If your air fryer is already working overtime in your kitchen, you’re not alone. From crispy chips to quick weeknight dinners, it’s become the go-to for so many of us.
But with all that daily use, one big question looms: how long will it actually last?
How long do air fryers last?
On Reddit, one soon-to-be air fryer owner asked others about the lifespan of their air fryer.
As one user wisely noted, the lifespan of your air fryer depends on how well you look after it.
“It depends on how you take care of it,” they wrote. “Putting mine in the dishwasher shortened the lifespan, but I still got two years or so out of it.”
Another user admitted her air fryer called it quits after she got a little too enthusiastic with the shaking.
“What busted for me was the handle of the pull-out basket. Guess my tossing of the food inside was too darn vigorous for it.”
Many people noted that they would consider an appliance they bought for a few hundred dollars and use every day for three years a win.
“To me, it’s not going to last 10-20 years; it’d be lucky to last 5, even though I spent $300 on my air fryer. With that said, if it lasts about 3-5 years, I’m okay with that. I use it to cook almost daily, sometimes twice a day, where I’d never use my oven anywhere near as much (and never get the same quality food) while it also uses less power in the long run.”
Signs it’s time for a new air fryer
Not sure if it’s time to part ways with your air fryer? Here are eight clear signs you can’t ignore.
1. The coating is peeling or flaking off
If you notice the nonstick coating on the inside of your air fryer basket or trays starting to peel or flake, it’s a clear sign your trusty appliance is nearing the end of its lifespan. That coating keeps food from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
When the coating becomes thin, your air fryer may begin cooking unevenly. To keep your meals safe and tasty, it’s probably time to start looking for a replacement.
2. It’s not heating evenly
If some food turns out burnt while the rest is undercooked, the heating element or fan may be wearing out. Regular cleaning can help, but if your meals still come out uneven, your air fryer’s days are numbered.
3. It’s overheating
If your air fryer starts to overheat, don’t ignore it. Whether it’s a faulty thermostat, bad wiring, or a blocked vent, overheating can cause damage to your appliance internally and reduce its efficiency.
If the exterior becomes scorchingly hot or your air fryer suddenly shuts down mid-cook, press pause and refer to the manual. Persistent overheating indicates that it’s time to replace it with a safer model.
4. It takes forever to cook
If your air fryer starts running slowly and each meal takes forever, it might be a sign the heating element or fan is failing.
5. Cleaning is a nightmare
No matter how determined you are, stubborn crumbs and grease can sneak in and spoil both the flavour of your food and your air fryer’s performance.
If cleaning your air fryer feels like an impossible mission, it’s likely nearing the end. Older models or those without removable parts can be especially hard to clean. If you’re scrubbing more than you’re cooking, or if grime refuses to budge, consider upgrading to a model that makes cleaning easy.
6. Bad smells
A hint of cooking aroma is expected, but if your air fryer starts belching out strong or burnt smells, that’s a red flag. Old oil and food bits can accumulate in hard-to-reach spots and ignite with every use.
Over time, these smells cannot only ruin the taste of your meals but also affect the performance of your air fryer. If stubborn odours linger after cleaning, it’s probably time to start hunting for a replacement.
7. Smoke, sparks, or safety hazards.
If you notice smoke or any unusual behaviour from your air fryer, stop using it immediately. Electrical faults or damaged wiring can lead to serious safety risks.
Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines if available.
8. Strange noises
If your air fryer suddenly starts groaning, rattling, or buzzing, the fan or motor might be wearing out or misaligned.
Continue using it in this manner, and the problem could worsen or leave your meals half-cooked.
Maintenance tips
Want your air fryer to stay in good working condition? Try these simple tips.
- Give the basket, tray, and exterior a quick clean after every use to keep grease and crumbs at bay. Use a soft sponge and gentle soap, as anything rough can scratch the nonstick coating, making your air fryer less safe and effective.
- Check for crumbs or oil hiding in the corners, as these can cause unpleasant odours or even cause your air fryer to overheat.
- Don’t put the central unit or any electronics in water. Just wipe them down with a damp cloth.
- Occasionally, check the heating element and air vents to ensure nothing’s blocking them. Smooth airflow is the secret to perfectly even cooking.
- If your air fryer has removable parts, ensure they’re completely dry before reassembling.
Can air fryers be repaired?
You can tackle small fixes at home, such as replacing a worn-out basket or clearing a clogged vent, but major repairs usually aren’t worth the hassle for most people.
Air fryers have electrical parts that are tricky to fix safely. If yours is still under warranty, it’s best to contact the manufacturer or service centre, since trying to fix it yourself could void the warranty.
If your air fryer is out of warranty, repairs can cost nearly as much as purchasing a brand-new appliance.
Choosing the right air fryer for long-term use
Air fryers are a game-changer for quick, healthy meals, but picking a sturdy model helps you truly get your money’s worth.
With so many shapes, sizes, and price tags, focusing on features like a quality nonstick coating, solid handles, and deciding on the right one for you can be overwhelming. Reviews are your friend, and it’s wise to check if the warranty covers easy-to-find replacement parts. Here are five highly-rated air fryers that make cooking for your whole family a breeze.
Opt for a model with dishwasher-safe, removable parts to make cleanup easy and extend the life of your air fryer. Choose one that suits your cooking style, kitchen, and tolerance for cleaning.
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