If your air fryer smells like plastic during operation, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. In most cases, this odor appears when the appliance is new and fades after a few uses. A plastic smell can be normal at first, but understanding safe first-use and ventilation tips helps you know when to worry. Below, we explain why this happens and what you can do to remove the plastic smell safely and effectively.
This issue is especially common for first-time users and usually resolves with proper cleaning and a short break-in period.
Why Does My Air Fryer Smell Like Plastic?
To understand why this smell appears, it helps to first know how an air fryer works and how its internal components heat up.
Most air fryers are made with heat-resistant plastic housing, while the basket and tray are coated with a non-stick layer. When the appliance heats up to high temperatures (up to 200°C / 392°F), new materials may release a noticeable odor. Incorrect temperature settings don’t just cause a noticeable odor.
Incorrect temperature settings can intensify this smell during the first few uses, especially when the appliance is brand new. This reaction is typical for brand-new appliances and is similar to what happens with new ovens, kettles, or space heaters.
Compact air fryers may concentrate heat more intensely during early use, making plastic odors more noticeable at first.
Common reasons include:
- manufacturing residues such as protective coatings or lubricants;
- dust or particles left from the production process;
- the first heating of internal components.
Important: If the smell gradually disappears and does not affect the taste of your food, it is considered normal and harmless.
How to Get Rid of the Plastic Smell in an Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps to eliminate unpleasant odors before regular use.
1. Clean the Air Fryer Before First Use
Before turning the appliance on:
- Allow it to cool completely (about 30 minutes).
- Remove the basket and all removable parts.
- Wash them with warm water and a mild dish soap.
- Wipe the inner chamber with a damp cloth or sponge.
If you’re unsure how to do this properly, follow our step-by-step guide on how to clean an air fryer basket to avoid damaging the non-stick coating
⚠️ Avoid metal scrubbers and abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the surface.
2. Run the Air Fryer Empty
After cleaning:
- Reassemble all parts.
- Plug in the air fryer.
- Run it empty at the maximum temperature (around 200°C / 392°F) for 15–20 minutes.
- Make sure the room is well ventilated.
This initial “burn-in” cycle helps evaporate factory residues and is one of the most effective ways to remove plastic smells.
3. Use Natural Odor-Neutralizing Methods (Optional)
If the smell persists, try one of the following:
Vinegar method
Place a heat-safe bowl of water with 1–2 tablespoons of vinegar inside the air fryer. Run it at 150–170°C (300–340°F) for about 15 minutes.
Lemon method
Cut a lemon into slices, place them in a bowl of water, and heat for 10–15 minutes. This helps neutralize odors and leaves a fresh scent.
After either method, allow the air fryer to cool fully and wipe the interior again
Don’t Forget the Heating Element
Sometimes the plastic smell doesn’t come from the basket, but from grease or residue near the heating coil.
Learning how to clean the heating element safely can help eliminate lingering odors and prevent smoke during cooking. Using accessories incorrectly—such as foil that blocks airflow—can also trap heat and worsen odors, so it’s important to understand if you can use aluminum foil in an air fryer safely.
Always unplug the appliance and let it cool completely before cleaning the heating area.
When Should You Contact Service Support?
If the plastic smell does not go away after several cleaning and heating cycles, becomes stronger, or affects the taste of food, it may indicate a defect. In this case, stop using the appliance and contact customer support or a service center.
Persistent odor combined with visible melting, unusual noises, or uneven heating may signal an internal manufacturing issue.
A plastic or chemical smell can be a sign of overheating or poor airflow. In some cases, this smell appears right before the unit shuts down. Here’s why air fryers turn off by themselves and how smell, heat, and safety systems are connected.
How This Relates to Preheating Your Air Fryer
It’s worth noting that preheating plays a role in plastic smells, especially with brand-new air fryers. During the first few uses, preheating an empty air fryer essentially accelerates the “burn-in” process, helping manufacturing residues evaporate faster.
However, once the initial smell is gone, preheating is not always necessary for everyday cooking. In fact, unnecessary preheating can sometimes intensify odors if oil residue or food splatter has built up inside.
If you’re unsure when preheating actually helps—and when it’s better to skip it—our detailed guide explains this clearly:
👉 Do You Have to Preheat an Air Fryer?
It breaks down when preheating improves results, when it wastes energy, and how different foods react to a cold vs. hot start.
Understanding this balance helps prevent recurring smells and improves long-term performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
A plastic smell from a new air fryer is a common and temporary issue. Proper cleaning and an initial empty run usually solve the problem quickly. Once the materials are fully heated and aired out, your air fryer should be odor-free and ready for everyday cooking.
Regular cleaning of both the basket and internal components will help prevent smells from returning over time.
Is the plastic smell from an air fryer toxic?
In most cases, no. A mild plastic or chemical smell during first use is normal and not toxic. However, if the smell is very strong, causes irritation, or doesn’t go away after several uses, stop using the air fryer and contact the manufacturer.
How do I get the plastic smell out of a new air fryer?
Clean all removable parts with warm water and mild dish soap, then run the air fryer empty at a high temperature (around 200°C / 400°F) for 10–20 minutes in a well-ventilated area. This helps remove leftover manufacturing odors.
Can I put plastic in an air fryer?
No. Plastic is not air-fryer safe unless it is clearly labeled as heat-resistant and air-fryer approved. Regular plastic can melt, release fumes, and damage your air fryer.
My food tastes like plastic after using the air fryer — why?
This usually happens when the air fryer still has leftover odors from manufacturing or cleaning products. Running an empty heat cycle and wiping the interior with a damp cloth can help remove the smell and taste.
Why does my air fryer smell like grease?
Old grease buildup can burn and create unpleasant smells. Regularly cleaning the basket, tray, and interior surfaces helps prevent greasy odors.
Is there an air fryer that doesn’t smell like plastic?
Most air fryers may smell slightly during first use. Higher-quality models with better materials and stricter quality control tend to have milder and shorter-lasting odors.
