Air Fryer
E3
The E3 error code on a Gourmia air fryer indicates a temperature sensor fault — the appliance has detected an abnormal reading from its internal thermistor and has shut down as a safety precaution. In most cases it is fixable at home, but persistent faults will require a replacement part or a new unit.
What does this error mean?
The E3 code means the air fryer’s internal temperature sensor (thermistor) is either reading a temperature outside its expected range or has failed to send a signal to the control board altogether. Gourmia air fryers use this sensor to regulate heat during cooking; if it detects overheating or a broken circuit, it trips E3 to prevent damage or fire. This is a protective shutdown, not a sign the appliance has already been damaged — though repeated occurrences can indicate a hardware fault.
Est. repair cost
£45–£95 professional repair; £5–£15 DIY thermistor part (only if you have appliance repair experience)
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Switch off and unplug the air fryer immediately, then leave it to cool on a flat, open surface for at least 30 minutes before doing anything else.
Check the placement: the unit needs at least 10–15 cm of clearance on all sides and the rear. Move it away from walls, cabinets, or under-counter spaces if it was enclosed.
Remove the basket and drawer and inspect for blockages. Wash both thoroughly, clear any grease or food debris from the mesh, and check the interior cavity for buildup around the heating element.
Once fully cooled and cleaned, plug back in and run a short test cycle (5 minutes at 180°C with nothing inside). If E3 does not reappear, the fault was likely thermal — caused by overheating or restricted airflow.
If E3 returns immediately or after a short run, perform a hard reset: unplug the unit, hold the power button for 10 seconds, then leave unplugged for 5 minutes before restarting.
If the error persists after cleaning, correct placement, and a hard reset, the thermistor sensor itself has likely failed. Do not attempt to open the appliance casing to access it — contact Gourmia support or a small appliance repair technician.
📞 When to call a professional
If E3 returns consistently despite correct placement, a clean unit, and a hard reset, the thermistor or its wiring connection has failed internally and needs a professional diagnosis. Do not open the main casing yourself — working inside a mains-powered heating appliance carries a risk of electric shock. When calling, tell the technician: ‘My Gourmia air fryer is displaying an E3 temperature sensor error that persists after resetting and cleaning.’
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A thermistor replacement by a small appliance repair technician typically costs £40–£80 in labour plus the part (usually £5–£15 for the sensor itself). If your Gourmia air fryer is under two years old, contact Gourmia UK customer support first as it may be covered under warranty. For units over three years old or budget models under £60, replacement is almost always more economical than a professional repair.