Has Your Air Fryer Stopped Working?
If I had to pick my favorite kitchen appliance, it’s my air fryer. I absolutely love it! When my air fryer stopped working a few months back, I was pulling out my hair out. I use it for everything and anything. It’s easy to fix food, it’s easier to clean and the thing I love the most is that the cooking is even! The exact opposite of my open or a kitchen top burner.
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that helps you cook healthier meals faster and with less oil. However, even the best of us have days where things just don’t go according to plan. You might come home from work one day to find your trusty companion has stopped working.
Not Working? So Annoying!
This can be annoying, especially if you’re in the process of making a new recipe or are famished after a long day at work. Fortunately, there are ways to troubleshoot your air fryer so that it works as well as it did when you first bought it.
In this guide, we will share some helpful tips on how to fix an air fryer that doesn’t work. The most annoying thing ever is when you get to your kitchen and realize the air fryer stopped working.
Check the Cord
The first thing you should check when your air fryer stops working is the cord. If the cord is damaged, you’ll be able to tell right away. If the cord has a crack in it, or if it looks worn out, it might not be safe to use. When in doubt, throw it out and get a new one. Worn out cords can be a fire hazard, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. If the cord looks okay but your air fryer still doesn’t turn on, there are a few other things you can check.
Check the Temperature Setting
If your air fryer is not heating up when you use the temperature setting, this is a good sign that something is wrong. Air fryers have a heating element that makes use of hot air to cook food. This hot air is then circulated around the food by a fan. If the temperature setting is on high but the food is not getting cooked, there’s a good chance the heating element is broken.
If the temperature setting is set on low, but the food is getting too hot, the heating element may be set too high. To fix the temperature setting, you can either adjust the setting on the control panel or unplug the unit and remove the control panel. You’ll notice a small dial knob on the underside of the control panel. This knob is the thermostat, with low on the left and high on the right. You can turn the knob to adjust the temperature setting.
Is the Basket Clogged
If the heating element is functioning properly and you’ve adjusted the temperature setting, the next thing to investigate is the food basket. If you’re not sure how to use an air fryer, you might not realize that food can get clogged in the basket. This is especially true if you’re cooking foods like wings or chicken breasts.
When food gets clogged in the basket, it prevents air from circulating around the food. This makes it hard to get food cooked thoroughly. You can fix this by unplugging your air fryer, removing the basket, and using a clean, dry paper towel to wipe any food out.
The Heating Element Working?
If you’ve checked the temperature setting and the basket and the heating element still isn’t working, it’s possible that the heating element is broken. This is a rare occurrence, but it does happen. If you think the heating element might not be working, first check the fuse.
The fuse is a small piece of metal inside your air fryer that looks like a tiny bolt. If the fuse is intact, but there’s no power getting to the heating element, you may need to replace the heating element. This is a pretty easy DIY project. If you’re not comfortable replacing the heating element, you can also get an air fryer repairman to come out and do it for you.
Try Re-Setting the Fryer
If the temperature setting and the basket are fine, but your air fryer still isn’t heating, there’s a chance that the unit may be overheating.
When an electronic device overheats, it shuts itself off to protect itself. If you are still searching on why your air fryer stopped working try a simple reset. You can try resetting the fryer by unplugging it and unplugging it for about 10 minutes. Once it is unplugged, plug it in again and try using it again.
Review the Owners Manual
When all else fails, it’s always a good idea to review the owners manual that came with your air fryer. If you’re not sure why the air fryer isn’t working, it may be because you don’t know how to use it properly. So go back and reread the instructions, paying special attention to the instructions for how to clean and care for your air fryer. You might find a helpful maintenance tip, or you might discover that you’re not using your fryer properly.
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Be Safe When Troubleshooting
If you’ve been troubleshooting your air fryer, you may have had to open the machine. Be sure to unplug it first, and remember to touch the metal of the unit, not the inside of the fryer. If there’s a chance the fryer is still hot, use a dry towel to hold it. You can also wear a pair of thick gloves. When opening up the fryer, be extra careful not to cut yourself on sharp edges. Make sure the fryer is unplugged and cool before you try and put it back together.
Is it Time for a New Air Fryer?
If you’ve tried all of the above for your air fryer stopped working, it might look like you need to buy a new one. Before you do this, it’s a good idea to try and get your old fryer repaired. If you bought your fryer from a big brand retailer like Best Buy or Amazon, you can usually get your fryer repaired through the retailer’s warranty program.
If you’re not sure if your fryer can be repaired, call or email the retailer or manufacturer and ask. If they can’t help you, it might be time to buy a new fryer. This is especially true if your fryer is several years old. Newer fryers will have better technology and will be easier to use.
