There are times when you might believe there is something wrong with your air fryer if it gives off an unpleasant odor. Your new product smells horrible and it’s brand new.
Recently, a reader emailed me with this question. Where does the smell come from in my air fryer? This instance was brand new and all instructions from the manufacturer had been followed to a tee.
The purpose of this post is to directly address her concerns. In addition to letting her know why she shouldn’t worry, I will also suggest that she return her new air fryer if she should.
Why Does It Matter So Much?
The smell is obviously concerning. Aside from the unpleasant smell, there is also a problem with the quality of the food. You will find that it will leave a slight residue on your food, making it taste strange.
It could also be an indication of something else wrong with the unit, such as a safety concern. The fact is, this is a very common occurrence here, as we will learn. Prior to deciding on the worst scenario, you may want to follow the steps below.
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How Can I Get Rid Of The Plastic Smell In My Air Fryer?
Air fryers can smell plastic if they are not properly cleaned. Let’s hope the situation doesn’t become too serious.
The manufacturing process is responsible for why your air fryer smells of plastic. A large majority of air fryers’ parts are plastic. Protective layers are applied to this plastic during production as a means of protecting it.
It is for this reason that manufacturers ask you to thoroughly clean the item after the surface protection has been removed.
How To Remove Plastic Smell From Air Fryer?
In most cases, it’s quite challenging to remove the surface protection, since you can’t see it either. The plastic smell in your air fryer can be removed in two main ways.
To begin with, you should clean it according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. You can also use your air fryer by cooking with it. In the following paragraphs, I will elaborate on these steps.
How To Clean Your Air Fryer
In the same way that people treat their microwaves, they treat their air fryers. Despite its frequent use, there is probably not as thorough a clean-up as it could be. There is no doubt that this is a mistake. The air fryer should be checked regularly, especially if it is a new one. If you want to remove that protective surface, you will have to clean it properly.
It is crucial that you clean your air fryer properly in order to ensure its proper functioning. Leaving it uncleaned leads to the smell of one food transferring to another. You may find that your food tastes strange as a result of this.
An excessive buildup of grease may even damage your air fryer. The grease can also smoke your kitchen out when it starts burning. You simply need to clean your air fryer. The proper way to do it is outlined here.
Clean the inside of the air fryer
In this compartment, you’ll find the heating element. Unplugging it from the outlet shouldn’t need any reminder. In this case, the same principle applies as in cleaning the basket. To clean it, simply wipe it with a soft cloth or sponge and run hot water over it.
When there is food stuck there, you can use a silicone cleaner or a brush to remove it. It is okay to add a small amount of detergent, just make sure you keep it to a minimum. Be sure to let it dry completely before you use it.
Cleaning the Basket
Obviously, this is the part of the device that touches the food, so it will collect the most dirt, grease and food particles. Hot water and detergent are all you need to clean it. You may want to soak it in warm water for a while and then rub the grease off using a silicone pad if there is any food stuck to it.
Use a soft sponge instead of an abrasive sponge. Damage will be done to the non-stick coating if this is done. You can also use this method if you have a dishwasher. Here’s more information about putting an air fryer in a dishwasher.
Give the outside a clean
Aside from the inside of the air fryer, the outside is also subject to dirt accumulation. This may be caused by dust or by being placed near other appliances. Cleaning is also necessary for them.
You can easily clean it with a sponge and hot water. This cleaning guide will help you maintain the best condition for your air fryer. Getting rid of that residue should be helpful, although some steps may have to be removed.
Cycle Your Air Fryer At High Temperatures
These residues can be removed using an air fryer at high temperature. Burning plastic gives off the burning smell because it burns at high temperatures. This process can be made faster by running it at high temperatures while it is empty rather than slowly over multiple times.
You need to do this several times to remove the plastic smell.
Is It An Electrical Issue?
You should stop using it immediately if you suspect it’s an electrical problem. This can pose a fire hazard if you believe there is a component burning when you smell an electric burning smell. If you’ve been using it, stop right now and contact the retailer or manufacturer to get it returned.
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Summary
If you run through these steps, you should be able to resolve your issues. The issue isn’t worth worrying about initially because most air fryers suffer from the same problem. These problems are more prevalent in low-cost models. We now know why you can’t use your air fryer.