Ninja Air Fryer Problems and Troubleshooting Guide

The Ninja air fryer is a popular brand of air fryer. Like any kitchen appliance, it may experience problems.

In this article, we’ll cover the most common issues that can occur with the Ninja air fryer and provide troubleshooting tips to help you fix them.

If you’re looking to buy this brand, this guide will help you understand Ninja air fryers better.

For any issues, we hope to get your Ninja air fryer working properly in no time.

8 Common Ninja Air Fryer Problems

The most common problems you MAY encounter with your Ninja Air fryer include:

1. Ninja Air Fryer Won’t Turn On

The first step to using a kitchen appliance is to plug it in and switch the power on.

When the air fryer won’t turn on, it might not be plugged in properly or there is a problem with the power outlet.

Check to ensure the air fryer is properly plugged in and the outlet has power.

You can test the outlet with another appliance or use a multimeter.

If the power outlet is okay, there might be a fault with the cord or plug.

Inspect the cord and plug for any damage such as frayed wires or loose connections.

You can also use a multimeter to test if these sections are working properly.

To test the functionality of a cord using a multimeter, set the multimeter to resistance times one.

When the cord is in good working condition, the reading on the meter should be 0 ohms.

If the multimeter displays inconsistent or fluctuating readings, the cord is faulty and needs to be replaced.

If there’s visible damage to the plug or cord, or you are unsure of how to fix it, it is best to replace it with a new one.

The next possible issue could be the internal electrical components.

Possible electrical components to check include the fuse and control board.

Since it may be difficult to access some of these parts, seek a professional to fix them.

2. Ninja Air Fryer Won’t Heat Up

An air fryer needs time to come to the set temperature.

Ensure that you preheat your Ninja air fryer before adding food to the air fryer basket.

Ninja recommends preheating the air fryer for at least 3 minutes.

Preheating will allow the appliance to come to temperature.  

When your air fryer has power, you’ve preheated and it doesn’t heat up, there is a problem with the heating element.

You may need to replace it. Before you replace this air fryer component, it is always recommended to check the warranty of the product.

Contact Ninja Kitchen support for guidance on the best way to fix your air fryer.

3. Ninja Air Fryer Not Pausing

You may need your air fryer to pause when you open the air fryer while it’s cooking.

The Ninja air fryer models work differently.

For example, the Ninja AF161 Max XL air fryer automatically pauses when you remove the air fryer basket.

However, the Ninja AF101 doesn’t automatically pause. You’ll need to press the pause button for it to halt the cooking function.

If your Ninja air fryer model pauses automatically when the air fryer basket is removed and it doesn’t now, the sensor is blocked.

You’ll need to clean along the rim of the air fryer to remove any food and dirt that is blocking the sensor.

For models that use the button, reset the air fryer. You may want to finish cooking first.

Switch off the appliance, unplug and let it sit. After 5 to 10 minutes, restart the air fryer and check whether the function is restored.

4. Ninja Air fryer Not Blowing Air

Once heat in the air fryer is produced by the heating element, it is moved around by the fan.

The fan is responsible for circulating hot air inside the air fryer basket, ensuring that the food is cooked evenly.

This fan also helps to keep the temperature consistent throughout the cooking chamber which helps to prevent hot spots and uneven cooking.

If air is not blowing. There is a problem with the fan.  

One, the fan motor may not be getting power. There could be a problem with the power supply.

If the air fryer is not properly plugged in or the outlet is not functioning, the fan will not turn on.

This can be easily checked by plugging the air fryer into a different outlet or checking if the outlet is getting power.

Another reason could be a malfunctioning fan motor.

The fan motor is responsible for turning the blades of the fan and if it is not functioning properly, the fan will not turn work.

This issue would require the fan motor to be replaced by a professional.

Another possible reason could be an issue with the control board.

The control board is responsible for controlling the various functions of the air fryer, including the fan.

A problem with the control board may prevent the fan from turning on.

Lastly, the fan might be broken, dirty, or clogged.

It is recommended to clean the air fryer regularly to remove debris from the air fryer sections.

Read this article on how to clean a ninja air fryer.

Also, when cleaning, feel around the fan if accessible to ensure it is in good condition.

5. Ninja Air Fryer Basket Not Closing Properly

For food to start cooking and cook properly, the air fryer basket needs to close.

There are possible reasons why the air fryer basket doesn’t close properly.

• Too much food

When the air fryer basket is overfilled, it may prevent the lid from closing properly.

Excess food inside the basket will take up too much space, causing the lid to not fit securely over the top.

• Misalignment.

The basket may not be aligned properly.

Make sure the basket is aligned with the locking mechanism before closing.

• The locking mechanism is faulty.

The locking mechanism is responsible for keeping the basket securely in place.

If there’s a problem, it affects how the air fryer basket will close.

• Dirt

The accumulation of dirt and debris can block the mechanism that allows the air fryer basket to close.

Any material on the locking mechanism of the basket can cause it to become stiff or hard to move.

Check to ensure the area is not obstructed by any material.

6. Food Cooking Unevenly

You expect that food from the air fryer comes out done and crisp.

However, this is not always the case. You may experience food not cooking evenly with your Ninja air fryer.

There could be several possible reasons.

One, you may have overcrowded the air fryer thus preventing the circulation of hot air around the food.

When cooking using an air fryer, it’s recommended to place the food in an even layer and give space between the food.

If not, food will not cook properly and you might find food sticking to the air fryer basket.

When cooking food like chips or wings that have to be layered, make sure to turn or shake the food mid-way through cooking.

Also, check on the cooking temperature and time for the specific food. Use the available air fryer cheat sheets for guidance.

The cooking time and temperature may not be set correctly, which can also lead to unevenly cooked food.

7. Ninja Air Fryer Crisper Plate Stuck

A crisper plate is a removable tray that sits at the bottom of the air fryer basket.

It helps to circulate hot air around the food, allowing it to crisp and brown evenly.

The plate’s elevated design allows for maximum airflow to circulate for the perfect crisp.

When the Ninja air fryer crisper plate is stuck, there might be food debris blocking movement.

Food that slips between the plate and the air fryer basket may cause it to stick to the air fryer.

Use a brush or safe object to remove any food particles.  

Sometimes, removing the crisper plate requires patience.

Before you take out the crisper plate, give the unit some time to cool down.

Take the air fryer basket out of the device and set it on a heat-resistant material on the countertop.

To cool the plate and basket quickly, run cold water through them.

Once cool, locate the small handle in the middle of the crisper plate and grip it firmly.

Finally, gently pull up the crisper plate from the basket.

8. Smoke is Coming Out of the Air Fryer

When air frying, you might find white smoke coming out of your air fryer.

This can be a cause of alarm especially if the smoke fills up the kitchen space and hinders visibility.

The production of smoke from the Ninja air fryer shows that the food being prepared is greasy.

Oil from the food tends to heat up and turn into smoke.

Smoke from the air fryer can also be from food particles and debris from a previous cooking session.

You need to ensure that you clean your air fryer after every use.

You may also experience smoke when you overfill your air fryer basket and the food gets in contact with the heating element.

This can also cause the air fryer to overheat.

Add the right quantity of food in the air fryer basket to promote even cooking and avoid food burning.

Conclusion

Ninja air fryers are versatile kitchen appliances that can be used for a variety of cooking tasks.

Although not common, you may experience challenges navigating these appliances.

However, most of the issues can be avoided with careful reading of your air fryer manual.

Each model has its unique design and mode of operation.

If you encounter major issues not covered, consult Ninja Kitchen support.

Also read: Why Does My Ninja Air Fryer Say Cool?

Don’t own a Ninja Air Fryer? Check out our other troubleshooting guides:

• Instant Vortex Air Fryer Problems
• hOmeLabs Air Fryer Problems
• How to Dispose of an Air Fryer
• Why is My Air Fryer Blowing Cold Air?