4 Common Reasons Your Air fryer Keep Shutting Off

Have you ever experienced your air fryer shutting off unexpectedly?

From my research, I have understood a few reasons for an air fryer to turn off.

These include faulty power cords, overheating, or operational settings. It’s also possible that the problem lies with the air fryer’s lid or hinge.

Let’s dive into what could be causing your air fryer to shut off and explore some potential solutions to help you get back to enjoying your favorite air-fried meals.

So stick with me as we navigate through these air fryer complications together.

Table of Contents

Reasons for the Air Fryer to Keep Shutting Off

Here are some common reasons why your air fryer keeps shutting off:

Overheating

This is among the top reason why your air fryer keeps shutting off. There are many reasons for the air fryer to overheat.

The most common reason is adding too much oil or overfilling the ingredients.

This increases the temperature beyond the maximum limit of 400°F and may even ignite the air fryer.

A faulty cable can cause the heating element to overheat and shut off the air fryer.

Another possible reason can be a damaged heating element. This causes the air fryer to malfunction and eventually overheat.

A clogged air vent prevents proper air circulation resulting in overheating of the air fryer.

Sometimes a malfunction in the thermostat can cause the air fryer to overheat.

Faulty Power Connection

A faulty power connection is another possible cause. For instance, when my air fryer’s power cord had exposed wires, it would shut off unexpectedly.

The power cord may not be connected to the switch or the internal wiring connecting the cord inside the air fryer could be damaged.

The power outlet connected to the air fryer may be malfunctioning or it could be that the air fryer has put an extra load on the circuit.

Also read: Are there Low Watt Air Fryers?

Defective Electrical Components

If the power connection and power cord are fine, then the reason could be a problem with the air fryer.

Defective electrical components like a malfunctioning thermostat or errors in the electrical circuit can also lead to an air fryer shutting off.

There could also be some technical defects during the PCB assembly process, like electrostatic discharge (ESD) and component defects.

Clogging of the cooling vent with air-borne particles can also cause the electrical components to malfunction.

Also read: Does Air Fryer Use a Lot of Electricity?

Automatic Timers and Sensors

Lastly, automatic timers and sensors could be the culprit. For example, my friend’s air fryer had a worn-out hinge, causing the lid sensor to turn off the appliance.

Placing the basket improperly can cause issues as well. If the basket or tray is not inserted properly in position, the air fryer shuts off.

The auto power-off sensors act as an inbuilt safety mechanism in the air fryer.

Possible issues with the automated timers include malfunctioning or defective timer motors, faulty electrical contacts, and issues with the timer’s programming or settings.

Power supply issues like voltage fluctuations or power surges also create issues with automated timers.

Measures to Prevent the Air Fryer to Keep Shutting Off

Let us now look at the preventative measures that you can take to ensure the air fryer does not keep shutting off:

Good Ventilation

One of the things I always do to prevent my air fryer from shutting off is to ensure proper ventilation.

It is important to give your air fryer enough space to release hot air and prevent overheating.

I usually place mine on a stable, heat-resistant surface with at least 5 inches of clearance on all sides.

Also read: Do Induction Cooktops Need Venting? + Ventilation Options

Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining any appliance, including my air fryer. I make sure to clean the basket, tray, and interior after each use.

By doing so, I prevent residue build-up, which can cause the air fryer to overheat and shut down. Here’s a quick cleaning routine I follow:

Unplug the air fryer and let it cool down
Remove and wash the basket and tray with warm, soapy water
Wipe the interior with a damp cloth

Also read: Do I Need to Wash Air Fryer After Every Use?

Using a Surge Protector

Protecting the air fryer from power fluctuations is crucial.

I use a surge protector to safeguard it from voltage spikes and electrical surges that can damage the unit and cause it to shut off unexpectedly.

You should consider investing in one if you haven’t already.

Check If Everything is in the Proper Position

It might seem trivial, but this is an important step. Check if the outlet is in working condition and the power cord is attached firmly with no loose ends.

Make sure the vent isn’t choked or clogged.

I always make sure to firmly insert the air fryer basket for a secure connection. It not only ensures even cooking but also prevents the air fryer from shutting off abruptly.

Lastly, enter the correct settings and avoid using very high temperatures for a long duration.

Also, do not use a lot of oil/grease when cooking in the air fryer.

Avoid Overloading

Be mindful of the amount of food you are placing in the air fryer. Overloading it can block airflow and cause overheating.

I always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on the maximum capacity and arrange the food in a single layer for even cooking.

A properly loaded air fryer with adequate space leads to better performance and reduces the risk of shutting off.

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

Troubleshooting Your Air Fryer

Occasionally, air fryers can experience issues that cause them to shut off unexpectedly while cooking.

Here are some things you can try out to resolve the possible issues causing your air fryer to shut off:

Reset Your Air Fryer

One of the first steps to take is to reset your air fryer. I recommend unplugging your air fryer and waiting for about 10-15 minutes.

Plug it back in. This allows your air fryer’s internal systems to reset in case of an electronic glitch or an overheating issue.

Checking for Loose Connections

Another potential cause could be a loose power cord connection.

I recommend ensuring that the power cord is securely plugged into the air fryer and the outlet.

Make sure that the power cord is not damaged. Check the wall outlet for any issues. If needed, try plugging your air fryer into a different outlet.

Inspecting Internal Components

Lastly, you might need to inspect internal components by looking for any visible signs of damage or malfunction.

Before attempting this step, ensure that your air fryer is unplugged and has cooled down to prevent the risk of injury.

Here are some things you can look for:

Check for any loose or damaged visible wiring.
Inspect the heating element for any signs of damage or wear.
Examine the control panel and buttons for any issues, such as stuck buttons or malfunctioning displays.

Also read: Air Fryer Basket Not Closing – Reasons + Fix!

When to Consult a Professional

When you have tried everything, and you suspect a technical or internal malfunction, consulting a professional becomes necessary.

Before reaching out, I would suggest you follow the troubleshooting steps, such as checking the power cord, ensuring the timer is set correctly, and cleaning the air fryer to improve airflow.

If the issue persists, reach out to customer care or a qualified technician.

Here are some common scenarios where professional assistance is necessary are:

When the power cord is severely damaged, requiring replacement
If the air fryer has a chip or electrical problems
When you are not confident about solving the issue.

Safety should always come first. If you think there’s a chance that attempting a repair could pose a risk to you or your air fryer, call in the experts.

Conclusion

Now you are aware that several reasons can cause the air fryer to keep shutting off. Factors such as overheating, a damaged power cord, or a faulty outlet connection are often culprits.

It could also be a defective electrical component like the electrical circuit or thermostat.

It is important to read your manual to check the correct procedure for operating.

Sometimes, the issue might be as simple as the air fryer being set to preheat

Learn about inbuilt sensors and automatic shutting-down features embedded in your air fryer. Make sure all the components, like the basket and tray, are in the correct position.

Clean the vents and make sure to keep some space both inside and outside the air fryer.

Some of the key steps I took to resolve the shutting down problem were:

Checking and replacing damaged power cords or connections
Inspecting and fixing faulty power outlets
Ensuring the air fryer basket is securely inserted
Maintaining a clean air fryer and removing any debris

By addressing these issues, I was able to enjoy my air fryer without any unwanted interruptions.

If nothing works, contact customer care or reach out to a professional technician.

Follow the steps above, and your air fryer will be up and running smoothly in no time.

I wish you all the best in resolving the underlying issue causing your air fryer to keep shutting off.

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