Air fryers can hold onto smells — fish, smoke, or the plastic whiff of a new one. The good news is they clear easily. Here's how, and how to keep them from returning.
Key takeaways
Q: How do you get smells out of an air fryer?
A: Deep clean it, wipe with diluted lemon or vinegar, then leave a slice of bread or lemon inside to absorb lingering odours.
Q: Why does it smell of plastic when new?
A: That's harmless residue. Run it empty at high heat for 10 minutes and it clears.
How to clear it
- Deep clean the basket and tray — grease holds smells; see how to clean.
- Wipe with diluted lemon juice or vinegar, then dry.
- Leave bread or lemon inside overnight to absorb odours.
- Run empty with a little water and lemon in the drawer for a few minutes.
Stop it returning
- Clean after fishy or fatty foods, don't let it sit.
- Use a little water in the drawer for greasy foods to cut smoke; see why it smokes.
- Dry it fully after washing to avoid musty smells.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get the fishy smell out of an air fryer?
Deep clean the basket, wipe it with diluted lemon juice or vinegar, then leave a slice of lemon or bread inside overnight to absorb the smell.
Why does my new air fryer smell of plastic?
It's harmless manufacturing residue. Run it empty at a high temperature for 10 minutes and wipe it down, and the smell clears.
How do you stop air fryer smells coming back?
Clean it promptly after fishy or fatty foods, use a little water in the drawer to cut smoke, and dry it fully after washing.