An air fryer can produce a little haze when fat drips or residue heats up, but dense smoke, electrical odor, or arcing is not normal. The first decision is whether the source is food and grease or the appliance itself, and the unit should be turned off if smoke is heavy or abnormal.
Turn it off for dense smoke, electrical odor, or sparks
Unplug the appliance if it is safe to do so and stop using it until the cause is known. Do not open electrical components or pour water onto a plugged-in appliance or hot grease.
Dripping fat can smoke on hot surfaces
Very fatty foods can release oil that reaches hot areas or pools in the drawer. Remove excess grease between batches after the unit cools and follow the manufacturer’s loading limits and accessory guidance.
Residue from a previous cook can burn
Crumbs, dried sauce, and stuck-on grease can smoke during the next use. Clean the basket, tray, and accessible surfaces according to the manual and dry them before turning the appliance on again.
If a clean empty unit smokes, stop using it
Smoke that appears with no food or residue points toward damaged coating, wiring, motor, or another internal fault. Do not keep repeating test runs; contact the manufacturer or qualified service.
Sources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission — Electrical Safety — Household electrical hazards and safe response to overheating, outlets, switches, and breakers.