As a home improvement expert who is passionate about electronics and appliances, I know how frustrating it can be when your favorite kitchen gadget stops working properly. Air fryers are one of the handiest appliances out there—who doesn’t love crispy fried foods with less guilt? But what do you do when your air fryer suddenly shuts off or starts acting up?
The good news is, nine times out of ten, resetting your air fryer will get it back up and running. Resetting your unit essentially gives the internal computer a fresh start, which clears up many minor technical glitches. As someone who has reset my fair share of stubborn appliances, let me walk you through the steps, troubleshooting tips, and maintenance tricks you’ll need to get the most out of your air fryer.
Why Does an Air Fryer Need Resetting in the First Place?
Before we dig into the reset process, let’s look at some of the most common reasons you may need to reset your air fryer:
- It stops heating properly – This is one of the biggest reasons to reset it. If your air fryer isn’t getting up to the correct temperature or stops heating evenly, a reset often fixes it.
- You experience a power outage – Any disruption in power can cause your air fryer to malfunction. Resetting it restores the settings.
- You want to clear custom settings – If you changed the default temperature, time, or other presets and want to restore factory settings, resetting accomplishes this.
- It’s acting strange – An unresponsive or erratic display, odd error messages, etc. usually indicate a software problem that resetting will resolve.
- You notice odd noises/smells – While resetting may temporarily fix strange noises or smells coming from your air fryer, be aware that these can also indicate larger electrical issues. Consider replacement if problems persist after a reset.
- You want a fresh start – Over time, air fryers can lose performance. Resetting your machine gives it a clean slate which may improve cooking ability.
Based on my experience, if your air fryer exhibits any of these issues, a reset is definitely in order. The good news is, it only takes a few minutes!
Step-By-Step Instructions for Resetting Top Air Fryer Models
While all air fryer resets follow the same basic process, the specific steps vary slightly by make and model. Here’s how to reset some of today’s most popular air fryer brands:
Resetting a Cosori Air Fryer
Cosori air fryers are bestsellers for their large capacity and smartphone connectivity. Here’s the foolproof way to reset yours:
- Unplug the air fryer from the wall outlet.
- Wait 10-15 seconds before plugging it back in. This gives the internal computer time to fully reset.
- Plug the air fryer back into the electrical outlet and turn it on. The display will show the factory default temperature and time settings to confirm the reset worked.
Resetting GoWise Air Fryers
GoWise makes affordable air fryer models with cool features like shake reminder alarms. Follow these simple steps to reset their air fryers:
- Press and hold the “Power” button for 5 full seconds.
- After 5 seconds pass, release the “Power” button.
- Next, press and hold the “Temperature” and “Time” buttons simultaneously for another 5 seconds.
- The display will automatically revert to the original factory settings.
Resetting Your Ninja Air Fryer
Ninja air fryers are popular for their extra large capacity – but don’t worry, they’re just as easy to reset.
- Press and hold the bottom left “Power” button for 10 seconds.
- The display will turn off as the air fryer resets. After 10 seconds, release the “Power” button.
- Press and hold the “Power” button again for 3 seconds to turn the appliance back on.
- The air fryer will power on with the factory settings restored.
As you can see, the process differs slightly between brands but involves the same general steps. Refer to your owner’s manual to learn the unique reset procedure for your air fryer model.
Why Resetting May Not Be Enough
Resetting your air fryer is the first step in troubleshooting most minor problems. However, some issues require more intervention than just a basic reset.
Here are some red flags that indicate you may need to dig deeper than resetting your air fryer:
- Overheating – This signals potentially dangerous grease/ventilation issues. Thoroughly clean the air fryer and clear any blocked vents before further use. Consider replacement if overheating continues after cleaning.
- Burning plastic smell – This often results from wiring problems or a failing motor. Have a technician inspect the internal components for repairs. Don’t use the air fryer until it’s checked.
- Loud noises – Unusual buzzing, rattling or other noises typically mean problems with the fan or motor that require replacement.
- Uneven cooking – If your air fryer isn’t browning or crisping food evenly, the heating element likely needs replacing.
- Error code – Consult your owner’s manual to diagnose the specific issue based on the error code number that appears.
While you can try resetting first, issues like these will likely require professional repairs or replacement parts. Contact the manufacturer for assistance if problems continue after troubleshooting.
Why Proper Maintenance Prevents Most Air Fryer Problems
In my experience as an appliance repair tech, most common air fryer malfunctions can be avoided altogether with proper maintenance.
Here are my top tips for keeping your air fryer in good working order:
- Clean after each use – Built up grease is the enemy! Wipe down the fryer basket and interior with a damp cloth to eliminate greasy build up with each use.
- Deep clean monthly – For a deeper clean, scrub the inside monthly using baking soda and a non-abrasive sponge.
- Check the vents – Clogged vents lead to overheating, so clean them regularly. Use a toothpick or cotton swab to clear any blocked ventilation holes.
- Descaling solutions – In hard water areas, mineral deposits can cause issues. Use vinegar or lemon juice to descale monthly.
- Replace worn accessories – If the fry basket, pans or racks look worn, replace them to prevent potential hazards.
- Store properly – Keep your air fryer unplugged and in a clean, dry location when not in use to prevent electrical or moisture damage.
- Don’t overfill – Make sure not to overfill the basket each use so hot air can still freely circulate.
Following these tips diligently helps prevent common air fryer problems that would otherwise require troubleshooting like resetting. But even a well-cared for appliance will eventually malfunction.
Troubleshooting Common Reset Issues
Resetting an air fryer is usually very straightforward. But occasionally, you may run into hiccups like these along the way:
- Nothing happens when you reset – If you followed the proper reset procedure for your model and still nothing happens, double check by re-reading the steps in your owner’s manual in case you missed something.
- Problems continue after resetting – If the same issues persist after resetting, it indicates a larger underlying problem exists. Additional repairs or part replacement may be needed.
- You forgot custom settings – Don‘t sweat it if your reset air fryer did away with all your programmed times and temperatures. You can easily reprogram your custom presets after resetting.
- Buttons not responsive – If the buttons aren’t responding during the reset process, unplug and reconnect the power cord, then try again. If issues continue, the buttons may need cleaning.
- Can’t reset – For some models, you may need to hold reset buttons for up to 30 seconds to trigger a reset. Try holding the buttons longer.
- Partial reset – If some settings revert but others remain, the reset wasn’t fully complete. Just repeat the full reset process.
As you can see, most reset issues can be resolved with a little trial and error. Checking your owner’s manual and repeating the steps should get your air fryer back on track.
Let’s Summarize the Key Reset Tips
Resetting your air fryer is an easy first step in troubleshooting common functionality problems. Here’s a quick summary of the key things to keep in mind:
- Reset when your air fryer acts erratic, loses custom settings, or no longer heats properly.
- The basic process involves unplugging, waiting, holding buttons, and plugging back in. But follow your manual for model-specific steps.
- For bigger problems like burning smells or loud noises, resetting likely won’t cut it. Technical repairs may be needed.
- Maintain your air fryer properly to minimize needing resets. Clean after each use, deep clean monthly, and replace accessories as needed.
- Common reset issues can often be fixed by repeating steps or holding buttons longer. Still stuck? Call the manufacturer for assistance.
Resetting your air fryer gives the internal computer a fresh start, resolving many minor issues. With the steps and tips I outlined here, you should be able to get your faulty air fryer back up and running in no time. But when in doubt – consult your owner’s manual or contact customer support. Let me know if you have any other air fryer reset tips or questions!
