Air Fryer Smells Like Plastic? Here’s How I Fixed It Fast

Why Does My Air Fryer Smell of Plastic?

I was really excited when I first took my air fryer out of the box. But the moment I turned it on, that sharp plastic smell hit hard. I remember thinking, “Is this safe?” Have you ever wondered why your air fryer gives off a plastic smell? you’re not alone.

It’s Totally Normal (At First)

It’s common for new air fryers to have a weird smell at first. That plastic scent usually comes from off-gassing. This happens when new parts—like plastic, glue, or coatings—get hot for the first time. It’s kind of like that “new car” smell—just not as pleasant.

Inside, the heating coil and coating are warming up. As they heat, tiny fumes from the factory process burn off. I’ve tested several air fryers, and this always happens during the first couple of uses. It’s part of breaking it in.

Sometimes It’s Just Factory Gunk

The smell can also come from leftover oils or dust. These are often stuck to the tray, fan, or inside walls. I’ve seen this a lot with Cosori and Ninja units. If you don’t wash them first, the heat will cook that gunk—and that’s when it smells like plastic.

I always rinse mine quickly with soap and water before using it the first time. Warm water, gentle soap, and a soft cloth do the trick. It makes a big difference.

Don’t Panic – You’re Not Breathing Toxins

Worried about fumes? Good news—most of the time, it’s not harmful. U.S. brands have to meet strict safety rules. According to the FDA, appliances with plastic or coated components must be made from food-safe materials that can withstand heat. Most air fryers are BPA-free and made with food-safe parts. Still, if the smell won’t go away—or it smells like smoke—that could be a sign of a real problem.

That “new air fryer smell” is pretty common, even if it’s a bit annoying. That’s why so many folks search things like “air fryer off-gassing” or “smells like plastic.” It’s just part of owning a new unit.

Next, I’ll show you the exact steps I use to clear that smell for good—no weird hacks, no harsh stuff.

Is the Plastic Smell from Air Fryer Dangerous?

Short answer: Not usually. Most of the time, that plastic smell is part of the normal “burn-in” phase for a new air fryer.

I’ll admit, I panicked a bit when I first got my air fryer. The smell was sharp—like hot plastic mixed with factory fumes. I remember hovering near it, trying to figure out if I was slowly poisoning myself. But here’s the thing: if your air fryer is brand new and only used once or twice, that smell is normal. It’s just the unit adjusting to heat for the first time. The technical term? Off-gassing.

Here’s when it’s not a problem:

• The smell shows up only during the first few uses.
  
• You don’t see any smoke or burnt spots.
  
• The smell fades a little more each time you use it.
  

Brands know this happens. That’s why they include it in the manual (though it’s often buried in small print). Most U.S. models follow FDA safety rules and are built with BPA-free, food-safe plastics. So yes, they might smell weird—but they’re not releasing harmful fumes during the break-in period.

But here’s when to be cautious:

If that plastic smell sticks around after 4–5 uses, or if it starts to smell like something’s burning, you should pause. That could point to a bigger issue. I once tested a budget-brand unit where the smell actually got worse over time. Turned out the non-stick layer was peeling under heat—not good.

Also, check for signs of damage like:

• Discoloration near the vents
  
• Melting near the basket edges
  
• A strong electrical or burnt wiring smell
  

If you notice any of that, stop using it and contact the brand right away. Many offer 30-day returns or warranty support, especially places like Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy.

How Long Does the Plastic Smell Last in a New Air Fryer?

Short answer? That plastic smell usually fades after 2 to 5 uses. It’s called the “burn-in” period—and it’s totally normal.

When I got my first Ninja air fryer, the plastic smell threw me off. I honestly thought there was a problem with the air fryer. But after a few empty runs and a deep clean, the scent slowly faded. Most air fryers—especially ones with non-stick coatings or plastic baskets—need a bit of time to “settle in” once they start heating up regularly.

In most cases, the smell disappears after 2 to 5 uses. Some brands even mention this in the manual (though you’ll need to squint to find it). It’s part of the off-gassing process where factory oils, coatings, or adhesives burn off during the first few uses.

Now, not all air fryers are built the same. Based on what I’ve tested and seen in user reviews:

• Ninja air fryers tend to have a stronger smell at first, especially the larger ones. The plastic scent was still there faintly after three uses in mine.
  
• Cosori models often smell a bit “chemical” straight out of the box, but with proper cleaning and a burn-in cycle, it usually fades within 2–3 sessions.
  
• Instant Pot Vortex had one of the milder smells in my experience, especially if you use the vinegar-lemon trick right away.

So if your question is: How many uses before air fryer stops smelling? — Usually 2 to 5 uses, depending on the brand and how well you clean and burn it in.

That said, if your air fryer still smells strongly like plastic after 5 uses, that’s a red flag. It could be a manufacturing issue, or the unit might have coating defects. I’ve seen users return or exchange theirs when the smell just wouldn’t go away.

It’s normal for a new air fryer to have a plastic smell, which should go away after a good cleaning and a few burn-in cycles. But if it lingers past five uses or smells like burning plastic, it’s time to call support—or consider a return.

In the next section, I’ll walk you through exactly how to get rid of that smell, using simple, safe methods you can do at home.

Quick Fix Summary Table

How to Get Rid of Plastic Smell from Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)

Alright—so you’ve got this new air fryer, and it smells like someone microwaved a plastic container with the lid still on. Annoying, right? Don’t worry. I’ve been there, and I’ve got a simple step-by-step plan that actually works—no weird internet hacks, just real things I’ve tried that helped kill that plastic smell fast.

🧼 Step 1: Give It a Wash Before You Turn It On

This sounds basic, but so many people skip it (I did the first time!). That smell often comes from leftover factory oils, dust, and residue stuck to the basket and heating area. That stuff gets cooked on when you run it the first time—and that’s when it stinks.

Here’s what I do:

• Clean the basket, tray, and any parts you can remove with warm, soapy water.
• Use a damp cloth to gently wipe the inner walls and around the heating coil.
• Let everything dry fully before you use it.
  

Think of it as giving your air fryer a proper “welcome cleaning” before first use.

🍋 Step 2: The Vinegar & Lemon Trick (It Works!)

It’s an old trick from the kitchen—but it really works. I use this when I want to clear out funky smells fast, not just in air fryers but even microwaves and ovens.

Here’s how to do it:

• Mix equal parts of vinegar and lemon juice—around ¼ cup of each.
• Soak a cloth in the mixture and wipe down the basket and inside of the chamber.
  
• Let the mixture sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse or wipe it off with clean water.

Lemon helps cut through that chemical scent, while vinegar works to get rid of any lingering odor.

🔥 Step 3: Run an Empty Burn-In Cycle

This step changed everything for me. I like to think of it as a “hot yoga session” for your air fryer.

• Preheat it to 400°F.
  
• Run it empty for 15 minutes.
  
• Make sure you’re in a well-ventilated room or crack a window.
  
• Do this 2–3 times if the smell is still hanging around.
  

After the second run, you’ll likely notice a big change. It’s like the smell burns itself out over time.

🧂 Step 4: The Baking Soda Deodorizer

If you’ve done all the above and there’s still a faint plastic vibe, try this overnight trick.

• Place a small bowl of baking soda inside the air fryer (with the unit off, of course).
  
• Let it sit overnight with the lid closed.
  
• Optional: Run the unit with the baking soda inside for 5 minutes to help absorb leftover odors.
  

It’s like leaving an open box of baking soda in your fridge—just for your air fryer.

A Quick Note Before You Move On

If you do all of this and the plastic smell is still intense after a few uses? That’s a red flag. Some cheaper units or even defective models may have poor-quality coatings that break down under heat. In that case, it’s more than just a smell—it might be a safety concern. Better to call support or look into a return than risk it.

Brand-Specific Tips for U.S. Models

Wondering why your Ninja air fryer smells like plastic even after a few uses? You’re not alone—I’ve been there, nose crinkled and Googling in frustration.

Different air fryer brands come with their own quirks when it comes to that new-plastic smell. Some fade fast. Others? Not so much. Here’s what I’ve learned from testing and using the most popular U.S. models.

Ninja – Strongest Burn-In Smell (Needs Patience)

If you own a Ninja air fryer, the plastic smell may stick around a bit longer than others. I’ve tested the Ninja DZ401 and AF161, and in both cases, it took two to three full burn-in cycles before things started smelling normal.

Quick Tip: Run the unit at 400°F for 15 minutes twice, and wipe down all parts with a vinegar-water solution first. This helps reduce the smell significantly.

Cosori – Smells Strong at First, But Fades With Care

The Cosori air fryer smells like plastic right out of the box. It’s got a stronger factory scent than others, especially when the heating element kicks in the first time. But with a good wipe-down and a vinegar + lemon burn, mine smelled normal by Day 3.

If the odor still lingers in the basket, I suggest trying the baking soda trick overnight.

Instant Vortex – Better, But Still Needs Attention

Honestly, my Instant Vortex had one of the mildest odors of all. That said, the plastic scent was still there during the first cook. I wiped the basket and drawer, then did a vinegar + lemon water burn-in—and it was fine after that.

If you’re short on time, this brand might be your best bet. 

Chefman & GoWISE – Hit or Miss

With Chefman and GoWISE USA, the experience depends a lot on the model. I’ve had a GoWISE that smelled awful for five uses—and another that barely had a scent.

If you’ve tried everything (burn-in, cleaning, deodorizing) and the smell still lingers after 3–5 uses, don’t ignore it. Contact their support. Sometimes, it’s due to a faulty coating or poor build quality.

Use the Warranty or Return Policy if Needed

If the smell just won’t quit and you’re feeling uneasy about safety, use your return window. Most U.S. retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or Target offer 30-day returns, no questions asked.

Brands like Ninja, Cosori, and Instant also have decent customer service and limited warranties—so don’t hesitate to reach out.

What Not to Do When Your Air Fryer Smells Like Plastic

We’ve all been there—excited to try our new air fryer, only to be hit with that strong plastic smell. Don’t panic—it’s common. But there are a few things you shouldn’t do if you want to keep things safe and get rid of that smell fast.

1. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals

I made this mistake once with a budget fryer. I scrubbed it with a harsh cleaner, and not only did the smell stay, but it left behind a weird chemical odor that got into the food. Total fail. Stick to gentle soap, water, vinegar, or lemon juice for cleaning. These do the job without wrecking your appliance.

Using harsh products can strip non-stick surfaces, create toxic fumes, and even void your warranty. Not worth it.

2. Don’t Block the Vents During Burn-In

During my first burn-in, I mistakenly placed the air fryer right up against the backsplash. Big mistake. The kitchen smelled like a plastic factory, and the fumes just lingered. Now, I always pull it forward, keep windows open, and let the machine breathe.

Air fryer safety tips matter—those vents aren’t just for show. Blocking them can trap heat and smoke, which might lead to overheating or even short-term damage.

3. Don’t Ignore the Smell After Several Uses

Trust your nose. Most new air fryers will smell a bit during the first couple of uses. But if it lingers past that—especially if it smells worse or like something’s burning—it could be a defect or low-quality materials.

When my cousin’s unit still reeked after a week, we contacted support. Turns out, it had a faulty coating that wasn’t heat-safe. They replaced it no questions asked. Moral of the story: if it smells off after multiple uses, speak up. You might save yourself from damage—or worse, a safety hazard.

When to Contact Support or Return Your Air Fryer

If your air fryer smells worse with use, stop right there. That’s not a good sign—it may mean your unit is bad. A small plastic smell the first time is fine. But if it gets worse or smells like burnt wires, you need to act fast. And if you see parts melt or warp, unplug it at once.

This happened to me with a cheap air fryer I bought once. It gave off this sharp, hot-wire smell—even after days of use. I tried it all. I scrubbed it, did long burn-in runs, even steamed it with vinegar. But the smell stayed. In the end, it turned out there was a wire issue deep inside. 

If yours is doing the same, trust your gut. Don’t wait. Stop using it. It’s not worth the risk. A strong smell that gets worse is not just bad—it may be unsafe.

How to Prevent Plastic Smell in Future Purchases

Want the best air fryer without plastic smell? I hear you. After testing several models for my kitchen blog, I’ve learned the hard way that not all air fryers are created equal—especially when it comes to that weird chemical smell out of the box.

If you’re shopping for a new air fryer, here’s what I look for now (so you don’t waste time—and your appetite).

Choose Stainless Steel or Pre-Seasoned Baskets

If you’re like me and sensitive to smells, skip the models with dark plastic baskets.
The best air fryers without plastic smell usually have stainless steel baskets or ceramic coatings—and trust me, they make a difference. My Instant Vortex Pro smelled clean right out of the box, thanks to its stainless interior. No burn-in, no headaches.

Go BPA-Free and Look for FDA-Certified Materials

This part matters more than you think. BPA and other cheap plastics can release that “new appliance” smell under heat. I always check for “BPA-free,” “FDA-certified,” or “low-VOC” in the specs.

One of the worst-smelling models I tried lacked any safety certification—definitely a lesson learned. A safer air fryer is a cleaner-smelling one.

Read Verified Reviews (Especially on Smell)

Before I click “Buy Now,” I scroll straight to the 1- to 3-star reviews. Why? Because users are brutally honest about weird smells. If you see words like “chemical,” “toxic,” or “plastic stink,” skip it.

Also, look for reviewers who say “no smell” or “smelled fine after one use.” That’s gold. The last air fryer I bought (a Ninja model) had tons of positive comments about no lingering odor—and yep, they were right.

Final Thoughts: Dealing with the Plastic Smell the Smart Way

If your air fryer smells like plastic right out of the box, don’t panic — that’s more common than you think. In most cases, the smell is harmless and fades after a few uses. It’s just the coating or residue from manufacturing burning off. A quick cleaning and a simple “burn-in” usually fix air fryer smell problems fast.

Personally, I went through this with my Ninja air fryer. The first time I used it, I was hit with that new-plastic smell — you know, like opening a cheap inflatable pool. I almost boxed it up to return. But I gave it a proper wash, ran a vinegar-lemon water soak, then did a high-temp dry run for 20 minutes. After that? No more smell, and the food tasted perfect.

So, if you’re looking to eliminate air fryer plastic odor, here’s what really works:
✅ Clean all the parts you can take out using warm water and mild soap
✅ Use a vinegar or lemon soak to cut chemical residue
✅ Run a 15–20 min burn-in cycle (empty, at 400°F)
✅ Let it cool, then repeat once more if needed

These steps usually stop air fryer from smelling weird. And if your unit still stinks after all that? Trust your gut. Check the return window or contact the manufacturer. Sometimes it’s just a bad egg.

Also, make sure to go through the manual—it’s easy to overlook but really helpful. I know, it’s boring, but some brands actually expect you to run a burn-in cycle before cooking. Skip that, and the first meal could taste like melted plastic wrap.

The bottom line? A little prep goes a long way. Take 30 minutes to “break in” your new air fryer, and you’ll save yourself a headache — and a few ruined dinners.

FAQ’s

Disclaimer: This post is based on personal experience and testing. For health or safety concerns, always consult the product manual or contact the manufacturer.

Raju Dey

Hi, I’m Raju Dey — a food lover with a degree in Culinary Arts from El Centro College. I’ve spent 4+ years testing air fryers, blenders, and other kitchen tools in real home kitchens. At KitchenWink.com, I share honest tips and reviews to help you cook smarter. My goal is to give you advice you can trust — based on hands-on experience, not hype.