Power XL Air Fryer Not Turning On? Here’s What Worked for Me

I know the frustration. You load up fries, hit the button, and… nothing. No lights, no fan, no heat. I’ve been there. When my Power XL air fryer stopped turning on, I thought it was dead for good. But after some trial and error, I found that most of the time, the fix was simple.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through why your air fryer won’t turn on and the exact steps I took to get mine running again.

Quick Checks First (Fast Fixes)

If your air fryer is not turning on, start here. These are the easy wins before you grab tools:

• Make sure it’s plugged in all the way.
• Try a different outlet (sometimes it’s the kitchen GFCI).
• Reset the breaker in your home panel.
• Check that the basket is seated fully.
• Do a “hard reset” (unplug for 10+ minutes, then try again).

I once thought mine was broken, but the basket wasn’t pushed in all the way. A simple click made all the difference.

Common Reasons an Air Fryer Won’t Turn On

Based on my own troubleshooting and what I’ve seen from other owners, here are the main culprits:

1. Outlet or breaker issues – Kitchen outlets in the U.S. often use GFCI safety switches. If tripped, the fryer gets no power.
2. Damaged power cord – Look for burns, fraying, or loose prongs.
3. Blown thermal fuse – Common if it shut off mid-cook and won’t restart.
4. Basket not aligned – The safety switch won’t let it power on.
5. Overheating shutoff – If it got too hot, it won’t restart until cooled.
6. Control panel/button fault – Less common, but happens with older units.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Is it the outlet or the fryer?

Plug in something else, like a phone charger. If that works, move on. If not, reset the breaker or GFCI.

Could it be the cord?

Unplug the fryer. Run your fingers along the cord. If you feel cuts, kinks, or burns, that’s your issue.

Is the basket seated?

Push the basket in until you hear a click. On my neighbor’s unit, the sensor didn’t trigger unless it was firmly seated.

Did it overheat?

If it shut off during cooking, let it cool 30–60 minutes before retrying. Some models even have a reset button underneath.

Could it be the fuse?

When mine quit mid-use, the thermal fuse had blown. If you’re handy with a multimeter, you can test it. If not, this may be the point to call in a repair shop.

Model-Specific Notes

• Power XL Vortex Dual Basket (USA Recall 2023): Some units were recalled for a basket issue. If you own this model, check the official recall notice.
• Older single-basket models: The basket sensor switch is a weak spot. Many “dead” units were revived by reseating or replacing the switch.

Repair vs Replace: What’s Smarter?

• Repair if: It’s just a fuse or basket switch. Parts are cheap ($5–$10).
• Replace if: The control board is gone, or the heating element is dead. In the U.S., a new Power XL air fryer often costs less than a pro repair.

I fixed one by replacing a $3 thermal fuse. But when another failed due to a fried control board, replacing it was the smarter move.

Preventing Future Power Issues

• Use a dedicated outlet (don’t share with a microwave).
• Keep vents clear for airflow.
• Unplug after use to avoid power surges.
• Don’t overload the basket—it stresses the heater and fan.

Real Experiences

• A reader told me: “My Power XL kept shutting off. Turned out the cord had a hidden break at the plug.”
• Another said: “I thought mine was dead, but pushing the basket harder clicked it back on.”

And me? The first time it happened, it was a tripped GFCI outlet. The second time, it was the fuse. Both were fixable.

FAQs About Power XL Air Fryer Power Issues

Disclaimer: If you’re not comfortable opening electronics, don’t risk it. Contact Power XL support or a professional repair shop.