You’ve invited your friends over to your place. Time is running out, so you thought your air fryer would save the day. After all, it is where you can prepare delicious and healthy meals within minutes. Suddenly, however, you have an air fryer not turning on! What could be the problem?
It could be as simple as the cable or socket. Some can be more serious, such as a broken activation switch or heating element. Many times, you can fix it yourself. However, if the problem is more severe, you might want to contact the manufacturer or a professional to deal with it.
Read on as I talk more about why your air fryer won’t turn on and more importantly, some quick fixes that might work.
Why is My Air Fryer Not Turning On?
I know it’s frustrating, but don’t worry! You do not have to call someone to repair it immediately. It does not mean you have to buy a new one either! Like other common problems, such as an air fryer fan that is not working, start by getting to the root cause of the issue. Here are some of the things that could go wrong and solutions that are worth a shot.
1. Not Plugged In
It might sound stupid, but this is one thing you might want to look at. You might have been too busy or in a rush that you forgot to plug it in. If you are new to air fryers, you should remember one thing – do not leave it on the plug. It can still consume electricity even if you are not using the appliance. Not to mention, it can also be a fire hazard.
The Solution
A quick fix is to plug the appliance in. If it is already plugged in, you might need to unplug and plug it in again. Plug it firmly into the socket. In case it is still not working, consider other potential causes.
2. Power Source is not Working
Now that you plug the air fryer and it still won’t work, the next thing to look at is the power source. The air fryer might not be the culprit. Instead, your problem might be with the socket. It could also be that the entire kitchen or house has no power source at all.
The Solution
Test the socket to see if it is working. You might want to try to plug in a charger and connect it to your phone. If the socket is working, then it isn’t the problem. Otherwise, then it might be time to call an electrician for repair. Do not attempt to fix it yourself, especially if you do not have the tools and knowledge.
3. Damaged Cord
Another thing you might want to look at is the cord. It acts as the bridge between the air fryer and the power source. Especially if you have an old air fryer, the cord can sustain damage over time. The cord can stretch, bend, twist, and fray, which might make it unfunctional. It might not be the cable itself, but it could be the connector.
The Solution
Inspect the physical condition of the cord. Look closer in a well-lit area, so you won’t miss even the smallest damage. You can also run your fingers from end to end and watch out for anything weird. Before you do this, however, ensure that you unplug the appliance for your safety. If the cable is damaged, you should replace it.
4. Blown Fuse
If the fuse blows, the air fryer will not turn on, so it is one more thing you must check. However, note that some cables will not have a fuse. If your cable has one, it might be worth checking if the fuse is not blown. The thermal fuse is an important safety feature that will disconnect the heating element when there is a malfunction.
The Solution
Replacing the fuse is the best solution to this problem. You will need to open the plug and check the condition of the fuse. It might seem intimidating if you have not done it before, but it is easy. You can find lots of materials online for a step-by-step guide on replacing the fuse. If the fuse is working, you might want to check the power breaker as well.
5. Improper Basket Position
If you have one of those air fryers with a basket where you will put the food, such as these Cosori air fryers, the basket could be the problem. If it is not in the proper position, the air fryer might not turn on. The basket could be loose or not latched, which can prevent the air fryer from starting.
The Solution
A simple solution to this problem is to make sure to position the basket properly. Go through the manual of the air fryer to check recommendations from the manufacturer. If your fryer has a door, then you might also want to ensure that such is properly closed. Some air fryers have a built-in safety feature that prevents them from working unless the basket is secure or the door is closed.
6. Incorrect Assembly
Do you have a new air fryer? You might have been too excited to use it for the first time that you missed important assembly instructions from the manufacturer. It could be that some parts are not where they are supposed to be, which prevents the appliance from working as it should.
The Solution
Check the manual to ensure that everything is in its proper position. Contact the manufacturer if you think like you have done everything, but the problem persists.
7. Faulty Activation Switch
One of the internal components that could go wrong is the activation switch. In most cases, you will find it in front of the air fryer. It can be in the form of a dial knob but can be different from model to model. It might be worth it to check under the hood to ensure that the activation switch works properly.
The Solution
Start by opening the cover of the air fryer so you will find the activation switch. Use a screwdriver and take the lid off. Look for the switch and test for continuity using a multimeter. If it does not work, then you should replace it.
8. Broken Heating Element
If you are familiar with how an air fryer works, then you will know that the heating element is one of its most important components. It generates heat that circulates around the air fryer, which is what will cook your food. In most cases, it has a spiral shape that you will find on the top inside the air fryer. If it breaks, it won’t produce heat, which can also be the reason why the appliance won’t turn on. It might turn on, but when the component is broken, there will be no heat.
The Solution
The first thing to do is to inspect the heating element. You might need to clean it as oil and debris can be stuck, making it unfunctional. Nonetheless, if it is broken, do not attempt to fix or replace it yourself. I suggest calling the manufacturer and asking them what to do. If it is still under warranty, they might offer free repair.
Conclusion
An air fryer not turning on can be frustrating, especially when you need it the most. It does not necessarily mean that it is broken or you need a new one. Some problems can be as simple as not being plugged correctly or a faulty socket. You might also want to look at the different components, such as the fuse and heating element.
