Air fryers have become a staple in modern kitchens, offering a healthier way to achieve that perfect crispy texture with minimal oil. However, that excitement can quickly fade when an unpleasant odor starts wafting through your home.
Why do air fryers smell? Most air fryers smell due to off-gassing from new plastic coatings, burnt grease and carbonized oil residue on the heating element, or trapped food particles spoiled in hidden crevices.
While a smelly appliance can be off-putting, it rarely means your machine is broken.
In this guide, we will break down the science behind these air fryer smells and provide actionable solutions to restore your kitchen’s freshness.
4 Technical Reasons Behind Air Fryer Smells
To solve the air fryer smell problem, you first have to understand the mechanics. Air fryers utilize high-speed convection to circulate heat, which interacts with several factors to create smells:
Heating Element Interactions
The heating element is the heart of the appliance. The intense heat it emits can cause the release of strong natural aromas from food (like spices or fish) while simultaneously burning any oil or grease that splashes onto it.
The “New Appliance” Effect
New air fryers often contain plastic components and protective lubricants. When these are exposed to high temperatures for the first time, they undergo a process called off-gassing, which produces a distinct metallic or plastic scent.
Food Debris Accumulation
Small crumbs or seasoning can get sucked into the fan mechanism or the heating coil. If these aren’t removed, they char and emit a “burnt” smell during every subsequent use.
Rancid Oil Buildup
If the air fryer is not deep cleaned, a thin film of oil coats the interior walls. Over time, this grease becomes rotten, leading to a heavy, stale smell in an air fryer when reheated.
What Each Type of Air Fryer Smell Indicates
Identifying the specific type of air fryer odor is the fastest way to find the right solution.
Air Fryer Smells Like Chemicals or Plastic
Residual manufacturing oils or “new” plastic components can release chemical or plastic burning smell from an air fryer.
How to get rid of air fryer plastic smell? Perform a “Burn-in” cycle. Before cooking food, preheat the empty unit in a well-ventilated area for 20 minutes at 400°F. This helps evaporate factory residues so they don’t end up in your food.
Air Fryer Smells Like Grease
During cooking when hot oil splatters on to the hot element and creates carbonized residue, air fryer could emit a grease -like smell.
How to get grease smell out of air fryer? Unplug the unit and let it cool. Clean the interior “ceiling” around the heating element with a damp sponge and grease-cutting soap. Always dry the components thoroughly before the next use.
Air Fryer Smells Like Fish
Why do air fryers smell so much like a fish even when you are not cooking fish in it? The culprit is the stubborn organic compounds from seafood that have bonded to the non-stick coating from your previous session.
How can I get the fish smell out of my air fryer? Place a small oven-safe bowl with a vinegar or lemon juice solution inside the basket and run the unit at 350°F for 5 minutes to steam away the scent. For future prevention, use parchment paper liners to create a barrier.
Air Fryer Just Smells “Weird” or Bad
It could likely be spoiled food particles hidden behind the tray or in the vents.
How to remove bad smell from air fryer? Perform a deep inspection. Remove all parts and check for hidden debris. If a deep clean doesn’t work and the smell is acrid or electrical, contact the manufacturer to rule out mechanical failure.
A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Air Fryer
To keep your air fryer fresh for the long term, follow this maintenance routine:
The Post-Cook Wipe Down
Don’t just wash the basket. Use a damp cloth to wipe the interior walls after the unit cools to prevent grease from “baking” onto the surface.
Neutralize with Vinegar
Periodically run a cycle with a bowl of equal parts water and white vinegar. The acetic acid is a natural deodorizer that breaks down stubborn smells.
Baking Soda Paste
For tough, greasy stains that smell, apply a paste of baking soda and water. Let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb odors before scrubbing with a non-abrasive brush.
Check the Heating Element
Once a month, turn the (unplugged) air fryer upside down to inspect the heating coil for stuck-on food. Use a soft brush to clear any debris.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's best to avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing brushes that could damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer. Stick to gentle cleaning methods using warm soapy water or baking soda paste. If your air fryer emits a chemical smell, it's likely due to the manufacturing process and will fade over time. Ensure you thoroughly clean your air fryer before initial use. It's not recommended to use air fresheners or sprays directly inside the air fryer, as they can be flammable. Stick to natural deodorizing methods like vinegar or baking soda. On the other hand, you can use air fresheners in your kitchen to remove the pungent cooking smell. With proper cleaning and maintenance, any lingering smells should dissipate within a few cooking cycles. Seasoning or pre-treating the air fryer is not necessary, as modern air fryers usually come with a non-stick coating. Regular cleaning is sufficient to keep your air fryer odor-free. Can I use abrasive cleaners on my air fryer?
Why does my air fryer smell like chemicals?
Can I use air fresheners or sprays to remove the smell?
How long does it take for the smell to dissipate?
Should I season or pre-treat my air fryer to prevent smells?
Final Thoughts
Understanding why do air fryers smell so much is the first step toward a cleaner, healthier kitchen. Whether it’s a simple case of new-unit off-gassing or hidden grease on the heating coil, a structured cleaning routine will solve 99% of odor issues.
If you’ve scrubbed your unit and find that it’s still behaving strangely, you may be dealing with a more technical fault. For further troubleshooting, read our The Ultimate Guide to Fixing 5 Common Air Fryer Problems (With Solutions) to ensure your appliance stays in top-tier condition.
Ready to get cooking again? Deep clean your air fryer today and embrace the convenience of odorless, crispy meals!
