Updated 11 August 2026 · Written by Daniel Wright
An air fryer usually smokes because of grease, either fat dripping from fatty foods onto the hot heating element, or old grease and food residue left in the basket and drawer. High-fat foods like bacon and burgers are common culprits. Cleaning the air fryer and adding a little water to the drawer to catch dripping fat usually stops the smoke.
Air fryers smoke from grease: fatty foods dripping on the element, or old residue. Clean it and add water under the basket.
Common Causes
- Fat dripping from fatty foods, like bacon or burgers, onto the hot element.
- Built-up grease and food residue from previous cooks.
- Too much oil sprayed on the food.
- Loose crumbs or bits stuck near the heating element.
How to Stop It
Pour a little water into the drawer beneath the basket when cooking fatty foods, so dripping grease lands in water instead of on the element. Clean the basket and drawer after each use, and wipe the element when cool. Use less oil, and avoid aerosol sprays. For a full routine, see how to clean an air fryer. A model with a non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket from the best air fryers makes this easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for an air fryer to smoke?
A little steam is normal, but real smoke usually means grease is burning on the element. Add water under the basket for fatty foods and keep the air fryer clean.
How do you stop an air fryer from smoking?
Add a little water to the drawer to catch dripping fat, clean off built-up grease, use less oil, and remove loose crumbs near the heating element.
