Fix it
Air Fryer Not Working? 4 Fixes to Try First
Air fryer won't turn on, not heating, or smoking? Four common fixes before you call support or replace it.
Most air fryer problems come down to power, a dirty basket, or overcrowding. Run through these four fixes before assuming the appliance is dead.
Won't turn on at all
Check that the basket is fully pushed in; most air fryers have a safety interlock that prevents operation with the basket ajar. Try a different outlet, and avoid power strips, which can trip under the high wattage these appliances draw.
Runs but food isn't crisping
Overcrowding is the number one cause: food needs space for hot air to circulate. Cook in a single layer with gaps, shake the basket halfway, and pat food dry before cooking since surface moisture steams instead of crisps. Also verify the temperature setting actually matches the recipe.
Smoking during cooking
Grease pooled in the bottom of the basket is smoking on the heating element. Empty and clean the basket, trim excess fat from meats, and add a tablespoon of water to the drawer beneath the basket to catch drips before they smoke. Persistent smoking with a clean basket warrants a call to support.
Uneven cooking or burnt spots
Shake or flip food at the halfway mark; this single habit fixes most unevenness. Cut pieces to uniform size so they finish together, and avoid stacking. If one side always burns, your heating element may have a hot spot, in which case rotating the basket helps.
Questions, answered
Why does my air fryer smell like burning plastic?
A faint smell on first use is normal manufacturing residue burning off; run it empty for 10 minutes before first cooking. A strong persistent plastic smell after several uses is not normal; stop using it and contact the manufacturer.
Can I use foil or parchment in an air fryer?
Yes, with rules: never preheat with foil or parchment alone (it can blow into the heating element), always weight it down with food, and leave space around the edges for air circulation. Perforated parchment liners made for air fryers are the safest option.