There can be several reasons your air fryer is not getting hot. The settings might be incorrect, or the air fryer might not be receiving sufficient power. Additionally, the heating element could malfunction, or the thermostat may be broken.
Whether you want to air fry, bake, roast, grill, or heat any of your dishes, air fryers are versatile kitchen appliances that offer a wide range of food from the comfort of your home. According to a recent estimate, about 60% of the homes in the US have an air fryer. If you are one of the people who own one and are encountering an issue with your air fryer not heating up, this is the article for you.
Parts Of Air Fryer
Source: Phillips
An air fryer consists of several parts, and I have presented the most important ones in the table below with their functions.
| Part | Function |
|---|---|
| Drawer | This holds the food that is to be air-fried. |
| Outer basket | It surrounds the drawer and collects the debris from the food or liquid. |
| Thermal fuse | Prevents excessive heat or electricity from damaging the internal components of the air fryer. |
| Heating element | It converts electricity to thermal energy used to heat the air fryer. |
| Thermostat | Regulates the temperature of the air fryer by causing the heating element to increase or decrease heat production. |
| Display | Tells the temperature and duration for which the air fryer will operate. |
| Control panel | Used to adjust the timer and temperature. |
| Fans | Circulate air within the air fryer to allow uniform heating. |
| Air vents | Allow air to enter and leave the air fryer to prevent overheating of the internal parts. |
Causes Of Air Fryer Not Heating Up
Now that you have a fundamental understanding of the key elements of the air fryer, let’s look at the causes of the air fryer not cooking properly:
Power Supply
The air fryer not heating up can frequently be attributed to improper power supply. It is possible that the socket is damaged or not functioning. Additionally, power surges or shortages may prevent the air fryer from operating properly. Consequently, the air fryer won’t be able to efficiently transform electrical energy into heat energy.
If there is an issue with the electrical power supplied to your house, other appliances such as the microwave, oven, or heater might also get affected. You should however rule out other causes of your microwave, oven, or heater not heating up before concluding that the issue is with the power supply.
Connections
Electricity may leak from the wiring if the connections are faulty or if the wire that connects the power outlet to the air fryer is damaged or worn out. This results in the air fryer receiving insufficient electricity, which prevents it from producing enough heat for frying.
Incorrect Temperature Settings
Incorrect temperature settings on the air fryer are another major reason it won’t function. If the temperature is not according to the instructions given in the user’s manual, the air fryer might not function properly. In such cases, the air fryer will either not heat up or heat less than the required amount.
Incorrect Timer
Similar to temperature settings, if you set the timer incorrectly as well, the air fryer will not function correctly. If the timer is set too low, too high, or beyond the functioning ability of the air fryer, the air fryer might not operate at all. This is another common cause of air fryers not heating up.
Blown Thermal Fuse
If there was a recent power surge or if the temperature of the air fryer got too high, the thermal fuse that protects the air dryer from damage due to excessive heat or electricity fluctuations might have blown. A blown fuse will prevent electricity from reaching the internal components of the air fryer until it is replaced.
The Fryer Drawer is Not Closed
For an air fryer to function, the drawer must be completely closed. Most air fryers have been automatically programmed to not start functioning until the drawer is completely closed. If the drawer isn’t closed or if something is blocking the drawer and preventing it from closing, the air fryer will not start its operation.
Thermostat Not Working Properly
Since the thermostat regulates the temperature of the air fryer, if the thermostat does not work properly, there will be air fryer temperature problems. Issues with the temperature sensors tend to be a common cause of your heating appliances not working properly. A malfunctioning thermostat will not signal the heating element to increase or decrease the temperature inside the air fryer. Consequently, the air fryer might not heat at all, or it will heat the food excessively.
Heating Element Not Functioning
Air fryer heating element issues are another cause of air fryers not getting hot. If the heating element does not function or operates ineffectively, the food within the air fryer will not heat up properly.
Prolonged Continuous Usage Of Air Fryer
If you use your air fryer for several hours, its components can overheat. This overheating may damage the components. Some air fryers stop functioning after prolonged use to allow the components to cool down so that any heat-related damage is prevented.
Blocked Air Inlet Or Outlet
The air inlets and outlets are essential to prevent overheating of the internal components of the air fryer. If these vents are blocked, parts of the air fryer might overheat. This can damage the internal components and cause the air fryer to stop functioning.
Alternatively, the air fryer might automatically recognize that its components are overheating and stop functioning. You might get an error message as well if your air fryer is overheating.
Solution To Air Fryer Not Heating Up
Now let’s discuss the solutions for air fryer not heating properly:
Ineffective Power Supply
Source: Amazon
First, check that the power socket is working properly. Also, check that the air fryer is connected tightly to the socket. To determine whether the problem is with that particular socket or the air fryer itself, you can try connecting to a different socket.
If the problem disappears, then that socket is at fault. If the problem persists, the air fryer is most likely the culprit. The power cord should be replaced if it is worn out or damaged. Before turning on the air fryer, ensure the drawer is fully closed.
Wrong Settings On Air Fryer
Source: YouTube
Check the temperature and time duration set on the air fryer from the display board. If the settings are incorrect, you should correct them according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
If that doesn’t solve the problem, click the “Reset” button on your air fryer. If your air fryer does not have a reset button, unplug it from the power source and give it an hour or so before plugging it back in and using it.
Replace Thermal Fuse
Source: YouTube
Locate the thermal fuse on your air fryer. You can find it through the user manual provided when you purchased the air fryer. After locating the fuse, check whether it has blown. You should replace the fuse either yourself or by hiring a trained professional. You can get ten pieces of thermal fuse on Amazon for $6.99.
If you plan on replacing the fuse yourself, you will find the YouTube video below by Jonathan Morgan quite helpful for you:
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Clean Air Fryer
Source: YouTube
Cleaning the air fryer prevents debris from blocking the air inlet and outlet and thus does not allow the air fryer to overheat. To clean the air fryer, first remove the basket and clean it by wiping it with a cloth soaked in baking soda mixed with water.
You may even leave the basket submerged in a container with baking soda diluted with water. Using the same cloth, wipe the exterior, the heating element, and the bottom chamber. Before assembling the air fryer, you should wait for it to dry completely.
Consumer Reports has made a quick video on how to go about the cleaning process, which you might find helpful:
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Check The Heating Element And The Thermostat
Source: YouTube
Checking the heating element and the thermostat can be quite tough since these components are difficult to separate from the air fryer, and there is a risk of damaging other parts of the air fryer.
If you are not confident in your DIY skills, then you should hire a professional technician to check these components and replace them for you. This should only be done when you have gone through all the above fixes and the issue of your air fryer not getting hot persists.
You will find this video by TonaziTube helpful if you plan on checking the heating element and fixing it yourself.
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FAQs
Why do air fryers most frequently fail to heat up?
The temperature being set too low or the timer being set incorrectly are the two most frequent causes of an air fryer not heating up. Furthermore, problems related to the power supply or a blown thermal fuse can also be common reasons for air fryers not heating up.
How do you fix an air fryer that won’t work?
If you are looking to troubleshoot an air fryer that won’t heat up, follow these steps:
- Check the socket first to ensure a tight fit. After that, make sure the power supply is steady. Additionally, make sure the cable is in good condition and that the air fryer is securely plugged into the outlet.
- Confirm that your air fryer’s temperature and timer settings are accurate in accordance with the instructions in the user’s manual.
- Cleaning your air fryer is a good idea if it’s dirty. Debris can clog the air inlet and outflow; thus, routine cleaning is necessary to avoid this.
- Check the user’s manual for the location of the thermal fuse to see whether it has blown out. Check the air fryer’s operation after replacing the blown fuse.
If the problem still exists even after taking all of these steps, there may be a problem with the thermostat or the heating element. To have your air fryer inspected and to address any faults discovered, you should call a qualified technician.
How often should you clean an Air Fryer?
It is ideal for cleaning your air fryer after every use or once every few uses. This prevents debris from accumulating within the air fryer and ensures its smooth functioning.
When should you contact a trained technician?
If you have gone through all the causes and fixes and cannot find the cause of your air fryer not heating properly, then you should contact a professional technician to check your air fryer. If you have identified the thermostat or the heating element as the issue and are not confident in your DIY skills, you should again contact a professional to fix these components.
Raoul Lobo is a seasoned expert in the realm of home appliances and environmental comfort. As a prominent author at TemperatureMaster.com, Raoul’s passion and expertise shine through in his insightful articles and guides. With years of hands-on experience, he has become a trusted source for readers seeking advice on pools, washers, dryers, and a wide range of other appliances.