December 18, 2025 – A serious safety concern has been raised regarding multiple Ninja AF161 air fryers, with reports indicating a critical defect where the appliance fails to shut off when the cooking basket is removed. This oversight can lead to a significant fire hazard, as the heating element and fan continue to operate, potentially igniting flammable materials. The manufacturer, SharkNinja Operating LLC, has reportedly confirmed the defect.
Product Details
Incident Overview
An incident report filed on November 20, 2025, details a severe safety flaw affecting several Ninja AF161 air fryers. According to the report, numerous units were sold missing a fundamental safety feature designed to automatically power down the machine when the cooking basket is removed. Instead, the fan and heating element continue to run, creating a hazardous situation where paper or other combustible materials could be blown into the active machine, leading to a fire or personal injury.
The individual who filed the report claims to have encountered this defect in three different machines, stating that the defect appeared to be visually discernable. Disturbingly, none of the owners were aware their machines lacked this crucial safety mechanism since their purchase. All affected households reportedly included either elderly individuals or small children, populations particularly vulnerable to household accidents. Upon contacting Ninja, the manufacturer allegedly confirmed the defect. However, the report also notes an ethical concern regarding the proposed replacement process, where the cost to replace the defective unit was reportedly quoted as more than the price of a brand-new machine. This raises questions about whether the manufacturer was aware of the defect and potentially sold dangerous units.
Safety Concerns
The described defect in the Ninja AF161 air fryers poses significant and immediate safety risks:
- Immediate Fire Hazard: With the heating element remaining engaged while the basket is removed, any combustible materials (such as parchment paper, napkins, or other debris) that are inadvertently blown into the hot appliance by the running fan could instantly ignite, leading to a kitchen fire.
- Burn and Injury Risk: The continuous operation of the heating element means the interior of the air fryer remains extremely hot. Unsuspecting users, particularly children or the elderly, could suffer severe contact burns if they reach into the machine, unaware it is still active.
- Property Damage Potential: A fire originating from the defective air fryer could quickly spread, causing extensive damage to kitchen cabinetry, countertops, and potentially the entire home.
- Vulnerable Populations at Risk: The report highlights that affected households included elderly individuals and small children. These groups may be less likely to recognize the hazard or react quickly in an emergency, increasing their risk of injury or death. The absence of an expected safety feature creates a false sense of security.
- Inhalation Hazards: Fires can produce toxic smoke and fumes, posing a severe risk of smoke inhalation injuries and respiratory issues.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Ninja AF161 air fryer, it is crucial to take immediate action to ensure your safety:
- Stop Using Immediately: If you suspect your air fryer may have this defect, discontinue use immediately until you can verify its safety.
- Check Your Machine: Carefully test your Ninja AF161 air fryer. With the air fryer running, gently remove the cooking basket. The machine should immediately shut off. If the fan continues to run and the heating element remains engaged (you may hear it or feel residual heat), your unit is likely defective.
- Contact the Manufacturer: Reach out to SharkNinja Operating LLC directly to report the defect and inquire about a safe replacement or refund. Document all communications, including dates, times, and the names of representatives you speak with.
- Report the Incident: File a detailed incident report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Your report helps identify dangerous products and can prompt recalls or safety improvements.
- Prevention: Always supervise appliances during operation. Ensure no combustible materials are near the air fryer while it is in use. If your unit is confirmed defective, unplug it immediately.
Manufacturer’s Response
SharkNinja Operating LLC reportedly confirmed the existence of this defect when contacted by the individual who filed the incident report. However, the report indicates concerns regarding the proposed solution, stating that the cost offered for a replacement machine was reportedly more expensive than purchasing a brand-new unit. Consumers are advised to press for a full and free replacement for confirmed defective units.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.