Can You Replace The Heating Element In An Air Fryer? (Maintenance Guide)

Originally posted on 12 September 2023 @ 14:25

Can You Replace the Heating Element in an Air Fryer?

After eagerly demonstrating through my posts how easy and delicious the air frying experience can be, I woke up one morning to find that no matter what recipe or food item I put in it from then on out: everything would just…. Air fry. Determined to get extra life out of my device.

I started troubleshooting and it appeared that the issue was most likely a busted heating element after all setLoading…

The heat generator heats up, producing air that circulates around to “fry” your food. The element is all that heats up in my air fryer, so the appliance is useless if it doesn’t work properly. 

How I Diagnose a Faulty Heating Element

I did not want to replace the heating element without making sure that was indeed what was causing my problem. This is where I noticed that the apparitions had already started!

Dry food – my fries and wings would be pale and soggy instead of crispy golden brown.

Extended cook times—stuff usually took 10-12 minutes was taking 18 or even longer because the element wasn’t getting hot enough.

The smell of burning plastic is never a good thing! I started to smell a weird burning scent and immediately knew the top coating on the heating element coil was likely fried.

Cracked termination—After that, I opened the cap and observed condors rupture in their heat element coils. That spelled bad news.

I saw multiple clues that the heating element was busted, which gave me a plan of attack to fix it.

Checking if the Heating Element is Replaceable

I started by looking online as to if the heating element of my air fryer model was replaceable in the first place. On other appliances, however, you can’t even swap out the appliance or any of its hardware. To check, I:

• Read my owner’s manual, to see if it even mentions replacing the heating element.
• Googled my air fryer model to see if other people had tried this solution.
• Questioned the manufacturer whether the heating element was a replaceable asset.

Fortunately, I concluded that my heater element could be replaced fairly easily. A couple of screws fixed it in place and there was just simple wiring required to connect it to the unit.

Buying the Right Replacement Part

finally gave me the all-clear to go ahead with a new item which meant I could buy in my correct replacement. I had two main options:

A genuine original part from the manufacturer of your device. Costly though. You get what you pay for.

A more affordable general one-size-fits-all aftermarket version that might need a better slot in.

Well, I opted for the safety of OEM in case there were fit issues. This one was really expensive, but it would be a 1-to-1 swap for the stock one. Then Patrick discovered the part number in an owner´s manual.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Replace the Element

Once I had the new heating element in hand, it was time for the repair.

All you need to do is follow the few steps mentioned and take care of things, I am positive that this process will help many heat element replacements for your air fryer.

• Supplies Needed
• The heating element for my model air fryer
• Phillips head screwdriver (small)
• Needle-nose pliers (useful but not necessary)

1. Turn off the air fryer and let it cool

Safety first! I switched off the air fryer and waited for it to cool down before disassembling everything in order not to be shocked or burnt.

2. Remove Outside Housing

From there, I proceeded with the method described in an owner’s manual: removing a few fasteners holding on to an outer housing (and then lifting it off) to expose what lies underneath.

3. Step 4: Unbolt the Motor From It’s Mount

I removed five screws unscrewed the heating element coils and disconnected the wiring for them. I could see the damage up

4. Install New Heating Element

S as in SAM…next, I very carefully placed the new replacement heating element exactly where it had once been. Tightened the screws for each coil and reconnected all of the wiring connectors.

5. Reassemble Air Fryer

With the element completely secured, I reassembled the air fryer components around it with the outer housing going on last.

6. Test It Out

Once the wires were back in place, I plugged it all up and fired it back on. Success! It warmed up beautifully and was ready for use as an air fryer.

Key Takeaways from My DIY Heating Element Replacement

Here are the main tips I’d give anyone looking to replace a faulty heating element in their air fryer:

• Confirm the element is replaceable before buying parts
• Purchase the right OEM replacement heating element for your model
• Completely disassemble to access internal components
• Detach wiring with care and remove the old heating element
• Install new element in the same position and reconnect wires
• Reassemble the air fryer properly before testing

While it took some time and effort, I saved money doing this repair myself. And I learned some helpful troubleshooting skills for maintaining my air fryer in the future. Now I can keep enjoying crisp, delicious air-fried meals!

FAQs 

Replacing an Air Fryer Heating Element Is It Difficult?

Nothing here is super complicated in that it dismantles and requires the removal of all wiring (or similar evil), but you will need to take your air fryer apart completely, and then put its insides back together once done. If you are not okay with some of the electrical connection works then let a technician do it for you.

Where Is The Heating Element Found

There is a heating element located within the cooking chamber, centered inside an air fryer; it connects to its rear wall/ceiling and is protected under a hood in most models identified above. The frier needs to be dismantled.

Who Should Buy an OEM Element?

Most of the time, OEM heating elements are about as good as you can get here since they will specifically be designed to work with your make and model. While generic components are cheaper, rarely have they been tested.

On the air fryers guard against heating elements from burning out?

Overfilling causes overheating of the basket. Regularly clean up crumbs and debris. Never run the air fryer empty, as this will burn out the heating element over time.

Should You Repair In Place Of Buy A New Air Fryer?

An oven in which the heating element is damaged but nothing else may be potentially worth repairing. But, if the appliance is quite old or has extra problems then you might want to go for a better air fryer instead.

Conclusion

Thank goodness the heating element in my broken air fryer was a piece of cake for me to handle on my own with some DIY action. Although I have to buy an expensive OEM part, however, that saves me the cost of a new air fryer.

And, more importantly, the repair returned my trusty old model to full working order. With some safety precautions and my how-to instructions, you might be able to save your broken air fryer as well!