Last Updated on July 1, 2022
Have you ever wondered why some food smells so bad after being cooked in an air fryer? The answer lies in the plastic smell that comes from the frying oil. This is because the oil has absorbed the odor of the plastic container.
Air fryers are great kitchen appliances that allow you to cook healthier meals without having to spend too much time in the kitchen. They also save space since they don’t require a stovetop or oven.
However, these devices come with their own drawbacks. For example, plastic containers can absorb odors from foods that are fried. As such, you should always clean them regularly.
Why does a new air fryer smell like plastic?
The first thing you need to know about air fryers is that they use hot air instead of heat. In fact, this type of cooking doesn’t even reach 200°F.
This means that the oils used for frying will not be heated up as high as in other methods. However, it still heats up enough to create crispy and delicious results.
When using an air fryer, it is important to keep the lid closed while the device is on. Otherwise, the fumes will escape into the house.
Another reason why your air fryer might have a strong plastic smell is because of the plastic lids. These lids are made out of polypropylene which is a non-recyclable material.
Why does a new air fryer smell like plastic?
The first thing you need to know about your air fryer is that it has been manufactured with plastics. The reason for this is because they’re cheap and easy to make.
However, there’s nothing wrong with them per se, so long as they don’t get into contact with foods or liquids. But if they do, then things can go very badly indeed. When you buy a brand new air fryer, it will probably come with some instructions on what to use it for.
This is a significant question that has to be answered since we need to know what is causing the problem in the first place. There are several reasons for this, the most important of which is that air fryers are coated with a protective coating. When you first start using the air fryer, this layer is exposed to high temperatures, which causes it to burn and emit a plastic odor. After a few uses, this plastic generally burns entirely, and you shouldn’t notice any burning smell.
This can also go on for a long period. This occurs mostly as a result of fumes becoming trapped in the nooks and crannies, and when you use the air fryer, these odors are activated, and this cycle continues, giving you the stink.
Metal air fryers do not have these issues since they have too little plastic on them. It’s critical to understand that this odor from your air fryer does not have to occur with every air fryer. Along with the plastic odors, your air fryer may emit an additional bad smell into your kitchen.
Let’s take a short look at some of the other reasons why your air fryer stinks.
Although an air fryer does have a burned plastic odor, it is not the sole odor it emits. There might also be some other unpleasant odors emanating from your kitchen as a result of using the air fryer. Many air fryers include a top-mounted heating element, which collects food particles and emits a burned odor over time. If you don’t clean your air fryer correctly on a regular basis, you’ll acquire a foul stench, which isn’t good for your health.
This is a major source of concern for those who use an air fryer since the odor is unpleasant. If dirt accumulates on the outside of the air fryer, this might be the cause of the foul odor it emits.
How to get rid of the plastic smell on my air fryer?
There are many ways to remove the plastic smell from your air fryer. You should try out each method until you find something that works best for you. Some methods work better than others depending upon the type of air fryer you own.
For example, metal-air fryers tend to produce less smoke compared to their plastic counterparts. However, even though they produce less smoke, they still give off a burnt odor. On the contrary, plastic air fryers usually produce more smoke but fewer odors.
We should know the remedies now that we know the origins of the problems. Let’s take a brief look at some of the possible solutions to this troubling issue.
The first way:
- The first step is to remove all of the plastic coverings from your new air fryer. This may be enough to get rid of all the unpleasant odors. If this does not occur, it may take a few runs until the problem is resolved. The pan, rack grill, and basket are all washable parts of the air fryer.
- For around 15 minutes, soak these items in warm water with soap or detergent in a sink or tub.
- Use a soft sponge to gently clean these components, then use the same sponge to clean the inside of the air fryer.
- After thoroughly drying it, you’re ready to use your air fryer. This approach may be used while you’re getting ready to utilize your air fryer for the first time. This approach can also be performed if your air fryer begins to emit a foul odor after numerous uses.
The second way:
- If the above-mentioned approach fails, you can attempt a different method that will most likely remove and eradicate the foul odor.
- Get an air fryer-safe dish and fill it with vinegar and lemon juice.
- Place this mixture in the air fryer and turn it on.
- Cook for roughly 2 minutes in the air fryer.
- If the odor does not go completely, repeat the process.
How to get rid of the smell on my air fryers?
You can also put baking soda into the air fryer. Make sure to add only one tablespoon of baking soda per quart of water. Stir the mixture well before adding it to the air fryer. Cook for about 10 minutes.
You can also place a towel in the bottom of the air fryer and pour boiling water onto the towel. After 5 minutes, drain the water from the air fryer. Repeat this procedure every two weeks.
Air fryers are really handy equipment that everyone enjoys using since we all enjoy eating fried and greasy cuisine that smells great and tastes great, but we are also health-conscious and are wary of the fats and oil used in such dishes.
It is a small gadget that helps to imitate the effects of deep-frying without using much oil and instead uses hot air, allowing you to enjoy such dishes without fear. They are skilled at preparing frozen meals that are meant to be deep-fried, such as chicken, french fries, and a variety of other delectable delicacies.
If you’ve recently purchased an air fryer and begun using it, you may have noticed a strong odor emanating from it. This is how the plastic smells. We all enjoy the scent of food in its natural state, and no one wants any other smell, especially plastic, to detract from it. So you might be wondering why my new gadget is behaving this way. Do not be concerned; this is a frequent problem, and we are here to help you solve it.
Why does a new air fryer smell like plastic?
The first thing you need to know about your air fryer is that it has been manufactured with plastics. The reason for this is because they’re cheap and easy to make.
However, there’s nothing wrong with them per se, so long as they don’t get into contact with foods or liquids. But if they do, then things can go very badly indeed. When you buy a brand new air fryer, it will probably come with some instructions on what to use it for.
This is a significant question that has to be answered since we need to know what is causing the problem in the first place. There are several reasons for this, the most important of which is that air fryers are coated with a protective coating. When you first start using the air fryer, this layer is exposed to high temperatures, which causes it to burn and emit a plastic odor. After a few uses, this plastic generally burns entirely, and you shouldn’t notice any burning smell.
This can also go on for a long period. This occurs mostly as a result of fumes becoming trapped in the nooks and crannies, and when you use the air fryer, these odors are activated, and this cycle continues, giving you the stink.
Metal air fryers do not have these issues since they have too little plastic on them. It’s critical to understand that this odor from your air fryer does not have to occur with every air fryer. Along with the plastic odors, your air fryer may emit an additional bad smell into your kitchen.
Let’s take a short look at some of the other reasons why your air fryer stinks.
Although an air fryer does have a burned plastic odor, it is not the sole odor it emits. There might also be some other unpleasant odors emanating from your kitchen as a result of using the air fryer. Many air fryers include a top-mounted heating element, which collects food particles and emits a burned odor over time. If you don’t clean your air fryer correctly on a regular basis, you’ll acquire a foul stench, which isn’t good for your health.
This is a major source of concern for those who use an air fryer since the odor is unpleasant. If dirt accumulates on the outside of the air fryer, this might be the cause of the foul odor it emits.
How to get rid of the plastic smell on my air fryer?
There are many ways to remove the plastic smell from your air fryer. You should try out each method until you find something that works best for you. Some methods work better than others depending upon the type of air fryer you own.
For example, metal-air fryers tend to produce less smoke compared to their plastic counterparts. However, even though they produce less smoke, they still give off a burnt odor. On the contrary, plastic air fryers usually produce more smoke but fewer odors.
We should know the remedies now that we know the origins of the problems. Let’s take a brief look at some of the possible solutions to this troubling issue.
The first way:
- The first step is to remove all of the plastic coverings from your new air fryer. This may be enough to get rid of all the unpleasant odors. If this does not occur, it may take a few runs until the problem is resolved. The pan, rack grill, and basket are all washable parts of the air fryer.
- For around 15 minutes, soak these items in warm water with soap or detergent in a sink or tub.
- Use a soft sponge to gently clean these components, then use the same sponge to clean the inside of the air fryer.
- After thoroughly drying it, you’re ready to use your air fryer. This approach may be used while you’re getting ready to utilize your air fryer for the first time. This approach can also be performed if your air fryer begins to emit a foul odor after numerous uses.
The second way:
- If the above-mentioned approach fails, you can attempt a different method that will most likely remove and eradicate the foul odor.
- Get an air fryer-safe dish and fill it with vinegar and lemon juice.
- Place this mixture in the air fryer and turn it on.
- Cook for roughly 2 minutes in the air fryer.
- If the odor does not go completely, repeat the process.
If you want to get rid of the burnt plastic odors permanently, you may also follow these methods.
Wash the grease-separation basket and tray thoroughly.
If you want to clean it properly, use a powerful dishwashing soap with a high degreasing power to get rid of all the dirt from the tray and basket. Clean the basket of your air fryer thoroughly before allowing it to dry.
Take the air fryer
If you wish to get rid of the unpleasant smells, start the air fryer and set the dry basket and tray inside. Set the temperature to 350-400 degrees and cook for 40 minutes without any food inside. Allow the air fryer to cool for 10-15 minutes once you’ve finished. You can continue this method 2-3 times more if you want to get rid of the fumes.
Coat the grease separating tray and the basket.
If you’ve already finished the second step, it’s time to coat your basket and grease separator tray with cooking oil. Take a towel and your normal frying oil. Coat the basket and divider tray with the towel that has been dipped inside. Turn on the air fryer and set the temperature to 350-400 degrees for at least 10 minutes. Allow the air fryer to cool for at least 10 minutes after the first 10 minutes.
Remove the tray and clean it down once it has cooled, then replace it inside and repeat the process. When you’re finished, grab the basket and wipe the oil off of it with any dishwasher. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t use any sort of spray oil because it might ruin your anti-stick coating.
Combine the vinegar and lime juice in a bowl.
Pour 1 tablespoon of distilled vinegar and 1 tablespoon of lime juice into a small oven-safe dish, stir to combine, and set in the air fryer basket. Turn on the air fryer and set the temperature to 350-400 degrees. Cook for 3 minutes, then let it cool for more than 15 minutes with the dish inside. This will aid the lime and vinegar in coating the interior of the air fryer basket and absorbing all of the odors. After that, wipe the basket.
After you’ve performed the instructions above, I’m confident you’ll no longer smell plastic burning when you use your air fryer. Follow these measures on a daily basis, and at least once a month, take a vinegar and lime juice bath. I recommend that you thoroughly clean your basket before each cooking session.
Conclusion
Air fryers are great tools for those who love fried foods but don’t have access to traditional deep fat fryers or other kitchen appliances.
Having an air fryer is a huge convenience because of its compact size and extensive cooking capabilities. Air fryers are ideal for tiny apartments, dormitories, camping with power or in a car with an inverter, or on the street in an RV.
I hope you enjoyed and learned something from this post. There are a billion air fryers on the market, as well as a plethora of recipes ranging from healthy homemade chicken wings to perfectly crispy oil fries and much more. Along with all of these wonderful features, there is some maintenance to be done, and if you maintain your air fryer properly from the start, it will serve you well for a long time.
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