Why Does My Air Fryer Smell?

If you are wondering why does my air fryer smell, the cause is usually a protective plastic coating burning off a new unit or old grease buildup on the heating element.

Most bad odors disappear after a proper “burn-off” cycle or a deep cleaning of the heating coil to remove stuck-on food residue.

TL;DR: Quick Summary

• Protective coatings burn off: New air fryers have a factory coating that smells like plastic when first heated.
• Grease buildup causes smoke: Old oil on the top heating element burns and creates bad odors.
• Melted plastic accidents: Sometimes a wrapper or utensil falls onto the hot coil.
• Deep cleaning is key: A simple vinegar steam bath often fixes the issue.
• Ventilation matters: Give your appliance enough space for air to flow properly.

Why Does My Air Fryer Smell?

The short answer is simple. Your air fryer likely smells because residue is burning inside the chamber. If the unit is brand new, this is likely a protective chemical coating from the factory.

If you have owned it for a while, the smell usually comes from old grease or food crumbs stuck to the heating element at the top. Heat causes these stuck particles to smoke, creating unpleasant odors that can fill your kitchen.

The “New Car” Scent: Why New Air Fryers Smell

Did you just unbox your machine? If so, a chemical or plastic smell is totally normal. I found that almost every manufacturer applies a protective coating to the heating coil and basket.

This coating prevents rust and damage during shipping. When you turn the heat on for the first time, that coating begins to burn away. It smells terrible, but it is not a defect.

Is the Plastic Smell Dangerous?

Many people worry about toxic fumes. From what I researched, these fumes can be irritating but are generally not considered dangerous in small amounts for healthy adults (Consumer Reports).

However, you do not want this smell getting into your food. That is why experts recommend doing a test run before you cook your first meal. You want to burn it off completely while the basket is empty.

How to Do a “Burn-Off” Cycle

You can get rid of this factory smell quickly. I read through several user manuals, and they typically suggest a simple process.

• Wash the basket: Clean the removable tray with warm soapy water first.
• Set up the unit: Place the air fryer in a well-ventilated area, maybe even near an open window or under your stove hood.
• Run it empty: Turn it on to 400°F (200°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Cool down: Let it cool, then wipe the inside with a damp cloth.

After this, the chemical odor should disappear. If it persists, you might need to repeat the process one more time.

The Burnt Food Smell: Dirty Heating Elements

If your appliance is not new, the problem is likely dirt. We often clean the basket, but we forget the top part. The heating element hides above the food basket.

When the fan blows, grease splatters upward. Over time, layers of oil and crumbs stick to the coil. When you turn the unit on, that old grease burns again.

Checking Your Coil

Unplug your machine and let it cool completely. Turn it upside down or use a mirror to look up inside the main housing. You will likely see dark spots or crusty residue on the metal coil.

This buildup is the main culprit for smoke and burnt odors. Regular cleaning of this part is essential for keeping your food tasting fresh.

How to Clean the Heating Element

You cannot soak the main unit in water. That will ruin the electronics. Instead, I found a safe method shared by many cleaning experts.

• Make a paste: Mix baking soda and a little water.
• Scrub gently: Use an old toothbrush to scrub the paste onto the cold heating element.
• Let it sit: Leave it for 15 minutes to break down the grease.
• Wipe away: Use a damp cloth to wipe off the paste and grime.

Make sure you remove all baking soda before using the machine again. This method removes the fuel source for the bad smell.

Acrid Smells: Melted Plastic Accidents

Sometimes the smell is sharp and stinging. This is different from burnt toast. It smells like a chemical fire. This usually happens when something melts on the coil.

I have heard stories of people forgetting a piece of parchment paper or a plastic wrapper inside. The internal fan is strong. It can suck lightweight items up directly onto the heating element.

Identifying the Source

Stop cooking immediately if you smell burning plastic. Unplug the unit. Once it is safe to touch, check the heating element. You might find a burnt piece of paper or melted plastic stuck to it.

You must remove this debris completely. Use a non-abrasive sponge. If the plastic is hard, you might need to warm the unit slightly to soften it, then wipe it away carefully.

Is It an Electrical Issue?

Rarely, the smell comes from the wiring itself. If the odor smells like burning rubber or ozone and comes from the back of the unit, you might have a short circuit.

In this case, do not use the machine. Contact customer support. Safety guidelines state that damaged electrical appliances can be fire hazards (NFPA).

Natural Ways to Deodorize Your Air Fryer

Maybe your air fryer doesn’t smell like chemicals, but it smells like last week’s fish. Air fryers hold onto strong food odors. Plastic and non-stick coatings absorb smells over time.

You don’t need harsh chemicals to fix this. Simple kitchen ingredients work best.

The Vinegar Steam Bath

Vinegar is excellent at neutralizing odors. I found this trick works for almost any smelly kitchen appliance.

• Mix the solution: Combine one cup of water and 1/3 cup of white vinegar in a small oven-safe bowl.
• Place in basket: Put the bowl inside the air fryer basket.
• Heat it up: Run the unit at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
• Let it steam: Keep the basket closed for another 10 minutes. The steam loosens grease and kills bacteria causing odors.

The Lemon Scrub

If you hate the smell of vinegar, use lemon. Cut a lemon in half and rub it all over the basket and tray. The acidity helps cut through grease. Plus, it leaves a fresh citrus scent behind.

Rinse everything thoroughly after scrubbing. This is a great way to refresh your appliance between cooking strong-smelling foods like salmon or wings.

Preventing Bad Smells in the Future

You want to cook without holding your nose. A little maintenance goes a long way. I gathered some best practices to keep your machine smelling neutral.

Don’t Let Grease Sit

It is tempting to eat first and clean later. But letting grease cool and harden makes it harder to remove. Try to wipe out the basket with a paper towel while it is still warm (not hot).

This removes the bulk of the oil before it gets sticky. Less oil means less chance of rancid smells developing later.

Clean Under the Tray

Many baskets have a removable crisping plate with rubber feet. Grease loves to hide underneath these rubber bumpers and beneath the plate itself.

Pop the plate out every single time you wash it. Trapped old food rots quickly and creates a funky, sour smell that is hard to locate if you don’t look there.

Check Your Oil’s Smoke Point

Sometimes the air fryer is fine, but your oil is burning. Not all oils handle high heat well. If you use extra virgin olive oil at 400°F, it will smoke and smell bitter.

Research suggests using oils with a higher smoke point like avocado oil, light olive oil, or canola oil for air frying. This prevents the oil itself from burning and creating acrid smoke.

When to Replace Your Air Fryer

Sadly, nothing lasts forever. If you have scrubbed the coil, done the vinegar steam, and checked for melted plastic, but the bad smell remains, the insulation might be damaged.

Internal components can degrade over years of high heat. If the smell is persistent and chemical-like, it might be time to buy a new unit. Cooking should not make you worry about the air quality in your home.

Conclusion

A smelly air fryer is annoying, but it is rarely a mystery. New units need a burn-off cycle to remove factory coatings. Older units almost always need a deep clean of the heating element.

By keeping the top coil grease-free and using the vinegar steam method, you can keep your kitchen smelling fresh. Take a look inside your unit today—you might be surprised by what is hiding up there.

FAQs: Common Air Fryer Odor Questions

Why does my air fryer smell like fish when I haven’t cooked fish?

This strange fishy smell often indicates an electrical issue. Overheating wires or melting plastic components inside the housing can release a scent that mimics fish. Unplug the unit and check for damage immediately.

Can I put dryer sheets in my air fryer to clean the smell?

No, never put dryer sheets inside. They contain chemicals not safe for food contact. Stick to natural cleaners like vinegar, lemon, and baking soda to remove odors safely.

Will the plastic smell go away on its own?

Yes, the “new electronics” smell will eventually fade after 3 to 5 uses. However, doing a dedicated burn-off cycle without food speeds up the process so your first few meals don’t taste like plastic.

Does using parchment paper prevent smells?

Using parchment paper helps keep the basket clean, which reduces grease buildup. However, it blocks air flow if not used correctly. Less mess in the basket usually means fewer burnt odors later.

Why does my air fryer smoke when cooking bacon?

Bacon releases a lot of grease very quickly. This grease splatters onto the hot heating element and burns instantly. Adding a small amount of water or bread to the bottom drawer can help catch the grease and reduce smoke.