The air fryer is a familiar kitchen appliance in many households, delivering delicious, nutritious, and healthy meals. However, during use, it's common to encounter the issue of the air fryer not heating up. So, what causes this problem? And how can you fix it? Find out the details with LocknLock in the article below!
1. Operating Principle of the Air Fryer
To identify the reasons why your air fryer isn't heating up, you need to first understand how this appliance works. As we know, the air fryer is a popular cooking device in modern kitchens. It operates on the principle of vacuum frying by heating a heating coil (heating element).
The air fryer cooks food using a stream of hot air emitted from the heating coil.
Simply put, when operating, electricity is supplied to the heating coil, converting it into heat energy. This then activates the convection fan inside the fryer, which helps circulate the hot air across the food's surface, making the food tender on the inside and golden-crisp on the outside without the need for cooking oil or animal fat.
When you first plug in the air fryer, it won't be hot yet. The air fryer only starts to heat up gradually once you've placed food inside and set the cooking time and temperature.
2. Causes and Solutions for an Air Fryer Not Heating Up
An air fryer not heating up despite being plugged in and having the temperature and time set is a common issue many people face while cooking. There are several reasons for this problem, including some main causes:
2.1. The Air Fryer Basket Is Not Inserted Correctly
An improperly inserted air fryer basket can also prevent the fryer from operating.
If the components of the air fryer, specifically the frying basket, are not installed correctly and fully locked into place, the air fryer will not heat up. This is because if the basket is not correctly seated, it will not connect to the power supply. This is a safety feature. The appliance will only operate normally when all parts are properly assembled.
The fix for this is very simple. Just check if the frying basket is correctly locked in place. This will ensure the appliance's operation is not interrupted and maximize user safety.
2.2. The Air Fryer's Power Plug Is Loose or Not Plugged In
A loose plug or one that hasn't been fully inserted into the outlet is another common, yet often overlooked, reason why an air fryer might not heat up.
A loose power plug can also prevent the air fryer from heating up.
When the plug is loose or not fully plugged in, the appliance won't receive power, and therefore, the air fryer won't be able to cook the food.
For any electrical appliance, including an air fryer, checking the plug before operation is essential. Before you start cooking, carefully check the power source and the appliance's plug to ensure it operates smoothly.
2.3. The Air Fryer Has Been Running for Too Long
Using the air fryer to cook multiple dishes for an extended period can cause the appliance to overload. When the appliance is used for a long time, the temperature inside the fryer reaches a high level. At this point, the thermal relay (thermostat) will automatically shut off to ensure the safety of the appliance and the electrical system. This is why you will find that the fryer doesn't heat up when you try to restart it.
In this situation, to use the air fryer again, you must unplug it and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes to cool down. Then, restart the appliance and use it as normal.
2.4. Internal Electronic Components of the Air Fryer Are Damaged
If the air fryer has damaged components, it won't heat up when you need to use it.
If your air fryer isn't heating up and you've checked all the reasons above without success, it's very likely that the internal components of the appliance are damaged. The main parts that could cause this issue include the convection fan, the thermal sensor/relay, the heating element (Mayso wire), and the electronic circuit board.
In this case, if you don't have experience with repairs, do not attempt to disassemble the components yourself. Instead, seek assistance from a technical specialist.
3. Important Notes When Using an Air Fryer
You should check the air fryer periodically to avoid unexpected problems.
To use your air fryer effectively, safely, minimize problems, and create delicious, high-quality meals, you should keep the following points in mind:
- Read the instructions carefully before use: After purchasing an air fryer, users should thoroughly read the manufacturer's instructions before using it. This will help you understand the correct way to use, clean, and store the appliance.
- Clean thoroughly after each use: After each cooking session, let the appliance cool down, unplug it, and thoroughly clean the grease and food residue from the internal components using specialized dish soap, baking soda, and lemon, etc. The exterior should be wiped with a soft cloth to remove all dust and grease.
- Do not use strong detergents: Avoid using highly concentrated detergents when cleaning the appliance, as they can damage and corrode the appliance and affect user health.
- Use a suitable power source: The electrical source used for the air fryer must match the voltage specified by the manufacturer on the appliance. Do not use power sources that are too high or too low.
- Store in a dry environment: The air fryer should be placed in a dry, airy, low-humidity location to prevent mold and component damage.
- Pay attention to cooking time: Avoid cooking dishes continuously for long periods to ensure the appliance's lifespan and user safety.
- Check the appliance periodically: You should check the appliance's components regularly (every 2-3 months) to ensure it is always operating normally and doesn't interrupt your cooking.
Above is a summary of the causes and solutions for an air fryer not heating up that you can refer to and apply when necessary. If you are looking to purchase a LocknLock air fryer, please contact us for advice and to choose the most suitable product.
