How to Fix Air Fryer Not Turning On: Avoid These Costly Mistakes

You’re ready to cook a quick, healthy meal. But your air fryer won’t turn on. That’s super annoying, right?

You rely on it to save time and help you eat healthier. Now it’s just sitting there doing nothing.

Don’t worry. You’re not alone. Many people have the same issue. And the good news? It’s often an easy fix.

I’ve worked with air fryers for years. I’ve seen this problem before—and most of the time, it’s something small. Maybe the basket isn’t pushed in all the way. Maybe the plug is loose. Sometimes, the outlet is the issue—not the air fryer.

This guide will show you easy steps to fix the problem. No tools, no stress. Just quick checks you can do right now. Let’s get your air fryer working again. Keep reading to see how!

Common air fryer problems

It’s never fun when your air fryer won’t turn on. You’re ready to cook, but nothing happens. That can be really annoying.

The good news? Most of the time, the fix is simple. In fact, around 70–80% of air fryer issues are caused by simple power or user setup problems, according to service reports from appliance repair sites and user forums.

Many people face this same problem. It often comes down to something small. When you know what to check, you can solve it fast. That’s why it helps to know the most common reasons your fryer might not work.

In this part, we’ll talk about what often stops your air fryer from working. Once you know the reason, you can get back to cooking in no time.

1. Power Cord Issues

One of the first things you should check is the power cord. Make sure it’s plugged in all the way. Sometimes, the plug can slip out just a little and stop the power.

Look at the cord itself. If the cord looks damaged, bent, or worn out, that might be the cause. I’ve seen cords get damaged from being pulled too hard or bent over time.

Don’t use the fryer if you notice any damage. A bad cord can be unsafe. If the cord is replaceable, try using a different one. That one step might fix everything.

2. Outlet Problems

The problem might not be the air fryer. It could be the outlet.

To check, plug in something else—like a phone charger or a toaster. If that doesn’t work either, the outlet may be bad. I’ve had this issue more than once before. I spent time checking the fryer, but the real issue was the wall plug.

If the outlet doesn’t work, test another one close by. You’d be surprised how often this small step solves the problem.

3. Could a blown fuse stop my air fryer from turning on?

Most air fryers have a small fuse inside. When the fuse goes out, the air fryer won’t power on. Check your manual to locate the fuse. Some fryers have it in an easy-to-reach spot.

If the fuse looks burned or broken, you might need to replace it. It might look tricky, but it’s often a simple fix. I’ve had this happen before. Replacing the fuse took just a few minutes—and it saved me from buying a new fryer.

4. Overheating Safety Feature

Just made a big batch of fries? Your air fryer might need a break. Air fryers have a safety setting that stops them from working when they get too hot. This helps prevent damage or danger.

I’ve had this happen after long cooking sessions. The fryer wouldn’t turn on—but it just needed time to cool down. Wait a little while. Then try turning it on again. That short pause might be all it needs.

5. Faulty Power Button

The power button might be the problem. Press it gently. Do you hear a click? If not, it may not be working. Sometimes, the button feels stuck. Or it doesn’t move at all. That’s a sign something is wrong.

I had this happen with an old blender. The button looked fine but didn’t work. A quick fix got it working again. If your air fryer’s button feels loose or stiff, it may need repair. A new button could solve the issue fast.

Fixing things like this can save money. And it feels good to solve the problem on your own.

Now you know what to check. What will you try first?

Power Source Issues

Is your air fryer not turning on? Start with the power source.

Make sure the plug is tight in the outlet. Check the cord for any cuts or bends. A bent or broken cord can stop the fryer from getting power.

Sometimes, the problem is the circuit breaker. This has happened in my kitchen before. One small trip, and nothing worked. A quick reset fixed it.

Before you buy a new fryer, take a minute to check these things. You might save money with just a simple fix. Power problems are common. But they’re often easy to solve. Let’s get your air fryer working again!

Check Power Cord

Look at the power cord. Do you see any cuts or damage? A damaged or torn cord can keep the fryer from turning on. If the cord looks bad, don’t use it. Change the cord right away to stay safe.

Make sure the cord is fully plugged into the wall and the fryer. Sometimes, the plug is just a little loose—and that alone can stop it from working. I’ve had this happen after moving my fryer. The cord got bent, and it wouldn’t turn on. A quick fix solved it.

If you just moved your fryer, check if the cord got twisted. Straighten it out so the power can flow the right way. Even a small push can get things working again!

Test Electrical Outlet

Try plugging another device into the same outlet. You can test the outlet with a phone charger or lamp. If that also doesn’t work, the outlet might be the issue.

Some outlets are linked to wall switches. Make sure the switch is turned on. I’ve missed this before—it’s an easy mistake to make.

Also, check your breaker box. A tripped breaker can cut power to the outlet. Flip it back on and try again. I once thought my air fryer was broken, but it was just a flipped breaker. Easy fix!

Power problems are often simple. Once fixed, your fryer might be good to go.

Internal Component Failures

Is your air fryer still not turning on? The problem could be inside. Some parts may stop working over time. This can happen with older units or after heavy use. It might sound hard to fix. But with a little help, it’s not as scary as it seems.

Start with the manual. Some air fryers have a built-in fuse or safety switch. If the fryer is silent or won’t light up, a part like the circuit board may be the cause. I had a similar issue with my old fryer. A local repair shop helped me fix it fast.

If you’re not sure what’s wrong, a pro can take a quick look. Often, it’s a small fix. With the right help, you can get your air fryer working again—without buying a new one.

Could a damaged control panel or heating element cause no power?

The control panel is like the brain of your air fryer. If it fails, the whole air fryer might stop working. Start by pressing the buttons. Do they light up? Do they respond?

If nothing happens, there may be a loose wire or a bad part inside. Look closely at the panel. Check for cracks, stains, or signs of damage. Moisture can also cause problems.

I once spilled oil near the buttons. Later, the panel stopped working. A quick clean helped fix it. If you’re good with small tools, you can open the panel. Check for signs of burning or any loose wires.

Think back to the last time it worked well. Was there heat, steam, or a spill? Even small accidents can affect the panel.

Check the Heating Element

The heating element helps your air fryer get hot. If it breaks, your air fryer won’t work—even if other parts are fine.

Start by unplugging the air fryer. Then look for the heating element inside. Check for cracks or black burn marks. If it looks broken, it may need to be fixed or replaced.

Think about how often you use your fryer each week. Do you cook at high heat a lot? Do you use it every day? Using it a lot can cause the heating part to wear out. This may cause it to stop working.

Do you often make fried chicken or crispy snacks? That kind of cooking can make the element wear out faster. By checking this part, you can spot problems early. This helps keep your air fryer working well. What simple steps can you take today to help your fryer last longer?

Safety Features and Easy Fixes

Air fryers are now a must-have in many homes. They cook crispy food with little oil. But when one won’t turn on, it can be annoying. Most times, the problem is small. Start by checking the cord. Check that the cord isn’t damaged or bent. Plug it into a working outlet. Some air fryers won’t start unless the basket is in the right spot. Make sure it’s fully pushed in.

Still not working? Try resetting the fryer. Some models have a reset button. Unplugging for a few minutes can also help. These safety features are made to keep you safe. They stop the fryer if something is wrong. This helps avoid damage or harm.

If you know how these parts work, you can fix small issues fast. No need to panic or call for help right away.

Door Not Closed Properly

If your air fryer won’t turn on, check the door first. Many models won’t start unless the door is shut tight. It may seem like a small step, but it’s important.

Once, I was in a hurry to make dinner and didn’t notice the door was slightly open. The air fryer just sat there. No lights. No sound. I pushed the door firmly, and it started right away.

Always make sure the door is fully closed before pressing start. If it still won’t shut right, take a look at the latch. Bits of food or grease can block it. Wipe the latch area clean. That alone can fix the problem. A stuck door may seem like a big issue, but often, it just needs a quick check and clean.

Temperature Sensor Problems

Your air fryer has a heat sensor. It stops the unit from getting too hot. This keeps your home safe. But if the sensor goes bad, your fryer may not turn on. Or it might stop while cooking.

I had this once. My fryer kept turning off. A quick reset fixed it. Try this: unplug your fryer. Wait one minute. Then plug it back in. This can reset the sensor.

Still not working? The sensor might be broken. You might need to have it looked at or replaced.

Want your fryer to last longer? Clean the sensor now and then. Wipe away oil or crumbs. Look for wear or rust. This small task helps keep your fryer safe. And it can stop bigger issues later.

Air fryer troubleshooting guide

If your air fryer won’t turn on, start with the basics. Be sure the plug is pushed in firmly. Check the cord for damage. Try another outlet or reset the breaker if needed. Look at the basket or door. Many fryers won’t start if it’s not closed right.

If it stopped working all of a sudden, don’t worry. These quick steps can help you get it running again.

Resetting the Air Fryer

Sometimes, your air fryer just needs a quick reset to start working again. Unplug it from the outlet and wait a few minutes before trying again. Then, plug it back in. This easy step can fix small problems and get your fryer running. It helps clear tiny errors in the system.

Also, check if the outlet is working. Test the outlet by plugging in something else, like a lamp or a phone charger. If that item doesn’t turn on, the outlet may be the real problem. Try a different one to be sure.

Have you tried another device in that same outlet? This quick check can save you time and help you find out what’s really wrong.

Consulting the Manual

Your air fryer’s manual can be a big help. It has clear tips made just for your model. Flip through the pages and look for a fix that matches your problem.

Many brands include special reset steps. These steps can save you time and stress. Also, check for any error codes. These codes tell you what’s wrong and what to do next.

When was the last time you used your manual? In my case, I found a safety lock I didn’t know about. That small tip solved my problem fast. You might find things you missed before. A quick read could stop you from guessing or worrying. The more you know your air fryer, the better it will work for you.

When To Seek Professional Help

If your air fryer still won’t turn on, you may need help from a repair expert. This is true if you hear strange sounds, smell something odd, or have power issues that won’t go away.

You’ve likely checked the basics. You looked at the cord. You tried a new outlet. You pressed the power button. But nothing worked. When that happens, the problem may be inside the fryer.

Trying to fix it yourself could make things worse. You might break a part or hurt yourself. A trained repair person knows what to do. They can find the problem fast and fix it the right way.

Calling a pro can save you time and money. It also helps you avoid the stress of guessing what’s wrong. If your fryer has a big problem, don’t wait. Get help from someone who knows how to fix it.

Finding Bigger Problems

Does your air fryer make weird sounds? Does the screen blink or flash? These can be signs of a problem inside. It’s best not to try fixing this yourself. You could make it worse. You could even break it.

A repair tech has the tools to check it. They know how to look at the wires or the main board. They can tell you what went wrong. Think about cost. A small fix may be cheap. It could help your fryer last longer. A simple repair might cost less than buying a new one.

How to Find a Repair Tech

Need help with your air fryer? It’s not hard to find the right repair person.

Start by looking online. Read reviews from other people. Check the star ratings. Pick someone who fixes kitchen tools. You can also get suggestions from friends or family. They may know someone who does a good job.

Make sure the tech has done this work before. Ask if they have fixed air fryers. Also, ask how much it will cost. A price quote helps you plan. That way, there are no surprises.

It feels good to know help is close. A good tech can fix your fryer fast.

How to Care for Your Air Fryer

Is your air fryer not turning on? First, check the plug. Make sure it is tight in the wall. Look at the cord. If it is cut or bent, stop using it.

Next, check inside the fryer. Check for any parts that look damaged or worn out.

To keep it working well, clean it often. Make sure it stays dry. Wipe off crumbs, grease, and dust. Taking care of your air fryer helps it last longer. It also keeps it cooking the right way. A little cleaning goes a long way. Do it after each use. Doing this can help you stop bigger issues before they start.

Regular Cleaning

Cleaning your air fryer often helps it work well. Unplug the air fryer after each use and let it cool. Once it’s cool, wipe the inside and outside with a damp cloth. This removes food bits and grease.

Clean the basket and tray using warm water and mild soap. This stops food from building up. If food stays, it can cause overheating or damage.

Check the heating element for dirt. Gently clean it with a soft brush. This keeps it from getting clogged and helps cook food evenly.

Avoiding Overloading

Overloading your air fryer can cause problems. If you put in too much food, the hot air can’t move well. This leads to uneven cooking and can even damage the machine.

Check your manual for how much food you can add. It will tell you the safe limit. Think of it like a car—too much weight makes the engine work harder. That’s true for air fryers too.

I once stuffed mine with too many fries. They came out half-cooked. That was my sign I was overloading it. Now I spread the food in a thin layer, and it cooks much better.

Try not to pile food too high. When there’s enough space, air moves better, and your food gets crisp. Regular care and not overloading will help your air fryer last longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: How to fix air fryer not turning on

Fixing an air fryer is not too hard. First, check the plug. Make sure it is in the outlet. Look at the basket. It should be in the right place. Try to reset the fryer. This often solves the issue.

Check the manual. It may have tips for your model. If it still does not work, call a repair expert. To stop issues later, clean the fryer often. Check for loose wires. These steps help it last longer.

A working air fryer means easy meals. Take care of it, and it will work well for you. You can comment below with your air fryer model and issue—I’ll help you troubleshoot it!

Raju Dey

Hi, I’m Raju Dey — a food lover with a degree in Culinary Arts from El Centro College. I’ve spent 4+ years testing air fryers, blenders, and other kitchen tools in real home kitchens. At KitchenWink.com, I share honest tips and reviews to help you cook smarter. My goal is to give you advice you can trust — based on hands-on experience, not hype.