I heated the fryer without oil so I am assuming I ruined the heating element because it doesn't heat. My question is ca I get another heating element?

Heating elements should not be in direct contact or near a combustable materiel. Heating element should be in free space and away from touching the pot base. If you have oil touching your heating element you wil have sponsteous combustion and create a fire. In your case have someone qualified to disassemble your unit and clean the chamber where your heating element is located, have the pot verifed for possible leaks. Note: someone may have spilled oil over the edge of the pot which ingressed to the bottom of the fryer where your heating element is located. Good house keeping with your appliances is essentiel for your safety.
Good luck and be aware of fire.

In order to remove the heating element of a Cuisinart deep fryer you need to do the following:

1. Unplug the fryer.
2. Tip the fryer and put the oil into a container.
3. Put the fryer on its side, with the open top over the sink and a bowl in the sink beneath it. Leave it this way so most of the rest of the oil can drain.
4. Wipe the inside of the fryer with a paper towel.
5. Put several layers of newspaper on the counter and stand the electric deep fryer upside down on top of the paper. You will see that there are rubber feet under the base held in by screws.
6. Remove the feet and screws and you will be able to take off the base to expose the electrical workings inside.
7. Locate the heating element which has wires leading to it. Start by removing the wires leading to it and then loosen up and remove the heating element itself.

When you say turns on I assume you are reading voltage at the heating element, if so it is bad. It could also be the thermostat.

Most heating elements are indeed submerged in oil and for that reason I would not think it would affect your unit, however I do not normally work on home model products. I am a commercial restaurant equipment dealer, working on commercial products only. Trying it out would tell with within a few minutes whether it's going to work or not? Any other questions, I would find the 800 number or website for that company and ask them directly. Sorry I couldn't be more help to you, but I just don't know that much about home model stuff.
Susan Restaurant Equipment Outlet, Cincinnati, OH

thermostat

Either the heating element or the thermostat needs to be replaced.
captrick

Some fryers have safety switches on the heating element, this is so they can not be turned on when not properly installed into the unit. Check to see if there are grooves or slots on the side of the fryer which correspond to grooves or slots on heating element. Then slide the heating element into the slots on the fryer.
Safety switch in most cases can not be seen and can not be disengaged by hand. The heating element must be installed properly in order to work. It may be illustrated clearly in the owners manual.
Do not try this with out oil in the Fryer!!

i have the same question

yes it is and that is the way it works