Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthy way to make delicious fried foods at home without all the extra oil. But what do you do when you go to use your air fryer and it won’t turn on? There could be several reasons why your air fryer is not powering up.
Is it plugged in and switched on?
Before you panic, first check that your air fryer is properly plugged into a working outlet. Make sure the outlet is not connected to a switch that is turned off. Confirm that the cord is securely plugged into the back of the fryer and that the plug prongs are not damaged or bent. Also check to make sure the power switch on the fryer itself is turned to the “on” position.
This may seem obvious, but it’s easy to overlook a loose plug or inadvertently flipped switch, especially if you are storing your air fryer between uses. Take a moment to ensure everything is properly connected and switched on before troubleshooting further.
Is the outlet working?
If your air fryer is plugged in but still not turning on, the next thing to check is whether the outlet is working properly. Try plugging in a different device like a lamp or phone charger to see if it powers up. If other devices are not working in the outlet either, then there is likely an issue with the electrical circuit for that outlet.
Loose wiring in the outlet, a tripped breaker, or a blown fuse can all prevent an outlet from providing power. If other devices are working in the outlet, then you can rule out an issue with the outlet itself.
Reset the breaker or replace the fuse
If you’ve determined the outlet does not have power, this typically points to a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. Locate your home’s breaker box and look for a switch that has flipped to the “off” position, which cuts power to the circuit. Flip the tripped breaker back into the “on” position to reset it. If that doesn’t fix it, you may need to replace the fuse connected to the problematic circuit.
How to Reset a Tripped Circuit Breaker
- Locate the breaker box and open the door.
- Identify the breaker controlling the outlet your air fryer is plugged into.
- If the small switch on the breaker is flipped to “off,” flip it back to the “on” position.
- Close the breaker box and check if power is restored to the outlet.
How to Replace a Blown Fuse
- Turn off the power at the main breaker.
- Open the breaker box and locate the blown fuse.
- Carefully unscrew the blown fuse and replace it with a new fuse of the same amp rating.
- Screw the new fuse back into place and turn main power back on.
- The outlet should now have power again.
Resetting the breaker or replacing the fuse may resolve the issue if the loss of power is related to a circuit overload or power surge issue.
Inspect the power cord
If power is getting to the outlet but the air fryer still won’t turn on, inspect the power cord thoroughly for any damage. Look for frayed wires, bent prongs, cracks, cuts, or burns in the cord. Any damage to the power cord can interrupt the flow of electricity and prevent the air fryer from powering up.
Closely examine both ends of the cord as well as the full length between them. Electrical tape applied over a damaged section is a temporary fix but the cord will need to be replaced. You should not use an appliance with a damaged or malfunctioning power cord due to the risk of electric shock.
Try a different outlet
Another simple troubleshooting step is to try plugging the air fryer into a different outlet, preferably one that is on a different circuit. This can determine if the issue is isolated to the original outlet you were using. Plug the air fryer directly into the wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip which may trip or be defective.
If the air fryer powers on when connected to a different outlet, then you know something is wrong with the original outlet, wiring, or circuit. Continued use of that outlet for any device is not recommended until it is inspected and repaired by an electrician.
Test the outlet’s voltage
Use a multimeter to check the voltage of the outlet you have the air fryer plugged into. This can identify if there is an issue with the electrical supply to the outlet. Simply turn the multimeter to AC voltage mode, insert the probes into the slots of the outlet, and see if it reads approximately 120 volts. If voltage is significantly lower or nonexistent, there is a wiring problem causing the lack of power.
How to Check Voltage with a Multimeter
- Set the multimeter to AC voltage mode.
- Insert the black probe into the hot slot of the outlet.
- Insert the red probe into the neutral slot.
- The display should read between 110 to 120 volts if the outlet is working properly.
- If voltage is very low or 0, the outlet has a supply issue.
Low or no voltage indicates a wiring problem, and an electrician should fix the issue before the outlet is used again.
Check for any error codes
Some air fryer models have built-in safety features that will shut down the device and display an error code if a technical issue is detected. Common error codes to look out for include E1 for an overheating problem, E2 for an undervoltage issue, and E3 when overcurrent flow is sensed.
Refer to your air fryer’s manual to identify error codes and their meanings. The specific reason will determine whether the issue is fixable or requires professional service. As safety features, error codes aim to prevent damage to the fryer or harm to the user.
Inspect the heating element
Air fryers work by quickly circulating hot air around food to cook it crisp. This rapid air heat comes from the heating element inside the appliance. If the heating element fails or becomes damaged, it will prevent the fryer from heating up and turning on.
Carefully inspect the heating element inside the fryer to check for any signs of damage. Look for burns, cracks, breaks, or melted plastic that indicate overheating or failure. The heating element may require repair or replacement if faulty.
Additionally, some air fryer models have a reset button next to the heating element. Push this reset button and see if it restores operation after a few minutes.
Troubleshoot the control panel
If the air fryer is plugged in but the control panel is completely dark, there may be an issue with the internal electronics. Press the buttons multiple times and check for any response from the display. Any signs of life indicate the electronics are at least partially working.
No response at all from the buttons likely means a problem with the control board or panel. Open up the fryer to visually inspect for any loose wires, damage, or disconnection issues. You may be able to reseat connectors or require electronics service for complex control panel issues.
Consult the manual troubleshooting tips
Most air fryers come with an instruction manual that includes a troubleshooting section. Review the listed issues and solutions to identify what may be causing your particular model to not turn on. The steps will be tailored to that specific fryer’s design and common problems.
Following air fryer troubleshooting advice directly from the manufacturer is a great way to accurately diagnose the issue. Their guidance may help you easily fix basic user errors and know when professional service is needed.
Contact customer support
If you have gone through the manual troubleshooting steps and your air fryer still fails to turn on, it’s time to reach out to customer support. Provide the precise model number and detail the issues you are experiencing.
Customer support can provide additional troubleshooting assistance specific to your fryer. They can also facilitate any necessary repairs, part replacements, or service through an authorized dealer. Most air fryers come with at least a 1 year limited warranty.
Consider replacing the fryer
For older air fryer models, there comes a point where a malfunction may indicate it’s time to replace the appliance. If you have inspected all components and tried every troubleshooting step to no avail, the internal electronics or heating element may simply be irreparable.
Compare the cost of repairs versus the expense of purchasing a new, warrantied air fryer. Advanced modern options often add desired features too, like larger capacity, faster preheat, and a wider temperature range.
Conclusion
An air fryer that won’t turn on can be frustrating, but the cause is often a simple fix. Start troubleshooting by checking the power connections and outlet. Inspect the cord, reset the breaker, and test the voltage to see if electricity is being supply properly. Evaluate the internal electronics and heating element for damage. Refer to the manual and contact customer support for model-specific tips. With some diligent testing and diagnostics, you can get your air fryer up and running again in no time.