Air fryers are one of the most popular kitchen appliances due to their convenience and energy-saving capabilities. However, an air fryer can sometimes malfunction, causing it to turn off randomly.
Before panicking and thinking that your air fryer is broken, you should try troubleshooting the issue and see if you can fix it. This article will discuss a few of the most common reasons why your air fryer might be turning off and how to fix it.
Key Takeaways:
- If your air fryer keeps turning off, the first thing you should check is the power cord to make sure it’s properly plugged in and not damaged.
- Check the power outlet to ensure it’s not defective and that no dust or debris is blocking it.
- Try plugging your air fryer into a different outlet in case this one has a lower voltage than required for optimal operation.
- Ensure no obstructions are blocking the air fryer’s exhaust fan, which could cause it to overheat, by checking that nothing is blocking the vents.
- In some cases, your air fryer might have been preset with shorter usage timer settings from the factory, so adjust these settings accordingly.
- If your air fryer model offers pre-set cooking programs, verify that you have selected an appropriate setting, as different programs may require different temperatures and/or cooking times to get desired results.
Check the power cord
If your air fryer is turning off during use, a possible cause could be related to the damaged power cord. Check all connections to the power cord; make sure that they are properly connected and that they are not loose or damaged.
Also, check the power outlet and ensure it is clear of dust or other debris and is not defective. Additionally, try plugging your air fryer into a different outlet in case this one has a lower voltage than required for optimal operation.
Also, make sure there are no obstructions blocking the air fryer’s exhaust fan which could cause it to overheat. Make sure that nothing is blocking the vents. If there is too much heat build-up inside the appliance this could cause it to turn off automatically as a safety measure.
In some cases, your air fryer might have been preset with shorter usage timer settings from the factory. Make sure you adjust these settings so that you can use your appliance for longer periods of time without interruption.
Also, if your air fryer model offers pre-set cooking programs verify that you have selected an appropriate setting as different programs may require different temperature and/or cooking times to get the best results with whatever food item you are preparing in it.
Check the power outlet
If your air fryer is turning off unexpectedly, your first step should be to make sure that the power outlet works. Check that it is not damaged or loose, and ensure that it is in good working condition by testing it with a device that you know works. Make sure your air fryer is plugged securely into the outlet and the cord has not become loose due to continual usage.
A tripped breaker or the air fryer’s electrical systems can also be the cause of your appliance unexpectedly shutting down. If you feel comfortable doing so, open the circuit box and check for a tripped breaker or fuse which could be reset. If any of these are tripped, reset them before attempting to use your air fryer again.
Additionally, if you live in an area known for fluctuating or unstable energy supply such as during a storm surge, this can affect how well your appliance works and may even cause it to shut down while in using.
In such scenarios, try using different outlets in order to determine if power supply is causing the issue before attempting any troubleshooting steps found on manufacturer website or product manual.
Check the power switch
If your air fryer keeps turning off during a cook cycle, the first thing to check is the power switch. Make sure that the power switch is in the “On” position and properly connected to any external power switches (for example, if your new air fryer is on a wall switch or outlet with switches). If the power switch appears to be in working order, you may want to move on to check the other components.
Additionally, check to see if there are any clogged vents or equipment obstructions that could be impacting performance. The vents should be free of lint and dust buildup for optimal performance. You’ll also want to make sure that all moving parts and attachments are firmly attached, as loose cords could affect power flow and cause overheating or failure of your air fryer.
Lastly, make sure that you are continuously monitoring all functions when your machine is operating. This will help you catch malfunctions before they become problematic and prevent costly repairs in the future.
Common Causes
If your air fryer keeps turning off, this can be an indication of a problem with the device. Before attempting to troubleshoot the issue, it’s important to understand the common causes so you can properly diagnose the issue. This article will provide an overview of some of the most common causes of air fryers turning off.
Overheating
One of the most common causes of an air fryer turning off unexpectedly is overheating. Depending on the type and model, your air fryer could be equipped with a reset button, temperature control (where you can select a specific temperature setting), or an automatic shutoff mechanism.
If your air fryer is overheating and shutting off unexpectedly, check to make sure that anything blocking the air vents has been removed and verify that your thermostat or temperature control settings are not set too high.
Additionally, check to ensure that your unit is not near any potential heat sources, such as a stovetop flame or other appliance that produces significant heat. If the problem persists after making these corrections, it may be time for professional assistance or to replace the unit altogether.
Low voltage
Low voltage is one of the most common causes of an air fryer turning off. The same problem could happen if you are using other kitchen appliances as well. Your air fryer needs a desired voltage level to properly turn on and to operate correctly. If it is receiving too little or too much power from your outlet, it may turn off or become unstable and give you inconsistent results for frying.
To make sure your air fryer gets an adequate supply of voltage, check the electrical rating located at the back of your appliance and ensure that the voltage at your outlet matches that specified requirement. If the problem persists then you may need to call a professional electrician to troubleshoot and fix any issue regarding supplying power to your air fryer.
Faulty thermostat
A faulty thermostat in the air fryer is one of the most common causes of the appliance turning off automatically. A thermostat regulates temperature, and if it fails to do so properly, it can lead to overheating and shut down of the air fryer. To diagnose if this is the issue, you must open up the fryer and test its components including the thermostat, control board and wiring connections.
Another issue that can cause a temperature regulation problem is a damaged heating element. The element may fail to produce enough heat to keep up with rising temperatures in the appliance during cooking. In this case, replacing or repairing these parts may be necessary for a fully functioning air fryer again.
Maintenance
Air fryers are a great kitchen appliance that can cook food quickly and efficiently. However, there are times when the air fryer turns off automatically due to lack of proper maintenance.
If your air fryer keeps randomly turning off, it could be due to a few different causes. Let’s take a look at some of the maintenance tips that you can use to get your air fryer back up and running.
Clean the air fryer regularly
It’s important to keep your air fryer clean to ensure its longevity and performance. Keeping it clean ensures that it will work effectively at all times and will help prevent malfunctions from occurring.
Here are a few tips for cleaning your air fryer regularly:
- Make sure to unplug the appliance before cleaning it to avoid any potential risks of electrical shock.
- Clean the inner basket with warm soapy water after each use, rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Wipe down the exterior of the air fryer door with a damp cloth or sponge and then dry off completely.
- Make sure to remove any crumbs, buildup, or residue from the heating elements on a regular basis (once every week or two).
- To deep clean the appliance, fill a bowl or bucket with warm soapy water and submerge the entire air fryer basket in it for around 10 minutes, then rinse off with cold water. This can help remove any stuck on food particles or grease that weren’t removed during routine cleaning.
- If necessary, wipe down the interior of the appliance with a cloth soaked in vinegar solution (1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water) once every month or two in order to sanitize and prevent bacteria growth.
Following these steps should ensure that your air fryer works properly at all times and keeps you safe from electrical shocks due to unsafe wiring.
Check the air fryer for damage
Before attempting any troubleshooting steps, inspect your air fryer for any signs of damage. Common causes of this issue can range from a faulty power switch to a faulty power cord and even the presence of an internal wiring issue.
If you notice any physical indicators such as discoloration, fraying or cracked insulation around the power cord or plug, then it’s advisable to replace the power cable or outlet immediately to prevent further issues from occurring. If there is no physical damage visible, then likely the root cause may be an internal malfunction.
It’s also important that you examine the basket and all other removable hardware to make sure everything is properly attached and secured in its right place with no missing pieces that could impede normal function. Generally being mindful of all assembly components will help ensure your device performs at optimal capacity while also maximizing safety precautions around electricity and heat in particular.
Use the correct wattage for the appliance
Air fryers are electric appliances, and, as such, need to be connected to an outlet that is capable of operating the appliance. Often, the wattage required by the air fryer will be listed in the product manual. Overloading and underloading of wattage can lead to problems with power, including sudden shut-offs. To ensure safe operation of your air fryer always check the wattage rating on your outlet prior to plugging in your appliance.
It’s also important to never connect other electrical appliances on a shared circuit breaker with your air fryer. The additional current draw can potentially exceed the ability of a fading outlet and cause damage to both appliances or cause an overload condition in electrical wiring.
If you discover that you have an insufficient wattage or have other outlets available nearby that are rated higher than what is needed by your appliance, then use the appropriate outlet for your air fryer. The excess wattage is often acceptable provided you do not exceed it. This will ensure smooth operation of your appliance without unnecessary power interruptions due to sudden shut-offs caused by electrical overloads or insufficient power capacity issues in current outlets.
Safety Tips
Air fryers are a great way to make delicious food without having to use as much oil as traditional deep-frying methods. However, if your air fryer keeps turning off, it might be due to an issue with the machine. To ensure your air fryer is working properly and safely, there are a few safety tips you can follow. In this article, we will discuss the safety tips you should consider when using your air fryer.
Unplug the air fryer when not in use
Unplugging the air fryer when it is not in use can help prevent any small electrical fires or other potential safety hazards. This also helps to conserve energy as the appliance will not be using electricity while it is turned off. Due to potential electrical currents still in the appliance, extreme caution should be used when handling an air fryer, especially following a power outage or other electrical occurrences.
It is recommended that one does not use a damp cloth to wipe down their air fryer as this could cause a short circuit and spark an electrical fire. Instead, an oil-free paper towel can be used instead to wipe away any excess food particles from the air fryer’s surfaces. Additionally, all cords should be inspected for any visible signs of wear and tear before plugging in your appliance. Thus, keeping the air fryer unplugged will ensure safe operation for many years ahead!
Do not leave the air fryer unattended
It’s important to remember that air fryers generate intense heat, and leaving them unattended can pose significant safety risks. When you’re using an air fryer, you should stay in the kitchen and keep a close eye on the appliance. Pay attention to any potential smoke or smells — this could indicate something is wrong and mean you should immediately turn off the appliance.
Before leaving the kitchen, even for a short period of time, make sure to turn off your air fryer as it circulates hot air which is harmful. If any food particles or oil buildup become heated in an air fryer that has been left on, they can cause smoke or a fire hazard — or even an explosion if there’s too much buildup. Also, never cover your air fryer with paper towels, cloths or plastic wrap while it is operating; this could lead to an accumulation of steam which may offset the power switch inside and cause it to turn off during use.
Finally, keep children away from hot surfaces on your air fryer such as handles and fried-food racks. Consider using oven mitts when removing cooked food from your air fryer because they can get extremely hot during use. By following these simple tips, you’ll help ensure safe operation of your appliance at all times and reduce the risk of injury or accidents caused by misuse.
Do not use any accessories not recommended by the manufacturer
Make sure not to use any accessories or attachments not recommended by the air fryer manufacturer. Doing so could damage the appliance and may cause injury due to fire, electric shock, or other causes. Improper use can result in insufficient cooking or burning the food.
It is also important to make sure the air fryer is properly assembled, installed and operated in order to obtain satisfactory performance. The manufacturer’s instructions should be carefully read before using, loading and cleaning your air fryer so you can guarantee safe operation and maximum efficiency.
Familiarize yourself with all of the features of your model including indicators, on/off features, temperature settings, time settings and clean-up tips. Ensure that you follow these safety tips regularly while using this appliance:
- Make sure all components and accessories are securely tightened before operating
- Make sure air vents remain unobstructed during operation
- Do not insert foods too far into the device so as not to block airflow from the sides
- Never immerse the appliance in water—or even wipe it down with a damp cloth—in order to avoid electric shock and potential damage to internal parts
- Do not leave an unattended appliance running after cooking is completed.
Conclusion
Air fryers are a great way to cook food while avoiding some of the unhealthy fats associated with traditional cooking methods. However, air fryers do have some downsides- one of which is that they can be quite finicky.
If you’re having problems with your machine turning off or not heating up properly, make sure you check out our article on how to fix common air fryer problems. By following these simple tips and tricks, you should be able to keep your machine running smoothly for years to come!