The air fryer is not just a fashionable kitchen gadget; once you’re a lover of fried food, it’s a game-changer! Air fryers use almost no oil to have the work done so that you can savor any of your fried treats with little fat and calories, and there’s less grease and dirt to tidy up afterward. Cleaning the air fryer may not seem as important as cleaning classic deep-frying techniques with how convenient air frying is. However, preserving these benefits requires cleaning at least the essential features of the air fryer after every usage.
If an air fryer is not cleaned every after usage, remaining food particles might get trapped in places they should not be. A filthy air fryer will generate heat slowly, use more energy, and cleaning up will take a lot more effort.
If you do not wash your air fryer on a regular basis, old food pieces and bacteria can start building up inside the basket and lead to contamination, making you more likely to acquire a foodborne disease.
When Should You Clean Your Air Fryer?
The air fryer must be cleaned after each usage to reduce burnt food and muck accumulation. However, there are certain areas where a quick clean will be sufficient.
The air fryer’s basket, tray, pan tray, and pan of the air fryer must all be cleaned after each usage. These may either be washed by hand or put with your next dishwasher load, depending on the brand of the air fryer. Wiping off the surface after each usage is also a smart option.
As air fryers use so little oil, there’s not as much oily debris left around after each use, therefore you do not have to clean the appliance’s outside part as frequently as the interior. After every few uses, wipe clean the outside of your air fryer.
Oil residue may be examined on the heating coil of your air fryer every couple of months. If you find it’s getting a little dusty, disconnect the gadget and wipe the coil with a wet towel, before reusing your air fryer.
Here’s How to Clean an Air Fryer – Basket Style
STEP1. Grab Your Cleaning Materials
- Sponge (non-abrasive)
- Cleaning cloths (microfiber is the best option)
- Scrub brush (use soft bristles only)
- Kitchen towels
- Dishwashing Liquid
- Baking Soda
STEP2. Give Enough Time for Your Air Fryer to Cool
Allow your air fryer to cool for at least 30 minutes after unplugging it. Remove any detachable pieces from the appliance after it has cooled these include basket, tray, and pan.
STEP3. Wash the Detachable Parts
Remove the detachable pieces and wash them in warm soapy water. If you find baked-on oil or burned food on the components, soak them in hot soapy water for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, then clean them with a non-abrasive sponge. Alternatively, you can put them in the dishwasher if they’re dishwasher safe.
STEP4. Clean the Main Unit
Wipe gently the inner surface of the air fryer using a microfiber cloth or soft sponge soaked in soapy water. Then, grab another clean towel to wipe off the soap residue.
STEP5. Check the Heating Element
Flip the air fryer upside down and clean off the heating element using a damp towel or soft bristle brush or sponge.
STEP6. Wash Outer Surface
Wipe off the outside using a damp cloth and a little dish soap, more like the interior. Using a clean damp towel, wipe away any soap residue, then polish the exterior using a kitchen towel.
STEP7. Putting Your Air Fryer Back Together
Make sure that the air fryer is completely dry in every single corner. Put all of the detachable pieces into the main unit, and there you have it! The air fryer is all set to go.
Here’s How to Clean an Air Fryer – Oven Style
STEP1. Grab Your Cleaning Materials
- Dishwashing liquid (degreaser)
- Scrub brush (use soft bristles only)
- Soft cloth
STEP2. Turn the air fryer off and unplug it
Allow your air fryer to cool completely.
STEP3. Pull Out the Rack
Clean them in the dishwasher or by hand with warm soapy water and use the scrub brush to scour away oil and food crumbs. Rinse very well then pat dry.
STEP4. Remove Any Remaining Oil from the Drip Tray
Do not dispose of the oil in the sink. Let it cool and solidify then scrape it into your waste container. To clean the tray, place it in the dishwasher upside down or hand wash it, next rinse thoroughly and dry well.
STEP4. Wipe the Interior and Exterior
Using a damp soft cloth, thoroughly clean the bottom inside and outside surface of the air fryer. Once done, put back the racks and drip tray.
Cleaning Tips for Your Air Fryer
Know the safety tips of air fryer management before you thoroughly clean it.
- To clean particles of food and debris from your air fryer, avoid using metal utensils, rough sponges, or steel wire brushes. The nonstick layer on the frying surface may be damaged as a result.
- Air fryers should not be submerged in water. Because the primary unit is an electric device, there’s a huge chance that your air fryer might get damaged.
- While cleaning, always check if your fryer is turned off.
- If your air fryer emits a bad stench, try scraping stuck-on items out of the nooks using a wooden stick, toothpick, or just an old toothbrush. Over time, these buried crumbs might burn, leaving the appliance to smoke and stink.
- To deal with lingering smells, chop half a lemon and massage it on the cooking area and basket. Allow 30 minutes for it to settle before rinsing.
- Utilize food-safe cleaning products only. Disinfectants that aren’t permitted for food contact should be avoided.
