Fried

The efficiency and convenience of a relatively new small appliance may not outweigh the potential hazards it poses. First invented in 2010, air fryers have hit the market as a popular item for weekly meal preparations in kitchens across the US and Canada. In addition, consumers have enjoyed the healthier benefits to air frying their food over cooking in oil. Allegedly, consumers may intake fewer calories and fat. The potential downside to cooking with an air fryer is the possibility for the appliance to overheat and cause burn and fire risks.

While most air fryer brands have been considered safe, on April 21, Best Buy issued a recall for the Insignia Air Fryers and Air Fryer Ovens. Consumers who have purchased the Insignia Digital Air Fryers, Insignia Analog Air Fryers, or Insignia Digital Air Fryer Ovens, model numbers NS-AF32DBK9, NS-AF32MBK9, NS-AF50MBK9, NS-AF53DSS0, NS-AF53MSS0, NS-AF55DBK9, NS-AFO6DBK1 and NS-AFO6DSS1 are encouraged to immediately stop using the product. Further steps include either registering online or contacting Best Buy by phone to initiate the return process, which includes a pre-paid shipping box and return label. Between November 2018 and February 2022, consumers purchased the air fryers that have been reported as hazardous.

The recall was issued in response to 68 accounts of burning, melting, and fire in the US and 36 similar reports from consumers in Canada. Seven of the complaints have cited minor property damage and two include instances of personal injury. A child sustained one of the injuries to the leg. About 635,000 units have been recalled. The cost of the items range from $30 to $150, and the refund may be paid to consumers in the form of a credit for future use at Best Buy stores or online. In order to receive the guaranteed $50 credit, impacted consumers are not required to show proof of purchase, but may receive a higher refund if a receipt is provided.