Why does my air fryer smell? …I tell you why and what to do
Summary- The smell is either down to the protective coating on it when new or that it has not been cleaned properly. Simply clean it using the method I have outlined below to solve your problem.
It’s easy to think that there is something wrong with your air fryer if there is a terrible smell emanating from it. It’s brand new and it smells horrible you ask yourself.
I was recently emailed this question by a reader. She asked “why does my air fryer smell”? In this case, it was brand new and all the manufacturers guidelines had been followed to a tee.
In this post, I will directly address her concerns. I will tell her why she should not be overly concerned…but also guide her to whether she should be returning her new air fryer.
Why is it such an issue?
Obviously, it is a concerning smell. Aside from the fact that it does not smell good, the quality of the cooked food is compromised. It will leave a slight residue on your food which will make it taste a little bit strange.
It may also be an indicator that something else is wrong with the unit which may well be a safety issue. However, as we will learn here, this is a very common thing happening here.
I would suggest that you follow the steps below before you start to consider the worst.
Why does my air fryer smell like plastic?
If your air fryer smells of plastic, don’t panic. Hopefully the issue will not be overly serious.
The reason why your air fryer smells of plastic is simply down to the manufacturing process. The vast majority of parts on an air fryer are plastic. This plastic has a protective coat placed on it during the process as a protection.
This surface protection must be removed hence why manufacturers ask you to give the item a thorough clean.
How to remove plastic smell from air fryer
In most cases, it is quite difficult to remove the surface protection…and you can’t see it either which makes it that much more difficult.
There are principally two ways that you can remove the plastic smell from your air fryer.
The first is to clean it as recommended by the manufacturer’s guidelines.
The Second method is to actually use your air fryer.
I will discuss these steps in more detail.
1. How to clean your air fryer
People treat their air fryers like they treat their microwave. It gets used but the clean-up probably isn’t as thorough as it could be.
Obviously, this is a mistake.
Especially if the air fryer is new. You really need to clean it properly to remove that protective surface.
Your air fryer needs to be cleaned properly in order for it to perform properly. Not cleaning it will mean that the smell of one food, can transfer to another. This can bring a strange taste to your food.
At worst, a build up of grease can break your air fryer. There is also the real potential of it smoking your kitchen out at the grease begins to burn.
The solution is simple, clean your air fryer. Here’s how to do it properly.
Cleaning the basket
This is the part that comes into contact with the food, therefore it will collect the most dirt food and grease.
Cleaning it should be as simple as using detergent and hot water. If there is food stuck onto it, you may be better off soaking it for a while and then using a silicone pad to rub the grease off.
Importantly, never use an abrasive sponge. This will damage the non- stick coating.
If you have a dishwasher, this also works well. Read more about putting air fryers in a dishwasher here.
Clean the inside of the air fryer
This is where the heating element is housed. I’m sure that I don’t need to remind you to unplug it from the socket.
Again, the same principle as cleaning the basket. Simply use a soft cloth or sponge, and hot water to clean it.
If you do have some food stuck on there, use a silicone cleaner or a brush to clean it off. You can add a small amount of detergent but keep it to a minimum.
Remember to allow it to dry fully before you consider using it.
Give the outside a clean
The outside of your air fryer also attracts plenty of dirt. Whether it is dust or the result of being placed close to other appliances. They also need cleaning.
Simply wipe it down with a sponge and hot water.
Using this cleaning steps, you will keep your air fryer in the best condition. It should really help to clean off that residue although you may need to remove those steps.
2. Cycle your air fryer at high temperatures
Using the air fryer at high temperature removes this residue. This is because it burns at high temperature, hence why you get that burning plastic smell. Instead of doing so slowly over multiple times, you can make this process faster by running it at high temperatures whilst empty.
Doing this a few times should remove any plastic smell.
Is it an electrical issue?
If you think that it is an electrical issue, you should stop using it immediately. If you think that it is an electric burning smell where you thing there is a component burning, this is a fire hazard.
Immediately stop using it and start a returns process at the retailer or contact the manufacturer.
Verdict
Running through these steps should remove the issues you have. It is certainly not worth worrying about it initially as most air fryers have the same issue. It is especially prevalent in lower cost models.
So, there we have it…here is why your air fryer smells bad.
See you soon… Jayne x
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It would be really nice if you could share this article and image on your social media.
It’s just a couple of clicks for you but it means the world to me.
Thank you so much…Jayne x
