How to Fix an Air Fryer Not Working

Overview

An air fryer that does not work can be frustrating. This guide covers diagnosing and fixing the issue.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. First, ensure your air fryer is securely plugged into a working wall socket. Give the plug a firm push into the socket to guarantee a solid connection.
2. Next, verify that the power supply to the socket is active; you can do this by plugging in a small, working appliance like a lamp or phone charger to confirm it powers on. If the other appliance doesn't work, check your fuse box or consumer unit for a tripped circuit breaker related to that socket.
3. Before proceeding, always unplug the air fryer from the mains power supply for your safety. Carefully open the air fryer to access the heating element and use a multimeter set to ohms to test for continuity across its terminals; a reading close to zero or within the manufacturer's specified range indicates a healthy element, whereas an 'OL' or infinite reading suggests a fault.
4. If your multimeter test confirms a faulty heating element, it's generally best to replace the entire air fryer unit, as sourcing and safely installing a replacement element can be complex and expensive for many models. Consider the cost-effectiveness and safety implications before attempting to repair internal electrical components yourself.
5. With the air fryer still unplugged, locate the thermal fuse, which is often a small cylindrical component near the heating element, typically covered by heat shrink. Use your multimeter set to ohms to test for continuity across its terminals; a continuous circuit (reading close to zero) means the fuse is good, but an 'OL' or infinite reading indicates it has blown and needs replacing.

Common Symptoms & Diagnostic Resolutions

Review the common error codes and operating symptoms below to quickly identify the root cause of the fault before ordering replacement parts.

Frequently Asked Questions