If your air fryer smells like plastic when you first use it, don’t panic — you’re not the only one. It’s one of the most common complaints among new air fryer owners, especially with popular models from brands like Ninja, Philips, and COSORI. The good news? That smell is usually temporary, and there are some easy ways to get rid of it faster.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s behind the burning plastic smell and how to deal with it.
🔍 Why Does My Air Fryer Smell Like Plastic?
Most new air fryers have a faint (or not-so-faint) plastic smell the first few times you use them. That’s because of:
1. Factory Residue
Manufacturing oils, coatings, or leftover packaging materials can stick to interior parts. These burn off when the appliance heats up for the first time.
2. Non-Stick Coatings
The baskets or trays often have non-stick layers that release some fumes the first time they’re heated to high temps. It’s not harmful, but it can be smelly.
3. Plastic Housing + Heat = Odor
Even the outer shell or seals might release a mild chemical odor under high heat. This is especially common with cheaper models that use more plastic components.
⏳ How Long Will the Smell Last?
For most people, the plastic smell fades after 3 to 5 uses. If you’ve done a basic cleaning and run the unit a few times, you should notice a big improvement.
However, stronger smells might linger depending on:
- The brand and materials used
- Whether you did a burn-in cycle first
- How well-ventilated your kitchen is
If it still smells after five full heat cycles, try the steps below to speed things up.
🛠️ How to Get Rid of Plastic Smell From an Air Fryer
You don’t need fancy cleaning kits — just a few pantry staples and some airflow.
✅ 1. Wash Everything First
Take out the basket, tray, and any removable parts. Wash them with warm soapy water and let them air dry. Don’t skip this step — even if the manual doesn’t mention it.
🔥 2. Run a Burn-In Cycle (Before Cooking Food)
This is the most effective way to get rid of the factory smell.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Run it empty for 10–15 minutes.
- Let it cool down fully with the drawer open.
- Repeat once or twice if needed.
It may smell bad the first time, but that’s normal.
🍋 3. Try a Lemon + Vinegar Steam Bath
This helps neutralize lingering odors inside the cooking chamber.
- Place a heat-safe bowl with equal parts water, vinegar, and lemon juice in the basket.
- Run the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Let it sit for another 30 minutes without opening the drawer.
- Wipe the inside surfaces with a soft cloth.
🧼 4. Use Baking Soda Overnight
Sprinkle a tablespoon of baking soda in the basket and close the drawer. Let it sit overnight, then wipe it out before use.
💨 5. Ventilate Your Kitchen
Run the air fryer near an open window or turn on your stove’s exhaust fan. The smell will fade faster with fresh airflow.
⚠️ When to Be Concerned About the Smell
While some odor is normal, you should stop using your air fryer if:
- The plastic smell gets worse over time
- You notice parts warping, softening, or changing color
- There’s visible smoke or melted plastic inside the chamber
- You smell burning rubber or electrical insulation
In those cases, contact customer support or return the unit — it may be defective.
🔍 How to Avoid This Problem in the Future
If you’re buying a new air fryer or replacing one that smelled awful, here are a few things to look for:
- BPA-free and PFOA-free materials
- Models with stainless steel interiors instead of coated plastic
- Customer reviews that mention no odor out of the box
- Appliances with ceramic-coated baskets, which tend to be lower-odor
Also: always wash the parts and run a burn-in cycle before cooking your first meal.
✅ Final Takeaway
That weird smell from your new air fryer? It’s (usually) totally normal. It’s part of the manufacturing process, and with a few quick steps, you can get rid of it fast.
Wash the parts, run a burn-in cycle, try a vinegar steam bath, and don’t be afraid to run it a few times before using it to cook. If the smell sticks around longer than it should or something looks wrong — trust your nose and return it.
Want an air fryer that skips the drama? Here’s one with no Teflon, no BPA, and excellent reviews for being odor-free:
❓ FAQ
Why does my new air fryer smell like burning plastic?
That smell is usually from factory coatings, packaging residue, or heating elements burning off oils and plastic fumes during the first few uses. It’s common and typically goes away after a few cycles.
How can I get rid of the plastic smell faster?
Wash all removable parts, run a high-heat burn-in cycle, and try a vinegar and lemon steam treatment to neutralize any remaining odor.
Should I worry if the smell doesn’t go away?
If you still notice a strong plastic or chemical smell after 5 uses or see signs of actual melting, stop using the air fryer and contact the manufacturer.