If you have a new air fryer that has a plastic taste or smell, there are several ways to get rid of it. Here are some methods that you can try:
- Clean the air fryer regularly: After each use, make sure to empty out the basket and wipe down any residue with a damp cloth or paper towel. Clean around the edges of the heating element as well as the crevices in the basket.
- Run a few cycles of plain water: After cleaning, run a few cycles of plain water through the air fryer to help flush out any residual tastes.
- Use vinegar to clean and deodorize: Vinegar has natural cleaning and deodorizing properties that can help get rid of plastic taste in an air fryer. Fill up a bowl with white vinegar and place it inside the air fryer for 20 minutes on medium heat. This will help remove any lingering odors or tastes from the appliance.
- Soak the basket and tray in vinegar solution: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a bowl or container and submerge the basket and tray for at least 30 minutes, but ideally overnight if possible. The vinegar will coat the inside and absorb any fumes.
- Run the air fryer with no food in it: Set the temperature to 350-400 degrees F and let the air fryer run with no food in it for 40 minutes. Allow the air fryer to cool for 15 minutes and repeat the process 2-3 more times. Doing so should remove the plastic odors.
- Replace the basket coating or accessories: If the plastic taste persists, you may consider replacing your accessories with high-quality, non-stick ones.
Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper maintenance and use of the appliance to ensure your air fryer stays odor-free.
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What are the common mistakes people make when trying to get rid of the new air fryer taste?
When trying to get rid of the new air fryer taste, people often make the following mistakes:
- Not cleaning the air fryer often enough: A dirty air fryer can be dangerous for your stomach and your nose. It can also cause a burnt taste in your food. Aim to clean your air fryer after every meal that’s cooked in it. Use hot water with a bit of dishwashing liquid and let the basket soak as long as it needs so you don’t have to scrub off baked-on food.
- Overcrowding the basket: If you overcrowd the basket in your air fryer, your food won’t have a lot of exposed surface area. This can cause the food to be unevenly cooked and not crispy. Cook in small batches instead.
- Not patting foods dry before frying: Wet foods can cause the air fryer to smoke and can also make the food less crispy. Pat the food dry with a paper towel before cooking.
- Cooking foods with high fat content: Avoid cooking foods with high fat content, such as sausage, bacon, and marbled-meat burgers in an air fryer. The fat can cause the air fryer to smoke and can also make the food less crispy.
- Not adapting recipes: While you don’t have to build up a whole new recipe repertoire, assuming you can use your air fryer for old recipes while keeping things like temperature and cooking time the same is a pretty big mistake. One that can ruin dinner for sure. There are countless recipes that can be adapted to an air fryer with just a few tweaks.
To get rid of the plastic taste/smell in a new air fryer, try the following:
- Wash all the parts of the air fryer with a dishwashing solution and hot water.
- Cook meat in the air fryer from frozen at 400°F for 6-7 minutes on each side.
- Use vinegar and baking soda to clean the air fryer.
How long does it typically take to completely remove the new air fryer taste from your appliance?
To completely remove the new air fryer taste from your appliance, it is recommended to run it at 400°F for 20 minutes empty before cooking food in it. This allows the protective coating on the basket to burn off without coming into contact with food. However, it may sometimes be necessary to repeat this process more than once. Additionally, it is important to wash the interior of the air fryer with soap and water before using it to help remove any plastic or chemical smells. Here are some steps to follow to remove the new air fryer taste:
- Remove all plastic wrap that your new air fryer may come with.
- Wash and dry all removable parts in a sink with warm water and dish soap.
- Place the clean air fryer basket and separator tray in the air fryer.
- Set the air fryer to 350-400 degrees and let it run with no food for 40 minutes.
- Allow the air fryer to cool for 15 minutes and repeat the process 3-4 more times.
- Wipe down the inside of the air fryer with a damp towel after every cooking session.
- Wash the basket after every cooking session to prevent grease buildup and bacteria growth that could foul the foods and make you sick.
- Do a vinegar lime steam bath once a month to keep the air fryer clean and odor-free for life.
By following these steps, you should have no plastic smell or taste when you start cooking in your new air fryer.
Helpful Resources
- https://www.homecookingtech.com/the-shocking-reason-why-your-air-fryer-food-tastes-like-plastic/
- https://www.rd.com/list/air-fryer-mistakes/
- https://www.kitchenaid.com/pinch-of-help/countertop-appliances/how-to-clean-an-air-fryer.html
- https://www.reddit.com/r/airfryer/comments/ie4msv/how_to_get_rid_of_the_air_fryer_plastic_tastesmell/
- https://youtube.com/watch?v=LiTe_suup-0&t=22