Air fryers, like any other kitchen appliance, can encounter issues from time to time. One common problem many people experience with their air fryers is that they stop heating up. So how to fix the air fryer not heating up? Let’s find out.
You can do many things if your air fryer is not heating up. These include making sure that the air fryer is plugged into an outlet, the lid is closed properly, the basket is not overloaded with food, etc.
“Air fryer not heating” issues and how to fix them
There can be many reasons and hence many solutions for this problem. We have discussed them below!
1. Plug and outlet issues
One of the first things you should ensure if your air fryer isn’t heating up is that it’s plugged in on both sides (the plug into the air fryer if it has a detachable cord and the outlet) and that the outlet is working.
This may seem obvious, but it’s always worth double-checking to make sure that the air fryer is getting power. If it still doesn’t work, plug in the air fryer to another outlet to ensure that a faulty outlet is not causing the problem.
If the outlet wasn’t the issue, you might need to check the fuse or circuit breaker to see if it has tripped or if there is a problem with the wiring.
2. Damaged cord
Another issue that could be causing problems with your air fryer is a damaged cord. If the cord that supplies power to the appliance is damaged, it may prevent the air fryer from functioning properly.
This could be due to a wire break or a loose connection. Get a qualified electrician to fix the wire if you think this is the issue.
3. Thermal fuse is blown
The thermal fuse’s job is to note if the air fryer’s temperature is getting too high and blow out to prevent it from getting hotter. This way, once the thermal fuse is blown, your air fryer won’t heat up.
To see if the thermal fuse is blown, you won’t need a multimeter. Just check to see if the fuse has some blackening, or broken filament, and looks like there was a tiny explosion inside it.
You can get a replacement thermal fuse from any hardware store.
4. Basket or lid is not closed
If the air fryer is plugged in and the outlet is working, the next thing you should check is the air fryer lid.
Make sure that the lid is closed and locked properly, as an open or improperly closed lid can prevent the air fryer from heating up. If the lid is not closing properly, there may be an issue with the hinge.
5. Food stacked too high
Another cause of an air fryer not heating up is if the food inside the basket is stacked too high or too close. This can prevent the hot air from circulating and result in uneven cooking.
If you notice that the food is not cooking evenly or is taking longer than usual to cook, try arranging the food in the basket to allow more space for the hot air to circulate.
6. Air fryer settings issue
This issue may also occur if you are not using adequate settings for the air fryer. The temperature you have set may be too low, so the air fryer does not even heat up. To fix this, just restart your air fryer and set it to a higher temperature.
Additionally, some models may require you to set a timer before it starts heating for safety purposes, so be sure to check the manual to ensure you’re using your air fryer the right way.
7. Faulty thermal sensor
A thermal sensor observes how hot the air fryer gets and controls the heating element to maintain the set temperature. If there’s an issue with this sensor, the set temperature will never be attained. You’ll need to get the air fryer checked by an expert for this.
So, call customer support to resolve this issue.
8. Broken temperature switch
If your temperature switch is broken, no matter what temperature you set, the air fryer won’t heat up enough. To check, unscrew and open up your air fryer to expose the switch inside. Use a multimeter to test for continuity. If none is found, you’ll need a replacement of the temperature switch.
9. Heating element or fan issue
If you’ve checked all of the above things and the air fryer is still not heating up, there may be an issue with the heating element or fan. The heating element generates the hot air that circulates the food, and the fan helps distribute the hot air throughout the air fryer.
If either of these components is damaged in any way, it can prevent the air fryer from heating up. In this case, you may claim a warranty if your air fryer has one. If a warranty is not an option, you can reach out to the manufacturer or hire an electrician to fix it.
10. Blocked and dirty vents
The air vents are responsible for maintaining airflow and circulation inside the air fryer. Over time, food debris and dirt can get stuck in these vents if they’re not cleaned often. This can lead to disruption in the airflow, therefore causing heating issues. If the hot air can’t circulate properly, how will it cook food?
To fix this, shut the power off and turn the air fryer upside down, then examine the air vents. If they do have debris, clean them thoroughly using a sponge or a soft-bristled brush.
11. Improper maintenance
If you don’t clean your air fryer often, there are chances that the heating element will make noises or stop working at some point.
This is because grease and food from cooking splatter onto the heating element, leaving a thick layer over the surface. This will cause the heating element to not heat up properly and, therefore, not cook food evenly.
So, make sure to clean the heating element with a slightly damp napkin. Here’s a detailed guide on cleaning an air fryer heating element.
12. Bonus tip: Always check the manufacturer’s site first for troubleshooting
Finally, it’s always a good idea to consult the manufacturer’s website for troubleshooting and maintenance. They might have some instructions for fixing common issues or tips for keeping your appliance running smoothly.
Also, remember to check out the forums on their website, just in case other people have had similar problems and figured out how to fix them.
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Final thoughts on how to fix an air fryer not heating
Finally, an air fryer not heating up may have several causes, such as a faulty cord or a broken heating element. We have detailed almost all the issues that can occur so that you’ll always know what to do! If you are still unable to resolve the issue on your own, consult the manual or reach out to the manufacturer. We hope your air fryer starts working perfectly ASAP!