Best Buy recalls 772,000 air fryers after fire and burning reports

There have been more than 100 incidents involving the retailer’s Insignia brand, the CPSC says

Best Buy has issued a recall for its Insignia air fryers amid reports they can burn, melt or catch fire. (Matt Rourke/AP)

Best Buy is recalling 772,000 air fryers and air fryer ovens in the United States and Canada after more than 100 reports of them burning, melting or catching fire, safety regulators announced.

The 104 incidents involving the retailer’s Insignia brand included seven reports of minor property damage and two injuries, including to a child’s leg, according to a notice Thursday from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Air fryers, which can be used to quickly cook food without the preheating time of an oven or the oily mess that can come from traditional frying, have grown in popularity in recent years. Britain-based Market Research reported the global market for air fryers is expected to reach $1.3 billion by 2027.

The CPSC advised customers to immediately stop using the devices and return them to Best Buy for a refund, which is to be offered in the form of a $50 credit. The fryers, which are manufactured in China, retail from $30 to $150 depending on the model.

A Best Buy spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.

The air fryers covered by the recall have the model numbers NS-AF32DBK9, NS-AF32MBK9, NS-AF50MBK9, NS-AF53DSS0, NS-AF53MSS0, NS-AF55DBK9, NS-AFO6DBK1 and NS-AFO6DSS1.

Qualifying consumers can register for a refund online.