Why does my instant pot air fryer smell?

It’s common for new instant pot air fryers to have a smell at first. There are a few reasons why your air fryer may have an odor and some simple solutions to help minimize it.

Common Causes of Instant Pot Air Fryer Smells

Here are some of the most common causes of smells from instant pot air fryers:

• Manufacturing oils – New appliances often have residual oils from the manufacturing process that can create odors when first heated up.
• Plastic/chemical smells – The internal components and materials of the air fryer may produce a plastic-like or chemical odor when first used.
• Food residue – Leftover food debris can burn or cause smells if not cleaned out properly.
• Grease buildup – Grease and oil dripping during cooking can lead to built up residue and smells over time.

Tips to Minimize Instant Pot Air Fryer Smells

Here are some helpful tips to get rid of smells from your instant pot air fryer:

1. Run the air fryer empty on high heat – Heat up your air fryer empty for several minutes to help burn off any manufacturing oils or residues. This is commonly recommended after getting a new air fryer.
2. Clean thoroughly – Unplug and fully clean the fryer basket, pan, and interior with hot soapy water to remove any food debris or grease buildup.
3. Use baking soda – Sprinkle some baking soda in the fryer basket and pan then run the air fryer empty on high for 5 minutes. This can help absorb odors.
4. Clean exterior – Wipe down the exterior of the fryer with a damp cloth to keep any air vent holes grease-free.
5. Add vinegar – Put 1 cup of white vinegar in the fryer pan and run for 5 minutes to help deodorize.
6. Air out after use – After cooking something odorous like fish, open windows and let the air fryer cool completely before storing to let smells dissipate.

When to Be Concerned About Instant Pot Air Fryer Smells

In most cases, some simple cleaning and break-in procedures will resolve any air fryer odors. However, you may need to investigate further if:

• The smell persists after multiple cleaning cycles
• The smell is burning plastic or chemical in nature
• You notice smoking or other signs of malfunction

Strong burning plastic or chemical smells may indicate an internal component is overheating and needs service. Be sure to unplug the air fryer immediately if you detect these types of odors to be safe.

Why Proper Cleaning Prevents Smells

Cleaning your instant pot air fryer thoroughly on a regular basis helps prevent lingering odors for a few reasons:

• Removes food residue – Leftover crumbs and grease from cooking can burn or rot causing smelly buildup if not cleaned out.
• Eliminates grease – Air frying can lead to grease splatters which can turn rancid over time leading to odors.
• Refreshes interior – Wiping down the cooking chamber helps remove any odor molecules that may cling to the walls and interior parts.
• Clears vents – Vents and fan openings can get blocked which inhibits airflow and allows smells to linger.

Following the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions is important to make sure you are cleaning all necessary parts and surfaces. Generally a hot soapy wash of all removable parts gets the job done.

Cleaning Tips to Avoid Smells

Here are some best practices for cleaning your air fryer to prevent unwanted odors:

1. Unplug – Always unplug and allow to fully cool before cleaning.
2. Hand wash – Most air fryer components like the basket and pan are not dishwasher safe.
3. Use degreaser – Degrease any heavily soiled areas to cut through cooked on oil and grease.
4. Dry thoroughly – Make sure to fully dry all parts before reassembling to avoid mold growth.
5. Don’t submerge – Take care not to submerge any electrical components in water when cleaning.
6. Check vents – Use a toothpick or brush to gently clear any blocked vents.
7. Remove residue – Wipe out any leftover food bits or debris from the cooking chamber.
8. Freshen with baking soda – Occasionally sprinkling baking soda in the empty air fryer can help absorb odors.

When to Replace Accessories to Avoid Smells

Over time, some components of your air fryer may absorb odors or get overly grimy and need to be replaced. Here are some signs it may be time to replace accessories:

• Discolored or cracked accessories – Heavily stained or damaged parts may need replacement.
• Retained odors – If pieces retain smells even after thorough cleaning, replacement may be needed.
• Metal corrosion – Rusting or corrosion on a metal basket or pan can cause smells.
• Plastic taste absorption – Plastic components can absorb food tastes and smells over time.

Many manufacturers sell replacement parts for the commonly replaced accessories like fry baskets and pans. Checking for coverage under any warranty is advised before purchasing new components.

When to Replace an Instant Pot Air Fryer Due to Smell

An air fryer that continues to smell bad even after thorough troubleshooting may need to be replaced altogether. Here are some signs it may be time to get a new air fryer:

• Old model – If your air fryer is more than 2-3 years old, it may have reached the end of its lifespan.
• Persistent burning smell – A persistent electrical or plastic burning smell after cleaning is a safety hazard.
• Visible damage – Heavily scratched, chipped, rusted or melted interior components can retain smells.
• Unable to fully clean – If grease or odors have penetrated inaccessible crevices or vents.
• Repeated smells – If smells return quickly even after cleaning and replacing accessories.

Be sure to research warranty options if smells persist in a new air fryer model. Replacement may be covered if it’s due to a defective component. For older models, compare the cost of replacement accessories or units to make the best decision.

How to Prevent Smells in a New Instant Pot Air Fryer

Here are some proactive steps you can take when getting a new air fryer to prevent odor issues:

1. Clean before first use – Wipe out any dust or residues from manufacturing and shipping.
2. Burn off before cooking – Run one or two empty “break-in” cycles to burn off any new smells.
3. Ventilate when cooking odorous foods – Open windows or turn on vents to clear any related cooking smells.
4. Clean after each use – Don’t let food residue or grease linger between cooking.
5. Check vents are clear – Make sure no plastic protective films are blocking any vents.
6. Hand wash all accessories – Properly clean all included parts and accessories.

Taking extra care when you first get your air fryer helps optimize it for long-term smell-free use. Be diligent about cleaning and clearing vents, and burn off any manufacturing residues prior to cooking.

Troubleshooting Instant Pot Air Fryer Odors

Here is a troubleshooting guide if you notice smells coming from your instant pot air fryer:

Issue	Potential Causes	Solutions
Burning plastic smell	Internal component overheating	Unplug immediately and contact support
Burnt popcorn smell	Food residue stuck to chamber	Clean interior thoroughly with hot soapy water
Rotten or rancid smell	Grease buildup	Degrease interior and accessories
Smoky or burnt smell	Leftover debris	Remove and wash all accessories
Rubber or chemical smell	Odor from components	Run several empty “break-in” cycles
Moldy or damp smell	Moisture retention	Dry all parts fully after cleaning

If smells persist after thorough troubleshooting and cleaning, replacement of accessories or the unit itself may be required.

When to Call Customer Support for Instant Pot Air Fryer Smells

Call Instant Pot customer support right away if you notice:

• Burning plastic or chemical smells
• Visible smoke
• Electrical sparking or shocks
• Melting or warping components

These could indicate a dangerous electrical issue or malfunction and the air fryer should be examined.

Also contact customer support if:

• Smells won’t go away after multiple cleanings
• Odor returns quickly after cleaning
• Cleaning does not resolve the issue
• You think replacement parts may be needed

Support can advise if replacement parts may be covered under any warranty or if full unit replacement is recommended.

Conclusion

While new instant pot air fryers may have some initial manufacturing odors, these can typically be resolved with a few break-in and cleaning cycles. Make sure to clean your air fryer thoroughly after each use and follow troubleshooting tips if any smells persist. Call customer support for any suspicious electrical odors, smoke or other performance issues. With proper care and maintenance, your air fryer should provide years of smell-free service.