Your Air Fryer Not Heating? Here’s How to Fix It

Picture this: You’re all set for a batch of perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken wings. You’ve prepped them, seasoned them, and popped them into your trusty air fryer. You set the timer, walk away, and come back expecting that glorious sizzle, only to find… lukewarm, sad-looking chicken. There’s nothing more deflating for a home cook. If you’re wondering How To Fix Air Fryer Not Heating, don’t panic. I’ve been there, and as the face of Air Fryer Mart, I’m here to walk you through the troubleshooting steps, from the super simple to the slightly more technical. Let’s get that kitchen magic back online.

Most of the time, an air fryer that refuses to heat up is suffering from a simple, easily correctable issue. Before you start thinking about warranties or replacements, let’s roll up our sleeves and play detective. We’ll have you back to enjoying delicious, healthy cooking in no time.

First Things First: The Simple Checks

Before we dive into the guts of the machine, let’s cover the basics. You’d be surprised how often the solution is staring us right in the face. It’s like trying to start a car without realizing it’s out of gas.

Is It Plugged In Properly?

I know, I know, it sounds almost insulting. But you have to ask! Is the power cord firmly pushed into the wall socket? Is the other end securely connected to the air fryer? Sometimes a loose connection is all it takes to cut the power to the heating element, even if the lights or fan turn on.

Is the Outlet Working?

The problem might not be your air fryer at all. Plug another small appliance, like a phone charger or a lamp, into the same outlet. If that doesn’t work, you’ve found your culprit. Try resetting the circuit breaker for that part of your kitchen.

Is the Basket Seated Correctly?

This is a huge one. Air fryers have a built-in safety mechanism that prevents them from operating if the basket isn’t fully inserted and locked into place. It’s a clean, satisfying click you should feel. If it’s even slightly ajar, the circuit that powers the heating element won’t complete. Wiggle it, push it firmly, and make sure it’s snug as a bug.

Why Won’t My Air Fryer Heat Up? A Deeper Dive

If the simple checks didn’t do the trick, it’s time to look a little closer. The issue is likely one of a few common culprits inside your favorite kitchen appliance. Understanding what makes it tick can help you diagnose the problem.

Here are the most common reasons your air fryer is on a heating strike:

• A Faulty Power Connection: As we discussed, but it could also be a damaged cord.
• An Unseated Basket: The safety switch isn’t engaged.
• Incorrect Timer/Temperature Settings: A simple user error.
• A Tripped Thermal Fuse: The unit’s internal safety switch has been triggered.
• A Broken Heating Element: This is the heart of the operation, and it may have failed.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Fix Air Fryer Not Heating

Let’s work through these potential issues one by one. Always unplug your air fryer from the wall before you begin any inspection or repair work. Safety first!

Step 1: Double-Check Your Settings

It’s easy to accidentally knock a dial or press the wrong button. Ensure you have a temperature set (not on a ‘fan only’ or ‘cool’ setting, if your model has one) and that the timer is actively running. Many digital models won’t start heating until both a time and a temperature are programmed and the ‘start’ button is pressed.

Step 2: Inspect the Power Cord

Carefully run your hands along the entire length of the power cord. Are there any visible frays, cuts, or burn marks? A damaged cord is a serious fire hazard and needs to be replaced immediately. If the cord looks fine, move on.

Step 3: Listen for the ‘Click’

Remove the air fryer basket completely. Look inside the unit where the basket slides in. You should see a small button or switch. This is the safety switch. Press it gently with your finger (while the unit is unplugged, of course!). Does it move freely? Now, re-insert the basket and really listen for that definitive click that tells you it’s properly engaged. If there’s a lot of built-up grease or food debris, it might be preventing the basket from making full contact. Give the area a good clean.

Step 4: The Thermal Fuse (The Overheating Protector)

Think of the thermal fuse as your air fryer’s personal bodyguard. If the machine gets too hot, this little fuse blows to cut power and prevent a fire. It’s a one-time-use safety feature.

Pro Tip: A common cause for a blown thermal fuse is poor air circulation. Make sure you’re not blocking the air vents at the back or bottom of your air fryer when it’s running. Give it some breathing room!

Fixing a blown thermal fuse is a more advanced repair that involves opening up the unit. If you’re not comfortable with electronics, this is where you might want to stop. However, if you’re handy, you can often find replacement fuses online for your specific model. You would need a multimeter to test for continuity to confirm the old fuse is blown. If this sounds like a foreign language, it’s best to seek professional help or consult your warranty.

Step 5: A Look at the Heating Element

The heating element is a metal coil, usually located in the top part of the air fryer, just above the basket. It’s the component that gets red-hot and, combined with the fan, creates the magic of air frying.

With the machine unplugged and cool, use a flashlight to visually inspect the heating element. Do you see any obvious breaks, cracks, or dark, burnt-out spots on the coil? If so, the element has likely failed. Replacing a heating element is similar in difficulty to replacing a thermal fuse and may be a job for a professional.

When to Call It Quits (And Maybe Get a New One)

We all love a good DIY fix, but it’s important to know your limits. You should stop and consider a professional repair or a replacement if:

• You see any signs of a damaged power cord.
• You smell burning plastic or a strong electrical odor.
• The problem is internal, like a thermal fuse or heating element, and you’re not comfortable opening the appliance.
• Your air fryer is still under warranty. Don’t void your warranty by trying to fix it yourself! Contact the manufacturer first.

As Sarah Jenkins, our in-house appliance expert at Air Fryer Mart, always says, “An air fryer is an investment in quick, healthy meals. If a repair is going to be complex or costly, sometimes upgrading to a newer, more efficient model is the smarter long-term investment for your kitchen.”

An Ounce of Prevention: Keeping Your Air Fryer Healthy

The best way to fix a problem is to prevent it from ever happening. Regular maintenance can dramatically extend the life of your air fryer’s heating element and other components.

• Clean it After Every Use: Don’t let grease and food particles build up. This can cause smoking and put extra stress on the heating components.
• Check the Vents: Ensure the air intake and exhaust vents are always clear of obstructions. Good airflow is key to temperature regulation.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Overloading prevents proper air circulation, making the machine work harder and potentially overheat.
• Use It on a Heat-Proof Surface: Always operate your air fryer on a stable, heat-resistant surface like a countertop, away from flammable items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my air fryer turn on but not heat up?

This is a classic symptom. It usually means the fan and control panel are getting power, but the circuit to the heating element is interrupted. The most common causes are the basket not being seated correctly, a tripped thermal fuse, or a failed heating element itself.

Can a faulty fan stop an air fryer from heating?

While the fan itself doesn’t generate heat, it’s crucial for circulating it. In some models, if the fan fails, a safety feature might prevent the heating element from turning on to avoid creating a concentrated spot of intense heat.

How do I know for sure if the heating element is broken?

A visual inspection is the first step. Look for any visible breaks, blisters, or burn spots on the coil. The definitive test requires a multimeter to check for electrical continuity. If there’s no continuity, the circuit inside the element is broken, and it needs replacement.

Is it expensive to fix an air fryer that’s not heating?

It depends on the cause. If it’s a simple fix like cleaning a sensor or reseating the basket, it’s free! If you need a new thermal fuse or heating element, the parts themselves are often inexpensive ($10-$30), but labor costs for a professional repair could be significant, sometimes making a replacement more economical.

How long should an air fryer heating element last?

With proper care and regular cleaning, a heating element should last for several years of normal use. Factors like frequency of use and avoiding grease buildup play a major role in its lifespan.

Back to Crispy Goodness

There you have it—a complete guide on how to fix air fryer not heating issues. By starting with the simplest solutions and methodically working your way through the possibilities, you can often solve the problem yourself and save the day. Your air fryer is a fantastic tool for creating incredible meals, and with a little care and troubleshooting, it will serve you well for years to come. Now, let’s give those chicken wings another try! We’d love to hear about your troubleshooting success stories in the comments below.