Once hailed as the ultimate modern kitchen companion, the air fryer has become a source of serious concern after over three million units were recalled globally due to safety risks, including overheating, fires, and product failures.
Leading brands such as Insignia, Magic Chef, Cosori, Secura, and Empower are facing mounting scrutiny following multiple reports of units bursting into flames, melting, or shattering mid-use.
The recalls follow a surge in global safety complaints, with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission issuing repeated warnings and maintaining a list of affected models.
Pulled from shelves
One of the largest recalls involved 280 000 Insignia air fryers, pulled from shelves after consumers reported dangerous flames emanating from the machines.
Magic Chef also recalled over 11 700 units due to defective components prone to overheating.
The UK-based Tower Air Fryer brand has also been affected, with recalls issued for models that pose a fire risk due to non-compliance with electrical safety regulations.
Common defects include faulty wiring, melting plastic components, and spontaneously shattering glass panels.
Some users claim devices sparked or began smoking with no warning – sometimes during their first use.
Analysts attribute the spike in recalls to a lack of quality control amid the rapid expansion of the air fryer market, fueled by lockdown demand and viral online recipes.
Consumers are strongly advised to check their model and serial numbers against official recall lists and to discontinue use immediately if their appliance is among the affected units.
As investigations continue, experts warn that the air fryer – once considered a miracle device – may now pose more risk than reward.
Do you own an air fryer? If so, have you ever experienced any problems with it?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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