HYSapientia knows how much you love your air fryer oven – it's quick, easy, and cooks your favorite meals to crispy perfection with little to no oil. But we also know that sometimes, after a few uses, an odd smell might start to linger, which can be a bit off-putting. We’ve heard plenty of questions about this from our customers, so we decided to dive into why this happens and, more importantly, how to fix it! In this blog, we’ll discuss the common reasons behind those mysterious smells coming from your air fryer oven, and we’ll share some tips to help you solve the issue quickly and keep your air fryer running smoothly. Trust us, we’ve got the answers to help you cook worry-free!

Common Causes of Strange Smells from an Air Fryer Oven

1. New Appliance Smell

One of the most common reasons for a strange smell, especially when using an air fryer oven for the first time, is simply the "new appliance smell." Like many other new kitchen gadgets, air fryer ovens often have a protective coating or oil residue from manufacturing that can produce a temporary odor when heated.

This smell is usually harmless and should dissipate after a few uses. To avoid this, manufacturers typically recommend running the air fryer oven empty for a few minutes on its highest setting to burn off any excess oils or coatings before cooking food in it.

2. Burnt Food Residue

Over time, food particles and grease can accumulate inside the air fryer oven, especially if it’s not cleaned regularly. When you cook at high temperatures, these residues can burn, causing a smoky or burnt smell. Grease, oils, and even small crumbs that fall off the food can easily stick to the oven’s interior or heating elements, creating unpleasant odors during cooking.

To prevent this, it’s crucial to clean your air fryer oven after each use. Pay special attention to the trays, baskets, and the heating element, as these parts tend to collect food particles. A buildup of grease or food debris may also cause the air fryer oven to emit an unpleasant smell and affect the taste of your food.

3. Plastic or Synthetic Smell

Another potential cause for a strange smell from your air fryer oven is melting plastic. While air fryer ovens are built with heat-resistant materials, it's still possible for plastic components like trays, baskets, or packaging to release an odor when exposed to high temperatures. This is particularly true if you’ve accidentally left plastic wrap, packaging materials, or non-approved items inside the oven while cooking.

To avoid this, always make sure that only oven-safe cookware or utensils are placed inside your air fryer oven. Additionally, check that no plastic components or packaging materials are left in the cooking chamber before you start the appliance.

4. Dirty Heating Element or Fan

The heating element and fan inside the air fryer oven play a vital role in distributing heat evenly. If either of these components becomes dirty, food particles can stick to them, causing odors when they heat up. A dirty fan can also cause an unpleasant smell by spreading burnt food residues around the interior of the oven.

A thorough cleaning of the heating element and fan can help alleviate this issue. Depending on your model, you may be able to access the heating element and fan to clean them. If not, it’s important to use a double air fryer or a similar system that ensures better airflow and prevents food from sticking to the interior.

5. Overheating

Another possible cause of strange smells from your air fryer oven could be overheating. If your air fryer oven gets too hot, it may cause oil or grease to burn, leading to an unpleasant smell. Overheating can also affect the components, causing parts to wear out faster or even damage the unit.

To avoid overheating, always follow the manufacturer's recommended cooking temperatures and times. Make sure to never exceed the temperature limits specified in the air fryer oven’s manual, and avoid overcrowding the cooking basket, as this can restrict airflow and lead to uneven cooking and potential overheating.

6. Old or Expired Oil

If you're using oil in your air fryer oven, expired or old oil could be another reason for unpleasant smells. Just like any other cooking method, oil that has gone bad can produce off-putting odors when heated. The presence of stale oil can also lead to food that tastes rancid, further affecting your cooking experience.

Make sure to always use fresh oil in your air fryer oven and consider changing it if you notice a strange smell or taste when cooking. It’s also a good idea to clean any excess oil from the appliance after each use to prevent residue buildup.

How to Fix the Strange Smell in Your Air Fryer Oven

1. Clean Your Air Fryer Oven Regularly

The most effective way to eliminate unpleasant smells is to ensure your air fryer oven is kept clean. After every use, wipe down the interior and clean the trays, baskets, and heating element. Use a mild detergent and warm water to avoid damaging the appliance, and always follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.

2. Run a Test Cycle

If the smell is coming from a new air fryer oven, run a test cycle without any food inside. Set the temperature to the highest setting and let the appliance run for 10-15 minutes. This will burn off any oils or residues from the manufacturing process and should help reduce the smell.

3. Use a Cleaner Specifically for Air Fryers

There are specialized cleaners on the market for air fryer ovens that are designed to break down grease and food residue without damaging the appliance. Consider using one of these cleaners if you’re dealing with stubborn odors or buildup that won’t come off with regular cleaning.

4. Check for Malfunctions

If the smell persists despite cleaning and maintenance, check for any malfunctions. An overheating issue or a faulty heating element could be causing the smell. In this case, it's best to contact your air fryer oven supplier or consult the manufacturer for advice on how to proceed with repairs.

5. Consider Upgrading to a Double Air Fryer

If you frequently cook large batches of food and notice the smell of burnt oil or grease, it might be time to consider upgrading to a double air fryer. These models provide better airflow and cooking space, which can reduce the risk of oil burning and food residue buildup. Additionally, they allow you to cook larger quantities of food without compromising on quality, and they often come with enhanced cleaning features to prevent unwanted smells.

Conclusion

In most cases, strange smells from your air fryer oven are caused by common issues like food residue, overheating, or manufacturing oils. Regular cleaning, using fresh ingredients, and proper maintenance can help keep your appliance odor-free. But if you’re looking for a long-term solution that enhances your cooking experience, it might be time to upgrade!  

At HYSapientia, we recommend our 24QT Dual Air Fryer Toaster Oven With Rotisserie—a powerful, spacious, and versatile appliance designed to minimize smoke and odors while delivering perfect, crispy results.

Ready to upgrade? Check out the HYSapientia 24QT Dual Air Fryer Toaster Oven With Rotisserie today and take your cooking to the next level!