Display shows E3 and the air fryer shuts off or will not start a cooking cycle.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the unit and let it cool completely. Overheat faults indicate that internal temperatures may have exceeded safe limits.
Basic checks:
- Check ventilation: Ensure the T-fal air fryer has at least 4–6 inches of clearance on all sides and is not placed under cabinets or against walls blocking exhaust vents.
- Clean air paths: Remove the basket and clean any heavy grease buildup on the top screen and around the fan intake. Clogged grease filters can trap heat.
- Listen for the fan: Start a cycle and listen for the fan. If the fan does not run, the heater area can overheat quickly, triggering E3.
Internal component checks (advanced):
- Remove the top or rear cover to access the heater assembly. Locate the thermal fuse (small cylindrical component in heat-shrink tubing) and any high-limit thermostat mounted on the heater plate.
- With the unit unplugged, test continuity across the thermal fuse and thermostat. An open reading indicates a blown fuse or tripped thermostat.
- If the thermal fuse is open, replace it with a high-temperature thermal cutoff fuse rated for your T-fal model. Mount it in the same location and ensure good thermal contact.
- If a resettable thermostat is present, some can be manually reset by pressing a small button; others must be replaced if open.
- Verify the convection fan motor operates freely and is not obstructed by grease or debris.
If you are not comfortable working around high-voltage heater circuits, contact a professional technician.