Why Won't My Air Fryer Turn On? Troubleshooting Tips Inside - Dinners Done Quick (2024)

Picture it. You’re getting ready to make up a quick appetizer, or even dinner, when trouble strikes. Why won’t my air fryer turn on? What should I do? Don’t worry, I’m here to help with some of the most common reasons why your air fryer might be experiencing problems.

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The short answer is: generally, when your air fryer won’t turn on, there’s a problem with the power supply, a safety mechanism, or the air fryer itself.

Of course, there’s a lot more to it than just that simple version. I’m going to take you through why your air fryer might not turn on, what you can do to prevent that from happening again, and what to do if there really is a problem.

So, let’s dive in and get you back to cooking in no time!

Why Won't My Air Fryer Turn On? Troubleshooting Tips Inside - Dinners Done Quick (1)

1. Check The Power Supply

While this may seem like an obvious answer, make sure to check the power supply first if your air fryer won’t turn on. This includes a two primary checks:

  • Ensure the power cord is not damaged, is plugged all the way in, and is not loose or angled
  • Make sure the GFI has not been triggered, or that the breaker needs to be reset

Sometimes the answer to why your air fryer won’t turn on is as simple as the power cord. If there is any damage to it such as bends, kinks, frayed wires, or separation, you shouldn’t use it.

Make sure it’s firmly and evenly pushed into a wall outlet. Additionally, make sure the wall outlet is of a sufficient power level to handle your appliance. Learn more about how many amps an air fryer uses to make sure your outlet can handle it.

Other times, the outlet itself is to blame and not the power cord. If it’s a GFI and the reset button is popped out, you’ll need to push it back in to restore power.

Also check your breaker box and see if a breaker is tripped. You may or may not notice some other lights out, depending if you have a dedicated circuit or not. If your air fryer keeps tripping the breaker regularly, then you may want to switch it to a different outlet.

2. Review Air Fryer Safety Mechanisms

The next most common reason why your air fryer won’t turn on actually has to do with built-in safety features in your air fryer. The two most common ones to check are:

  • Basket contacts
  • Overheating protection

Many air fryers have a safety mechanism in place so that the air fryer will not power on or run when the basket is not fully inserted, or the doors are not fully closed.

Make sure that your basket is fully pushed in all the way, until it “clicks” in and is even with the rest of the exterior of the unit. If you can visually see the contacts at the sides, give them a wipe down with soap and water to remove any grime that could be getting in the way of the sensor.

The other most common safety feature is overheating protection. If you’ve been using your air fryer and it just suddenly won’t turn on, this could be the issue. If an air fryer gets too hot, it will force itself off to avoid damaging the unit.

Let your air fryer cool down for an hour before trying to use it again. To prevent this issue in the future, make sure you’re using it in a well-ventilated area, where it’s not blocked by cabinets and can actually release hot air instead of building it up.

3. Reset the Air Fryer to Factory Settings

Sometimes, resetting the air fryer back to factory settings can resolve the issue with it not turning on. This will clear all saved defaults, programs, and custom options, though, so only use this if you’ve exhausted other options first.

You’ll need to consult your manual for how to reset your specific air fryer. If you don’t have a manual, check the manufacturer’s or retailer’s websites, or try an online manual repository to see if your unit is available. Generally speaking, though, there are a few ways yours may reset:

  • A small reset button located low on the side or back of the unit, or even on the bottom
  • Dedicated reset button within the settings menu
  • Depress temperature and time up buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds
  • Press and hold the on/off or power buttons in standby mode for about 5 seconds, or until the unit beeps

Once the air fryer is reset, make sure to unplug it, wait 10-15 seconds, then plug it back in and see if the issues have resolved.

4. Contact Customer Support

If you’ve eliminated the power and the air fryer itself from being the issue with it not turning on, then chances are there is a problem within the air fryer. Often, broken components will result in the air fryer not turning on as well.

This is something you wouldn’t want to fix yourself, so your best bet is to reach out to customer support for your specific brand of air fryer. They can walk you through additional troubleshooting steps if applicable, and provide some additional options.

Make sure you look up if your air fryer has a warranty as well, as this could expedite getting repairs or a replacement if your appliance is truly faulty.

Proper Care and Maintenance

One of the most important things you can do for your air fryer to prevent issues like it not turning on is to follow proper care and maintenance. Of course, that’s not to say that breakages and malfunctions won’t still happen, but at least not ones within your control.

Keeping your air fryer clean helps to keep it working well in several ways. First, it keeps the sensors clean so they accurately work for things like the basket being inserted.

Secondly, keeping grease and debris out of your air fryer means it’s less likely to make its way into the inner workings of your appliance. When parts get gummed up, they overheat, get damaged, or break entirely.

Check out my cleaning guides for some helpful tips and tricks for keeping your air fryer clean:

  • How to Clean a Cuisinart Air Fryer
  • Cleaning a Ninja Air Fryer

Cleaning your air fryer correctly is also very important, as you don’t want to miss any tricky spots, or clean a part with improper cleaning tactics, as that may also damage your air fryer.

If you happen to have a different brand besides the ones I mentioned, don’t worry! A lot of the same cleaning tactics apply across different brands. These guides, combined with your user manual, should get you right on track.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Could Be Causing My Air Fryer to Not Turn On?

Generally, what causes your air fryer to not turn on are the power supply, safety mechanisms, improper use, or a broken part.

Make sure to check each possibility individually to narrow down the cause. Some issues are easy to resolve, while others will need professional repair or replacement.

Is There a Way to Reset My Air Fryer If It’s Not Turning On?

Most often, there is a way to reset your air fryer if it’s not turning on. Power cycle it by unplugging for 15 seconds and then plugging it back in. Then, look for a dedicated reset button.

If your unit doesn’t have a reset button, hold down the time and temperature up buttons for 10 seconds, or consult your user manual. Note that resetting will clear all saved settings and programs.

Can a Faulty Power Outlet Prevent My Air Fryer From Turning On?

Yes, a faulty power outlet can prevent your air fryer from turning on. Make sure to check the breaker, or the reset button if it is a GFI outlet.

If both those appear normal, try plugging the air fryer into an outlet in an entirely different room of the house, such as the garage, to see if it works there. If it works on a different circuit, then the problem likely lies with the original outlet.

Can a Power Surge or Lightning Strike Damage My Air Fryer and Prevent it From Turning On?

Yes, a power surge or lightning strike can damage your air fryer and prevent it from turning on. It’s still an electronics based appliance which can easily be damaged during a surge.

Best practice is to unplug the air fryer whenever it is not being used. Refrain from cooking with it during storms, and if you can find a commercial surge protector that handles your amperage, feel free to use that as well.

Are There Any Troubleshooting Steps I Can Take Before Contacting Customer Support?

Yes, you should follow troubleshooting steps to check the power supply, safety systems, and attempt to reset toys air fryer before contacting customer support.

Additionally, research whether your air fryer is under warranty, as customer support will be able to assist with a covered repair or replacement.

Helpful Air Fryer Use Guides

  • Step By Step Guide For Using a Bella Air Fryer
  • How to Use a GoWISE USA Air Fryer
  • A Helpful Guide to Using a Chefman Air Fryer
  • How to Use a Black and Decker Air Fryer

In Conclusion

If you’re struggling with why your air fryer won’t turn on, I’ve covered the most important troubleshooting steps. Check the power, address safety protocols, reset the appliance, and contact customer support if need be.

Make sure to keep up on cleaning and maintenance of your air fryer to prevent as many issues as you can control, and always make sure to use your appliance correctly to prevent damage.

I don’t know what I’d do without my air fryer most days, so it’s very important to always have my air fryer working and ready to go! I hope this guide helps to ensure you get yours working again and back to cooking up some delicious foods!

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Katie Vine

Hi, my name is Katie Vine, and I love food!

I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!

My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.

I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!

Latest posts by Katie Vine (see all)

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Why Won't My Air Fryer Turn On? Troubleshooting Tips Inside - Dinners Done Quick (2024)

FAQs

Why will my air fryer not turn on? ›

Check the air fryer's power cord

Ensure it has been plugged in correctly and that there are no visible indications of damage, e.g. broken wires or visible splits. Check that the air fryer is properly plugged into a functioning power socket, and that the cable's head is correctly positioned in the wall outlet.

How do I get my air fryer to turn on? ›

Insert the device's basket into the air fryer after filling it. Then, set the right time and temperature. You can, however, adjust the duration and temperature during cooking. Once you have placed the basket, you need to press the start button to use an air fryer for cooking.

What is the common problem of air fryer? ›

  • Air fryers are difficult to clean. ...
  • Air fryers are more expensive than deep fryers. ...
  • Air fryers have longer cooking times compared to conventional deep fryer. ...
  • Air fryers are too small for larger families. ...
  • Burnt, dried and failed air fryer dishes. ...
  • Air fryers can be loud and noisy. ...
  • Air fryers require space and are bulky.
Aug 5, 2020

How long should an air fryer last? ›

An air fryer typically lasts 2 to 3 years before you need to replace it with a new one. It is still an excellent option for healthy eating and people that wish to stay fit. It's a newer and innovative device that lets users whip up all sorts of assorted dishes without surpassing their caloric deficit.

What are the controls on an air fryer? ›

Look for single or dual -/+ buttons to adjust time and temperature. On popular models like this Cosori Premium Air Fryer, there is a button to shift from time or temperature to adjust both. On models without an LCD screen, the -/+ buttons are replaced by knobs or dials.

What is the snowflake button on the Airfryer? ›

A: It means "frozen". For example, the snowflake is on the label next to a french fries graphic... meaning that's the temperature to use for frozen fries. Helpful?

Do you have to turn over in air fryer? ›

Just as you would if you were cooking on a grill or in a skillet, you need to turn foods over so that they brown evenly. Open the air fryer as often as you like to check for doneness.

What are 3 disadvantages of using an air fryer? ›

Air Fryer Cons
  • produces more heat than a microwave.
  • cooks slower than a microwave.
  • may not be big enough for a large group for one meal (the larger air fryers are about eight quarts)
  • you won't have room to heat up an entire 10″ pizza or larger item (the larger air fryer baskets, eight quart, are about 9.5″ x 9.5″ inches)
Sep 12, 2022

Why is everyone going crazy for air fryers? ›

As the cost of living crisis has skyrocketed air fryers have taken the world by storm because they use less energy and cook things so quickly. Residents have been going crazy buying them in a bid to prevent using their ovens and save money.

Why don t chefs use air fryers? ›

At their core, air fryers are essentially smaller-sized convection ovens. For this reason, commercial businesses don't benefit from them. Convection ovens may find uses in the food industry for certain items but have many limitations for broader service menus.

Where is the high limit reset button? ›

The High Limit Switch is located almost in the center of the Heat Exchanger, behind the Air Intake Elbow. Reset the switch using a small screwdriver or pen.

How do I know if my air fryer is broken? ›

Check the air fryer's cooking time and temperature.

If the air fryer's cooking time and temperature are not working, this could be a sign of a problem with the air fryer's control panel. Try pressing the reset button on the air fryer (if it has one ) and see if that solves the problem.

Can I leave air fryer on and leave the house? ›

The answer is yes: A properly functioning air fryer shouldn't pose a risk of fire, but dirty air fryers or those left on for too long and unattended could make problems of the flammable sort. When used and cleaned properly, air fryers aren't particularly dangerous or prone to fire.

How often do you change the oil in an air fryer? ›

Most oils should be changed after eight to ten uses. You need to remove oil from the deep fryer after each use, strain it and store it correctly until the next time. A good tip: keep the filtered oil (food residue left in the oil will give it a bad taste) in a cool, dark place until the next use.

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer? ›

An air fryer is simply a small oven that runs on convection heat. The heat is circulated around a tight space by a powerful fan that lies just below or behind the heating element. Just as in a standard oven, it is perfectly safe to use aluminum foil in the air fryer.

What are the best foods to cook in an air fryer? ›

Veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms & onions, and cauliflower all turn out incredible in the air fryer. You can also make your main dish IN the air fryer. It works magic with proteins like tofu, chicken drumsticks, meatballs, pork chops, fried chicken… even steak.

What are the 11 functions on air fryer? ›

Unlock 11 cooking functions under one SmartLid – Pressure Cook, Air Fry, Grill, Bake, Dehydrate, Sear/Sauté, Steam, Slow Cook, Yoghurt, Steam Air Fry and Steam Bake. Simply switch between cooking modes using the SmartLid Slider. The lid intelligently recognises which function you are using.

What does the snowflake button mean? ›

The snowflake button is one of the most crucial to the air conditioning's control. Why? Well, it turns the system on, for starters. Pushing the aircon snowflake symbol engages the air conditioning, and kick-starts the a/c pump which draws heat and moisture out of the air before leaving it cooler than it was before.

What is the difference between roasting and air frying in an air fryer? ›

Some air fryers can get up to pretty high temperatures, making them great for roasting and broiling. When roasting, your air fryer will default to a higher temperature and cook for a shorter amount of time than air frying, which makes it suitable for cooking beef or poultry (hello, chicken wings!)

What happens if you open an air fryer while it's on? ›

Can you open the air fryer while cooking. The answer is YES! You can open the air fryer in the middle of it cooking your food to check on the food whether it is done or otherwise, so you can make your estimation as to how long the food should be cooked further.

Does the air fryer automatically start? ›

Some air fryers have a preheat setting, some automatically preheat, and others require manual preheating.

Do air fryers turn off themselves? ›

You can do this at any point into the cooking process. No need to shut off the machine, as it shuts itself off when the basket is out. Accordingly, make sure the drawer is pushed all the way in, or it won't turn back on. You'll know, because the air fryer will be suddenly quiet.

What I wish I knew before I get an air fryer? ›

7 Things You Should Know BEFORE Buying an Air Fryer
  • 1) It's loud.
  • 2) It smokes a lot.
  • 3) It only goes up to 400 degrees.
  • 4) You can't see the food.
  • 5) It won't do batter fried food.
  • 6) You still have to add oil.
  • 7) The inside is entirely coated with non-stick surfaces.
Feb 16, 2019

Can you do bacon in the air fryer? ›

The size of the air fryer basket will determine how many rashers you can cook at one time. Set the air fryer to 200C and cook streaky bacon rashers for 6-10 mins – just-cooked bacon will take 6 mins, but crispier bacon will take 9-10 mins.

Do chefs like air fryers? ›

Professional chefs have been utilizing convection cooking—fine, air frying—to quickly cook everything from potatoes to roasted veggies and more for decades.

Why are people selling air fryers? ›

Air fryers are selling in their droves across the country as the cost of energy forces people to seek cheaper alternatives to heating their ovens up. They are becoming more popular as people are finding the kitchen appliance costs less in energy and are healthier than deep frying.

Are air fryers still unhealthy? ›

An air fryer is a healthier option than deep frying foods and can be an inventive way to fry not only meats and potatoes but other nutritious foods such as broccoli, yams, tofu, or eggs. Compared with deep-frying, using an air fryer can reduce the amount of fat, calories, and potentially harmful compounds in your food.

What chefs think about air fryers? ›

Another called it “a total gamechanger when it comes to cooking”, while Gordon Ramsay claimed the results are like food “cooked in oil, but [the air fryer] locks in the juice and the flavour is extraordinary”.

What do professional chefs think about air fryers? ›

The pros at WIRED agree. According to their appliance expert, Samantha Cooper, “[air fryers] are loud … don't do anything significantly better than an oven … and they also require bumping your toaster and coffeemaker onto a storage shelf.”

How do you fix a Ninja air fryer that won't turn on? ›

This is because it has entered standby mode. To solve this, you can unplug the ninja fryer and clean the clogged controls with warm soapy water. Then, allow it to dry thoroughly before reattempting to turn it on.

Should you leave your air fryer plugged in all the time? ›

DON'T LEAVE IT PLUGGED IN

Just like a Crock-Pot, never leave an air fryer plugged in. It is always wise to unplug an air fryer in case you accidentally leave it on.

Do air fryers need maintenance? ›

Air Fryer Cleaning FAQs

To keep the machine free from debris and prevent any greasy build up, the machine should be cleaned after every use or every few uses. When cooking in batches, try to remove any debris by letting the machine cool a bit and carefully wiping out with a paper towel in between batches.

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