Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven Problems: 18 Corresponding Solutions

The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is one of the most popular models in its class. Many users love that it is multifunctional. Also, it is a powerful model with a large capacity. And it uses advanced cooking technologies that deliver the best outcomes.

You should know how to use the air fryer properly, still, this air fryer toaster oven can have some issues. These issues can be frustrating. Plus, they will make it hard to achieve the desired cooking outcomes. But the good news is that most are easy to deal with if you know what to do.

This article highlights the most common Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven problems. We also provide the best ways to deal with the situation. 

As it’s a long journal, you can select the problem you are facing directly on the outline.

18 Common Problems and corresponding Solutions

Your Cuisinart air fryer toaster oven should be trouble-free if you keep it in good shape. Regular cleaning and maintenance ensure the appliance serves you well with no issues. Still, like any other appliance, it is prone to develop some problems. 

Here is an overview of the most common ones, their causes and possible solutions:

1. Air Fryer Not Turning On or it Stopped Working

It can be sad when you want to make some tasty air-fried chicken wings, but the air fryer is not working. It is even more disappointing when you just used it a few hours or days ago.

An air fryer that will not work no matter what you do can ruin your meal plans. You will already have all your ingredients prepared and no way to cook them. The good news is that, in most instances, you can easily fix the air fryer and cook your meal. But first, you need to identify the underlying problem.

What Causes this Problem?

• Unplugged or damaged cord – Sometimes, your air fryer will not turn on because it is not powered. This can be due to a damaged or unplugged power cord
• Heating element issues – The heating element provides the heat you need to air fry. If it is damaged or has loose wiring, the appliance will not work.
• Blown a fuse – A faulty fuse can prevent the air fryer from turning on. Most manufacturers make it impossible to start your air fryer when you blow a fuse. This helps prevent further damage to the appliance.
• Wiring issues – If your Cuisinart toaster oven has loose or damaged wiring, it will not work. Wiring issues mean that power will not flow as it is meant to. And so the appliance cannot work.

How to Solve the Issue

Step 1: Identify the exact cause

Try to identify the exact cause. Start by unplugging the appliance and plugging it back in to ensure it is powered. Also, check whether the power cord is damaged. And test the fuse and wires to see if they are working correctly.

Step 2: Replace the broken cord or blown fuse

If the cord is broken, you have to replace it. You can cut and repair it with electrical tape, but this is unsafe. If the issue is a blown fuse, you should take out the fuse unit and replace it.

Step 3: Fix the heating element

Replacing the heating element is almost always never necessary. In most cases, you only need to repair loose or damaged wiring and clean the element.

2. Air Fryer Won’t Turn Off

Once you finish cooking, you will be eager to sit down and enjoy the meal. But, your toaster oven can ruin this moment if it fails to turn off. You can always open the door and remove the food. Still, you do not want to leave the appliance running.

An air fryer that will not turn off can also mess up your meal. You can easily burn the food if it won’t switch off and continues heating.

What Causes this Problem?

• Faulty timer – The timer is supposed to stop the air fryer oven once cooking is complete. If the timer is faulty, this will not happen. The appliance will continue cooking until you stop it manually. We will look at timer issues in more detail later in this article.
• Power/Stop button issues – The problem can also be the stop/pause or power button. Pushing this button should stop cooking immediately. The button can have physical damage or issue with programming. Both will prevent it from working correctly.

How to Solve the Issue

Step 1: Unplug the appliance and plug it back

The best way to deal with this problem is to simply unplug the appliance from the power source. Doing this should turn it off. It also helps reset any programming issues preventing it from turning off. 

Step 2: Use the reset button

If your model has a reset button, you should use it. Pushing the button should clear the memory. This will restore the appliance to the default settings. This should deal with most programming and software issues.

3. Issues with Sparking Inside When Cooking

A sparking air fryer can be frightening. Many people will dash out of the kitchen and not even go near the appliance. Still, it is important to deal with the issue. Sparking can easily lead to a fire and accidental burns.

What Causes this Problem?

• Faulty wiring – If the wiring is faulty, it can cause sparking. And this is regardless of whether it is due to a factory defect or badly done repairs.
• Insulation breaking down – Each wire in your air fryer will consist of several wires inside. These smaller wires are separated by insulation. As the insulation breaks down due to continuous use, the wires might touch and cause sparking.

How to Solve the Issue

Step 1: Unplug the appliance

Sparking is dangerous, so the first step should always be to unplug the appliance. This will prevent fire and accidental burns.

Step 2: Examine the appliance

Next, you should examine the appliance to identify the source of the problem. Check whether there are food particles or grease on the heating element. Both can be the source of the sparking.

Step 3: Clean the interior

You should then clean the interior and heating element. Use a non-abrasive sponge and mild dish soap to remove food particles.

Step 4: Repair faulty wires

If there are any wires with worn-out insulation, you have to repair them. You can use electrical tape as a quick fix. A more permanent solution is to replace the wires.

4. Interior Light Won’t Stay On or is Faulty

You must monitor the food as it cooks to prevent burning or overcooking. The truth is that we all hate having to keep opening the appliance for this. The Cuisinart air fryer toaster ovens have interior lighting for easy monitoring. You do not have to keep opening the appliance.

Monitoring the food as it cooks can be hard if the light will not stay on or is faulty. The good news is that this is often a fairly easy problem to fix.

What Causes this Problem?

• Faulty bulb – Most Cuisinart toaster oven users agree that a faulty bulb is their most common problem. The bulb will often dim, go out completely or will not stay on.
• Wiring/motherboard problems – Sometimes, the bulb might be okay but still not stay on. In most cases, the issue is with the wiring or motherboard. 

How to Solve the Issue

Step 1: Replace the bulb

The first step should be to test the bulb. If it is burnt out, you should replace it with a new one with the same rating. The structure should also be the same. You will need to remove the bulb cover. Allow the air fryer to cool off before starting the process.

Step 2: Check the Wiring

If the bulb is okay, the chances are there is an issue with the wiring. Check the wires and repair any loose or frayed wires. This should fix the problem now.

5. Toaster Oven is Smoking

Another problem that can cause you to panic is smoking. The first thought on your mind will probably be that your food is burning. While sometimes this is the case, it is not the only issue that can cause smoking.

It is important to check the smoke color. The smoke color will give you an idea of what is causing the smoking. It should hence be easy to determine how to deal with the issue.

What Causes this Problem?

• White smoke – If the smoke is white, there is hardly anything to worry about. White smoke is usually steam from whatever you are cooking.
• Black smoke – Black smoke often arises when your fatty foods are burning. A burning smell will usually accompany the black smoke.
• Blue smoke – You should be worried if you see the blue smoke. It typically indicates there are electrical issues with the air fryer. It can also indicate that some plastic in your Cuisinart oven is burning or melting.

How to Solve the Issue

Step 1: Check the smoke color

Start by ascertaining the smoke color. You can check it against a white background. If you are unsure, you can ask others in the house to help you determine the color.

Step 2: Deal with the issue according to the smoke color

• If the smoke is white, add some water to the bottom of the air fryer. Adding water reduces steam and should eliminate most of the white smoke.
• Reduce the fat and oil in your food if the smoke is black. Also, clean the air fryer to prevent food particles from getting burnt.
• If the smoke is blue, unplug the appliance immediately. Check whether there are any electrical issues and fix them. Also, check whether there is any plastic component that is burning.

6. Food Not Getting Crispy Enough

The fact that you decided to use the air fryer means you are looking forward to enjoying a crispy meal. It can be disappointing to take out the food only to find it not crispy enough or soggy. 

The issue is even worse when cooking french fries and onion rings. Such foods are only enjoyable when they have a nice crunch.

What Causes this Problem?

• Issues with air circulation – If the hot air does not circulate well around the food, it will be hard to get crispy.
• The air fryer is not getting hot enough – Your air fryer needs to get hot enough to cook and crisp the food evenly.

How to Solve the Issue

Step 1: Check the interior temperature

Check whether the appliance is getting hot enough. Ensure the temperature knob is working correctly. Also, check whether the heating element is heating adequately.

Step 2: Ensure the fan is working ok

Check the fan and clean any dirt or food particles on it. Also, check for damages that can prevent it from working. You will need to open the air fryer cover to do a thorough check

Step 3: Fix the fan or heating element

If the fan or heating element are not working correctly, you should replace them. Just make sure the replacements have the same rating and structure.Pro Tip: Pat dry the food before cooking and drizzle some oil to ensure maximum crispiness.

Pro Tip: Pat dry the food before cooking and drizzle some oil to ensure maximum crispiness.

7. Dials Not Working Properly or a Faulty Digital Interface

Most Cuisinart air fryer toaster ovens use knobs/dials. The dials are simple and hardly ever have any issues. Still, sometimes they fail to work correctly. For instance, the cooking mode dial might be unable to select some functions. Or the timer knob can get hard to turn.

Digital interfaces can also have issues. In most instances, the interface is not responsive or simply just malfunctions.

What Causes this Problem?

• Lodged food particles – Food particles sometimes get stuck between the knob and the air fryer. This can make it hard to turn the knob.
• Software/programming issues – If there is a glitch in the software, the knobs can stop working.

How to Solve the Issue

Step 1: Clean the knobs

Start by cleaning the knobs. We often focus on cleaning other parts of the air fryer and forget the knobs. Try to remove any dirt and food particles stuck between it and the surface. You can spray it off or use a toothpick to pluck it out.

Step 2: Reset the appliance

Next, try resetting the appliance. This is more so if you have a digital model. You can use the reset button if it has one. Also, you can check your manual for reset directions. But, for some models, simply unplugging it or pushing the power button for a few seconds should reset it.

8. Cuisinart Air Fryer Reset Button Issues

Some Cuisinart air fryers will have a reset button. The button is used to reset the air fryer when facing issues like overheating and glitchy dials. It is highly useful when facing issues with your air fryer. Still, sometimes the button can also have issues. The most common one is failing to reset the air fryer.

What Causes this Problem?

• Wiring Issues – The button can misbehave if there are loose or damaged wiring issues. 
• Physical damage to the button – Like any other button on your air fryer, the reset button is prone to wear and tear. Sometimes it can also get damaged by accidental bumps or heat from the air fryer.

How to Solve the Issue

Step 1: Force the reset

Try pushing the power button for a few seconds to see if this will reset the appliance. This can work for some models, but it is not guaranteed.

Step 2: Unplug the air fryer

You should then unplug the air fryer to force it to reset. Wait for a few minutes before plugging it back again.

Step 3: Check the wiring

Check the power supply and wiring if the two steps above do not work. Sometimes the wiring for the reset button might be faulty. It is usually just a loose wire that you can fix quickly.

9. Air Fryer Timer is Not Working

Imagine waiting for your air-fried chicken to cook, only to get black smoke. It is even worse if there is a burning smell. This will be the situation if your timer is not working properly. A faulty timer means the appliance will not stop cooking when the food is ready. Your food will continue cooking and start burning.

What Causes this Problem?

• Defective software – Defective software can prevent the timer from working. This is more so for digital air fryer toaster ovens.
• The faulty timer dial – The timer or dial can get faulty due to continuous use. Dirt and food particle accumulation can also cause issues.

How to Solve the Issue

Step 1: Reset the appliance

You should push the reset button if the oven has one. This will clear out programming issues preventing the timer from working correctly. Unplugging can also help reset the appliance if there is no reset button.

Step 2: Clean the timer knob

Food particles and dirt can also make the timer knob stuck. Check the knob and try cleaning out any dirt. Also, try to rotate it as you are cleaning. Rotating the knob can help dislodge anything preventing it from moving smoothly.

10. Air Fryer Not Heating Up 

Sometimes you can switch on your Cuisinart air fryer toaster oven, but it fails to heat up. This is an indication that your heating element is not working. The heating element provides the heat that the fans circulate to cook food. And so without it, you cannot cook anything in the air fryer.

What Causes this Problem?

• Faulty wiring – The wiring that provides power to the heating element can get loose. Also, it can get damaged and prevent the heating element from getting power.
• Damaged heating element – The heating element can get damaged as the appliance ages. Also, improper care and maintenance can cause damage.
• Dirty heating element – Food particles can prevent the heating element from working. They accumulate over the element and prevent the heat from reaching the food.

How to Solve the Issue

Step 1: Unplug the appliance and clean the heating element

Sometimes you only need to clean the heating element to deal with heating issues. Use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub any dirt from its surface. Be careful not to damage or scratch the element

Step 2: Check wiring issues

Check whether the wires on the heating element are loose or damaged. You can then tighten them or replace them with new ones.

Step 3: Replace the heating element

You can replace the heating element in four easy steps:

• Remove the oven back panel
• Locate the heating element and remove the screws holding it in place
• Dislodge the wiring
• Replace the heating element with a similar one. Make sure you return all the wires, screws and backs panel.

11. Cuisinart Air Fryer Power Light Not Coming On

Your Cuisinart air fryer toaster oven has a power light to show you when it is on. If this light does not come on, it becomes hard to tell when the appliance is on. While you can still use it without the power light, it can be inconvenient.

What Causes this Problem?

• Wiring issues – If there is some wiring issue with the wires that supply power to the light, it will not come on.
• Worn-out light bulb – Sometimes, the small bulb on the power will burn out. And so even if the air fryer is plugged in, the light will not come on.
• Power supply not working – The power light indicates that the air fryer is powered. The light will not turn on if the power supply is not working.

How to Solve the Issue

Step 1: Plug the air fryer into a different socket

Try plugging the air fryer into a different socket. In some cases, the issue is with the socket and not the appliance. 

Step 2: Check the power supply

Check if there is a clear path for the electric current to the power bulb. If not, the chances are there is an issue with the wiring. You may need to replace wires or the power supply.

12. Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven Runs Too Hot

You will hardly feel any heat around your Cuisinart air fryer if it is in good shape. And so if you find that it runs too hot, then there is a problem. This is regardless of whether it is cooking well or not. If the appliance is running too hot, this is a sign that it has a serious issue.

What Causes this Problem?

• Electrical malfunction – Issues with wiring to overheating. Others, like a damaged circuit board, can also cause the same problem.
• Using the air fryer for too long – Using the air fryer back to back for too long can cause it to run too hot.

How to Solve the Issue

Step 1: Check the wiring

The first step should be to check if there are any wiring issues. Test the electrical current flowing through the appliance to see if it is correct. If there is too much current, it might be the source of the problem. 

Step 2: Reset the appliance

If the current flow is not correct, resetting the oven is necessary. A reset should take care of the problem in most instances. You can also just unplug the oven and leave it for a while.

Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding your air fryer toaster oven. Also, try using less oil when cooking. Both issues can lead to overheating.

13. The Fuse is Blown Out 

A blown-out fuse is one of the most common issues with these air fryers. The fuse protects the appliance from overheating. It is hence prone to blowing out when there is a surge. But it is typically easy to replace. Check the manual to know where it is located and how to replace it.

What Causes this Problem?

• Power overload – The fuse protects the appliance from overloading and overheating. And so it is likely to blow out when there is a power overload or surge.

How to Solve the Issue

Step 1: Locate the fuse 

You must open up your air fryer and locate the fuse unit. It should be easy to see once you remove the back panel on the appliance.

Step 2: Test the fuse

Next, check whether the fuse is okay or not. You can do this by using a continuity tester. Or even a multitester probe to determine if there is current flow through the fuse.

Step 3: Remove the old fuse and insert a new one

You should then take out the faulty fuse from the fuse unit. Carefully insert a new one. Make sure you have the right replacement fuse. Otherwise, it might not work.

14. Cuisinart TOA-65 Problems

The Cuisinart TOA-65 is one of the brand’s most popular air fryer toaster ovens. Many users love its sleek look, wide temperature range and superior cooking performance. Still, the appliance often develops some problems.

Some of the most common issues with this model include the dials failing to work. Also, the appliance has issues with overheating. And it sometimes does not make some foods crispy enough.

How to Solve the Issues

This will largely depend on the specific issue you are facing. If the problem is with the knobs, you should start by cleaning them. If this does not work, you might have to replace them. Other issues, like electric malfunctions, need professional assistance.

15. Cuisinart Air Fryer Knob Not Working

The air fryer knob is what you will use most. When you want to make crispy french fries, air fry some chicken nuggets or even make pizza, this is the knob you use. It is hence very disappointing to find the knob not working.

What Causes this Problem?

• The knob is dirty – Food particles and dirt will accumulate around the knob as you use it more. This can prevent it from turning properly.
• The knob is worn out – The air fryer knob is used a lot. It is hence likely to wear out faster than the other knobs.

How to Solve the Issue

Step 1: Input the setting manually

A quick fix will be to input the settings manually. Choose the right time and temperature; the air fryer will cook whatever you want.

Step 2: Clean the knob

Remove any food particles stick on the knob. This will free it up and ensure it rotates smoothly. This allows you to choose your preferred setting.

Step 3: Replace the knob

A worn-out or broken air fryer knob requires replacement. Start by ordering the replacement knob from Cuisinart. You can then simply pull out the old knob. Use a blunt object to force it to budge. You can then push in the new knob.

16. Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven Burns Everything

Nothing is more annoying than an air fryer toaster oven that seems to burn everything. Even when you are sure you have the time and temperature right. The appliance can easily ruin even simple meals like air-fried snacks. But it is quite a common problem. And so you need to know how to deal with it.

What Causes this Problem?

• Overheating – If the appliance runs too hot, it will likely burn your food. 
• Overcrowding – Putting too much food in your toaster oven is one of the main reasons it will burn. Overcrowding inhibits hot air circulation, allowing excess heat to concentrate at one point.
• Faulty heating element – A faulty heating element can produce excess heat. The extra heat can then burn your food.

How to Solve the Issue

Step 1: Reduce the amount of food your are cooking 

In most cases, your food will burn because of overcrowding. Avoid putting too much food per batch. Instead, make it a habit of adding the food in a single layer. A single layer means no food will be very close to the heating element.

Step 2: Check the heating element

Check the condition of the heating element. If it is overheating or has faulty wiring, you can replace it. Follow the steps we discussed in number 10 above.

17. Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven Fan Problems

The fan is instrumental when air frying. It is what circulates the hot air around the food. It hence ensures the food cooks fast and evenly. Also, it is vital for making the food crispy. But, sometimes, it can stop working. In other cases, it will start producing unusual noises. Or it might reduce its overall efficiency.

What Causes this Problem?

• Dirt – A dirty fan will not work properly. It will either produce a lot of noise or fail to circulate hot air efficiently. Dirt and food particles will accumulate on the fan over time. You should blow them off regularly to keep it in good working condition.
• Faulty wiring – The wires that take power to the fan can also get damaged. They also fray from continuous use. The fan can stop working due to these faulty wires.
• Damaged fan – In some cases, the fan can get damaged. For instance, a blade can break or get damaged. This prevents the fan from working correctly.

How to Solve the Issue

Step 1: Clean the fan

Start by blowing dirt and food particles from the fan. You can also remove the fan cover and clean it with a damp microfiber cloth. Or even a soft bristle brush if a cloth cannot fit there. In most instances, this is enough to fix fan problems. 

Step 2: Check the fan wiring

Check if the fan wiring is frayed or loose and fix it. You can easily determine this by testing the current flow. Replacing the wires should be simple. You only need to make sure you use the right type and size.

Step 3: Replace the fan

If all this does not work, the fan needs replacement. It probably has a damaged blade or is faulty beyond repair. Open the fan cover and unscrew the old fan. You should then carefully remove any wiring and install the new fan.

18. Cuisinart Warranty Issues

These are more user complaints than actual problems with the appliance. Still, they are a significant issue that can affect you. Some users have complained of an issue with the warranty terms. The issue will often arise if you do not buy from the manufacturer or authorized dealer.

Otherwise, Cuisinart has some of the best warranty terms. They will cover most of their air fryer toaster ovens for up to 3 years. The warranty period is much longer than the 1-year cover you get from most other leading brands.

Cuisinart Air Fryer Manual

Cuisinart air fryer toaster ovens come with one of the most detailed manuals. The manual provides both instructions for using the appliance and some simple recipes. You will get instructions to help you with the initial setup and using the appliance. 

Each manual also includes some maintenance and troubleshooting directions. Plus, you get directions on returning the appliance if it develops problems. You can check out the Cuisinart TOA-60 Air Fryer Toaster Oven manual for a feel of what you will get.

Should You Repair Your Toaster Oven at Home?

Most toaster oven issues are fairly easy to fix. If you are handy with electronics and have enough experience, you can do most repairs at home.

Things like replacing a fuse or cleaning out knobs should be pretty straightforward. Still, from my experience, trying to repair the appliance at home is not a good idea.

You can worsen the issue or cause other problems. And there is the danger of electrocution. Plus, once you open the appliance to repair it, you will automatically void the warranty. And so you can no longer claim the warranty. You will have to pay a professional if you cannot do the repairs.

What is the Lifespan of a Toaster Oven?

The lifespan largely depends on the specific model. Also, it depends on several factors, including the following:

• How often do you use the appliance, and how do you use it?
• The level of care you give the toaster oven. Do you clean it after use? Do you replace broken parts in good time?
• How do you store the toaster oven, and where?

That said, a basic toaster oven should last at least 2 to 5 years with moderate use and care. Still, some models from top brands like Cuisinart can last over 10 years.

When Should You Return the Air Fryer Toaster Oven?

While you can fix most minor issues, some will be beyond your capability. In such instances, you are better off returning the appliance. This is even more so if it is within the warranty period. Here are a few instances when you should return the appliance:

1. If it keeps overheating no matter what you try

Sometimes the toaster oven will keep overheating no matter what you do. This can be a sign there is a factory defect. There is probably something wrong with its electrical setup. The issue can also be with the power supply or heating element. It is better to return it to the manufacturer to fix or replace the appliance with a new one.

2. You cannot identify the specific problem

If the appliance stops working and you cannot pinpoint the problem, return it. There is no point in keeping something you paid for that you cannot use as intended.

3. It does not get hot enough

An air fryer should get hot enough (to at least 400°F) to cook most dishes. If your model does get anywhere close to this or what it is rated, you should return it. Again the problem here is probably a factory defect you cannot fix at home.

4. If it fails to work completely

If you have tried all the troubleshooting, but the appliance still does not work, return it. The best option for you is to have the manufacturer check it out. Just ensure you do not try any fix that can void the warranty.

We recommend you try Kalorik Digital 26 QT Air Fryer Oven, which is also a wonderful appliance.

Final Thoughts

The Cuisinart air fryer toaster oven is one of the best performing in its class. There is no doubt that it makes some of the tastiest foods. Also, these appliances are feature-rich and multifunctional. Still, they are prone to various problems like any other appliance.

The problems range from the appliances failing to work to problematic knobs. The good news is that most are fixable at home. They are also easy to fix. You just need to know the source of the problem and the best fixes.

Simple problems should not stop you from making the best use of your air fryer toaster oven.

What issues have you encountered with one of these appliances? How did you fix them? Please share your experiences below to help other users facing the same problem.