Air fryer heats but takes much longer than normal to reach temperature; food is undercooked even after extending time.

Safety first: Unplug and cool the unit before internal inspection.

Steps to improve poor heating performance:

• 1. Clean the heater area: Remove the basket and crisper tray. Carefully wipe the heating element and surrounding shield with a damp cloth to remove grease and carbon buildup. Do not use abrasive pads directly on the element.
• 2. Verify preheat: Many Hamilton Beach air fryers perform better if preheated. Run the unit empty at 375–400°F for 3–5 minutes before adding food.
• 3. Check load size: Avoid overfilling the basket; thick layers of food restrict airflow and can mimic a weak heater.
• 4. Test element resistance (advanced): With the unit unplugged and cooled, access the heater terminals and measure resistance. Compare to typical values for your model (often 10–60 Ω). A significantly higher resistance than spec can indicate a weakened element.
• 5. Inspect temperature sensor: Ensure the NTC sensor near the heater is firmly mounted and not coated in heavy grease, which can cause it to read hotter than actual air temperature.
• 6. Replace parts as needed: Replace the heating element assembly if resistance is out of range or if there are visible hot spots. Replace the temperature sensor if it is contaminated or reading incorrectly.

Tip: After repairs, test with a simple load (e.g., frozen fries) and compare cook times to the Hamilton Beach manual.