Air Fryer Basket Not Closing – Reasons + Fix!

The air fryer has become an essential appliance in my kitchen. I love it for its ability to create healthy meals. 

It is where I go when I crave fried foods and muffins. However, recently I have been facing issues with the air fryer basket not closing properly. 

While researching this issue, I realized that basket not closing is a common issue among air fryer owners. 

I decided to convert my research into this article that will cover all the possible reasons your air fryer basket may not be closing properly and how to fix it.

Air Fryer Not Closing- Reasons + Fix!

One possible reason your air fryer basket won’t close is that it might be overloaded. When you fill the basket past its maximum limit, it can cause the door to stay open or not close properly. 

To fix this, simply remove some items from the basket and ensure that it is filled just below the maximum limit. This method will usually resolve the issue and allow the door to close as intended.

Another potential cause could be the incorrect placement of the basket. 

Make sure the basket is positioned properly within the air fryer, as improper placement can lead to issues with the door closing.

To fix this, refer to your air fryer’s user manual for guidance on properly placing the basket. You could also try repositioning it until the door closes without a problem.

In some cases, the problem might lie with a broken or damaged handle on the basket. 

If this is the case, you can try removing the basket and checking for screws around the handle area.

Unscrew and remove the broken handle. Finally, replace it with a new handle. This should allow the drawer to close without any issues.

If you have checked all of the above, and your air fryer basket still won’t close, there could be a fault with the air fryer itself. It is best to consult the manufacturer or seek professional help.

Also read: Why is My Air Fryer Not Cooking Properly?

Common Reasons for Basket Not Closing

In this section, we will explore in detail all the possible reasons for the basket not closing and some quick fixes you can try.

Let’s dive into the common reasons for the problem at hand.

Overloaded Basket

One common issue you might face while using an air fryer is overfilling the basket.

When you’re eager to cook a lot of food at once, it can be tempting to fill the basket to the brim. 

However, this can cause the basket not to close properly and hinder efficient cooking.

When using an air fryer, it’s crucial to keep in mind that air circulation is the key to achieving crispy and evenly cooked food. 

Overfilling the basket obstructs air circulation and may result in poorly cooked food or the inability of the drawer to close.

Misaligned Basket Components

One of the common reasons for your air fryer basket not closing is misaligned basket components.

Ensure your basket is properly aligned and sitting inside the drawer pan correctly. Not positioning the basket properly may cause difficulty when trying to close the drawer.

Check your air fryer’s user manual and follow the instructions on properly placing the basket and drawer pan into the appliance.

Food Obstructions

Another possible reason may be food obstructions.

Over time, small crumbs and leftover food pieces can accumulate in the basket, preventing the basket from closing fully. 

To clean your air fryer, start by unplugging the appliance and allowing it to cool down.

Once it is safe to handle, remove the basket and any other removable components. Using a soft brush or cloth, gently brush away any loose debris. 

Worn or Damaged Parts

Over time, parts of your air fryer may wear out or become damaged. You might accidentally drop it or bump it against something hard.

This can result in broken or bent components, which make it difficult to close the basket properly. 

The hinges or other components responsible for holding the basket in place may not be functioning correctly.

The locking mechanism can wear out, making it difficult to secure the basket correctly. All of this can cause trouble when closing the air fryer’s basket. 

Consult your air fryer’s user manual and contact customer support. Find out if your air fryer is under warranty.

You can also visit your brand’s website or store for replacement parts.

It is a good idea to take the help of a qualified technician to replace damaged parts.

It is important to keep your air fryer in good working condition to ensure its optimal functioning.

By addressing these common reasons for the basket not closing, you can continue to enjoy delicious, healthy meals.

Manufacturing Defects

In some unfortunate cases, your air fryer basket may not close due to manufacturing defects.

These could be related to the basket, the latch, or the handle. 

It’s essential to inspect each component to identify the issue. If you find any visible signs of damage, such as cracks or deformations, contact the manufacturer. 

Also read: Air Fryer Not Turning On – Possible Reasons + Fixes!

How to Fix the Issue

Air fryer baskets that won’t close can be frustrating and prevent you from preparing meals smoothly.

The common reasons for this problem include misaligned basket components, food obstructions, and worn, or damaged parts. 

In the following subsections, we’ll discuss how to address each of these issues so you can use your air fryer without any hitches.

Not Overfilling the Basket

Another factor that can lead to air fryer basket closure problems is overloading the basket.

It is essential to pay attention to the recommended basket capacity and avoid exceeding it. 

To avoid overloading, always follow the air fryer’s guidelines for filling the basket.

Typically, it’s better to cook in smaller batches to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. Here are a few tips to prevent an overfilled basket:

  • Resist the urge to fill the basket beyond its recommended capacity.
  • Arrange the food in a single layer, without stacking or overcrowding.
  • If necessary, shake or stir the contents halfway through cooking for even results.

Remember, patience can sometimes lead to the best results.

By following these tips, you’ll have a better chance of successful air frying and won’t have to worry about your air fryer basket not closing due to overfilling.

Realigning Basket Components

At times, an air fryer basket may not be closing because of the incorrect positioning of its components. 

The first step is to make sure your air fryer is turned off and unplugged. Then, gently remove the basket and note its proper alignment.

Reinsert the basket, ensuring it fits securely and accurately into its designated slot. 

Take note of how the basket and tray are positioned before taking them out for cleaning, so you can easily put them back after cleaning.

If the problem persists, it might be worth consulting the user manual that came with your air fryer for specific component alignments.

Removing Food Obstructions

Overloaded baskets or food debris can obstruct the air fryer’s drawer. 

To address this issue, first, inspect the basket and remove any food residue that may be caught along its edges or within its tracks. 

After cleaning the basket, it’s a good idea to wipe down the entire air fryer with a damp cloth to remove any lingering grease or food particles.

Pay close attention to any areas where debris may be hiding, such as corners and crevices.

Remember to dry all components thoroughly before reassembling and using the air fryer.

keeping your air fryer clean, you can help prevent debris and food particles from interfering with the closing mechanism of the basket.

This will not only make cooking more enjoyable, but it can also prolong the life of your appliance.

Replacing Worn or Damaged Parts

If the basket remains challenging to close, it could be due to worn or damaged parts.

Inspect the basket, handle, and locking mechanism for any signs of wear, damage, or warping. 

If you notice that the root cause of the basket not closing properly is a broken air fryer handle, you will have to get it replaced.

If you find any compromised components, look into purchasing replacement parts from the manufacturer or an authorized dealer.

It is crucial to use parts specifically designed for your air fryer model to avoid further issues or potential safety hazards.

Seeking Professional Help

If the problem persists even after trying the above solutions, consider seeking professional help from a qualified appliance technician. 

Some air fryer issues may be beyond your control and could require expert attention to properly diagnose and repair.

Keep in mind that attempting more advanced repairs without the proper knowledge could lead to further damage or the voiding of your air fryer’s warranty.

In case of a manufacturing defect, the company will replace or repair the defective parts.

Here are some examples of manufacturer defects that may prevent your air fryer basket from closing properly:

  • Improperly manufactured locking mechanisms
  • Warped or bent basket shapes
  • Loose or broken handles

While these issues can be frustrating, it’s essential to stay patient and work with the manufacturer to resolve the problem.

Also read: Why Does My Air fryer Keep Shutting Off?

Preventing Future Closure Problems

In this article, we have talked about various reasons that can cause an air fryer basket not to close, and how to fix them. 

I will now tell you how to prevent these issues from recurring in the future. 

By taking a few simple steps, you can minimize the chances of air fryer basket closure problems and maintain your appliance in optimal condition.

Proper Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular maintenance and cleaning of your air fryer are crucial in preventing basket closure issues.

Ensure that you clean the basket and drawer after each use, removing any food residue or debris that might obstruct the closing mechanism. 

Check the screws on the handle and tighten them if needed. 

If you notice any damaged or worn-out parts, contact customer care or a qualified technician.

Cleaning your air fryer is not difficult. You can simply use a soft cloth, warm soapy water, and a non-abrasive sponge to clean the basket, drawer, and other removable parts.

Moreover, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that might damage the appliance’s surfaces or affect its performance negatively.

Also read: Air Fryer Error Code E1 – How to Fix!

Being Mindful of Basket Capacity

Overloading the basket may not only prevent it from closing properly but also affect the even distribution of hot air and temperature control, leading to unevenly cooked food.

To ensure optimal cooking results and prevent closure issues, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on proper food placement and portion size. 

It is best to cook food in a single layer, without overcrowding the basket. This will enable proper air circulation and maintain the ideal cooking temperature.

Bottom Line

Now you are wiser and know all the possible reasons for the air fryer basket not closing.

It could be a misaligned basket, food debris causing obstruction, or worn/damaged parts.

The fixing is also easy. Make sure the basket is aligned properly. Remove any food obstructions, and get the damaged parts replaced. If nothing works, it is best to contact customer care.

It is equally important to clean and maintain the basket. Do not overfill the basket beyond the recommended levels. 

Summing up, the proper method of placement, regular cleaning and maintenance, and mindful usage are your best preventive tools.

By following the solutions, you can easily solve closure problems with your air fryer basket and keep your appliance functioning efficiently for a long time. 

All the best!

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I’m Jueria and I am a regular contributor on cookeryspace.com. In my articles, I share time-saving techniques, appliance wizardry, and health-friendly recipes to bring taste and wellness to your table. So raise a glass (or a spatula) with me, to good health and good food, made easy!