Insignia Air Fryer Recall: Fire Risk Prompts Return of Nearly 800,000 Units

Insignia Air Fryer Recall: What You Need to Know

In February 2023, Best Buy announced a voluntary recall of around 772,000 Insignia brand air fryers and air fryer ovens in the U.S. and Canada due to fire hazard concerns. This recall impacts certain Insignia digital air fryers, analog air fryers and digital air fryer ovens sold between November 2018 and February 2023.

What Air Fryer Models Are Being Recalled?

The specific models included in the Insignia air fryer recall are:

• Insignia Digital Air Fryers: NS-AF32DBK9, NS-AF32MBK9, NS-AF50MBK9, NS-AF53DSS0, NS-AF53MSS0, NS-AF55DBK9, NS-AFO6DBK1 and NS-AFO6DSS1
• Insignia Analog Air Fryers: NS-AF32MBK9, NS-AF50MBK9, NS-AF53MSS0, NS-AF55DBK9, NS-AFO6DBK1 and NS-AFO6DSS1
• Insignia Digital Air Fryer Ovens: NS-AFO6DSS1, NS-AFO6DBK1, NS-AF32DBK9, NS-AF32MBK9, NS-AF50MBK9, NS-AF53DSS0, NS-AF53MSS0, NS-AF55DBK9, NS-AFO6DSS1 and NS-AFO6DBK1

Why Are Insignia Air Fryers Being Recalled?

The recall was issued due to concerns that the air fryers can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) stated they have received more than 100 reports from U.S. and Canada consumers saying their Insignia air fryers caught fire, burned or melted.

This includes seven reports of minor property damage and two reports of injuries, including an injury to a childs leg. The source of the overheating issue has not been confirmed but appears to be related to the air fryers components overheating during use.

Insignia Air Fryer Recall Details

Best Buy has stopped selling the recalled Insignia air fryer models. Anyone who purchased one of these air fryers should immediately stop using it and return it to Best Buy for a refund in the form of a credit of $50 or the amount on the purchase receipt, whichever is higher.

You can contact Best Buy at 800-566-7498 or visit their recall website for more information. Best Buy is working to notify all known purchasers directly.

The CPSC is also urging consumers not to purchase or sell any of the recalled Insignia air fryers. Attempting to use them poses serious fire and burn risks.

How Air Fryers Work

Air fryers have grown tremendously in popularity in recent years as a perceived healthier alternative to traditional deep frying. But how exactly does air frying work?

Circulation of Hot Air

Air fryers use a heating element and powerful fan to circulate extremely hot air around food at high speed. This allows the food to cook and get crispy using little to no oil.

The combination of heat from the element and air flow essentially mimics the results of deep frying. The rapid air circulation cooks food like french fries, chicken wings, and veggies by surrounding them with blistering heat.

Rapid Airflow For Crispiness

Air fryers produce a convection effect using a mechanical fan and grille openings. The fast-moving hot air is able to quickly penetrate foods from all sides for quick, even cooking.

Foods end up with a crispy fried texture without being submerged in pools of oil like traditional fryers. The intense heat from the element and constant airflow gives that delicious crunch.

Smaller Footprint Than Ovens

Air fryers provide a similar cooking method as convection ovens but in a more compact appliance. Their smaller footprint, bowl-style design and rapid internal fan allow air frying to be done quickly.

The bowl shape and vertically stacked design means hot air swirls around the food easily. Smaller batches of food can cook fast with the direct exposure to heat and airflow.

Tips for Safely Using Your Air Fryer

When used properly, air fryers can be a safe, convenient cooking appliance. But as the Insignia recall demonstrated, they also pose risks if not used with care. Here are tips to safely enjoy your air fryer.

Read the Manual

Be sure to thoroughly read the instruction manual before first use. Follow any guidance on recommended cook times, heat settings, and maximum capacities. Don't overload the basket.

Give It Space

Air fryers get extremely hot. Always place them on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from anything flammable. Leave several inches of space all around the fryer.

Don't Leave It Unattended

Never leave your air fryer alone when in use. Stay in the kitchen to monitor it. Promptly remove cooked food to avoid overheating or fire risks.

Clean Regularly

Grease buildup and food debris in the fryer basket can pose fire hazards. Unplug and fully clean the appliance after each use. Follow all cleaning instructions.

Check for Damage

Inspect your air fryer for any signs of damage before using, like frayed cords or cracked parts. Don't operate it if it is damaged or malfunctioning in any way.

Monitor While Cooking

Listen and watch for any odd noises, smells or smoke coming from the appliance. Unplug immediately if you notice any potential signs of overheating or component failure.

Exercising proper caution goes a long way to prevent accidents and injuries when cooking with an air fryer.

Alternatives to Air Frying

Given the risks posed by air fryers, you may want to consider some alternative cooking methods. Here are a few ways to get crispy, fried results safely:

Traditional Oven

Using your home oven with convection settings can mimic air frying. Place food on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow air circulation. Cook at a high temp (400F+) and flip halfway.

Toaster Oven

A toaster oven with a built-in convection fan offers an air fryer-like experience in a small appliance. Use the convection mode at max temperature and cook in short 5 minute increments.

Grilling

During warmer months, firing up the grill is a safer bet than frying indoors. Grill veggies, meats and other items on a hot, lightly oiled grate for crispiness.

Pan Frying

Reduce oil for frying in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add just a tablespoon or two of oil to get a crisp outer layer on foods. Flip/rotate for even browning.

Baking

For fried chicken, fish sticks, potato wedges and more, bake on a parchment lined sheet at 425F, flipping once. The direct heat from below crisps the exterior.

Rethink going for deep fried flavors by trying these simple, safer cooking techniques that avoid air fryer risks.

Warning Signs of an Unsafe Air Fryer

If you choose to keep using an air fryer, be vigilant about signs it may be hazardous. Stop using any air fryer displaying these issues:

Excessive Smoke

Some wisps of smoke or steam are normal during air frying. But if you see large plumes or have to open windows, that signals overheating issues.

Burning Smells

Pay attention for any odor like burning plastic or electrical components. This likely means inner parts are melting or degrading.

Odd Noises

Listen for unusual sounds like sputtering, crackling or buzzing which could precede failure. Loud rattling could mean a fan blade is damaged.

Excessive Vibration

If your unit is shaking, rocking or "walking", components are loose or unbalanced. This puts strain on parts prone to overheating when used this way.

Melting or Sparking

Signs of melting plastic or sparks inside the fryer point to parts overheating. Unplug and discontinue use immediately in these cases.

Faulty Display Panel

If display readings seem erratic or controls aren't working right, internal electrical problems likely exist. Don't rely on damaged electronics.

Being aware of these red flags can help you avoid catastrophe and know when it's time to replace an aging, unsafe air fryer.

Product Recalls: An Important Form of Consumer Protection

The Insignia air fryer situation offers a prime example of how product recalls protect consumers when risks are identified.

Process for Initiation

Recalls may be initiated by the manufacturer, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or both jointly. Hundreds of reports of problems triggers closer investigation.

Removing Hazardous Products

Once a product is recalled, the goal is getting all impacted units out of consumer hands as quickly as possible. Continued use poses safety hazards.

Raising Awareness

Widespread publicity, media alerts, email notifications and more are used to inform owners about recalls. Making people aware is critical.

Providing Refunds or Replacements

Companies usually offer refunds, repairs or replacement products for recalled items. Consumers are advised to stop using the product until it is fixed.

Preventing Injuries and Damage

Prompt action prevents further injuries or property damage. Analysis of problems helps improve product design and safety going forward.

Ongoing monitoring and manufacturer accountability provides protection when hazards arise after sale.

What to Do If You Experience an Air Fryer Fire

If you notice your air fryer overheating, smoking or catching fire, act quickly:

Unplug Immediately

If possible, wear oven mitts while carefully unplugging the air fryer. This will cut power to stop the fire from worsening.

Smother the Fire

For small grease fires inside the fryer, place a tight fitting lid over the basket. This smothers the flames by limiting oxygen.

Baking Soda

For an electrical fire, try throwing baking soda on the flames. The sodium bicarbonate releases carbon dioxide to smother the blaze.

Fire Extinguisher

Use a multi-purpose dry chemical extinguisher to douse electrical or grease fires. Pull the pin, aim nozzle at base of fire, and sweep across it.

Don't Use Water

Never throw water on an air fryer fire! This can cause hot oil or electrical sparks to splatter and spread the flames.

Call 911

If fire grows out of control, evacuate your home and call emergency responders immediately. Do not risk injury trying to extinguish it yourself.

Knowing how to safely handle air fryer fires prevents burns and further property damage.

Insignia Air Fryer Recall Highlights Need for Diligence

The sizable Insignia recall serves as a reminder to exercise great care when using air fryers and all appliances. A few key lessons:

Research Before Buying

Check for any safety notices or recalls on an appliance model before purchasing. Select reputable brands with trusted track records.

Register Your Product

Sign up at ProductSafety.gov to be notified directly in the event of a future recall on any appliance, electronics, furniture or other product types.

Learn Safe Usage

Thoroughly read instruction manuals and understand proper capacity, placement, settings and more before using a new appliance.

Monitor While Operating

Stay vigilant for odd noises, smells, smoke or other red flags that something is amiss while appliances are running.

Report Problems

Promptly inform the manufacturer and CPSC if any concerning incidents occur so hazards can be addressed.

Staying informed and attentive prevents accidents - and drives improvement in product safety.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.