Air fryers are wonderful appliances, compact and versatile, making it easy to cook quick, healthy, and delicious meals. They use convection heating where hot air recirculates in a small chamber, evenly coating the entire surface of the food to cook it to perfect crispiness, both inside and out.
As the name suggests, air fryers can fry and bake foods without the need for the oil used in a conventional oil fryer, where heating oil surrounds the food, cooking it from the outside in. The drawback of traditional frying is the excess oil and grease, which can be hard on the heart and arteries.
However, with a new air fryer, during the initial phase of cooking, you might notice an unpleasant smell of plastic in your kitchen, affecting the taste of your food. This plastic-smelling food issue is common, and many seek answers online to explain why new air fryers have this plastic smell and how to get rid of the air fryer plastic smell both quickly and easily.
Why Do New Air Fryers Have a Plastic Smell?
When you first use new Air Fryers, a noticeable Plastic Smell is often present. This is due to heat-resistant plastic used in the outside case and components for insulating the heat. The design ensures that the heat is concentrated inside the appliance, keeping the outside cool to touch and handle without burning the skin.
However, the plastic mold-injected parts, especially near the vent, may release plastic fumes during initial heating and cooling cycles. Although these parts are tested in factories multiple times, it sometimes takes the first couple of uses to completely rid the air fryer of the plastic smell.
Inside the air fryer, fans, heating elements, and other electronic components go through a short break-in period. The bearings in the fan may emit an offensive odor until they are properly broken in. Similarly, the heating element may have residues from electric soldering, which settles after a few uses.
Additionally, the anti-stick coating inside the fryer might release fumes in the first couple of uses, akin to pan seasoning in a cast iron pan. These nasty smells typically improve with use, helping you get rid of the air fryer plastic odor effectively.
How does one Get Rid of Air Fryer Plastic Odor?
To properly break in your new air fryer and get rid of any plastic smell, we’ve compiled a short guide outlining effective steps.
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Thoroughly Wash the Basket and Grease Separator Tray
Before first use, thoroughly wash the Basket and Grease Separator Tray with a strong dishwashing soap known for its degreasing power. Scrub away any plastic particles, oils, and dirt that might be lingering from the manufacturing process.
Be careful not to use the green side of a scrubbing pad, as it can be too aggressive and might scratch or chip the anti-stick coating. Instead, we recommend using the sponge side to prevent wear and flaking. A clean and degreased basket and tray are essential for a good start.
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Break in your Air Fryer
It’s highly recommended to break in your Air Fryer by running it for a few cycles without food. This process allows the plastic both inside and outside to heat up and cool down, releasing any plastic fumes much like a new car loses its new car smell over time.
Set the air fryer to 350-400 degrees and run it for about 40 minutes, then let it cool for 15 minutes and repeat the process 3-4 times. This will help expedite the fume release and remove plastic odors. It’s suggested to do this routine outdoors or near an electric outlet in a garage to avoid filling your house with the plastic smell.
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Prime or Season the Basket and Grease Separator Tray
Once you’ve completed step 2, it’s good to prime or season the Basket and Grease Separator Tray. Apply a light coating of regular cooking oil using a dampened paper towel. Coat the inside, set the air fryer to 350-400 degrees, and run it for 10 minutes.
Let it cool for 10 minutes, then remove the tray and wipe it down. Repeat this process once more to ensure any excess oil is removed. Wash it again with dish soap and let it air dry. Note: Spray-type oils like Pam might cause the anti-stick coating to peel off.
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Distilled Vinegar and Lime Juice Steam Bath
For a more natural approach, use a distilled vinegar and lime juice steam bath. Place an oven-safe dish with a tablespoon each of vinegar and lime juice in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 350 degrees and let it run for about 10 minutes.
This vinegar and lime mixture will coat the inside, helping to absorb any remaining fumes. After the steam bath, wash the basket again with a damp towel to remove any residue. This method not only helps with the plastic smell but is also great for keeping your new air fryer clean and odor-free.
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Keep your air Fryer clean to avoid baked on grease build up
Keeping your air fryer clean is crucial to avoid baked-on grease build-up. It’s recommended to wash and wipe down your air fryer thoroughly after each use. Baked-on grease can be difficult to remove and isn’t sanitary or hygienic.
Old grease in the basket can lead to nasty bacteria or mold growth, which is not safe for your family’s health. Following this guide will help you get rid of any unwanted smells and ensure a safe, healthy cooking environment for the road ahead.
Bonus Tip 01
A nifty trick to keep your air fryer odorless and mess-free involves the basket and its anti-stick coating. To make it last longer, line the bottom with heavy-duty aluminum foil. This catches grease, melted cheese, and other drips from your food.
The aluminum foil acts as a tray with handles on the sides, allowing you to easily lift out the cooked food. This not only protects your air fryer from damage by utensils but also makes clean-up a breeze. Any juices or grease are simply poured off and the soiled foil is discarded. Just a quick wipe down with a clean damp towel, and et-voila your air fryer is as good as new.
Bonus Tip 02
For fully cooked food to the core, like chicken breasts, steaks or even crispier fries, preheat your air fryer. Set it to your desired temperature and run empty for a few minutes before inserting the food into the basket. This ensures the internal temperature is optimal.
Using an Uber Appliance Odorless Air Fryer ensures that starting cold doesn’t slow down the cooking process. It cooks items faster, whether it’s chicken, steak, or fish. The hot air quickly seals in the juices, making your food juicier and more flavorful.
The air fryer has become a staple of convenience due to its small size and impressive cooking capabilities, making it perfect for apartments, dorms, RVs, or even camping with an electricity supply from a car inverter. It’s great for tailgating events, whipping up everything from wings, onion rings, and fries, to steaks.
These recipes are not only healthy and homemade but also allow for versatility, from crispy, oil-free chicken wings to sweet brownies and soufflés. Proper maintenance and correct set up are key to ensure your air fryer continues to serve you for a long time.
Related Article: How to Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer?
How to Stop Your Air Fryer Food Tasting of Plastic?
Upon unboxing your new appliance, it’s not uncommon for your first meal cooked in it to have a taste or smell of plastic. The good news is that this is a common phenomena and relatively simple to deal with. This new appliance smell can sometimes be attributed to low-quality nonstick coating, residual food, or grease from previous cooking, and occasionally, mechanical or electrical problems. However, the issue is generally not serious, and there are a few tips you can follow to rid your air fryer of the plastic smell and taste effectively.
What You’ll Need
- A good grease fighting dish soap like Dawn Ultra Original
- Soft cloth or sponge
- White vinegar and lemon
Why Air Fryer Food Tastes Like Plastic?
When air fryer food tastes like plastic, it’s essential to delve into the reasons to stop it from tasting and smelling like burning plastic. The main issue stems from the materials the air fryer is made from. Both its interior and exterior include heat-resistant materials that act as an insulator.
This ensures that the heat is concentrated in the cooking chamber, while keeping the outside of the unit cool to the touch. However, this can sometimes lead to the initial taste and smell issues. The issue with your air fryer may also be related to its parts.
These appliances often include mold injected plastic near venting areas that may release fumes as it heats up and cools down. This process is supposed to facilitate during the manufacturing process in the factory, but sometimes, it continues after the product is packaged and shipped.
When you unbox and cook your first meal, you’re essentially introducing these elements to the heating elements and fan bearings of your air fryer. These components can emit odors initially, especially from non-stick coatings, but this should diminish over time.
The New Appliance Smell
Just like the new car smell that gradually dissipates over time, the new appliance smell in air fryers is a common phenomenon known as offgassing. Air fryers can offgas initially, but this does not mean they are releasing harmful substances, especially when used properly.
This smell originates from the manufacturing process, where plastics and coatings in the appliance might not have been entirely burned off. When you start cooking, the food in the air fryer releases these fumes, but they typically lessen with use and over time.
Step 1. Clean Before You Cook
Before you start to cook, it’s crucial to clean your air fryer basket and cooking tray. Use a dishwashing soap that has a degreaser. Gently clean with a sponge or soft cloth to avoid being too abrasive on the nonstick surface. Rinse thoroughly with soap and warm water, then let everything air dry. This step ensures no residual manufacturing oils or debris remain that could affect the taste of your food.
Step 2. Cook the Plastic Before you Cook Your Food
To remove the plastic smell from your air fryer, perform a heating cycle before actual cooking. This will release any fumes left over from manufacturing. After ensuring your washed basket and tray are dry, set the air fryer to a high setting, around 400 degrees, and run it for about 40 minutes. Let it cool down, and repeat the process three times. This is especially important if you have pets or people with respiratory issues at home. Keep windows open and the range fan on for ventilation.
Step 3. Deodorize
To further deodorize your air fryer, use lemon or vinegar – nature’s magic cleansers. Place an oven-safe dish (like Pyrex) in the basket with a tablespoon each of white vinegar and lemon juice. Set the air fryer temperature to 400° and run it for 3 minutes. This mixture helps to cool down and absorb odors. Afterward, wash the basket and wipe down the interior of the air fryer with a damp cloth to remove
any remaining odors. This simple yet effective method ensures your air fryer is not only clean but also free of any lingering plastic smell, enhancing the overall cooking experience.
Related Article: How to Preheat Air Fryer?
Low-Quality Nonstick Coating
A factor contributing to the plastic smell and taste in air fryer cooking is the use of low-quality nonstick coating. These inferior parts tend to emit fumes and can degrade sooner than those of better quality. To mitigate this issue, it’s important to follow specific steps in your cooking process to ensure the longevity of the appliance and the safety of your food.
Tips To Prevent Plastic Taste in Air Fryer Food
Choose high-quality and safe coated air fryers to ensure they are made with food-safe materials.
Choose High-Quality and Safe Coated Air Fryers
When it comes to enhancing your cooking experience with air fryers, the adage “you get what you pay for” rings particularly true. Opting for high-quality and safe coated models can make a substantial difference. I’ve noticed that cheaper models often come with a hidden cost a non-food safe coating.
This can melt during use, releasing toxic fumes that are anything but appetizing. In my journey, I’ve leaned towards trusted brands like Phillips, Ninja, and Cuisinart, known for their top-notch quality.
Before you purchase, always check the product label and specifications, preferably online, where you can compare various models easily. It’s essential to ensure that the fryer meets safety standards set by regulatory bodies, like the FDA. These standards are in place to protect us from the potential hazards of inferior products.
Use Food-Safe Accessories
Moving on to the accessories, the right choices can significantly reduce that pesky plastic taste in your food. When using an air fryer, it’s crucial to select food-safe cooking utensils and materials. This can transform your meals from mediocre to marvelous. A common mistake is to avoid using plastic wrap and containers for storing or reheating leftovers in the air fryer.
These can release toxic chemicals at high temperatures, leading to both health and safety concerns. Instead, opt for glass, stainless steel, or high-quality silicone or metal accessories. These materials don’t melt or leave any residue even at high temperatures, ensuring your appliance remains a safe and healthy choice for cooking.
Regularly Clean Your Air Fryer
A key step in maintaining the pristine performance of your air fryer and preventing that unwanted plastic taste in your food is to regularly clean it. Here are some tips that I’ve found invaluable:
- Always turn off and unplug your air fryer before cleaning to ensure safety.
- Let the air fryer cool down completely before starting the cleaning process.
- For cleaning, use a non-abrasive cloth or sponge to wipe down both exterior and interior.
- After each use, clean the basket and tray with warm, soapy water, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
- For tough stains, a vinegar solution of equal parts vinegar and water, with a bit of lemon juice, works wonders. Soak for 20 minutes before rinsing with clean water.
- To prevent wear, avoid putting components in the dishwasher as it can cause damage over time.
Cleaning regularly is crucial to prevent that unpleasant plastic taste in your food. From my own use, I’ve learned that a well-cleaned air fryer not only guarantees tastier meals but also ensures that your cooking appliance lasts longer and performs optimally.
Related Article: How to Clean Grease Build up Air Fryer?
Avoid Plastic Wrap or Containers
In the journey to avoid the dreaded air fryer taste, steering clear of plastic wrap and containers during cooking is essential. Through my experiences, I’ve learned that plastic materials can release toxins when heated, leading to an undesirable chemical smell and taste in your food. Instead, use aluminum foil or parchment paper as a safe alternative for wrapping food.
Additionally, investing in silicone accessories, like baking cups and mats, offers a much safer option than traditional plastic options. It’s crucial to always keep kitchen safety precautions at the top of mind to ensure not only healthy but also delicious results every time you use your air fryer. These simple changes can greatly enhance your cooking experience, both in terms of safety and taste.
Remedies to Eliminate Plastic Taste in Air Fryer Food
One effective remedy to eliminate plastic taste in air fryer food involves soaking the basket and tray in a vinegar solution. This simple solution can break down residues that may be contributing to the unpleasant taste. Another method is running the air fryer at a high temperature without food. This process, often referred to as ‘burning off,’ helps in removing any lingering plastic-like odors and tastes.
Additionally, consider replacing any worn or damaged basket coating and accessories. Over time, these can deteriorate and start imparting unwanted flavors into your food. By keeping your air fryer components in good condition, you can significantly reduce the chances of any plastic taste transferring to your meals.
Running the Air Fryer on High Temperature without Food
Running your air fryer on high temperature without food is an effective remedy for eliminating plastic taste and odor. This technique, known as ‘burn off’, targets residual coatings and chemicals on the heating elements and basket.
Simply set your air fryer to 400°F, run it empty for about five minutes, then turn it off and allow it to cool down before using again. However, it’s important to note that this method should be used sparingly, as frequent use can damage the interior of your appliance. This tip falls under both Air Fryer Maintenance and Odor Removal categories, and is a part of Cooking Appliance Troubleshooting.
Related Article: How to Degrease Air Fryer?
Replacing the Basket Coating or Accessories
If you’ve tried soaking your air fryer basket in vinegar or running it at high temperature without food, yet the plastic taste persists, it might be time to consider replacing the basket coating or accessories. Over time, the non-stick coating can wear out and start chipping off, which not only affects the taste but can also quickly eliminate plastic fumes during cooking.
Opting for high-quality replacements made of safe, durable materials like ceramic or stainless steel is essential. Always read the product specifications carefully when purchasing replacement parts to ensure compatibility and longevity.
Conclusion
The key to enjoying delicious, healthy meals from your air fryer lies in understanding and mitigating the initial plastic smell and taste. This involves selecting high-quality air fryers and accessories, regularly cleaning the appliance, and employing effective techniques like ‘burn off’ cycles and vinegar solutions to eliminate any residual smells or tastes. Remember, maintaining your air fryer and using it correctly not only enhances the flavor of your food but also ensures a safer cooking environment. With these strategies, you can easily overcome the common hurdle of plastic taste and fully embrace the convenience and versatility of air frying.
FAQs about Rid of Air Fryer Taste
Is The Plastic Smell Toxic?
The plastic smell from an air fryer can be concerning, especially for the health-conscious. It's important to note that while the unpleasant smell isn't always toxic, the fumes from burnt or melted plastics can release harmful chemicals that may affect the respiratory system if inhaled over time. To avoid these negative effects, maintain and regularly clean your air fryer. Avoid cooking food in a plastic container or wrap, as this exposes your food to dangerous chemicals that can leach when heated. Instead, use safe cooking accessories made of materials like stainless steel or ceramic containers that do not release toxins.
Can You Cook Without The Plastic Taste?
Cooking with an air fryer is a healthy and convenient way to enjoy crispy food without the added fats of traditional frying methods. If you notice a plastic taste or smell, it's concerning, but there are steps you can take to cook with high-quality, safe coated and food-grade materials. Using food-safe accessories like silicone mats or parchment paper can prevent these unwanted tastes and smells from transferring to your food. It's essential to regularly clean and maintain your air fryer by washing the basket and tray with a vinegar solution or lemon juice to remove oil residue and chemical smells.
How Often Should You Clean Your Air Fryer?
Every home cook who loves their air fryer should know how important it is to keep the appliance clean for optimal performance and safety. Ideally, you should clean it after every use, especially after cooking greasy or oily foods. If you’re short on time or don’t use it regularly, aim to clean it once a week to prevent a build-up of residue that can affect the taste of your food. Remember to unplug and wait for it to cool down before wiping down with a damp cloth or sponge. Burning off plastic fumes that stick to the food can create an unpleasant taste during cooking, so cleaning helps ensure there are no leftover food particles stuck inside that might contribute negatively to the smell and taste over time.
Do air fryers make food taste bad?
Air fryers don't necessarily make food taste bad. In fact, they can make certain foods that people dislike when prepared conventionally more appealing when air fried. For example, dishes like fish or unbreaded dinner chickpeas.