Air Fryer Food: Why Does It Smell Like Plastic?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that allows users to cook food with little to no oil. However, a common issue with air fryers is that they can sometimes emit an unpleasant plastic smell, which can also affect the taste of the food being cooked. This issue is usually harmless and not permanent, and there are several methods to reduce or eliminate the plastic odour.

Cleaning an air fryer before its first use

If you've just purchased an air fryer, you might be eager to start cooking with it right away. However, it's important to properly clean your air fryer before its first use to avoid an unpleasant plastic smell or taste in your food. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your air fryer before its first use:

Step 1: Remove Packaging and Accessories

Start by removing all the packaging materials and accessories from the air fryer. This includes polystyrene, plastic wrap, and any other protective coverings. Make sure to check the inside of the air fryer, especially near the heating element, to ensure that you have removed any loose debris or small pieces of plastic.

Step 2: Initial Wash

Wash the cooking basket and tray in warm or hot water with a mild dish soap or detergent. Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaning products, as these can damage the non-stick coating. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently clean the surfaces. Rinse the basket and tray thoroughly and dry them completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Run the Air Fryer Empty

Once the basket and tray are dry, place them back into the air fryer. Set the air fryer to a temperature between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it run empty for 40 minutes. This process will help release any residual plastic fumes and odors. After the cycle is complete, turn off the air fryer and allow it to cool down for about 15 minutes. Repeat this process 3-4 more times to ensure that all plastic fumes are eliminated. If possible, perform these steps in a well-ventilated area or outdoors to avoid the buildup of fumes.

Step 4: Coat with Cooking Oil (Optional)

After completing the above steps, some sources recommend coating the basket and separator tray with a light layer of cooking oil. Using a paper towel, apply a thin layer of oil to the inside of the basket and tray. Set the air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit, run it for about 10 minutes, then turn it off and let it cool for 10 minutes before removing the tray.

Step 5: Final Cleaning

Before your first use, give the air fryer a final cleaning. Wash the basket and tray with warm, soapy water and dry them thoroughly. You can also use a disinfectant spray or wipe to ensure that your air fryer is free of any bacteria or residue. Make sure to wipe down the inside of the air fryer as well.

Step 6: Preheat and Familiarize Yourself with Controls

Plug in the air fryer and turn it on. Allow it to preheat for a few minutes, following the instructions in your user manual. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the controls, as different models vary in their control options and settings. Understand how to adjust the temperature, cooking time, and any preset programs.

Additional Tips:

• Always read the instruction manual carefully before using your air fryer for the first time and follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper setup and use.
• After each use, clean your air fryer by washing the basket and wiping down the inside with a damp towel to prevent grease buildup and bacteria growth.
• To keep your air fryer smelling fresh, you can create a vinegar-lime steam bath by mixing vinegar and citric acid in a heat-resistant bowl, placing it in the air fryer, and running it for a few minutes.

Removing plastic pieces from a new air fryer

If you have recently purchased a new air fryer, you may notice an unpleasant plastic smell in your kitchen or in your food. This is usually harmless and occurs when the air fryer is not properly cleaned before use, leaving a plastic taste in your food. To remove plastic pieces from a new air fryer and eliminate the plastic smell, follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1: Remove Plastic Debris

When you first open the packaging of your new air fryer, carefully inspect the inside of the appliance and remove any loose debris. Small plastic parts or components may be left inside the air fryer, typically near the heating element, which can burn when cooking crispy food and release plastic fumes.

Step 2: Initial Cleaning

Before using your air fryer for the first time, thoroughly clean the basket and grease separator tray using a strong dishwashing soap with good degreasing properties. Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools, such as the green side of scrubbing pads, as they can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, use the sponge side to gently wipe down the surfaces. Make sure to clean, degrease, and completely air dry these components.

Step 3: Run Empty Cycles

To release any residual plastic fumes, run the air fryer for several cycles without food before its first use. Set the temperature between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit and let the air fryer run empty for 40 minutes. Then, turn it off and allow it to cool for 15 minutes. Repeat this process 3-4 more times to effectively remove plastic odors. It is recommended to perform these steps in a well-ventilated area or outdoors to avoid filling the room with plastic fumes.

Step 4: Apply Cooking Oil (Optional)

After completing the empty cycles, you can optionally apply a light coating of ordinary cooking oil to the basket and grease separator tray. Set the air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit, run it for 10 minutes, then turn it off and let it cool for 10 minutes before removing the tray.

Step 5: Regular Maintenance

To prevent plastic odors from returning, maintain your air fryer by regularly cleaning it after each use. Wash the basket after every cooking session to prevent grease buildup and bacteria growth. Wipe down the inside of the air fryer with a damp towel, and consider performing a vinegar lime steam bath once a month to keep it clean and odor-free. Additionally, avoid continuously cooking strongly scented foods without cleaning the air fryer in between uses.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove plastic pieces and eliminate plastic odors from your new air fryer, ensuring a safe and enjoyable cooking experience.

Using the right oils

If you've recently purchased an air fryer, you may notice an unpleasant plastic smell in your kitchen or in your food. This is usually harmless and not permanent. The housing and inner drawer of the air fryer are made of plastic, and these parts may release some smell during the first uses of the appliance, as it reaches very high temperatures.

To remove any chemical odors or plastic fumes that may have been left during the manufacturing process, it is recommended to run the air fryer for several cycles without food before its first use. This process involves setting the air fryer between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit and letting the machine run empty for 40 minutes to help heat and cool the internal and external plastic parts, thus releasing any residual plastic fumes. After completing a cycle, let the fryer cool for 15 minutes and repeat this process 3-4 more times. This helps speed up the release of fumes and eliminate any plastic smell as quickly as possible. If the appliance smells strongly, it is recommended to perform these steps in an open space or a well-ventilated area, such as outdoors or in a garage.

After the break-in process, it is recommended to perform simple maintenance on the air fryer basket and grease separator tray. Take a moderate amount of ordinary cooking oil and evenly apply it to the inner surface of the basket and tray. Then, set your air fryer to 350-400 degrees, run it for 10 minutes, let it cool for 10 minutes, and remove the tray.

Cleaning an air fryer regularly

Air fryers are wonderful appliances for cooking quick, healthy, and delicious meals. However, they can sometimes emit an unpleasant plastic smell, especially if they are new and have not been properly cleaned before use. This can cause food to take on a plastic taste. To prevent this, it is important to clean your air fryer regularly and thoroughly. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:

Before Initial Use:

Before using a new air fryer for the first time, it is important to clean it thoroughly to remove any plastic particles, oils, or dirt that may be present from the manufacturing process. Use a strong dishwashing soap with good degreasing power to scrub the basket and separator tray. Be careful not to use the abrasive side of the scrubbing pad to avoid scratching or chipping the anti-stick coating. Clean, degrease, and let the basket air dry. Then, run the empty air fryer at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes to help release any residual plastic fumes. Repeat this process 3-4 times, allowing the air fryer to cool for 15 minutes between each cycle. This process can be done outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

Regular Cleaning:

• After each use, unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool down completely.
• Remove all removable parts, such as the basket, tray, and pan.
• Wash these parts with warm, soapy water. You can also use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe them down. Some brands may even be dishwasher-safe.
• For stubborn stains, fill the basket halfway with water and add a generous amount of dish soap. Reinsert the basket into the air fryer, set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and let it run for 5-10 minutes. Then, remove the basket and scrub away any remaining residue.
• Wipe down the inside of the air fryer with a damp paper towel or clean dish towel. Pay special attention to the bottom chamber, as crumbs, oil residue, and meat drippings can accumulate there.
• Clean the heating element with a damp cloth or sponge, being careful not to bend or damage it. You may need to tip or invert the machine for easier access.
• Once everything is clean, allow the air fryer to air dry completely before assembling and storing it.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid continuously cooking strongly scented foods without cleaning the air fryer in between uses.
• Use baking soda or vinegar to eliminate residual odors.
• To introduce a fresh fragrance, mix distilled vinegar and citric acid in a heat-resistant bowl and place it in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes.
• To prevent grease buildup and bacteria growth, wash the basket and tray after each use.
• Perform a vinegar lime steam bath once a month to keep the air fryer clean and odor-free.

What to do if the plastic smell persists

If the plastic smell persists, you can try the following:

Firstly, ensure that you have thoroughly cleaned your air fryer. Use a strong dishwashing soap with good degreasing power to scrub away any plastic particles, oils, and dirt from the basket and separator tray. Be careful not to use the abrasive side of the scrubbing pad to avoid scratching or chipping the anti-stick coating.

Next, run the air fryer without any food inside for several cycles. Set the temperature between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it run for about 40 minutes. Then, allow the air fryer to cool for 15 minutes and repeat this process 3-4 more times. This will help release any residual plastic fumes. It is recommended to perform this process in a well-ventilated area or outdoors if possible.

If the plastic smell still persists, try using a mixture of vinegar and water or vinegar and lime juice to eliminate any residual odors. Place the mixture in a small bowl and put it in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit and run it for about 3-15 minutes. Let the air fryer cool completely, then remove the mixture and wipe down the inside with a damp towel.

If the issue continues, contact the manufacturer for further assistance.

Frequently asked questions