Common Air Fryer Problems and Solutions
Issue
If your air fryer does not work, if food is not cooking properly, or if you notice smoke, uneven cooking, or difficulty inserting the basket, the issue is often related to incorrect operation, overloading, cleaning, or food preparation methods rather than a fault with the air fryer.
Typical signs:
- Air fryer does not switch on
- Food is undercooked after cooking
- Ingredients cook unevenly
- Food is not crispy
- Basket does not fully close
- White smoke comes from the air fryer
- Homemade fries cook unevenly
- Display shows E1 or E2
Applies to
- Air Fryers
Resolution
Start by checking the most common causes of the problem. In many cases, the issue can be resolved without service.
1. Air fryer does not turn on
Check that the power plug is fully inserted into a suitable wall socket.
Ensure that:
- The air fryer is connected to a working electrical supply.
- The basket and pan are fully inserted into the air fryer.
- The cooking time has been set.
- The Start or Power button has been pressed after selecting the cooking programme.
Many air fryers include safety switches that prevent operation if the basket or pan is not positioned correctly.
2. Food is undercooked
Do not overload the basket.
Cooking too much food at once restricts hot air circulation and may prevent food from reaching the correct temperature.
- Cook food in smaller batches.
- Check that the selected temperature is appropriate.
- Follow cooking guidance in the user manual.
3. Food cooks unevenly
Some foods require shaking or turning during cooking.
For foods such as fries, vegetables, or small snacks:
- Pause the programme halfway through cooking.
- Shake the basket or redistribute the ingredients.
- Continue cooking.
4. Food is not crispy
Some frozen snacks designed for deep-fat fryers may not become crispy in an air fryer.
For best results:
- Use products suitable for oven or air fryer preparation.
- Avoid overfilling the basket.
- Follow the recommended cooking temperature.
5. Basket or pan does not slide into the air fryer
Check the following:
- The basket is not filled above the MAX mark.
- The basket is correctly seated in the pan and clicks into position.
- No food or foreign objects are trapped beneath the pan.
Overfilling may prevent the basket from closing correctly and can affect cooking performance.
6. White smoke comes from the air fryer
White smoke is usually caused by excess grease or oil.
Check whether:
- The food being prepared contains a high amount of fat.
- The basket and pan contain grease residue from previous cooking.
Clean the basket, drawer and cooking surfaces thoroughly after each use.
7. Homemade fries cook unevenly
For the best results:
- Use fresh potatoes suitable for frying.
- Rinse sliced potatoes thoroughly before cooking.
- Dry potatoes before placing them in the basket.
Rinsing removes excess starch, which helps improve cooking consistency.
8. Display shows E1
Disconnect power at the wall socket or circuit breaker for approximately 1 minute. Reconnect power and check whether the error remains.
If the E1 error continues to appear, service is required.
9. Display shows E2
Disconnect power at the wall socket or circuit breaker for approximately 1 minute. Reconnect power and check whether the error remains.
If the E2 error continues to appear, service is required.
Important
- Do not exceed the maximum basket capacity.
- Clean the basket and pan after each use.
- Never operate the air fryer with a damaged power cord or plug.
- Use only approved accessories.
- E1 and E2 error codes indicate internal component faults that cannot be resolved through normal cleaning or operation.
For model-specific operating instructions, cooking programmes, and capacity information, download the user manual for your air fryer.
When Is It A Genuine Fault?
In these situations, there may be a fault with the air fryer:
- The air fryer does not power on despite a working electrical supply.
- The air fryer does not start when the basket and pan are correctly installed.
- E1 remains displayed after a power reset.
- E2 remains displayed after a power reset.
- Cooking stops unexpectedly during operation.
- The display fails to function correctly.
Cause
Air fryer performance issues are commonly caused by operating conditions, food preparation methods, or insufficient cleaning.
The most common causes are:
- Basket overloaded with food
- Incorrect temperature settings
- Ingredients not shaken during cooking
- Food unsuitable for air fryer preparation
- Grease accumulation from previous cooking
- Excess starch on homemade fries
- Basket or pan not correctly installed
- Temperature sensor malfunction
- Temperature sensor short circuit
Air fryers rely on high-speed circulation of hot air. When airflow is restricted by excess food or grease build-up, cooking results may be affected. Error codes E1 and E2 are different because they indicate a fault within the temperature sensing system responsible for monitoring and controlling cooking temperatures.
FAQ – Common Air Fryer Problems
Why does my air fryer not turn on?
The air fryer may not be connected to power, the basket may not be inserted correctly, or the cooking cycle may not have been started.
Why is my food still undercooked in the air fryer?
The basket may be overloaded, the temperature may be too low, or the cooking time may be insufficient.
Why does my air fryer cook unevenly?
Some foods need to be shaken or turned during cooking to ensure even exposure to hot air.
Why is white smoke coming from my air fryer?
White smoke is usually caused by cooking fatty foods or by grease residue left from previous cooking cycles.
What does E1 mean on an air fryer?
E1 generally indicates that the temperature sensor is disconnected or not functioning correctly.
What does E2 mean on an air fryer?
E2 generally indicates a short circuit or failure within the temperature sensor circuit.
When should I contact Customer Service?
Contact Customer Service if the air fryer does not start despite correct operation, or if E1 or E2 remains displayed after resetting the air fryer.