Fixing device and image forming apparatus

A fixing device for fixing resin particles softened by applying a foam fixer thereon to a recording medium, the fixing device comprising:

• a foam fixer generator unit configured to introduce air bubbles into a liquid fixer containing a softener for softening the resin particles by dissolving or swelling a part of the resin particles to generate the foam fixer;
• a fixer application member configured to be brought into contact with a facing member facing the fixer application member to form an application nip therebetween, and transfer the foam fixer generated by the foam fixer generator unit to the application nip by moving a surface thereof while carrying the foam fixer on the surface thereof to apply the foam fixer to a surface of the recording medium carrying the resin particles or a surface of a resin particle carrying member carrying the resin particles at the application nip;
• and
• a foam accumulation detector unit configured to detect a foam accumulation formed of the foam fixer accumulated at an entrance side of the application nip.