BESTTOPAIRFRYER

Why Is My Air Fryer Smoking? Causes and Fixes

By the BestTopAirFryer editorial teamUpdated July 21, 2026How we review →

Most of the time an air fryer smokes because grease has built up inside it, or because fatty food is dripping onto the hot heating element. Less often it’s leftover manufacturing residue on a brand new unit, or food or foil touching the element. The good news is that almost every cause is easy to fix, and none of the common ones mean the appliance is broken.

Most likely causes

1. Built-up grease. Old grease on the element or basket burns and smokes when the air fryer heats up. This is the single most common reason. Fix it with a proper clean, including the element, once it’s cool. See how to clean an air fryer.

2. High-fat foods dripping. Bacon, sausages, wings and burgers release fat that drips onto the element and smokes. Fix it by adding a little water to the drawer under the basket so the drippings land in water instead of on the hot metal, and don’t overfill.

3. A brand-new air fryer. A new unit can give off a light smell or wisp of smoke as manufacturing oils burn off. Run it empty for a few minutes first and it should clear.

4. Food or foil touching the element. Tall food or loose foil that lifts in the airflow can hit the element and scorch. Keep food below the max line and make sure any foil is weighed down.

How to stop the smoke safely

  1. Unplug it and let it cool if it’s smoking heavily.
  2. Check for grease on the element and basket, and clean it.
  3. For fatty foods, add a tablespoon or two of water to the drawer.
  4. Don’t overcrowd the basket, and keep food away from the element.

If a cool, clean air fryer still smokes with no food in it, stop using it and contact the manufacturer.

Is a little smoke normal? A faint wisp with very fatty foods can happen, but steady or heavy smoke means grease or dripping fat that you should address.

Does adding water damage the air fryer? No, adding a little water to the drawer beneath the basket is a common trick for fatty foods and won’t harm the unit.

Keep it running clean with our air fryer cleaning guide, and for everyday tips see how to use an air fryer.