Air fryers have become an extremely popular kitchen appliance for their ability to cook crispy, fried favorites with little to no oil. But like any appliance, air fryers can malfunction over time. One of the most common issues is a faulty heating element. Replacing the heating element yourself can save you time and money compared to sending your unit away for professional servicing. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to safely replace an air fryer heating element on your own.
Overview of Air Fryer Heating Elements
Before jumping into the repair process, it’s important to understand what exactly the heating element does and what common problems to look out for.
What Does the Heating Element Do?
The heating element is arguably the most integral part of an air fryer. It is responsible for:
- Generating heat that circulates throughout the cooking chamber
- Quickly raising the air temperature to cook foods
- Maintaining a consistent air fry temperature for even cooking
The heating element allows the rapid air technology to work effectively and replicate deep-fried results without submerging food in oil.
Common Heating Element Issues
There are a few common problems that can occur with air fryer heating elements:
- Element stops working entirely: This means it no longer heats up at all. It is likely burned out and needs replacing.
- Inconsistent cooking temperatures: If the fryer has trouble maintaining set temperatures or heats unevenly, the element may be wearing out.
- Food cooks slower than normal: As elements wear out, they generate less heat, resulting in slower cook times.
- Overheating/scorching: A malfunctioning element may overheat and burn food.
- Visible damage: Look inside the unit for any cracked or broken components.
If your air fryer displays any of these heating issues, a repair is likely needed.
Checking Your Heating Element
Before replacing your heating element, double-check that is the culprit:
- Visual inspection – Unplug the fryer and inspect the heating element for any cracks or damage. Look for burnt or broken wires.
- Continuity test – Use a multimeter to check if electricity properly flows through the element. Set multimeter to Continuity Mode. Place one probe on each heating element terminal. If electricity flows through, your multimeter will beep, flash, or read 0 ohms resistance. No beep indicates faulty element.
Once you’ve confirmed it’s the heating element causing issues, then you can move forward with the repair.
Gather Your Materials
Replacing an appliance heating element requires just a few common tools and parts. Here’s what you’ll need:
Tools
- Safety goggles
- Heat-resistant gloves
- Flathead screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Needle nose pliers
- Wire cutters
- Wire strippers
- Multimeter
- Soldering iron
- Heat gun
Replacement Parts
- Compatible heating element
- Ceramic thermal paste (for reapplying)
- High-temp silicone sealant
Note: Have your air fryer model number on hand when ordering replacement parts to ensure compatibility. Consult your instruction manual if unsure of the part number needed.
Other Supplies
- Paper towels
- Rubbing alcohol
- Rags
- Heat-resistant tape
- Ziplock bags (for screws)
Gather all your materials and tools before disassembling your fryer to make the process smooth and efficient.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacement
With the right materials in hand, you’re ready to tackle this DIY repair job. Follow these steps closely for safe and proper heating element replacement:
1. Unplug Unit & Let Cool
Before any work, unplug your air fryer from the electrical outlet. Let the unit thoroughly cool if recently used. Attempting to work on a hot appliance is extremely dangerous.
Give it several hours to cool to room temperature. The cooling allows internal components to settle back into place for easier disassembly.
2. Disassemble Fryer Housing
The next step is cautiously taking apart the outer housing to access the internal chamber and wiring. This process varies slightly by air fryer model.
Refer to your user manual for brand-specific steps. Or locate a visual guide for your model number online.
Here are some general guidelines when taking apart any air fryer:
- Carefully remove any external screws or fasteners on the sides or back. Use a screwdriver that properly fits the hardware.
- Lift off the top lid. In some models, pry around the edges to pop it loose.
- Slowly lift out the fryer basket.
- Check for any wires or components connecting chamber parts before fully removing them. Unhook connectors before lifting parts fully out of the way.
Place any housing pieces and screws in organized piles to simplify reassembly later. Double check no stray screws roll away!
3. Remove Old Heating Element
Now the heating element will be exposed for replacement.
First, use your multimeter to confirm it is indeed faulty if you have not already tested it.
Then carefully detach it from the fryer chamber. Here are tips for safe removal:
- Disconnect any wires or connectors: Use needle nose pliers to gently unhook wiring from element terminals.
- Unscrew mounting brackets: Remove any brackets or screws fastening them inside the chamber.
- Check thermal paste: Note any ceramic paste for transferring heat from the element to the chamber. Scrape off any large chunks to fully remove element.
- Remove cautiously: Once detached, cautiously lift old element out, watching for any sharp edges.
Properly dispose of the malfunctioning heating element once removed.
4. Install New Heating Element
With the faulty part removed, it’s time to safely install your replacement air fryer heating element.
- Carefully slide the new element into place within the chamber.
- Reattach any mounting brackets and fasteners to secure it inside.
- Use your multimeter to test conductivity again and ensure the new part works before continuing!
- Reconnect wiring: Attach connector wires to the terminals on the end of the heating element. Ensure tight, secure connections.
- Replace any thermal paste: Spread ceramic paste to help transfer heat into chamber.
- Use heat-resistant tape to insulate wires and terminals.
- Avoid pinching any wires that could cause dangerous shorts.
Double-check your work, and visually inspect that everything is properly connected.
5. Reassemble Fryer Housing
Once your replacement heating element is fully installed, carefully reassemble the air fryer’s outer housing.
- Replace internal components like the fry basket.
- Check that wiring fits back into place and is not pinched.
- Close up the outer housing. Press firmly around the edges of the lid to snap pieces back into place if needed.
- Screw housing back together securely using your disassembly piles. Don’t over-tighten.
6. Test Heating Element
You’re almost done! The last vital step is thoroughly testing your heating element repair work.
- Plug air fryer back into outlet.
- Turn on air fryer to check that heating element engages. Observe that the indicator light turns on, and you can feel it warming up.
- Monitor heating element as it heats the empty chamber up to temperature.
- Confirm it maintains the set temperature consistently.
- Use an infrared thermometer gun to check chamber and element temperatures.
- Cook test batches of food to further evaluate performance.
Tip: Don’t leave air fryer unattended until you’ve confirmed repair was successful and unit is heating properly again!
Troubleshooting Guide
In a small percentage of repairs, you may continue having issues after replacing the heating element.
Here is a troubleshooting checklist if your air fryer still doesn’t heat properly after the new part is installed:
Heating element gets hot, but air temperature stays low:
- Verify wiring is connected properly – Check that lead wires are securely attached to both terminals on heating element.
- Replace thermal paste – Old or missing paste prevents heat from transferring from element into cooking chamber.
- Check alignments – Heating element should be centered in chamber away from walls. Reroute wiring for proper clearance.
- Clean chamber – Built-up debris on elements or in chamber traps heat. Carefully wipe out debris with rubbing alcohol.
Fryer not heating at all:
- Double check wiring connections are secure on both terminals of heating element.
- Inspect lead wires for any cuts or damage that could prevent electricity.
- Verify heating element works – Use your multimeter to test new element.
- Electrical issue – Test outlet voltage. Reset air fryer breaker if equipped. It may require an electrician visit.
Fryer overheating, burning food:
- Ensure you have the proper wattage replacement part for your model. Using a higher-watt heating element than OEM part can lead to overheating.
- Replace again if new part still overheats – Received a defective replacement component.
- Install external safety thermostat – Additional heat protection to turn power off if overheating occurs.
Taking the time to properly troubleshoot saves you from repeatedly taking your air fryer apart! But don’t continue using the air fryer if problems persist – instead, reach out to the manufacturer.
Preventative Care
Completing this extensive heating element replacement means your air fryer should now function like new. But you’ll maximize the lifespan of the repair by implementing some simple preventative care habits:
- Clean after each use – Always unplug unit and wipe out crumbs and stuck on debris after cooking. Allows optimal air circulation. Use non-abrasive sponges only.
- Check filter monthly – Rinse metal mesh air filter monthly to remove residue. Allows proper airflow.
- Descale 3 months – Build up of mineral deposits can lead to overheating. Mix distilled white vinegar and water to de-gunk chamber every few months.
- Replace parts proactively – Be proactive about replacing worn parts before total failure occurs. Keeps your appliance in top working order.
Recap and Closing Thoughts
Replacing an air fryer heating element is an involved but manageable appliance repair. Armed with the right tools, replacement parts, and this step-by-step reference guide – you can tackle this tricky DIY job and save considerable money instead of replacing the whole unit.
Just be sure to work carefully and methodically. And don’t rush through steps when dealing with electrical components and high-heat appliances! Patience and caution lead to repair success.
Once finished, you’ll regain your beloved air fryer working like new – turning out golden fried favorites minus all the oil and guilt! Enjoy crispy chicken wings, french fries, and other greasy treats thanks to your upgraded heating element.