An air fryer is a staple tool of any kitchen. They are all over social media and everyone is talking about one. So you gave in to the hype and bought one. You got home and turned it on only to discover that a strange, plastic smell is coming from it. So now, you are asking yourself “Why does my air fryer smell?”.
You would be forgiven for thinking that your air fryer is defective, but this is not the case. Many air fryers will have that smell for the first use and this can even last for a little while. We have compiled a list of ways to combat this smell until it naturally dissipates.
Air fryers cook food in a similar manner to an oven. The heating elements can be found on the top and there is a large fan that circulates the hot air. They can heat up rapidly and so can cook food very quickly. The heat gets spread out evenly across the food resulting in a very consistent cook.
Does an air fryer make your house smell?
The first few times that you use your air fryer a plastic smell may be emitted due to the protective coating on the mechanical elements. Through a few uses, this smell should dissipate and your house should no longer smell.
Air fryers do not cause your house to smell of the food that you are cooking. This is dissimilar to a traditional deep fat fryer which emits a greasy odor similar to that of McDonald’s.
Provided that you open a window in your kitchen, there is no reason why the air fryer should stink up your home. A kitchen or oven fan will have the same effect. At most, you will have a similar odor given off to that of food cooking in a traditional oven.
How do I get rid of the smell in my air fryer?
The first thing that you should do before using your air fryer is to remove the plastic coating. This will be on the inside walls and is likely to be an adhesive sheet that you can peel off. Do not leave this on as you heat the air fryer as this will cause it to melt and can give off toxic chemicals.
The first time you use your new air fryer we suggest allowing it to run with nothing inside. Leave it like this for about 20 minutes before adding whatever you wish to cook. This is a great hack if your air fryer is a more budget option.
The best way to remove the smell from your air fryer is to give it a deep clean. We suggest taking it apart as much as possible and focus on cleaning each element individually. This includes the tray, base of the grill, the venting fans, and anything else that comes apart.
An easy way to do this is to fill a small washbasin with warm soapy water and allow the parts to sit in it for a while.
Another good method to minimize odors from your air fryer is to brush the interior walls with some neutral oil. You should do this before switching the air fryer on to heat as it increases the lubrication inside the fryer. This will reduce the heat load on the plastic and give off a lesser odor.
A great home remedy for a smelly air fryer is creating your own deodorizing liquid. Combine 1 part white or distilled vinegar with 1 part lemon juice in a bowl. Pour this liquid inside your air fryer basket and circulate the liquid.
Set the temperature to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit and switch on the air fryer for 3 minutes. Leave it to sit for about 15 minutes to cool before pouring out the vinegar and lemon juice. Rinse well and dry before use.
Why does my air fryer smell bad?
If the plastic smell persists despite multiple uses and a deep clean, this is not a good sign. You should contact the manufacturer as soon as possible for further assistance.
If the plastic smell has stayed then it could mean that harmful chemicals are still being released. If this is not rectified then it could have potentially dangerous impacts on your health.
If you have had your air fryer for a while and it has begun to emit different bad smells there are other causes. The heating element of air fryers is commonly located above the frying basket.
Through use, small food particles can begin to accumulate here. When the heating element reaches high enough temperatures, these particles can burn and give off an acrid smell.
Why does my air fryer smell like plastic?
This is commonly due to the fact that the air fryer is new. When you initially take it out of the box it is likely to smell like plastic due to the manufacturing process.
Air fryers will come with a protective coating on the plastic layers of the air fryer. This prevents it from becoming damaged during transit.
This protective coating will emit an odor when it is heated which can last for up to the first 5 uses. There is not only a plastic coating on the fryer basket but also on other component parts such as the venting fan.
If you do not look after your air fryer correctly, grime buildup can lead to mechanical elements overheating. This could cause the plastic odor to be given off again. If you notice this smell appearing, we recommend cleaning and inspecting the different elements of your air fryer.
Noticing damage early will prevent problems from occurring. We recommend taking your air fryer to a qualified professional for repairs to avoid injuring yourself.
Why does my food taste like the air fryer?
The plastic odor that is given off during the first few uses of your air fryer can be off-putting. Your food tasting like plastic, however, is much more so.
If you notice your food tasting like plastic then we recommend allowing it to run empty for about 20 minutes before putting your food in. Alternatively, you can try one of the other methods mentioned above to remove the smell.
How do you clean an air fryer?
You should first unplug the air fryer from the power source and allow it time to cool before attempting to clean it. Make a cloth damp and wring out any excess water. Use this to wipe down the exterior of the machine.
Remove the tray, pan, and basket from your air fryer. Wash these as you would crockery in hot and soapy water. If you prefer to use a dishwasher, most air fryer components are dishwasher safe. It is recommended you check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure this.
Use a damp cloth to wipe down the interior of your air fryer. Check the heating element for splashes of food or other debris that may have got caught. Do not use plastic or metal to scrape this.
We recommend using a non-abrasive sponge to remove any food residue, as this will avoid causing damage to the heating element. Dry off all of the separate elements before replacing them inside your air fryer.
