Air Fryer Odor Removal: Tips And Tricks

Air fryers are a fantastic kitchen appliance, allowing you to cook food with minimal oil and resulting in healthier meals. However, they can sometimes develop an unpleasant smell that lingers and affects the taste of your food. This is often due to the build-up of grease and food particles, or the release of fumes from the heating of plastic components and non-stick coatings. To prevent and eliminate these unwanted odours, there are several methods you can try, including deep cleaning with dish soap and baking soda, using natural deodorisers like lemon, vinegar, and coffee grounds, and regular maintenance and proper break-in procedures for new air fryers.

Deep cleaning

Gather Your Cleaning Supplies:

Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary cleaning supplies. You will need dish soap, a non-abrasive sponge or cloth, baking soda, water, and a soft-bristle brush. These items will help you achieve a thorough clean without damaging the surfaces of your air fryer.

Unplug and Disassemble:

Start by unplugging your air fryer and allowing it to cool down completely. Then, carefully disassemble any removable parts, such as the frying basket and tray. Refer to your user manual if you are unsure about how to disassemble your air fryer.

Wash Removable Parts:

Fill your sink or a large container with warm water and add dish soap. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to scrub the removable parts, paying close attention to nooks and crannies where odours tend to linger. Rinse the parts thoroughly to ensure no soap residue remains. For stubborn, stuck-on food, consider soaking the parts in hot, soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Clean the Interior:

Dampen your non-abrasive sponge or cloth with a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Gently wipe down the interior surfaces of the air fryer, being careful not to damage the heating element or other sensitive parts. Use a soft-bristle brush to reach any hard-to-reach areas.

Deodorize with Baking Soda (Optional):

Baking soda is known for its odour-absorbing properties. After cleaning, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the bottom of the air fryer and leave it overnight. In the morning, simply wipe away the baking soda with a damp cloth. This step will help eliminate any lingering odours.

Reassemble and Dry:

Once all the parts have been thoroughly cleaned and rinsed, reassemble your air fryer. Ensure that all components are completely dry before reassembling and using your air fryer again.

Maintenance and Prevention:

To prevent unpleasant odours in the future, it is important to maintain and clean your air fryer regularly. Here are some additional tips:

• Wash or wipe down your air fryer after each use, especially after cooking greasy or strongly scented foods.
• Perform a deep clean periodically to remove any built-up grease or residue.
• Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the non-stick coating.
• If you notice a burnt plastic smell when using a new air fryer, it may be due to residual chemicals or plastic particles. Run the air fryer empty for a few cycles to help burn off any remaining chemicals or particles.
• For a natural, aromatic solution, try using lemon juice, vinegar, or scented herbs/extracts to neutralise odours.

Lemon water soak

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Solution

Start by squeezing the juice from a fresh lemon into a small bowl. If you don't have a fresh lemon, bottled lemon juice can be used as an alternative. For a strong cleaning solution, it is recommended to use the juice of half a lemon.

Step 2: Add Water

Dilute the lemon juice by adding an equal amount of water to the bowl. This creates an effective and safe cleaning solution. Warm water will also help to dissolve grease and grime more effectively.

Step 3: Place the Solution in the Air Fryer

Pour the lemon-water mixture into a heatproof bowl and place it inside your air fryer. You can also add a tablespoon of white vinegar to enhance the cleaning and odour-removing properties.

Step 4: Turn on the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to a temperature of around 200°C (400°F) and turn it on for 3-5 minutes. The heat will help to activate the cleaning properties of the lemon and vinegar, and the steam will assist in removing odours.

Step 5: Allow to Cool

After the set time, turn off the air fryer and let it cool down completely. Opening the air fryer to allow airflow will speed up the cooling process.

Step 6: Wipe Down the Interior

Once cooled, remove the bowl and wipe down the interior of the air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge. Pay close attention to areas with stubborn grease or food residue. The lemon solution should have loosened these deposits, making them easier to remove.

Step 7: Rinse and Dry

Finally, rinse and dry all parts of the air fryer, including the basket and tray, to ensure no lemon residue remains. A dry air fryer prevents potential electrical issues when plugged in.

This lemon water soak method is a natural, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly way to clean your air fryer and eliminate unpleasant odours. It is recommended to use this method every few weeks to keep your air fryer in optimal condition.

Vinegar steam

Vinegar is a versatile household ingredient that can be used for various cleaning purposes. To deodorise your air fryer using vinegar, follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a Vinegar-Water Mixture

Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a heat-safe bowl or container. Vinegar has antimicrobial properties that can help eliminate odour-causing bacteria.

Step 2: Pour the Mixture into the Air Fryer Basket

Place the vinegar-water mixture in the air fryer's frying basket. Put the basket back into the air fryer.

Step 3: Steam the Mixture

Set the air fryer to its highest temperature setting and allow the mixture to steam for approximately 15 minutes. This will help loosen any stuck-on food particles and eliminate odours.

Step 4: Cool and Wipe Down

After steaming, carefully remove the frying basket and allow it to cool down. Empty the mixture and wipe down the interior of the air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge. Rinse the frying basket with clean water and dry it thoroughly before reassembling your air fryer.

Additional Tips:

• Repeat the process as needed until the odours are gone.
• For a deeper clean, disassemble any removable parts and wash them with warm water and dish soap before performing the vinegar steam.
• To remove plastic smells from a new air fryer, run it for several cycles without food before its first use. Set the air fryer between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it run empty for 40 minutes, then let it cool for 15 minutes. Repeat this process 3-4 more times.
• To keep your air fryer smelling fresh, create a mixture of 1 tablespoon of distilled vinegar and 1 tablespoon of lime or citric acid juice in a heat-resistant bowl. Place the bowl in the air fryer, set the temperature to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit, and run it for 3 minutes. Let the fryer cool completely, then remove the bowl and rinse and wipe down the air fryer.

Coffee grounds absorption

Coffee grounds are known for their ability to neutralise unpleasant smells. If your air fryer is smelling less than fresh, try this method to eliminate odours:

Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Grounds

Place a bowl of coffee grounds in the air fryer basket. You can use either ground or whole coffee beans, but for a stronger scent, it's recommended to use coarsely ground beans. If you want to enhance the aroma, you can add a dash of vanilla or a cinnamon stick to the grounds.

Step 2: Run the Air Fryer at a Low Temperature

With the bowl of coffee grounds inside, run the air fryer at a low temperature for a few short cycles. This will help to release the natural aroma of the coffee and fill the air fryer with a pleasant scent.

Step 3: Leave Overnight

After running the cycles, leave the bowl of coffee grounds in the air fryer overnight. This will give the grounds ample time to absorb any unpleasant odours that may be lingering in the air fryer.

Step 4: Remove the Coffee Grounds

Before using the air fryer again, remember to remove the bowl of coffee grounds. You can dispose of the used grounds or, if you're feeling creative, reuse them in various ways, such as a natural air freshener or fertiliser for your garden.

Additional Tips:

• For a stronger deodorising effect, you can combine the coffee grounds method with other natural ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar.
• To prevent strong odours from building up in the first place, it's important to regularly clean your air fryer after each use. Proper maintenance will help to keep your air fryer smelling fresh and prevent the accumulation of food particles and grease, which can cause unpleasant smells over time.

Scented herbs or extracts

If you're looking for a more natural and aromatic method to remove unpleasant smells from your air fryer, scented herbs or extracts can be used. Some popular choices include rosemary, thyme, lavender, or vanilla extract.

Place a small amount of your chosen herb or extract onto a heat-safe plate or bowl. Put it inside the air fryer and set the temperature to the lowest setting. Allow the scent to fill the air fryer, neutralising any unwanted odours. After a few minutes, carefully remove the plate or bowl from the air fryer and enjoy the pleasant aroma. Your food will not only taste better but also carry a hint of your chosen fragrance.

This method is one of five tried-and-tested methods to remove smells from your air fryer. The other methods include deep cleaning, lemon water soak, vinegar steam, and coffee grounds absorption.

Frequently asked questions