Surely, you’ve noticed an unusual smell if you’ve been using an air fryer recently. Possibly, you’re wondering, why your air fryer smells like burnt plastic. Actually, it happens due to the coating of materials.
When heated excessively, the coating begins to burn, producing a plastic or chemical smell. You have no fear; your situation is shared by many others. Many users have complained that their air fryers have a burned plastic scent. Don’t worry anymore, I’m going to clear up all your questions in this post.
What is air fryer and how it works?
An air fryer is a small convection oven that cooks food crispy with little or no oil. A high-speed mechanical fan moves very hot air over the food until it is cooked. Because it doesn’t use oil, air frying is a much healthier way to cook than traditional frying.
Air fryers are great for quick meals. It is pretty easy to use. It brings the food to very high temperatures, which starts the cooking process. Also, this is why food starts to turn brown. Just put your uncooked food on the tray and put it in the fryer. Depending on what kind of fryer you have, you may be able to change the time and temperature.
Why Does Air Fryer Smell Like Plastic?
A protective layer of materials is included with air fryers. This coating will be heated up during the first usage of the air fryer, which will cause its temperatures to rise from low to high. This means that when the coating gets hot enough, it starts to burn and smell like plastic.
Most of the time, this coating burns off completely after a few uses and stops smelling. However, even if you use air fryers for an extended period of time, you may have smells. I’m going to explain how you can get rid of that smell by following some processes.
What are the reasons for the air fryer’s bad smell?
There are three main causes for bad smells while using an air fryer. Following:
Plastic Pieces:
Look inside your new air fryer basket and model and remove any loose plastic pieces. If you don’t, your air fryer will smell like burning plastic. This occurs when the manufacturer leaves a little piece of plastic within the air fryer, generally near the heating source, that burns while you cook crispy items.
Coating for Protection:
In most cases, a protective coating was sprayed on the inside of the air fryer by the manufacturer before it was sent to the customer. As soon as you begin the air-frying process, you will notice that the smell disappears.
Not well cleaned:
Hot water, lemon juice, and dish soap are all you need to clean the air fryer frequently and effectively. Air fry baskets should be cleaned after each usage. And don’t forget to use a damp cloth or sponge to clean the inside walls.
How to stop the air fryers from plastic smelling?
You shouldn’t use an air fryer that smells like plastic when cooking your food. Maybe you’re wondering why your air fryer smells like burnt plastic and what you can do to eliminate it. We are pleased to help you get out of this scenario so that you have a positive experience in the kitchen.
Some customers reported that their odor was entirely gone after only two usages. Others reported that the smell lingered even after using it more than 20 times. The answer so relies on the kind of air fryer you have and how it was made.
Here are a few most effective ways to get rid of all bad smells from your air fryer:
- Remove the covering before using it for the first time.
- The new air fryer’s plastic covers must all be removed.
- The basket, rack, and pan are all washable and removable. Spend several minutes soaking these pieces in a sink filled with warm water and detergent. Next, sponge. Dry everything before air-frying.
- Carefully clean your air fryer. Spend some time cleaning the grill bottom, venting fans, and tray. All components should be washed with soap for the best effects.
- Before heating the fryer, lightly oil the inside walls using a brush. Lubrication lowers the heat load and fume emission from the walls.
- Set the air fryer to a temperature of 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, insert the clean air fryer basket, and let it run for 15 to 20 minutes without any food. Repeat 2-3 times to fully cool the air fryer after 15 minutes. Plastic smells should disappear.
- Finally, add it to the fryer along with 1 spoon of white vinegar and 1 spoon of lemon juice. After that, cook it for two minutes. The combination absorbs odors.
These techniques help get rid of the plastic air fryer smell. You can use it at home.
Does the air fryer plastic smell unsafe?
You may be worried about the health repercussions of the burned plastic odor emanating from your air fryer and wondering why your air fryer smells like burnt plastic. Air fryers are completely safe since they contain no toxic ingredients.
On the contrary, it gives you nutritious things to eat. Air fryers might emit plastic fumes when initially used since they have a layer that must be burnt off before frying food. Despite the fact that these vapors smell bad, they are thought to be harmless.
However, because of the very high temperature at which an air fryer functions, you will need to take extra precautions. Furthermore, Teflon (Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a synthetic fluoropolymer) is often used to coat air fryer baskets. When heated to a temperature greater than 572 ℉, it is regarded as having the potential to cause injury.
However, air fryers are not intended to reach temperatures of that magnitude. Therefore, air fryers are deemed to be risk-free to use by the vast majority of professionals in the fields of health and food safety. Simply follow the instructions given in my article to burn off the plastic layer before cooking your first meal in it.
More To Know (FAQs):
Why does my Cosori air fryer plastic smell like plastic?
The Casori air fryer comes with a cover for protection. When heated for the first time, it gives out a scent similar to that of plastic.
Why does my Instant pot air fryer smell like plastic?
At first, the Instant pot air fryer is shielded by a covering of materials coating. The coating burns and has a plastic or chemical odor at high temperatures.
Why does my Instant vortex air fryer smell like plastic?
A covering of protection is included with the Instant vortex air fryer. If you heat it for the first time, it will emit a plastic-like smell.
Why does my Gourmia air fryer smell like plastic?
A protective layer of materials first covers up the Gourmia air fryer. When heated too much, the coating starts to burn and has a plastic or chemical smell.
Are air fryers healthy for us?
An air fryer is a convection oven that cooks food crispy with little or no oil. So, it provides us with a healthy meal.
Is the air fryer smell toxic?
No, even if the air fryer has an unpleasant plastic or chemical-like smell when you use it for the first time. However, that has no effect on our human body.
Robert’s Closing
An air fryer is a convection oven that cooks food crispy with little or no oil. It benefits our health. People often enquire as to why your air fryer smells like burnt plastic. Actually, a protective layer first covers the air fryer. When heated too much, the coating starts to burn and has a plastic or chemical smell.
Don’t worry, according to health specialists, this smell is not harmful to the human body. You may easily get rid of this offensive scent if you follow the instructions I’ve provided above.
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