Why Does My Air Fryer Smell Like Fish: Causes & Fixes

Your air fryer smells like fish because oils and residues trap and release strong odors.

Strange smells can ruin a great meal. If you’ve asked yourself why does my air fryer smell like fish, you’re in the right place. I test and fix kitchen gear for a living, and I’ve cleaned more smelly baskets than I can count. This guide breaks down the science, the fixes that work, and the habits that keep odors away for good.

What actually causes the fishy smell

Fish smell comes from trimethylamine. It sticks to oil and steam. In an air fryer, hot air blows tiny grease drops onto every surface. Those drops cling to nonstick parts, screws, vents, and the heater cover.

Over time, that grease oxidizes. Heat cooks it into a sticky film. That film traps fish smell and keeps it. This is the most common reason people ask why does my air fryer smell like fish.

Common causes at a glance

• Grease and fish oil on the basket, pan, or crisper plate. Odor hides in seams and corners.
• Gunk on the heating element or behind the splash guard. Warm it and the smell returns.
• Dirty or saturated filters. Some models have small mesh or charcoal pads.
• Rancid cooking oil. Old oil smells fishy even without fish.
• Dishwasher film left behind. Soap residue locks in odors.
• New unit off-gassing. Warm plastic or paint can smell odd at first.
• Overcrowding food. Extra grease splatters into the fan and vents.
• Wet parts stored with the drawer closed. Moisture boosts smell.
• Strong marinades. Soy, garlic, and fish sauce stick to nonstick.

If you wonder why does my air fryer smell like fish after a wash, it is often hidden grease near the heater.

Quick fixes you can do right now

• Run a lemon steam. Add one cup of water and thick lemon slices to the basket. Air fry at 350°F for 5–8 minutes. Wipe dry.
• Do a vinegar cycle. Place a small oven-safe bowl with half cup white vinegar and half cup water. Run at 350°F for 5 minutes. Air out.
• Use a baking soda paste. Mix baking soda with water. Spread on the basket and plate. Wait 15 minutes. Rinse and dry.
• Wipe the heater cover. Unplug and let it cool. Use a damp, soapy cloth on reachable metal. Dry well.
• Air it out. Leave the drawer open in sunlight for one hour. UV helps.
• Deodorize overnight. Put dry coffee grounds or baking soda in the empty drawer. Close it till morning.

These quick steps help if you are asking why does my air fryer smell like fish and need fast relief.

Deep-clean method that actually works

Do this after cooking fish or when smells linger.

• Unplug and cool fully. Remove basket, pan, and any plates.
• Soak removable parts. Use hot water, a few drops of degreasing dish soap, and one tablespoon of baking soda. Soak 20–30 minutes.
• Scrub gently. Use a soft brush or non-scratch sponge. Focus on seams, rivets, and underside lips.
• Rinse and dry. Towel dry, then air dry so no moisture stays trapped.
• Clean inside the cavity. Wipe walls with a warm, soapy cloth. Follow with a vinegar-water wipe. Dry with a soft towel.
• Clean the heating area. If your model has a removable heater cover, take it off per the manual. Wipe both sides. Never soak the main unit.
• Check vent and fan intake. Use a soft brush and a vacuum with a brush tip.
• Replace or wash filters. Some brands sell charcoal pads. Swap if saturated.
• Final deodorize. Run an empty cycle at 350°F for 5 minutes. Then do a lemon or vinegar steam. Wipe dry.

Avoid steel wool or harsh cleaners. They scratch nonstick and make future odors worse. If you’re still wondering why does my air fryer smell like fish, this deep clean is the reset button.

Diagnose the source like a pro

You can track odors by when and where they show up.

• Cold start smell. If you sniff fishy right after powering on, residue is inside the cavity or vents.
• Only during cooking. Likely the heating element or underside splash guard has grease.
• Smell from the basket only. The basket, pan, or crisper plate holds the odor.
• Plastic or paint smell. That is new-unit off-gassing or high heat on residue.
• Burnt or bitter smell. Rancid oil or scorched crumbs, not fish.

Stand over the back vent for a moment. Then smell the drawer area. This simple test helps answer why does my air fryer smell like fish without guessing.

Prevention habits that keep smells away

• Wash right after fish. Hot water and soap while the unit is still warm.
• Do a 3-minute lemon steam after fish cooks. Wipe dry.
• Use perforated parchment liners made for air fryers. They reduce splatter while letting air flow.
• Choose high smoke point, neutral oils. Avocado, refined peanut, or refined canola work well.
• Do not overcrowd. Less splatter means less smell build-up.
• Empty crumbs weekly. Pull the drawer and shake over the sink or trash.
• Store it dry, drawer cracked open. Trapped moisture feeds odors.
• Monthly deep clean. Put a reminder on your phone.

These simple moves prevent the return of that why does my air fryer smell like fish problem.

When to replace parts or call support

• Nonstick is peeling or pitted. Replace the basket or pan.
• Warped or cracked parts. Odors hide in cracks and are hard to clean.
• A sharp electrical or burning plastic smell. Unplug and contact support.
• Filters saturated and cannot be cleaned. Swap them.
• Under warranty. Ask for replacement parts. Many brands sell baskets and plates.

If you keep asking why does my air fryer smell like fish after a full reset, a new basket or filter often fixes it.

Real-world tips from my kitchen tests

• Double-wash after fish. A quick soak, then a fresh soapy wipe. It seems extra, but it works.
• Dry with heat. After cleaning, run the fryer empty at 300°F for 3 minutes. It chases off moisture and smell.
• Use citrus oil lightly. A drop on a cloth, then a wipe of the pan. It leaves a clean scent.
• Do not use aerosol sprays on nonstick. They leave a film that traps odor.
• Keep a small box of baking soda in the drawer between cooks. It is cheap and effective.

These tips saved me time and answered my own why does my air fryer smell like fish days.

Myths and facts to clear the air

• Myth: Dishwasher-safe means any cycle. Fact: Heavy heat-dry can bake on residue. Use normal heat and air-dry.
• Myth: Lemon can damage all parts. Fact: Diluted lemon is fine on most finishes. Avoid strong acid soaks on bare aluminum.
• Myth: All fishy smells mean poor cleaning. Fact: New units or old oil can smell fishy too.
• Myth: Liners block odor always. Fact: They reduce splatter but do not replace cleaning.

Knowing these saves work and helps you solve why does my air fryer smell like fish with less trial and error.

Frequently Asked Questions of why does my air fryer smell like fish

Why does my air fryer smell like fish even when I did not cook fish?

Old oil can oxidize and smell fishy on its own. Hidden grease near the heater can also carry fish-like notes.

Is it safe to use the air fryer if it smells fishy?

Yes, if the smell comes from residue and not from burning plastic or electrical issues. Clean it well and test with a lemon steam.

How do I stop the smell fast before guests arrive?

Do a five-minute vinegar steam and wipe dry. Then air fry a slice of lemon or bread to absorb odors.

Can liners fix why does my air fryer smell like fish?

Liners reduce splatter and make cleanup easy. They help, but you still need to clean the basket, pan, and vents.

What cleaner works best for stuck fish smell?

Use hot soapy water, baking soda paste, and a diluted vinegar wipe. Avoid harsh abrasives that scratch nonstick.

Why does the smell come back after I clean?

Grease may remain on the heater cover or in vents. Deep clean those areas and replace filters if your model has them.

Will sunlight help remove the odor?

Yes, a short sun session helps dry and vent the smell. Keep plastic out of harsh, long heat to avoid warping.

Conclusion

You can beat a fishy air fryer with a simple plan. Remove the grease, deodorize the tight spots, and keep good habits after cooking fish. If you still wonder why does my air fryer smell like fish, a deep clean plus a fresh basket or filter often ends it for good.

Put these steps to work on your next clean. If you found this helpful, subscribe for more easy kitchen fixes or drop your questions in the comments.