Air Fryer
E1
The E1 error code on a Salter air fryer is a temperature sensor fault — it means the appliance has detected a problem with its internal thermistor and has shut down as a safety precaution. In most cases it’s not a sign that your air fryer is beyond saving, and many E1 errors can be resolved at home without spending a penny. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what triggers the E1 code, the most realistic causes for Salter models, and a safe, step-by-step process to get it cooking again.
What does this error mean?
The E1 code on Salter air fryers is a temperature sensor error. Inside every air fryer sits a small component called a thermistor — a type of temperature-sensing resistor that constantly monitors the heat inside the cooking chamber. When the appliance’s control board reads a temperature value that is either impossibly high, impossibly low, or simply absent (no reading at all), it triggers the E1 fault and cuts power to the heating element as a safety measure. In plain terms: the air fryer’s brain can’t get a sensible temperature reading, so it refuses to operate rather than risk overheating your kitchen. This is a safety-first design and is a good thing — but it does need addressing before you can cook again.
Est. repair cost
DIY thermistor replacement: £5–£15 for the part. Professional repair (thermistor or control board replacement, including labour): £50–£90. New replacement Salter air fryer: £40–£130.
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Step 1 — Unplug and let it cool completely: Before doing anything else, switch off and unplug your Salter air fryer and leave it on a flat surface for at least 30 minutes. The E1 error can sometimes be triggered by a temporary thermal spike, and a full cool-down allows the sensor to reset to an ambient baseline. This alone resolves the fault in a surprising number of cases.
Step 2 — Check the ventilation clearance: Look at the vents on the underside and rear of the unit. Salter recommends at least 10 cm of clear space on all sides. If the fryer was pushed into a cupboard, close to a wall, or sitting on a soft surface like a tea towel that blocked the base vents, reposition it on a hard, flat surface with proper clearance and try again.
Step 3 — Clean the interior thoroughly: Remove the basket and drawer, then use a damp cloth or soft sponge to wipe down the interior cooking chamber, paying particular attention to the area around the heating element at the top. Grease coating the thermistor probe (usually a small metal pin or disc near the element) is a very common cause of E1. Do not use abrasive scourers. Allow to dry fully before plugging back in.
Step 4 — Inspect and clean the thermistor probe: With the fryer unplugged and fully cooled, use a small torch to locate the thermistor — it typically appears as a small metal-tipped probe or bead near the top heating coil. Gently clean around it with a cotton bud lightly dampened with white vinegar or isopropyl alcohol to remove any grease residue. Do not pull or bend the probe.
Step 5 — Perform a hard reset: With the appliance still unplugged, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds. This drains any residual charge from the control board’s capacitors. Plug back in, switch on, and set a short test cook (180°C for 5 minutes) to see if the E1 code returns.
Step 6 — Check your power supply: Plug the air fryer directly into a wall socket — not an extension lead or multi-socket adaptor. Salter air fryers draw between 1400W and 1700W depending on the model, and an undersized extension lead can cause voltage drops that confuse the control board and produce sensor errors. If you were using an extension lead, this could be your fix.
Step 7 — Consult your model’s manual for a specific reset sequence: Some Salter models (particularly the dual-basket EK5196 and the digital EK4750) have a built-in diagnostic reset. Check your manual or Salter’s website (salterhousewares.com) for any model-specific reset procedure. If you’ve lost your manual, Salter’s customer support line is 0333 220 6060.
Step 8 — Contact Salter directly if the unit is under warranty: Salter air fryers typically carry a 1- or 2-year warranty. If your unit is within that window, do not attempt any further DIY disassembly — doing so may void your warranty. Contact Salter’s customer support with your model number and describe the E1 fault. They may offer a repair, replacement, or refund.
Step 9 — If out of warranty and steps above have failed, consider a thermistor replacement: Replacement thermistors compatible with Salter air fryers are available on Amazon UK and eBay for approximately £5–£15. However, accessing the sensor requires removing the outer casing of the appliance. This involves undoing screws and working near the heating element wiring. Only attempt this if you are confident with basic electronics and always ensure the appliance is unplugged. If in any doubt, stop here and see the professional advice below.
📞 When to call a professional
You should stop DIY attempts and contact a professional appliance repair technician if: the E1 error returns immediately after every reset regardless of what you try; you’ve cleaned the sensor and ensured proper ventilation but the fault persists; the air fryer shows any signs of burning smell, visible scorch marks, or sparking; or you’re not comfortable opening the casing to access internal components. When you call, tell the engineer: ‘My Salter air fryer [give your model number, e.g. EK4750] is showing an E1 error code, which I understand is a temperature sensor fault. I’ve tried a full cool-down reset, cleaned the interior including the thermistor probe, ensured proper ventilation, and plugged it directly into a wall socket. The fault persists.’ A good appliance repair technician can diagnose whether the thermistor, the wiring harness, or the control board is at fault. You can find local appliance repair engineers through the Domestic & General engineer network, Checkatrade, or Rated People. Always get a quote before authorising any work.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
Salter air fryers retail in the UK for roughly £40–£130 depending on the model (the basic EK2817 sits at the lower end; the dual-basket EK5196 at the higher). A professional repair for an E1 fault — typically a thermistor replacement plus labour — will cost around £50–£90 at current UK rates. That maths only makes sense on a higher-end Salter model that is relatively new. For a basic model under £60, replacement is almost always the smarter financial decision once it’s out of warranty. As a general rule: if the repair quote exceeds 50% of the cost of a new equivalent model, replace it. Parts availability for Salter appliances has improved in recent years, and thermistors and control boards are generally obtainable — but lead times can stretch to 1–2 weeks if ordering from a specialist supplier. If your Salter air fryer is over 3 years old and has seen heavy daily use, the thermistor failure may be a sign of broader component wear, and a new appliance is likely the more reliable long-term investment.