If home safety and preventing electrical fires are priorities for you, there’s one popular  kitchen gadget you should always remember to unplug before heading to bed: the air fryer—and in some situations, the  toaster oven too.

Though these appliances are beloved for their speed and convenience in cooking, they come with hidden dangers that can pose serious fire risks, even when not actively in use.

Why Air Fryers and Toaster Ovens May Be Unsafe to Leave Plugged In

Experts in electrical safety, along with a rise in reported incidents, warn that appliances like air fryers and toaster ovens can overheat internally, experience short circuits, or even ignite unexpectedly due to several factors:

• Subpar wiring or defective parts
• Electrical surges or unstable voltage
• Aging components in older units
• Overloaded or outdated power outlets
• Kitchen remodeling

  

Even when switched off, these appliances can continue pulling what’s known as phantom power, increasing the likelihood of an electrical fault if plugged in for long durations.