If your air fryer makes weird loud noise, you’re not alone — and no, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s broken. For many beginner air fryer users, strange sounds can be scary, especially when you’re not sure what’s normal and what’s not. One day it’s quietly cooking fries, and the next day it sounds like a mini jet engine in your kitchen. Unusual noises aren’t always dangerous, but you should still check important safety precautions for air fryers to rule out any risks.
The good news? In most cases, loud or unusual noises are caused by very simple issues that are easy to fix at home. To understand why noises happen at all, it helps to know how an air fryer works. Air fryers rely on powerful fans, heating elements, and airflow, so some noise is expected. The problem starts when that noise changes, gets louder, or sounds “wrong.”
In this article, we’ll break down why your air fryer is making a weird loud noise, what sounds are normal, which ones are not, and what you can do about it. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to troubleshoot the problem and when it’s time to stop using your air fryer for safety.
Is It Normal for an Air Fryer to Make Noise?
Yes — air fryers are not silent appliances. Even brand-new models make noise while running. That sound usually comes from:
- The internal fan circulating hot air
- The heating element turning on and off
- Air being pushed through vents
A steady humming or gentle whirring sound is completely normal. Because the fan runs at high speed, air fryers will always be louder than appliances like slow cookers or microwaves. However, if your air fryer suddenly becomes much louder or starts making rattling, grinding, or buzzing noises, something isn’t right.
Unusual fan or motor noises can be a warning sign that your air fryer is struggling with airflow or overheating. If the noise is followed by a sudden shutdown, this article explains why an air fryer turns off by itself and how these issues are connected.
For beginners, it’s important to learn the difference between normal operating sounds and problem sounds.
Common Weird Noises Air Fryers Make
Rattling or Vibrating Sounds
If your air fryer makes a rattling noise, the most common cause is loose parts.
This usually happens when:
- The basket isn’t fully inserted
- The tray inside the basket isn’t sitting flat
- Food is unevenly placed
Fix:
Turn off the air fryer, let it cool, and reinsert the basket firmly. Make sure the inner tray clicks into place and food isn’t stacked on one side. An uneven basket can throw off the fan’s balance and amplify vibration noise.
Loud Buzzing or Humming
A loud buzzing sound often comes from airflow issues.
Possible reasons include:
- Grease buildup blocking air vents
- Overfilled basket
- Food touching the fan area
Fix:
When airflow is restricted, the fan has to work harder, which increases noise. Clean the interior surfaces and vents regularly and avoid overloading the basket. Keeping airflow clear is essential for both quiet operation and even cooking.
Grinding or Scraping Noise
This is one of the most concerning sounds.
Grinding noises usually mean:
- Something is touching the fan
- A loose screw or part is inside
- Internal damage
Fix:
Unplug the air fryer immediately. Check for visible obstructions. If the noise continues, stop using it and contact customer support.
Air Fryer Makes Weird Loud Noise During Cooking Only
If the noise only happens when cooking certain foods, the issue may not be the appliance itself.
Common triggers include:
- Lightweight food flying around (like parchment paper)
- Fat dripping onto the heating element
- Frozen food shifting during cooking
These noises are usually temporary and stop once food settles or excess grease is removed.
Can a Dirty Air Fryer Cause Loud Noises?
Absolutely. Dirt and grease are major causes of unusual sounds.
When grease builds up:
- Airflow becomes restricted
- The fan works harder
- Noise levels increase
Regular cleaning helps prevent:
- Loud humming
- Buzzing
- Burning smells
In some cases, grease buildup near the top of the unit can affect the heating element — cleaning the air fryer heating element safely can reduce noise and improve performance.
How to Fix a Loud Air Fryer Step by Step
If your air fryer makes weird loud noise, follow these steps:
- Turn it off and unplug it
- Let it cool completely
- Remove and clean the basket and tray
- Check for loose parts
- Clean air vents and interior walls
- Reassemble and test
If the sound improves, the issue was likely airflow or placement-related.
When Loud Noise Means You Should Stop Using It
Stop using your air fryer if:
- The noise is metallic or grinding
- The sound is new and very sudden
- The air fryer vibrates aggressively
- There’s a burning smell
Continuing to use a damaged air fryer can be dangerous.
Can Cheap Air Fryers Be Louder?
In general, yes — but not always.
Lower-priced air fryers may:
- Have less sound insulation
- Use simpler fans
- Vibrate more on uneven surfaces
Tips to Prevent Loud Noises in the Future
To keep your air fryer running quietly:
- Don’t overfill the basket
- Place it on a flat, stable surface
- Clean it regularly
- Avoid loose liners or foil
- Let it cool between uses
Small airflow issues often start quietly and become louder over time if ignored. Small habits make a big difference, especially for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it normal for an air fryer to be loud?
Yes, some noise is normal. Air fryers use powerful fans to circulate hot air, so a steady humming or fan sound is expected. However, rattling, grinding, screeching, or knocking noises are not normal and usually indicate a problem.
Why does my air fryer make a rattling noise?
Rattling usually comes from loose internal parts, lightweight food moving around, or accessories not designed for your model. Using the correct accessories and cooking heavier portions can reduce this noise.
Why does my air fryer make a grinding or screeching noise?
Grinding or screeching often points to a fan or motor issue. This can happen if grease or debris gets into the fan housing or if internal bearings are wearing out. Continued use may cause further damage.
Why does my air fryer make loud noise only at high temperatures?
Higher temperatures require the fan to run faster, which increases noise. This is normal to a point, but excessive noise at high heat may indicate airflow blockage or mechanical wear.
Is it safe to use an air fryer that makes loud noises?
It depends on the noise. A consistent fan sound is safe, but metallic, grinding, or screeching noises are warning signs. Stop using the air fryer if the noise persists and inspect it for visible issues.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic, Most Noises Are Fixable
If your air fryer makes weird loud noise, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s broken. In most cases, the issue comes down to placement, airflow, or cleanliness — all things you can fix at home in minutes.
Understanding what sounds are normal helps you use your air fryer with confidence instead of stress. Regular cleaning, proper loading, and paying attention to changes in noise can extend the life of your appliance and keep your cooking safe.
Many noise problems come down to fan quality and airflow design, which is why choosing the right air fryer matters more than most people realize.
And if the noise is persistent or alarming, it’s always better to stop using the air fryer and explore safer alternatives. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or just learning the basics, the right air fryer should make cooking easier — not louder.
If constant fan noise is driving you crazy, it may be worth switching to models designed to run much more quietly.
