Instant Pot Overheating or Contaminant Burning

Air fryer emits a burning smell or smoke during use.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Grease buildup on heating element, food debris on heater or fan, melting plastic from basket coating, electrical short on heater wiring

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off and unplug immediately. If you see flames, do not open the lid; unplug and use a fire extinguisher rated for electrical/grease fires.

  • Allow to cool: Wait until the unit is completely cool before inspecting.
  • Inspect interior: Remove basket and tray. Look for burnt food, grease pools, or plastic pieces near the heater and fan. Clean thoroughly with mild detergent and a non‑abrasive sponge.
  • Check basket and accessories: Inspect the non‑stick coating for blistering or peeling. Replace any damaged basket or tray.
  • Internal wiring: Open the housing and inspect heater wiring and terminals for burn marks or melted insulation. Replace any damaged wiring and secure away from hot surfaces.
  • Test run: After cleaning and repairs, run the unit empty at a moderate temperature for 10–15 minutes in a well‑ventilated area to burn off residual odors. If smoke or strong burning smell persists, discontinue use and have the unit professionally inspected.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Heating Element Assembly
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