There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of crispy, golden-brown perfection. You’ve prepped your ingredients, your stomach is rumbling, and you’re ready for that satisfying sizzle. You flick the switch on your deep fryer, and… nothing. Silence. It’s a moment of pure culinary disappointment. If you’re staring at a cold appliance and wondering how to fix a deep fryer not turning on, you’ve come to the right place. I’m here to walk you through it, from the frustratingly simple fixes to the slightly more complex issues.
As the resident expert here, I’ve seen my fair share of seemingly dead appliances spring back to life. More often than not, the problem is something you can easily solve in minutes, without any special tools. So before you start shopping for a replacement, let’s roll up our sleeves and play detective. We’ll get that fryer humming and bubbling again in no time.
First Things First: The Obvious (But Necessary) Checks
I know, I know. You’re probably thinking, “I’m not an idiot, I checked the plug!” But you’d be surprised how often the simplest thing is the culprit. Even pros miss these things when they’re in a hurry. Let’s just rule them out quickly so we can move on to the real head-scratchers.
- The Power Cord and Outlet: Is the cord firmly plugged into the wall? And is the outlet itself working? Grab a small lamp or your phone charger—something you know works—and test the outlet. If it doesn’t power up, you’ve found your problem: a tripped circuit breaker or a faulty outlet.
- The Breakaway Magnetic Cord: This is a huge one. Modern deep fryers have a brilliant safety feature: a magnetic power cord that detaches easily if someone trips over it, preventing a catastrophic spill of hot oil. The downside? It can also get knocked loose by a slight bump. Make sure the magnetic end is seated securely against the connection point on the fryer. Give it a gentle wiggle; it should feel solid.
- The Circuit Breaker: Head to your home’s electrical panel. Look for any switches that are in the “off” or middle position. Flip the correct breaker fully to “off” and then back to “on.” Sometimes, the combined power draw of a deep fryer and another appliance on the same circuit can cause a trip.
If you’ve checked all these and are still met with silence, don’t worry. Our real investigation is just beginning.
Digging Deeper: The Most Common Culprits and Solutions
Alright, the simple stuff is out of the way. Now we get into the common internal issues that prevent a deep fryer from turning on. The good news is that the number one cause is an easy-to-fix safety feature that most people don’t even know exists.
The Hidden Hero: The Overheating Safety Reset Button
This is, without a doubt, the most common reason I see for a deep fryer not turning on. To prevent fires, all modern deep fryers have an internal thermostat that shuts the unit down completely if it gets too hot—either because the oil level is too low or there’s a malfunction.
Once this safety feature is tripped, the fryer will not turn on again, even after it cools down, until you manually reset it.
How to Find and Use the Reset Button:
- UNPLUG THE DEEP FRYER. I cannot stress this enough. Safety first, always.
- Make sure the fryer and the oil inside are completely cool.
- Look for a small hole or indentation on the control box, often on the back or bottom. It’s usually labeled “RESET.”
- You’ll need a thin, non-conductive object like a toothpick, a coffee stirrer, or the tip of a ballpoint pen.
- Gently press the object into the hole until you hear or feel a faint “click.” That’s the switch resetting.
- Plug the fryer back in and try turning it on. Nine times out of ten, this will solve your problem.
Expert Tip: If your fryer keeps tripping this safety switch, it’s a sign something else is wrong. You might be operating it with too little oil, or the main thermostat that regulates temperature could be failing, causing it to overheat.
A Faulty Thermostat or Thermal Fuse
The thermostat is the brain of your deep fryer, telling the heating element when to turn on and off to maintain the correct oil temperature. If the thermostat fails, it might fail in the “off” position, meaning it never sends the signal to heat up. A related component is the thermal fuse, a one-time safety device that blows if the unit severely overheats, permanently cutting power.
- Symptoms: The power light might not come on at all, or it might come on, but the heating element never gets warm.
- The Fix: This is, unfortunately, a more serious problem. For most home-use deep fryers, replacing a thermostat or internal fuse is not a simple DIY job and often isn’t cost-effective. If you suspect this is the issue, it may be time to consider a new unit.
|
Our Picks for the Best Deep Fryer in 2025
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
|
||
| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | T-fal 3.5L Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket, 1700W Electric Deep Fryer with Basket and Lid, Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts |
|
| 2 | Chefman 4.5 Liter Deep Fryer w/Basket Strainer, XL Jumbo Size, Adjustable Temperature & Timer, Perfect for Fried Chicken, Shrimp, French Fries, Chips & More, Removable Oil-Container, Stainless Steel |
|
| 3 | Elite Gourmet EDF2100 Electric Immersion Deep Fryer Removable Basket Adjustable Temperature, Lid with Viewing Window and Odor Free Filter, 2 Quart / 8.2 cup |
|
| 4 | Hamilton Beach Electric Deep Fryer with 3 Baskets and Lid, 4.5 Liters / 19 Cups Oil Capacity, Temperature Control, View Window, Professional Style, 1800 Watts, Stainless Steel (35034) |
|
| 5 | OVENTE 1.5L Electric Deep Fryer with Viewing Lid, Adjustable Temperature, Removable Basket, Cool-Touch Handle, 800W Stainless Steel, Easy to Clean, Silver FDM1501BR |
|
| 6 | Presto 8-Quart Big Kettle, Steamer and Deep Fryer Multi-Cooker, Black |
|
| 7 | Secura 1700-Watt Stainless-Steel Triple Basket Electric Deep Fryer with Timer Free Extra Odor Filter, 4L/17-Cup,Silver |
|
| 8 | T-fal 3.5L Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket, 1700W Electric Deep Fryer with Basket and Lid, Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts |
|
| 9 | T-fal Compact EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 1.8 Liter Oil and 1.7 Pound Food Capacity 1200 Watts Easy Clean, Temp Control, Oil Filtration, Dishwasher Safe Parts, 1.8 Liters |
|
| 10 | Amazon Basics 3.2-Qt (3.0L) Deep Fryer with 12-Cup Oil Capacity, Adjustable Temperature, Easy Draining Basket, Stainless Steel Exterior, Viewing Window, 1500W, Black & Silver |
|
What Is The Best Oil For a Deep Fryer?
While we’re on the topic of keeping your fryer happy, let’s talk oil. The type of oil you use has a massive impact on flavor, crispiness, and the health of your appliance. You want an oil with a high smoke point and a neutral flavor.
The best oils for deep frying are those with a smoke point above 400°F (204°C). This ensures the oil won’t break down and start smoking at typical frying temperatures. Good choices include peanut, canola, vegetable, and safflower oil. Avoid oils with low smoke points like extra virgin olive oil or butter.
Prevention and Maintenance: Keeping Your Fryer Alive
The best way to fix a deep fryer that’s not turning on is to prevent the problem in the first place. A little bit of care goes a long way in extending the life of your appliance.
- Clean It Regularly: Old food particles and degraded oil can cause all sorts of problems, including overheating. Learning how to clean a deep fryer properly is essential. Always let the oil cool completely, drain it, and wipe down the interior.
- Use Fresh Oil: Don’t reuse oil too many times. Degraded oil has a lower smoke point, which can lead to overheating and trigger the safety reset.
- Store It Properly: Keep your fryer in a dry place. Store the power cord loosely coiled, never tightly wrapped around the unit, which can damage the internal wires over time.
- Check for Damage: Before each use, give the power cord a quick visual inspection for any frays or cracks. If you see any damage, do not use the fryer.
When Is It Time to Say Goodbye?
Sometimes, a deep fryer is simply at the end of its life. If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and it still won’t power on, or if you notice any of the following, it’s safer and smarter to replace it:
- A damaged or frayed power cord.
- Persistent overheating issues.
- Physical cracks or damage to the fryer body.
- Any signs of electrical shorts or sparking (unplug it immediately!).
While it’s tough to part with a trusty kitchen appliance, modern fryers often come with significant upgrades in safety features, temperature control, and ease of cleaning, making the investment worthwhile. The debate of air fryer vs deep fryer is always relevant, but for that authentic, deep-fried taste, nothing beats the real thing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most common reason a deep fryer won’t turn on?
A: The most common reason by far is a tripped overheating safety switch. This is a small, hidden reset button that needs to be manually pressed with a thin object like a toothpick after the unit has completely cooled down.
Q: Why does my deep fryer keep shutting off in the middle of cooking?
A: This is a classic symptom of the automatic overheating safety feature kicking in. It could be because the oil level is too low, the oil is old and degraded, or the thermostat that regulates temperature is beginning to fail.
Q: How do I reset my deep fryer?
A: First, unplug the appliance and let it cool completely. Locate the small “RESET” hole on the control unit. Insert a narrow object, like a toothpick, into the hole and press gently until you feel a click. This will reset the internal safety switch.
Q: Can I fix a broken power cord on my deep fryer?
A: No, you should never attempt to repair a damaged power cord yourself. A faulty cord is a major fire and electrocution hazard. If the cord is damaged, you should safely discard the appliance and replace it.
Q: Is it safe to try and repair the internal wiring of my deep fryer?
A: Unless you are a qualified appliance repair technician, it is not safe to attempt repairs on the internal wiring or components of your deep fryer. These appliances deal with high heat and electricity, making DIY repairs very dangerous.
Your Crispy Conclusion
Dealing with a kitchen appliance that won’t cooperate is a frustrating experience, but I hope this guide has shown you how to fix a deep fryer not turning on without having to call in a professional or immediately buy a new one. By starting with the simple power checks, understanding the crucial role of the breakaway cord, and knowing how to find that hidden reset button, you can solve the vast majority of power-related issues.
Remember that regular maintenance and proper use are your best defense against future problems. A clean, well-cared-for deep fryer is a happy, reliable Deep Fryer. Now, go reset that switch and get back to frying! We’d love to hear about your success stories in the comments below.