Cuisinart Heating Element Open or Thermal Cutoff Open

Air fryer powers on but does not heat; fan runs and timer counts down but food remains cold.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Burned-out upper heating element, Open thermal fuse in heater circuit, Loose spade connector on heater, Failed heater relay on control board

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the unit and allow it to cool completely.

  • Step 1 – Confirm symptom: Set the air fryer to a high temperature (e.g., 400°F) and start a cycle. If after 3–5 minutes the interior is still cool and the fan is running, the heater circuit is suspect.
  • Step 2 – Access heater assembly: Remove the outer cover to expose the upper heating element and associated wiring.
  • Step 3 – Inspect connections: Check for loose or burned connectors at the element, thermal fuse, and thermostat. Tighten or replace any damaged terminals.
  • Step 4 – Test continuity: With a multimeter, test the heating element and thermal fuse for continuity. Replace any open components with Cuisinart-compatible parts.
  • Step 5 – Control board check: If all heater components test good, the heater relay on the main control board may not be energizing. Replace the board if necessary.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Upper Heating Element Assembly
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