Why Does My Air Fryer Smell Like Plastic? 5 Quick Fixes!

You just got a brand-new air fryer. You’re excited to start air frying healthier, crispier versions of your favorite foods. But then, as you unbox and fire it up for the first time - there it is - that weird, plasticky smell.

You might even be wondering, “Why does my air fryer smell like plastic?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is a common issue many cooks have with new air fryers. Let’s dive into what causes that strange odor and, more importantly, how to get rid of it!

Jump to:

• Is That Plastic Smell Normal?
• When to Worry
• Five Ways to Banish Air Fryer Plastic Smell
• But Wait... Why Does My Air Fryer Smell Like Plastic AFTER Cleaning?
• FAQ's
• Conclusion

Is That Plastic Smell Normal?

The good news is, in most cases, a slight plastic smell when you first use your air fryer is totally normal and is common in most air fryers. It usually boils down to one of two things:

Protective Coatings

New air fryers often come with a protective coating on the inside, which may include heat-resistant plastic, to keep the metal parts safe during shipping. This coating can give off a bit of a plastic-y smell when it heats up for the first few times.

"New Appliance" Syndrome

Think about that “new car” smell. Just like cars, air fryers have a bunch of brand-new parts, plastic components, and electronics all working together for the first time. When these materials heat up, they can release some odor as they settle in.

However, that initial “factory-fresh” smell shouldn’t be overpowering or linger for long if the manufacturing process is thorough.

When to Worry

While a faint odor during the initial week of use is normal, here are a few signs that something might be wrong and warrant contacting the manufacturer:

• The smell is extremely strong or chemical-like, not just a slight plastic scent.
• You see smoke or melting plastic.
• The smell resembles burning plastic, which could indicate a serious issue.
• The smell persists even after several cleaning cycles and uses.

Five Ways to Banish Air Fryer Plastic Smell

Okay, but how do you actually eliminate the smell? Distilled vinegar is a kitchen hero when it comes to tackling odors, and there are several straightforward methods. And good news, you probably already have the ingredients for at least one in your pantry.

1. The Initial "Burn-Off"

Before you even cook anything, this simple step can really help. Here’s what to do:

1. Unpack your new air fryer and make sure there are no loose bits of packaging inside.
2. Wash the basket and any removable parts with warm, soapy water.
3. With the air fryer empty, run it on a high heat setting (around 400°F) for 15-20 minutes. This will help “burn off” those initial manufacturing smells and residues. This is where the heating elements will come into play as they heat up.

2. The Vinegar and Lime Steam Bath

Vinegar is a kitchen hero when it comes to tackling odors. This method utilizes its cleaning power with a touch of citrus to combat lingering smells:

1. In a small, oven-safe dish, combine equal parts distilled white vinegar and lime juice. You only need a tablespoon or two of each.
2. Place the dish in the air fryer basket and run it at 350-400 degrees F for 3 minutes.
3. Allow it to cool with the dish inside for another 15 minutes. The steam will help neutralize any funky smells.
4. Give your air fryer basket another wash with soap, a soft non-abrasive sponge, and water, and wipe the inside of the appliance with a damp cloth.

3. Baking Soda Power

Baking soda is another odor-absorbing powerhouse you probably already have. You can create a baking soda paste and use it to coat the inside of the basket, let it sit for a while, then rinse and dry. It can help absorb any unwanted scents.

4. Citrus Power

Instead of lime in the steam method, try lemon. Slice a lemon in half, place it in a bowl of water (about a cup), and microwave on high for 5-10 minutes, or until the water boils. The steam from the lemon water will help absorb odors in your kitchen, including lingering air fryer smells. Just like the baking soda trick, this isn't for inside the air fryer itself.

5. Preventative Maintenance: Clean It Well

After all that work getting rid of the plastic smell, you’ll want to keep things fresh.

• Clean your air fryer thoroughly after every use. That means washing the basket, separator tray, and any other removable parts with hot soapy water. You can also run them through the dishwasher if they’re dishwasher-safe.
• For really stubborn, stuck-on food, a baking soda paste or soaking the parts in hot soapy water for a bit can help loosen things up. Make sure to properly clean your air fryer basket. This will ensure that your cooked food remains free from any unwanted odors.
• Wipe down the inside of the air fryer with a damp cloth after each use as well, paying special attention to the heating element area.
• Allow your air fryer to air dry completely before putting it away, and avoid storing it with the basket and tray still inside to improve air circulation.
• If things get smelly despite your best efforts, try the vinegar and lime steam cleaning method every month or so as part of your regular cleaning routine.

Also read: How Do I Prevent Acrylamide in My Air Fryer: Key Tips

But Wait... Why Does My Air Fryer Smell Like Plastic AFTER Cleaning?

If your air fryer smells like plastic even after you’ve cleaned it, there are a few more things you should check. Sometimes the problem isn’t the appliance itself, but something getting IN the way:

Some users have found that switching to models like the Instant Vortex can help avoid persistent plastic smells.

Food Debris

Double-check all the nooks and crannies of the air fryer basket, especially around the heating element. Even a tiny speck of burnt food can cause an off smell. Pay close attention to any grooves, the area around the heating element, and the inside of the drawer and the handle. Those are all prime spots for crumbs to hide. Be sure to clean any burnt plastic, too.

Grease Buildup

If you frequently air fry greasy foods, over time, residue can accumulate and eventually produce a burnt plastic-like odor. This smell doesn't mean anything is actually burning, but the old grease needs to be scrubbed out.

Pay close attention to the drip tray (if your air fryer has one) and any grooves or seams where grease can build up. If you let grease buildup go for too long, it can harden and make cleaning more of a challenge down the line, so staying on top of regular cleaning is essential.

And, on that note... Why does old grease remind us so much of burnt plastic? It’s weird, right? This phenomenon has to do with the chemical compounds present in both and how they break down at high temperatures. Apparently, it's enough to trigger similar receptors in our noses.

Dish Soap Residue

Make sure you're thoroughly rinsing away all the dish soap when you clean the basket and tray. Leftover residue can burn the next time you use the air fryer and create an unpleasant smell. If you air dry your basket and tray after washing, you’ll be able to clearly see if there’s any leftover soap.

You might think a soapy smell is better than a burnt one, but even tiny bits of heated dish soap aren't meant to be inhaled or flavor your food.

Double-check that your air fryer is not on a recall list: Air Fryer Recall: Is Your Kitchen Appliance at Risk?

Conclusion

Knowing that air fryers smell like plastic after initial purchase is a very common experience may set your heart at ease. That being said, it’s always good to stay informed. Hopefully, this information gives you a bit more confidence to maintain, troubleshoot, and fully enjoy your air fryer. Happy air frying!