Air fryer emits a burning smell or smoke (not just food steam) during use.
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.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn off and unplug the air fryer immediately. If smoke is heavy, move the unit to a safe, ventilated area and keep it away from flammable materials.
Steps to address burning smell:
- Inspect basket and drawer: Remove and clean thoroughly with warm soapy water. Check for damaged non-stick coating or melted plastic.
- Clean heating area: Once cool, wipe the heating element area and fan guard with a damp cloth. Remove any burnt food particles.
- Check wiring: Open the housing and inspect wiring near the heater and fan for signs of melting, charring, or arcing. Tighten or replace any damaged connectors.
- Test run empty: After cleaning and reassembly, run the unit empty at a moderate temperature for 5–10 minutes in a well-ventilated area. A slight odor is normal initially; persistent burning smell indicates remaining residue or a component fault.
- Replace damaged parts: If the basket coating is peeling or plastic parts are deformed, replace the frying basket and drawer assembly. If wiring is burnt, repair with high-temperature-rated wire and terminals.
Warning: Do not ignore persistent burning smells; they can indicate serious electrical or thermal issues.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
We may earn a commission from links on this page.