PSA: My air fryer started smoking like crazy from a simple mistake

I was in my kitchen in Denver last Tuesday, trying to make a quick batch of frozen potato wedges. I preheated my Cosori air fryer to 400 degrees, threw the wedges in the basket, and walked away for a minute. That's when I saw thick, gray smoke pouring out the back. I ran over and pulled the plug. Turns out, I had left a tiny piece of parchment paper from my last cook tucked under the basket, and it got sucked up against the heating element. The whole thing smelled like burnt plastic for hours. I had to take the basket and drawer outside to air out. In my experience, you really have to double-check that the basket is totally clear before you start. Has anyone else had a close call with something small causing a big smoke problem?

2 comments

2 Comments

sanchez.sean5d ago

Oh man, that's totally something I would do. My own air fryer has seen some things because I never check the basket first. I'm just lucky it hasn't staged a full rebellion with smoke yet.

john_sullivan24d ago

Ever try setting a phone timer for the preheat? I started doing that after I almost burned some forgotten fries to a crisp. It beeps right when the air fryer is hot, so I have to open it and put food in. Forces me to check the basket every single time. Took a few weeks to make it a habit, but now my kitchen doesn't smell like regret.