Nuwave air fryer overheats; food burns quickly and exterior of unit becomes excessively hot.

Safety First: Unplug the air fryer immediately if you suspect overheating. Allow it to cool completely before inspection.

Step-by-step checks:

• Check vent clearance: Ensure the rear and sides of the Nuwave air fryer have adequate clearance (at least several inches) and are not pushed against a wall or under low cabinets.
• Clean vents and fan: Once cool, inspect and clean the air intake and exhaust vents. Remove grease and dust that can trap heat.
• Verify temperature setting: Confirm you are not accidentally using a higher preset temperature. Try a lower setting and monitor behavior.
• Inspect sensor and thermostat (advanced): With the unit unplugged and cover removed, check the NTC temperature sensor and high-limit thermostat for signs of damage. A sensor that is shorted can cause the control to think the unit is cooler than it is.
• Test sensor resistance: Measure the NTC sensor at room temperature; a reading near 0 ohms suggests a shorted sensor that must be replaced.
• Control board relay: If the heater relay is welded closed, the heater may stay on continuously. In this case, replace the main control board.

Warning: Persistent overheating is a fire hazard. Do not continue using the air fryer until the cause is corrected.