There's a Massive Air Fryer Recall Due to Fire Risk (2024)

• Nearly 2 million air fryers made by Cosori, sold between 2018 and 2022, are being voluntarily recalled after an internal investigation revealed an electrical malfunction may pose serious safety risks.
  
• The air fryers, which were sold online by Amazon and through retailers like Best Buy and Home Depot, may overheat, melt, catch fire and smoke, the manufacturer reports.
• The impacted air fryers, available in two different sizes and five distinct colors, can be identified using printed model numbers and exchanged for a free replacement.

Around 2 million air fryers have been voluntarily recalled after manufacturers at Cosori discovered they may pose a fire risk.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that affected consumers need to "immediately stop" using the appliances in question, which were widely available and sold between June 2018 and December 2022 both in stores and online in the U.S. as well as in Canada and Mexico.

In a statement to the CPSC, Cosori explained that their own investigation turned up a potential defect in the electrical wiring of the appliances, resulting in potential fire and injury risks.

"We determined that in extremely rare circ*mstances, the closed-end crimp connectors within the recalled air fryers – which are responsible for establishing electrical connections between certain wires – can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards," the manufacturer shared with customers.

It's unclear at this time if the malfunction occurs when the appliance is in use or when it is plugged in alone. But CPSC has shared that more than 205 households have lodged complaints of the air fryers "catching fire, burning, melting, overheating and smoking." And more than 10 people have reported "minor, superficial burn injuries" as a result, alongside 23 incidents of property damage caused by malfunctioning air fryers.

The air fryers, which were priced between $70 and $130, were made in two different sizes; a 3.7-quart unit as well as a 5.8-quart basket. They were sold in different colors and finishes, including black, gray, white, blue and red. Cosori released a full list of impacted model numbers, which can be easily identified on the bottom of the air fryer itself. We're highlighting that list below.

The easiest way to determine if your air fryer has been recalled is to check the model's number as well as the product's batch number, both of which are printed on or near the manufacturer's label on the bottom of the appliance.

Recalled units include 3.7-quart and 5.8-quart air fryers made in five different colors. You can find pictures of each of the recalled units on Cosori's recall website.

These are the model numbers included in this recall:

• CP158-AF
• CP158-AF-R19
• CP158-AF-RXW
• CP158-AF-RXR
• CAF-P581-BUSR
• CAF-P581-AUSR
• CAF-P581-RUSR
• CP137-AF
• CP137-AF-RXB
• CP137-AF-RXR
• CP137-AF-RXW
• CS158-AF
• CS158-AF-RXB
• CS158-AF-R19
• CAF-P581S-BUSR
• CAF-P581S-RUSR
• CAF-P581S-AUSR
• CO137-AF
• CO158-AF
• CO158-AF-RXB
• CP258-AF

Cosori is asking impacted customers to take 3 photos of the appliance, its model number as well as the product's batch number — which may be etched into the plastic exterior near the manufacturer's label — to qualify for a free replacement. You'll need to submit your information and photos using Cosori's recall registration form, and work with the brand to select a replacement unit.

Customers aren't eligible for a full cash refund from Cosori, and shouldn't bring their units back to the point of purchase for compensation. The brand says it will honor requests for another product if asked. "You can choose from a selection of other Cosori products, depending on the model of your air fryer," the website reads.

Impacted individuals should expect their replacement within 8 weeks shipped free to their home address, and can monitor their replacement request online. "If you choose a different Cosori replacement product, Cosori will ship it as soon as inventory is available (currently a wait time of 8+ weeks)," the company says.

"Cosori is committed to the safety of those who use and love our products, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience," the company shared.

Nicole Papantoniou, the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab Director, says home cooks should take special care to minimize risks when using air fryers. "Never leave your air fryer unattended during cooking, always unplug it when it's not in use, and keep it away from other appliances as well as other delicate surfaces in your kitchen, including walls," she advises.

Air fryers that aren't regularly cleaned and properly used may pose smoking risks in your kitchen, too. A bit of smoke or condensation from an air fryer's vent may be expected depending on the recipe you're cooking. "It's easy for an air fryer to smoke if you cook fatty foods that splatter, and then don't work to keep your air fryer clean," she adds.

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