A brand-new air fryer often gives off a plastic or chemical smell for the first few uses. It's usually harmless and fades — here's why it happens, how to clear it, and the one smell that means stop.
Key takeaways
Q: Why does my new air fryer smell of plastic?
A: It's normal off-gassing from new materials and manufacturing residues heating up for the first time. It fades after a few uses.
Q: When should you worry?
A: A burning, electrical or melting smell is different — stop and unplug it.
Why it happens
New appliances often have manufacturing residues and protective coatings on the heating element and plastic parts. The first few times they heat up, these burn off, giving a plastic or chemical smell. It's common and usually harmless, and it fades quickly.
How to clear it
- Wash the removable parts in warm soapy water before first use.
- Run it empty at a high temperature for 15–20 minutes in a ventilated kitchen.
- Air-fry something robust first, like a tray of bread or potatoes, rather than delicate food.
- Stop and unplug if you smell burning, electrical or melting odours — that's not normal off-gassing.
For lingering food odours later on, see getting rid of air fryer smells.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my new air fryer smell of plastic?
It's normal off-gassing — manufacturing residues and coatings on new parts burn off the first few times it heats up, and the smell fades after a few uses.
How do you get rid of the plastic smell?
Wash the removable parts before first use, then run the air fryer empty at a high temperature for 15–20 minutes in a ventilated kitchen.
When should you be concerned about the smell?
A burning, electrical or melting smell is not normal off-gassing — stop using the air fryer, unplug it, and check for faults or contact the manufacturer.