You just flipped your air fryer on to preheat, and all of the sudden, it’s off again. Now you’re asking yourself: why does my air fryer keep tripping the breaker?
If you’re tired of the slog to the panel to reset the circuit, I’m going to cover some of the most common reasons this happens and how to stop it from happening.
For the other appliance most likely to experience this, check out why your microwave keeps tripping the breaker for more helpful information.
Why is My Air Fryer Tripping the Circuit Breaker?
The most common reason why your air fryer is tripping the circuit breaker is overloading.
When the air fryer turns on, it’s causing a power draw that exceeds the capacity of the circuit you’re putting it on. Likely, this means that circuit is shared with another appliance, lights, or other power-using devices.
Learn more about how many amps an air fryer uses to understand the power requirements you need. This will allow you to figure out how to re-adjust accordingly so everything has enough power.
Does an Air Fryer Need a Dedicated Circuit?
While an air fryer doesn’t always need a dedicated circuit, it can also help to move it to one to alleviate load.
Typically, air fryers draw between 12 and 15 amps (though this can vary of course based on brand, model, and size). So, on a 15-amp circuit, it would need to be dedicated to power your air fryer. A 20-amp circuit could likely handle the air fryer plus a couple lights.
That said, if you’re trying to use more than one appliance (like a microwave or toaster oven) you’ll want it on a separate circuit from the air fryer due to the power requirements.
Can Air Fryers Cause a Power Outage?
Air fryers themselves cannot cause a power outage. However, they can cause the breaker to trip, which in turn cuts power to any other devices on the same circuit.
Thus, you may experience a power outage of lights and other power-using devices which may seem like a power outage. However, trying a light in a different room (on a different circuit) will still work.
How Do I Stop My Air Fryer From Tripping the Circuit Breaker?
Generally, to prevent the air fryer from tripping the circuit breaker, you’ll just want to move it to a different circuit. Choose one that is not currently near maximum capacity.
If the problem still persists, it may be an issue with the air fryer itself! In that case, plug your air fryer into a high capacity circuit (such as a 50-amp, often found in a garage or utility room). If it still trips that breaker, the problem is with your air fryer itself.
The most typical issues are:
- The power cord is damaged
- A damaged or worn out heating element
- Bad internal circuitry board
If one of those parts goes on your air fryer, it can cause an unexpected power spike that will trip the breaker. Should this be occurring, it’s recommended to replace the unit.
Check out some recommendations for the best retro air fryer for an appliance that looks classic but is 100% modern!
Why is My Ninja Air Fryer Tripping the Breaker After Cleaning?
Your Ninja air fryer, or any air fryer for that matter, tripping the breaker after cleaning is often a sign of moisture present.
Especially since you just cleaned the air fryer, it’s important to allow it time to fully dry before replacing the baskets, trays, and other parts back into the air fryer.
Never submerge or otherwise fully wet the exterior housing either. Only spot clean with a damp cloth as needed.
If you’re experiencing a breaker trip after cleaning, remove all parts. Allow everything to dry overnight in a well-ventilated area. Then, reassemble the air fryer and try again.
Learn more about how to clean a Ninja air fryer properly to avoid this situation again.
Is it OK to Leave My Air Fryer Plugged in All the Time?
It’s not recommended to leave your air fryer plugged in all the time.
For one, it can be damaged during a power surge in your home. It also draws some power even in standby mode, so you’re going to spend a little extra in energy costs to leave it plugged in as well.
Additionally, many air fryers don’t have a standby or “off” mode that allows you to leave it plugged in when not in use. So, this may not even be an option for you!
Regardless, it’s still not recommended to leave it plugged in, even if you can. It only takes a second to unplug and I think it’s worth it for peace of mind in the long run.
Could I Use a Surge Protector With My Air Fryer?
You could use a surge protector with your air fryer, but most are not designed to handle the amperage of an appliance.
This means, in the event of a surge, that your air fryer may not be protected. Even if it was, you wouldn’t be able to put anything else into that surge protector due to the load.
It’s really just easier (and more space and cost effective) to unplug your air fryer when it’s not in use.
In Conclusion
If your air fryer keeps tripping the breaker, you’re likely overloading your circuit. Try out some different outlets, or remove other devices drawing power from there to reduce load.
Should that not work, test the air fryer itself to look for issues causing a power surge that will trip any breaker, then replace the appliance if necessary.
It’s always best to follow manufacturer guidance when it comes to cleaning, care, and other maintenance for your air fryer to avoid issues.
Now that your air fryer is (hopefully) back in commission: happy cooking!
If your air fryer won’t turn on, check out my troubleshooting guide for some tips to get your kitchen back up and running!
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
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