An air handling system for a hot air sterilizer apparatus includes a sterilization chamber having an air exhaust portal, an air handling pathway traversing above the sterilization chamber through an upper supply air plenum and traversing below the sterilization chamber through a lower supply air plenum, a circulation fan configured to direct supply air from the air exhaust portal over an upper heating element through the upper supply air plenum and over a lower heating element through the lower supply air plenum, a first temperature sensor in the upper supply air plenum and configured to measure temperature of air downstream from the upper heating element, a second temperature sensor in the lower supply air plenum and configured to measure temperature of air downstream from the lower heating element, and a third temperature sensor at the air exhaust portal and configured to monitor temperature of air exiting the sterilization chamber.