Why Your Air Fryer Smells Like Burnt Plastic (Simply Explained)
So, you’ve finally bought into the craze about air fryers and you’ve cooked your very first meal ever with it. Unfortunately, it wasn’t exactly how you imagined it. The taste, or rather, the smell of your room and food reminds you of plastic.
Did you make a mistake in buying an air fryer or did you receive a malfunctioning device? Why does your air fryer smell like plastic?
Most air fryers are covered with a protective non-stick plastic coating. Before you start using your new air fryer, you have to remember that it will be exposed to high temperatures for the first time. Thus, you will smell burnt plastic after cooking your first meal with the device. However, there are several ways to avoid and prevent this.
The top 6 ways to get rid of that plastic smell from an air fryer
New air fryer owners are caught off-guard by the level of burnt plastic smell their device gives off after its initial use. Here are six ways to get rid of the plastic smell from your air fryer:
- Clean the basket
- Run the air fryer for consecutive cycles
- Prime and season the grease separator tray and basket
- Distilled vinegar and lime juice
- Acid Solution
- Baking soda and vinegar
Clean the basket
The most popular practice in removing the smell of burnt plastic inside the air fryer is cleaning the removable basket. It may take several items of washing before the odor is eliminated.
Leave the basket submerged in a sink full of warm water for approximately 15 minutes. Gently wash the basket with a soft sponge before placing it back into the air fryer.
We have a super detailed, easy-to-read instructional article on how to properly clean your air fryer here.
Run the fryer a few consecutive cycles
Some home cooks suggest turning on the air fryer to assist with getting rid of the burnt plastic smell.
Place the empty basket into the fryer and turn the heat to 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes. Let the device cool down for 15 minutes before repeating the process once again.
Prime and season the grease separator tray and basket
Experienced air fryer owners will coat the basket and grease the separator tray with cooking oil before placing all the items back into the device.
Turn the heat on for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Let the fryer cool down before cleaning all the components in warm water.
You Can also use distilled vinegar and lime juice
To remove the burnt smell of plastic from the inside of the air fryer, try placing a mixture of one cup of distilled vinegar and 1 to 2 tablespoonsful of lime juice into the air fryer basket into a heat-safe bowl.
Place the heat-safe bowl with the cleaning mixture into the smelly air fryer.
Cook the liquid ingredients for 5 to 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it cool down for 15 minutes, so the mixture can soak into the basket.
Do this about 3 to 5 times until the smell is gone.
Use an acid solution
If the burnt smell of plastic persists throughout the home, dampen a cloth with an acid solution and clean the interior of the air fryer. Hopefully, it will remove all the plastic fumes from the device.
Afterward, re-wash the air fryer thoroughly before using the appliance for cooking purposes.
Try baking soda and vinegar
The smell of burnt plastic can be unpleasant inside the home. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar works best as an odor absorber.
Place the mixture into the fryer’s basket and warm it up for a few minutes at 350 degrees. Wash the basket and fryer afterward.
What causes the burnt plastic smell in an air fryer?
The most popular practice in removing the smell of burnt plastic inside the air fryer is cleaning the removable basket. It may take several items of washing before the odor is eliminated.
Leave the basket submerged in a sink full of warm water for approximately 15 minutes. Gently wash the basket with a soft sponge before placing it back into the air fryer.
The heating element
The heating element of an air fryer is the prime suspect in producing a burnt plastic smell in the kitchen. Most brands will instruct new owners to run the air fryer at 400 degrees for 20 minutes before cooking with the device.
This measure should help to remove the plastic protective covering found in the interior of the fryer.
Food stuck to the heating element
If you smell burnt food coming from your air fryer, do not be alarmed as some food particles may have landed on the heating element. It is best to stop the cooking process and remove the impingement.
Low-quality coatings and materials
If your air fryer’s protective coating begins to peel away, you may not own a quality product. Do not leave this problem unattended as the non-stick coating could flake onto your food during the heating process.
Air Fryer malfunctions
New owners of air fryers are excited about their addition to the kitchen. But those feelings slowly drift away when they experience operating malfunctions. Here are common air fryer malfunctions:
- Too small of a device
- Uneven cooking results
- Peeling of non-stick coating
- Ingredients are dry, not crispy
- Excessive smoking
How to prevent air fryer smell
There’s no question about it. Air fryers will tend to smell during the cooking process. Often, opening a window will neutralize the smell. If not, then add flavor to your ingredients to eliminate all odors.
Allow your air fryer to breathe after unboxing
Once you open the box, take out your new air fryer. Place the device on a heat-resistant surface approximately eight inches away from the wall.
Most product manufacturers will instruct new owners to heat an empty air fryer before cooking their first meal.
Where to store your air fryer
For storage purposes, try keeping your air fryer towards the back of the counter.
It’s preferable to keep your air fryer stored in a cool and dry environment away from moisture and heat.
This means you should keep it away from the stove, oven, or any other kitchen appliance that could let off high temperatures. And you should also be aware that appliances in the kitchen such as steamers and electric kettles can release lots of steam.
Clean your air fryer after every use
Ideally, you want to clean your air fryer immediately after use. The main reason is to prevent any food particles from sticking onto the heating components. If left untreated, the obstruction will slow down the cooking process.
Use aluminum foil inserts
Air fryers can bake, grill or roast your main entrée. So, it is wise to use aluminum foil inserts to make sure your ingredients do not fall to the bottom of the basket.
Do all air fryers have a plastic smell?
Traditionally, only new air fryers have a burnt plastic smell while in use. Over time, the odor should go away.
Does the plastic smell from an air fryer make the food dangerous to eat?
If you take precautionary measures before using your air fryer for the first time, you will preserve the freshness of your food. Plus, it will help to reduce the chances of contracting health issues associated with ingesting plastic.
Are air fryers made of BPA-free plastic?
The majority of all air fryers are made from plastic materials. The chemical makeup of the plastic could leak out onto your food. But all recent studies have shown air fryers are BPA-free.
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