More Than 300,000 Air Fryers Recalled Over Potential Hazard

Recalled PowerXL model DUAF-10 Air Fryer in a file photo. United States Consumer Product Safety Commission

More than 300,000 air fryers sold at Walmart, Target, and multiple other stores across the United States are being recalled owing to a potential burn hazard to customers, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced.

The federal agency issued the recall of two Empower Brands dual basket air fryer models on Dec. 14 after officials discovered that a plastic connector used to optionally combine the two food baskets inside the air fryers can break and pose a burn risk.

According to the CPSC, the recall impacts approximately 319,000 of the PowerXL DUAF-10 and DUAF-005 Vortex Dual-Basket models of the air fryers, both of which were sold in black or cinnamon colors at Target, Walmart, Kohls, and other stores nationwide from August 2021 through October 2023 for between $60 and $190, depending on the model.

The recalled air fryers—which work similarly to a convection oven and have a fan to circulate hot air around—were also available to purchase online at those stores and others.

According to the CPSC, the recalled items were originally manufactured in China.

“The 10-quart DUAF-10 model is about 17 inches long by 16 inches wide by 12 1/2 inches tall, and weighs about 14 1/2 pounds,” the CPSC said. “The 9-quart DUAF-005 model is about 14 inches long by 13 inches wide by 15 inches tall, and weighs about 14 pounds.”

Both of the models have a silver label on the front that says “PowerXL.”

Reports of Burns

Individuals who purchased the air fryers will find a white label on the bottom of each unit or on the unit’s power cord that lists the model number.

The UPC codes can also be found at the boom of each unit, according to Empower Brands.

Customers are advised to immediately stop using the recalled items and contact Empower Brands to receive a full refund.

Wisconsin-headquartered Empower Brands has so far received 41 reports of the product breaking during use, including three reports of burns.

A recall notice on PowerXL’s website describes Empower Brands as a “leading provider of home essentials.”

“We take pride in providing our valued customers high-quality products that are safe for their intended use,” the notice states. “We stand behind our products, appreciate the trust our customers put in us, and sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause.”

Some of the recalled Cosori air fryers. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Other Air Fryer Recalls

Earlier this year, roughly 2 million Cosori air fryers were subject to a recall because they posed a potential fire risk.

At the time of that recall, the CPSC said it had received 205 reports of the air fryers catching fire, burning, melting, overheating, and smoking, including 10 reports of minor, superficial burn injuries and 23 reports of minor property damage.

In a statement at the time, Cosori said that a thorough investigation had concluded that the fire risk occurred in “extremely rare circumstances,” owing to the closed-end crimp connectors within the recalled air fryers.

Last year, thousands of other air fryers were recalled after reports they were fire hazards, including 12,000 Magic Chef Air Fryers owing to potential overheating, and roughly 700,000 Insignia air fryers and air fryer ovens following reports of the products catching on fire, melting, and causing injuries.

Regarding the Dec. 14 recall, a spokesperson for Target told ABC News that the models would be removed from shelves.

“At Target, we’re committed to providing high-quality and safe products for our guests. Following a national recall initiated by Empower Brands, Target is removing all PowerXL™ DUAF-10 and DUAF-005 Vortex Dual-Basket Air Fryers from our stores and online,” the spokesperson said.

The Epoch Times has contacted Walmart and Kohls for further comment.