Cuisinart Grease Accumulation / Overheating of Residues

Smoke coming from the air fryer during normal cooking (not just first-time use).

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Possible Causes

Grease buildup on heating element, Dirty drip tray or crumb tray, Food particles stuck near fan and heater, Using too much oil or very fatty foods

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: If you see heavy smoke, unplug the unit and open windows. Allow it to cool before cleaning.

  • Step 1 – Deep clean interior: Remove basket, racks, and drip/crumb tray. Wash them thoroughly with hot soapy water and dry completely.
  • Step 2 – Clean heater area: With the unit unplugged and cool, gently wipe the upper heating element area and surrounding surfaces with a damp cloth to remove grease splatter. Do not saturate or spray directly onto the element.
  • Step 3 – Fan and cavity: Use a soft brush to remove baked-on residue near the fan and vents.
  • Step 4 – Test with empty preheat: Run the unit empty at a moderate temperature for 10–15 minutes to burn off remaining residues. Light smoke may occur initially but should diminish.
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Repair Difficulty

Very Easy 1/5
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