Why Is My Air Fryer Smoking? (And What to Do About It)

If you’ve ever been halfway through cooking a meal and spotted a puff of smoke coming from your air fryer - don’t panic! You’re definitely not alone in wondering 'why is my air fryer smoking'!

Unexpected smoke (or what looks like smoke) is one of the most common air fryer mysteries. The good news? An air fryer that's smoking is almost always easy to fix - and even easier to prevent next time.

What causes an air fryer to smoke?

Let’s take a look at what could be causing the issue.

Sometimes, It’s Not Smoke - It’s Steam

Before you worry about smoke alarms, let’s clear up one big misconception: sometimes that ‘smoke’ isn’t smoke at all - it’s steam!

Foods with a lot of water - like fresh vegetables, marinated meats, or frozen foods such as French fries - release steam as they cook. When the hot air inside your air fryer hits that moisture, you’ll see little wisps that can look a lot like smoke.

How to tell the difference between air fryer steam and smoke:

Steam tends to be light, quick to disappear, and often odorless. Smoke is usually thicker and comes with a noticeable burnt or oily smell.

So if you’re cooking veggies or a batch of fries straight from the freezer and see some misty clouds - that’s completely normal.

Excess Oil or Fat Dripping into the Basket

If you’re cooking something fatty (like sausages, bacon, or chicken wings), the grease can drip or splatter. When that hot oil hits the heating element, of your air fryer it can start to smoke.

The fix:
There’s a few things you can do to prevent this kind of air fryer smoking.
Avoid overloading the basket — more airflow means less splattering.

Wipe out grease between batches if you’re cooking more than one round.

Place a small piece of bread or a little water (just a tablespoon or two) in the bottom of the basket drawer to catch the fat.

There’s Old Grease or Food Residue

If your air fryer is smoking even when you’re not cooking oily food, it might just need a clean. Bits of food or leftover oil stuck on the heating element or basket can start to burn the next time you cook.

The fix:
Unplug your air fryer and let it cool completely.

Wash the basket and tray with warm soapy water.

Wipe the heating element gently with a soft, damp cloth once cooled.

Regular cleaning not only keeps smoke away - it also keeps your food tasting fresh and your kitchen smelling fresh.

Using Too Much Oil

Air fryers don’t need much oil - that’s part of their charm! But if you’ve been a bit heavy-handed with the sprayer or tossed your veggies in too much, excess oil can splatter and cause light smoke.

The fix:
Use an oil mister or brush to lightly coat food.

Avoid aerosol sprays (like PAM) that contain propellants - they can damage the coating and create more residue.

Cooking High-Fat Foods at High Temperatures

Cooking high-fat meats at very high temps (think 400°F / 200°C) can cause more grease splatter - and therefore more smoke.

The fix:
Lower the temperature slightly (try 360°F / 180°C).

Line the bottom drawer with a little parchment or foil (check your model’s instructions first).

Or start the food at a lower temperature, then crank it up at the end for crisping.

Wrong Liner or Accessory

If you’re using a paper liner that isn’t designed for air fryers - or it’s placed incorrectly - it might blow around and touch the heating element, creating smoke or even burning.

The fix:
Only use air fryer-safe liners made to handle high heat.
Never preheat your air fryer with a liner inside (unless it’s weighed down by food).

Overcrowding the Basket

When there’s too much food in the basket, the air can’t circulate properly. That means uneven cooking - and sometimes trapped oil or food bits that start to burn.

The fix:
Cook in batches for even airflow.

Shake the basket halfway through cooking to prevent build-up.

Air Fryer Smoking - When to Worry (and When Not To)

Most of the time, a little smoke (or steam!) is totally normal and harmless. But if your air fryer starts billowing thick smoke, smells like something’s burning, or the food looks scorched - turn it off, unplug it, and let it cool before checking inside.

If you notice ongoing smoke even when it’s clean and empty, it’s worth contacting the manufacturer for support.

Safety Note: What to Do If Your Air Fryer Catches Fire

If there’s even a small chance your air fryer has caught on fire, act quickly to keep yourself and your home safe. Stay calm, don’t try to open the appliance, and follow these steps:

1. Unplug the air fryer immediately - but only if it’s safe to reach.
2. Turn off the power at the wall or circuit breaker if needed.
3. Never pour water on an electrical fire - it can cause you to be electrocuted or make the fire worse.
4. Use a fire blanket, Class C or ABC fire extinguisher (suitable for electrical fires) to smother the flames.
5. If you don’t have one, baking soda can help put out small flames (but never flour or sugar). Only use this method if the fire is very small.
6. Evacuate and call emergency services if the fire doesn’t go out quickly or smoke is heavy.
7. Once it’s safe, don’t reuse the air fryer - contact the manufacturer or dispose of it properly.

Find out more about home fire safety.