6 Quick Fixes for an Air Fryer That Won’t Turn On

It’s never happened to me, but I bet it would be extremely frustrating to go to cook your meal only to find your air fryer won’t turn on.

If you have a traditional kitchen, it’s not like you can’t use your oven or microwave. But you bought your air fryer for a reason! And I’m sure you’d like to use it.

There are a number of reasons why your air fryer may not turn on, including power connection issues, a defective power button or control panel, overheating protection, thermostat problems, a malfunctioning heating element, and more.

Let’s discuss what you need to do to get your air Fryer working again.

What You’ll Need 

• Multimeter 
• Screwdriver

#1 Power Connection & Supply Issues 

No doubt you’ve probably already thought of this, but check and make sure that your air fryer is properly plugged in and that the outlet it’s plugged into is working properly.

Step 1. Inspect the Cord

Take a look at your unit’s power cord and ensure that it’s not damaged or frayed. If it is, you may need to replace your power cord. Check your manual for replacement recommendations.

Step 2. Check the Outlet

Ensure the outlet your air fryer is plugged into is working by testing it with another small appliance. You can do this using a multimeter.

If the outlet isn’t working, check your circuit breaker or fuse box and either reset your breaker or replace your fuse as necessary.

#2 Internal Wiring Issues

Your air fryer is made up of several different components all wired together. There is a chance that some wires are causing a short or other electrical malfunction.

Here’s the first thing to do — if you’re feeling adventurous.

Inspection 

If you’re slightly mechanically inclined, take apart your air fryer and inspect for any damage to internal wiring. 

Don’t go messing with anything you’re not comfortable with – but all I mean is to take off the cover and have a look at the wiring.

Are any wires out of their sockets? Do any of them look frayed, or burned? 

If you do discover some, I don’t recommend you tackling the problem yourself unless you are qualified. Instead, contact an appliance repair technician and see if they can fix your air fryer.

Bought your air fryer recently? Now’s the time to check that warranty!

#3 Defective Power Button

In many cases, your air fryers on off switch is just a push button on a flat control panel. Over time, the panel may cave in or the switch underneath the display may stop working.

 If the display is damaged, it will be easy to ascertain that this is where your problem lies. However, if it’s the switch underneath, that’s not so easily verifiable.

First, give the controls a good cleaning with a damp cloth. It could just be some dirt that’s stopping it from detecting your finger pushing the On button.

Push Buttons – Inspect for Damage

If there’s no apparent visible damage, run your finger over the power button and try to sense whether or not the switch or button below has caved in. If so, it’s almost certain that your power switch is damaged.

You can check your manual and see if the manufacturer offers replacement parts but if not, you will likely need to purchase a new air fryer.

Rotary Dials – Inspect for Debris 

Some air fryers have rotary dials instead of push buttons and in this case, that’s probably a good thing. Check for any debris that may be interfering with the dial and ultimately the connection.

Clean if necessary.

#4 Check Your Timer and Presets 

Some air fryers have a timer or programmable feature that will allow you to start cooking at a later time. If your unit has this feature and its set, it might interfere with the power button and not allow you to turn your air fryer on.

Here’s what to do.

Check for Presets

Assuming your air fryer has this feature, check to see if you have programmed any preset times that might be overriding your current cooking attempts.

You may need to clear any previously set programs, and you may have to refer to your user’s manual for the specific steps for your model. Simply unplugging your unit may not be enough to clear your presets.

Once all of your settings are back at the default, try powering on your air fryer once again.

#5 Safety Features / The Basket isn’t in Place 

Thankfully, since air fryers get so hot, they come with an array of safety features. 

One feature is to ensure the unit won’t start running until it’s properly closed, and the door latch is engaged. However, if the basket isn’t sitting where it should, it could block the drawer from closing properly – and keep your air fryer from turning on. 

This could happen for a variety of reasons. To name a few, user error, where you simply fail to fully insert the basket. And another cause could be a dirty basket or drawer. If you have a buildup of food particles, something could be jammed in a spot where it makes it impossible for the door to fully close. 

You know what you need to do, right? 

Step 1. Close the Drawer 

Do a quick check and ensure the drawer is properly closed. If it wasn’t and fully engages with a nudge, you’re good to go. 

Step 2. Clean Your Air Fryer 

If the door refuses to shut, there is something blocking it. It’s time to take your air fryer apart and do a deep cleaning. 

#6 Safety Features / Overheating Protection 

Another safety feature may be an automatic shut off if your air fryer is overheating.

There are a number of things that could cause your air fryer to overheat, including insufficient airflow, perhaps because of dirty intake and exhaust fans, or an overcrowded basket.

Once the safety feature engages and the unit shuts off, you will not be able to turn it back on until it has completely cooled down.

Here’s what you need to do. 

Step 1. Wait 

If your unit was running before it shut itself off and refused to start again, simply wait. Once it has completely cooled down, try to turn it on again.

Step 2. Check the Vents 

If the exhaust and intake vents that are usually found on the back of your air fryer are clogged with dust and debris, this will inhibit airflow.

Clean the vents and keep them clean.

Solving An Air Fryer That Won’t Turn On

While it’s frustrating to have an air fryer that won’t turn on, there’s typically a good reason for it. We discussed six reasons for this behavior and possible fixes.

To recap, the issues mentioned are:

• Power connection and supply
• Internal wiring
• Defective power button
• Programmable timer and presets
• Safety features, such as the basket isn’t in place or overheating protection

Hopefully, one of these will help to address and fix the problem you’re having. While you’re here, why not check out our related posts below? Perhaps we can help you with something else.