Go to Recipes

Air Fryer First Aid

White smoke? Plastic smell? Don't panic. Here is the quick guide to solving the most common problems and saving your dinner.

3 Rules to avoid smoke and smells:

  1. Always clean residual grease from under the basket after every use.
  2. Add a tablespoon of water to the bottom when cooking very fatty foods (like bacon or sausages).
  3. Run an empty cycle with lemon or vinegar if the air fryer is new to eliminate the plastic smell.

White Smoke

Cause

Food is too greasy (e.g., sausages, bacon) or there is grease residue at the bottom.

Quick Fix

Add 2 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the basket (under the grate) before cooking fatty foods. The water prevents dripped fat from smoking.

Plastic Smell

Cause

Manufacturing residues on the internal coatings. Completely normal on the first run.

Quick Fix

Run an empty cycle at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes with half a lemon or a small bowl of water and vinegar. Wipe down when cool.

Burnt outside, raw inside

Cause

Temperature too high or basket overcrowded. Air cannot circulate.

Quick Fix

Lower the temperature by 25°F compared to the oven recipe and cook longer. Never fill the basket more than 3/4 full.

Food or paper flying

Cause

Lightweight items (e.g., cheese slices, empty parchment paper) sucked up by the fan.

Quick Fix

Use toothpicks (firmly secured) to weigh down light foods. NEVER put parchment paper in without heavy food on top.

⚠️ Electrical Safety and Liability

Working near the heating coil or manipulating circuits carries a risk of fatal electric shock. The machine MUST be unplugged and cold. AirFryerConverter disclaims all liability for property damage or personal injury.

Go to Recipes