Diagnosis
Significant smoking, especially black smoke, is not normal steam from cooking. It's a critical warning sign of either severe food/oil residue burning inside the cooking chamber or, more seriously, an electrical or component malfunction within the appliance itself.
How to Fix It
First, act immediately for safety.
- Unplug the AF101 directly from the wall outlet. Do not just turn it off with the control panel.
- Leave it unplugged and allow all smoking to cease and the unit to cool down completely. This can take 30-60 minutes.
- Once cool, thoroughly inspect the interior. Remove the basket and crisper plate. Look for large chunks of burnt food, excessive grease pooling, or oil that has dripped down onto the heating element at the top of the chamber.
- Clean all removable parts and the interior with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Dry completely. For the heating element, use a dry, soft brush to gently dislodge any debris—do not use water or cleaners on it directly.
If That Didn't Work
If smoking persists after a meticulous cleaning, or if you see any visible damage, melting, or burnt wires, the internal components are likely faulty. Do not attempt to disassemble or repair the unit yourself. Discontinue use and contact SharkNinja Customer Service directly for support, as your AF101 may require professional examination, repair, or replacement under its warranty.
Heads Up
To prevent smoking, avoid overfilling the basket, clean grease and debris after every use, and never add liquid oil directly to food in the basket—use cooking spray sparingly or toss food with a small amount of oil in a separate bowl. Ensure the rear air intake vent and top exhaust vent are never blocked during operation.