How To Stop an Air Fryer

Air fryers turn your kitchen into a culinary adventure park and make mouth-watering meals in a matter of minutes.

But wait, what do we do when our food is ready to be served?

How do we pause or stop this incredible machine from continuing its mission to cook our food to perfection?

Do you unplug it? Press the power button? In this blog post, we’ll explore the ways to stop an air fryer safely and effectively.

Not only will it help you extend the lifespan of your appliance, but it could also prevent potentially dangerous situations while keeping your kitchen safe.

Can You Pause the Air Fryer?

Yes, you can pause an air fryer. Most air fryers have a “pause” button or function that allows you to stop the cooking process temporarily.

To pause an air fryer, simply press the pause button on the control panel.

This will stop the cooking process and the timer will also stop counting down.

While the air fryer is paused, you can open the basket or the lid to check on the food or make any adjustments as needed.

Pausing or stopping the air fryer to check on the food is recommended to prevent food from sticking to the air fryer.

Some models such as the Instant Vortex mini have inbuilt settings that compel you to turn the food after some time has elapsed.   

Once you’re ready to resume cooking, simply close the basket or the lid and press the “start” button or function.

Can You Stop an Air Fryer Early?

Yes, you can stop an air fryer early. Most air fryers have a stop or cancel button that allows you to end the cooking process at any time.

There are four different ways you can stop an air fryer early.

4 Ways to Stop an Air Fryer

Here are the 4 standard ways to stop an air fryer:

1. Use the Air fryer Stop or Cancel Button

Most air fryers come equipped with a button that you can press to turn off the appliance.

Depending on the model, you might see Pause, Stop, or Cancel.

Either of these buttons will do the trick to stop the air fryer while it is running.

Simply press the button, and the air fryer will shut down.

This method is straightforward to use, making it an excellent option if you need to stop the air fryer quickly.

After using this option, wait for the fan to stop before removing the food from the air fryer.

2. Timer

A timer on the air fryer allows you to set and adjust the cooking time.

The cooking time ranges between 30 to 60 minutes for most air fryer models.  

Once the timer runs out, the air fryer will automatically stop, and the fan will turn off.

You can use a timer to stop the air fryer, especially when using a manual air fryer such as the Dash Deluxe air fryer.

Just turn the dial to zero and the air fryer stops.

Another option is to let the air fryer timer count down and run out.

Once the timer runs out, the air fryer will automatically shut off, so you don’t have to worry about turning it off yourself.

This is a safe and reliable way to ensure that your air fryer is not left on for longer than necessary.

3. Unplug the Air Fryer

If you don’t have access to a power button or the air fryer button is not working, you can simply unplug the appliance.

This method is effective and safe as it cuts off all power to the appliance, ensuring it has stopped completely.

Although this method works, I would discourage unplugging your air fryer before powering it off.

Unplugging an air fryer while it’s in use can cause damage to the appliance’s internal components if it’s done repeatedly.

This can reduce the lifespan of the appliance and require costly repairs or replacement.

When you unplug an appliance before turning it off, you create an electrical arc.

This damages the outlet, and plug and creates a fire hazard.

Make it a habit to only unplug the air fryer when it is not in use.

4. Removing or Opening the Air Fryer Basket

Another way to stop the air fryer is to remove the air fryer basket.

This method is useful when you need to check on the food during the cooking process.

It is safe to open the air fryer when it’s cooking.  When you remove the air fryer basket, the air fryer will stop automatically.

When the basket is removed or opened, the fan stops, and the heating element is turned off.

This halts the cooking process, allowing you to check on the food, stir it, or add additional ingredients if needed.

Once you have finished checking on the food, simply close the basket, and the air fryer will resume cooking.

However, this does not happen with all air fryer models.

For some, when you remove the air fryer basket, the fan and timer still run. They require you to press the pause button before you open the air fryer.

A good example of such an air fryer is the Ninja AF101 which keeps running unless you pause using the provided button.

Be sure to check your appliance’s manual or manufacturer’s website for more information on its specific features and capabilities.

Conclusion

Knowing how to stop an air fryer is an important part of using this popular kitchen appliance.

Whether you need to stop the cooking process early, pause the air fryer temporarily, or turn it off completely, there are a few simple steps you can follow to do so.

Familiarize yourself with the control panel of your air fryer, as this is where the stop, pause, and cancel buttons are located.

By pressing these buttons, you can easily stop or pause the cooking process at any time.

Practice proper safety measures when using an air fryer, such as unplugging the appliance when not in use and avoiding touching hot surfaces.

An air fryer can get very hot and some do overheat.

With a little bit of knowledge and caution, you will use your air fryer safely and efficiently.

Now, go ahead and experiment with your air fryer and enjoy delicious meals!