing I’m reducing a serious risk gives me peace of mind. I still use my air fryer almost daily and wouldn’t part with it for anything, but I’ve learned to treat it with the caution and respect it deserves. These small but powerful devices can quickly turn from helpful to hazardous if we don’t pay attention. So tonight, before you head to bed, take just a second to reach over and unplug your air fryer. You’ll be glad you did—and so will your home and everyone in it.