Air Fryer Smoking or Smelling Weird? 10 Easy Fixes That Actually Work

Air fryers have earned a permanent spot on many countertops. They handle everything from reheating samosas to crisping up leftover rotis into quick 'chips'. But then one day, the machine starts smoking. Or it smells like hot plastic, burnt oil, or last week's fish. Panic sets in. Windows open. Someone in the house asks if something caught fire.

Most of the time, nothing dangerous happens. The air fryer simply reacts to oil, crumbs, coatings, or heat in ways that look dramatic. Smoke often comes from grease hitting a hot surface. Weird smells often come from residue, new parts warming up, or accessories that do not suit high heat.

However, these problems usually disappear with a few smart tweaks and a proper clean. So, if your air fryer is smoking or giving off strange odors, here are 10 effective, easy fixes to stop the smoke and restore fresh, clean cooking.

Why Your Air Fryer Smokes Or Smells Weird: Easy Fixes; Photo Credit: Pexels

10 Common Reasons Your Air Fryer Smokes or Smells Weird

1) That 'New Appliance' Smell Needs a Proper Burn-Off

A brand-new air fryer can smell odd for the first few uses. Manufacturers add protective oils, coatings, and packaging residues during production. Heat wakes those smells up. Some models even release a faint 'hot electronics' scent at the start. That can feel worrying, but it often fades after a controlled burn-off.

Fix it like this: wash the basket and crisper plate with warm water and dish soap. Dry them fully. Then run the air fryer empty at 200°C for 10–15 minutes in a well-ventilated kitchen. Let it cool. Repeat once if the smell lingers. A lemon trick helps too: place a few lemon slices in a small heat-safe bowl, run 5–7 minutes at 180°C, then cool. The citrus tackles stubborn factory odours.

If the smell turns sharp, chemical, or eye-watering after several uses, stop and check point 10.

2) Too Much Oil Turns Into Smoke, Especially With Marinades

Air fryers love a light brush of oil. They hate puddles. When excess oil drips down and hits the hot base, it smokes fast. This happens a lot with foods that carry oil-heavy masalas or yoghurt-based marinades. Chicken tikka-style pieces look innocent, then the dripping starts, and the air fryer acts as if it got offended.

Fix it with portion control and smarter prep. Pat marinated food lightly with kitchen paper before cooking. Use thicker marinades that cling instead of running. Add oil with a spray bottle that uses pure oil (not aerosol propellants, more on that later). For very oily foods, lower the temperature slightly and cook a bit longer. Many smoky moments vanish when cooking drops from 200°C to 180°C.

Another simple move: add a tablespoon of water to the bottom drawer (not the basket) in some models to reduce smoking from drips. Check your manual first.

Also Read: Eat Healthy Without Missing Out: Top 5 Air Fryers To Make Guilt-Free Crispy Treats

3) Grease and Crumb Build-Up Creates 'Yesterday's Dinner' Smell

A lot of people clean the basket and forget the rest. Crumbs hide under the crisper plate. Grease films the drawer corners. Tiny bits stick near the heating area. Then, during the next cook, those leftovers heat up and release a strong smell. Sometimes smoke joins in, especially after cooking fatty foods like sausages, kebabs, or paneer tossed in oil.

Fix it with a routine, not a once-in-a-while deep clean. After every few uses, remove the basket, plate, and drawer. Soak them in hot soapy water for 10–15 minutes. Scrub gently with a soft brush. Avoid steel wool, as it can damage non-stick coatings. Wipe the inside walls with a damp cloth. For stubborn grease, use a paste of baking soda and water. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe.

Do not forget the outside vents. Dust plus kitchen oil makes a sticky layer that can smell when warm.

4) Food Too Close to the Heating Element Can Burn and Smoke

Overcrowding does not just make food soggy. It can also push light ingredients upward. Thin bread slices, papad-like snacks, grated cheese, and even small onion bits can fly around in the airflow. When they hit the heating element or the hot top area, they burn quickly. Burnt food smells harsh and smoky, and it can linger like an uninvited guest.

Fix it by giving food space and using the right tools. Keep lightweight items secured. Use toothpicks for wraps. Use a small heat-safe rack or a perforated liner that fits your model. For cheese melts, place the cheese later in the cooking process, not at the start. If the air fryer includes a 'shake' reminder, take it seriously, but shake gently so bits do not jump upward.

Also, avoid filling the basket to the brim. Air needs room to circulate. A single overcrowded batch often creates more smoke than two smaller batches.

Why Your Air Fryer Smokes Or Smells Weird: Easy Fixes; Photo Credit: Pexels

5) Wrong Temperature Settings, Char Spices, and Create Bitter Smells

Many recipes online assume mild seasoning and low-sugar coatings. Local cooking often includes spice blends, chilli, and sometimes jaggery or honey. High heat can scorch spice powders and caramelise sugars too quickly. The result smells bitter, sharp, and a little 'burnt temple incense, but not in a nice way'.

Fix it by adjusting the heat for seasoned foods. If cooking spice-coated vegetables, start at 160–170°C and finish at 180°C for crispness. If using sauces or glazes, add them in the last 3–5 minutes. For foods with sugar, keep the temperature lower and extend the time. Stir or flip halfway so spices do not sit and burn in one spot.

If a strong burnt-spice smell appears, stop the cook, remove charred bits, wipe the basket, and restart. Otherwise, the smell sticks to everything you cook after that, including plain toast.

6) Aerosol Cooking Sprays Can Damage Coatings and Smell Strange

Aerosol sprays seem convenient. They also cause trouble. Many contain propellants and additives that leave a sticky film. That film can degrade non-stick coatings over time and create a weird, chemical smell when heated. Some people notice smoke too, especially after repeated use.

Fix it by switching to a refillable oil mister or a brush. Use plain oils with a suitable smoke point, such as groundnut, sunflower, or rice bran oil. Use minimal oil, and spread it evenly. If aerosol spray already left residue, scrub gently with warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. A baking soda paste helps remove stickiness without harsh scraping.

If the basket coating looks patchy or starts peeling, stop using it for cooking. Replace the basket or contact the brand. A damaged coating can trap odours and complicate cleaning.

A ₹300–₹700 mister can save far more than that in replacement parts later.

7) Cheap Liners and Parchment Can Smoulder or Smell Like Paper

Basket liners sound neat: less mess, easier cleaning. But the wrong liner can burn. Thin parchment that touches the heating area can smoulder. Non-perforated liners can block airflow and cause overheating in spots. Some low-quality liners also give off a 'hot paper' smell that turns food less appetising.

Fix it by using the right liner in the right way. Choose perforated liners designed for air fryers. Make sure the liner sits flat and stays weighed down by food. Never run parchment in an empty air fryer; the airflow can lift it into the heating element. Avoid wax paper entirely. Wax melts and smells awful.

If using foil, use it sparingly and only in ways that do not block airflow. Keep foil edges tucked. Better still, cook directly on the crisper plate and clean properly. It takes a few extra minutes, but the taste stays cleaner, and the machine stays happier.

Why Your Air Fryer Smokes Or Smells Weird: Easy Fixes; Photo Credit: Pexels

8) Plastic Accessories and Low-Quality Silicone Can Create 'Hot Plastic' Odours

Many accessories claim to be  'air fryer safe'. Some deserve that label. Others smell like a toy shop once they heat up. Low-quality silicone can release a strong rubbery smell. Plastic accessories can warp or give off fumes. Even when nothing melts, the smell can cling to the basket and transfer to food.

Fix it by choosing accessories with clear temperature ratings and reputable materials. Look for food-grade silicone with a high heat rating (often 220°C or more). Avoid unknown plastics. If an accessory smells strongly the moment it heats, stop using it. Wash it and leave it in sunlight for a day, then test again at a lower temperature. If the smell returns, retire it.

A good accessory costs more, but it also saves food from tasting like 'new lunchbox'. Spending ₹500–₹1,500 once beats throwing away meals that taste odd. Also, do not stack accessories too close to the heating area.

9) Moisture, Batter, and Drips Can Trigger Sudden Smoke Bursts

Some foods release lots of moisture: frozen fries, watery vegetables, and reheated curries in small containers. Moisture itself does not smoke, but it can move grease around. Batter drips can also fall onto hot surfaces and burn. A thick pakora-style batter may look fine, then a drop falls, hits the hot base, and smoke appears instantly.

Fix it with a few prep changes. Shake ice crystals off frozen foods before cooking. Pat vegetables dry, especially mushrooms and brinjal slices. Use a light coating rather than a dripping batter. For battered items, pre-set the coating by cooking at a slightly lower temperature for a few minutes, then raise the heat to crisp.

If drips still happen, place a small piece of bread in the bottom drawer (not the basket) for certain models. It can catch drips and reduce smoking. Do not let it touch the heating area. Remove and discard after cooking.

10) When Smoke Means 'Stop': Electrical Smells, Wires, and Overheating

Most smoke issues come from food and grease. Some do not. If the smell turns like burning wire, sharp plastic, or hot paint, treat it seriously. If smoke comes from the back vents rather than the cooking chamber, stop. If the air fryer trips the power, stop. If it makes unusual buzzing or sparking sounds, stop.

Fix it by unplugging immediately and letting it cool fully. Check the plug and cable for damage. Check the socket too. Avoid extension boards for high-wattage appliances. Many kitchens run multiple devices at once, and a loaded socket can overheat.

Do not open the unit body at home unless the brand allows it. Contact the service centre. Yes, service costs sting. But an unsafe appliance costs more. A typical visit might run ₹400–₹1,200 depending on brand and warranty, and that feels small compared with the risk of an electrical fault.

Trust the nose. A 'burning electronics' smell deserves action, not optimism.

Products Related To This Article

1.  KENT Classic Hot Air Fryer 4L 1300 W

2. Milton Rapid Digital Air Fryer 5L

3. Nutricook 5L Air Fryer Slim (2025) with 100% Toxin-Free Ceramic Coating

4. Havells Prolife Stellar Chef Air Fryer 5.5 Ltr

5. PHILIPS Air Fryer NA120/00

6. COSORI Air Fryer 5 QT

7. Instant Pot Air Fryer

Smoke and strange smells from an air fryer usually come from simple, fixable causes: too much oil, leftover crumbs, liners that misbehave, or spice mixes that scorch at high heat. A few small habits make a big difference. Clean more than just the basket. Keep drips under control. Give food space. Use the right accessories. Adjust temperature for marinades and sugars. And when the smell shifts from 'burnt food' to 'burnt wiring', stop and get it checked. An air fryer works best when it stays dull and boring and keeps doing its business efficiently.