How To Clean Your Air Fryer's Interior?

Air fryers are a great kitchen appliance, but they can be a little tricky to clean. The interior of an air fryer can accumulate grime very quickly, so it's important to give it a good clean every week to keep it running smoothly and safely. While some people recommend using a damp cloth to wipe down the inside of the air fryer, others suggest filling the basket with warm, soapy water and letting it soak for a while before scrubbing it with a sponge. It's important to consult your manufacturer's cleaning instructions, as some air fryers have dishwasher-safe parts.

How to clean the inside of an air fryer

Step 1: Unplug the Air Fryer

First, turn off and unplug your air fryer. It's important to always prioritise safety when handling electrical appliances. Then, allow your air fryer to cool completely before you start cleaning it.

Step 2: Clean Removable Parts

Remove all the basket(s), tray(s) and pan(s). These can be washed by hand with warm water and soap, or, if you don't want to wash them by hand, you can put them in the dishwasher. Most air fryers have dishwasher-safe parts, but it's always good to check your instruction manual to be sure.

Step 3: Clean the Main Unit

The main unit of your air fryer should never be fully immersed in water. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe down the entire unit, including the control panel, to get rid of any food splatters or grease residue. If there is food stuck on the heating coil, use a soft brush to remove it.

Step 4: Check the Heating Coil

Check the heating coil of your air fryer after each use. If there is oil or residue on the coil, let the machine cool down, then wipe the coil with a damp cloth or a soft brush.

Step 5: Dry and Reassemble

Make sure to dry all parts of your air fryer completely before reassembling it. You can use a towel to dry the components, or you can leave them to air-dry.

Additional Tips:

• It's a good idea to clean your air fryer regularly, either after every use or every few uses, to prevent a greasy buildup.
• To save time on cleaning, you can cover the basket's cooking surface with foil or an air-fryer liner before cooking.
• If you're air-frying food with a sticky sauce, clean the grate or basket while it's still warm—the mess will come off more easily.
• If there is baked-on grease or caked-on residue, you may need to soak the basket in hot water and soap for 20 to 30 minutes before cleaning.
• If there is a strong odour coming from your air fryer, try soaking the basket and drawer in soapy water for 30 to 60 minutes, then rub a lemon over them and let it sit for 30 minutes before rewashing.
• Never use metal utensils or abrasive cleaning tools, as these can damage the non-stick coating.

Products to Help You Clean Your Air Fryer:

• Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray
• Scrub Daddy Sponges
• Swedish Dishcloths

How to clean removable parts

To clean the removable parts of your air fryer, follow these steps:

• Unplug the air fryer and let it cool down.
• Remove the basket, tray, and pan.
• Wash these parts with soap and warm water. You can also put them in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe (check your instruction manual).
• If there is baked-on grease or stubborn residue, fill the basket halfway with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Let it soak for 20-60 minutes, then gently scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth until all the build-up is removed.
• Dry the parts with a clean towel and let them air dry completely before reassembling the air fryer.
• If there is a strong smell coming from your air fryer, rub a cut lemon over the basket and drawer, let it sit for 30 minutes, then rewash.

How to clean the main unit

To clean the main unit of your air fryer, follow these steps:

Firstly, unplug the air fryer and let it cool down. It is important to never immerse the main unit in water. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe down the entire unit, including the control panel, to remove any food splatters or grease residue. If there is food stuck on the heating coil, use a soft dish brush to gently remove it. Be careful not to scrub the interior cooking surface too hard to avoid scratching it.

Next, check the heating coil for any oil or residue. If there is any, wipe it clean with a damp cloth or a soft dish brush. Make sure to dry all parts completely before reassembling the air fryer.

To remove stubborn grease or strong odours, you can use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Apply it to the dirty area and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush and rinsing. You can also try filling the basket halfway with warm water and adding a few drops of dish soap. Let this sit for about 30 minutes or 20 to 30 minutes before gently scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.

To prevent a greasy build-up, it is recommended to clean your air fryer after every use or at least every few uses. Always consult your manufacturer's cleaning instructions, as some parts may be dishwasher-safe.

How to clean the heating coil

To clean the heating coil of your air fryer, follow these steps:

• Ensure that your air fryer is unplugged and cooled down before you begin cleaning. Safety first!
• Place a soft cloth on the counter and turn the air fryer upside down onto it to access the heating coil, which is usually located at the top of the unit. This will protect the appliance from scratches.
• Use a soft sponge or brush with hot water to clean the heating coil. Avoid using a steel wire brush or a hard-bristled brush, as these could damage the coil's coating.
• If there is stubborn food residue stuck to the coil, carefully use a soft-to-medium bristle brush to remove it. An old toothbrush can be useful for this step.
• Once the coil is clean, return the air fryer to its upright position and turn it on, running it empty for a few minutes. This will help catch any remaining loose residue in the pan.
• Finally, dry and reassemble your air fryer. Make sure all parts are completely dry before putting them back together.

It is recommended to clean the heating coil of your air fryer about once a week to ensure optimal performance and safety. Grease fires can happen if grease is allowed to build up, so regular cleaning is important.

How to deal with lingering odours

Lingering odours in your air fryer can be a nuisance, but there are several effective ways to address this issue. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive steps to help you eliminate unpleasant smells from your air fryer:

Soak and Clean with Soapy Water:

NewAir, the maker of Magic Chef air fryers, recommends soaking the food basket and drawer in soapy water for 30 to 60 minutes. This extended soak can help loosen any stubborn food particles or grease that may be causing the odour. After soaking, proceed to clean the components as usual with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth.

Lemon Rub and Wash:

If the odour persists after the initial soak and wash, try this natural remedy: cut a lemon in half and rub it over the basket and drawer. Let the lemon juice sit for about 30 minutes, then rewash the components with warm, soapy water. The acidity of lemon juice can help neutralise odours and leave a fresh scent.

Baking Soda Paste:

Create a paste by mixing baking soda and water, then use a scrub brush or an old toothbrush to thoroughly scrub the interior of the air fryer, including the heating coil. Baking soda is known for its odour-absorbing properties, making it an effective natural deodoriser. Be sure to rinse and dry all components after scrubbing.

Vinegar and Sponge Wipe:

For a quick fix, dampen a sponge with vinegar and gently wipe down the interior of the air fryer, including the coil and heating element. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodoriser, helping to eliminate odour-causing bacteria and neutralise smells. Be sure to rinse and dry the interior after wiping it down with vinegar.

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance:

The best way to prevent lingering odours is to maintain a regular cleaning routine. Clean your air fryer after each use by removing crumbs and emptying out any excess oil. Wash the removable components with warm, soapy water, and dry them thoroughly before reassembling. Additionally, wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth to prevent the buildup of grease and food residue, which can contribute to odours.

Remember to always unplug your air fryer and let it cool down before attempting any cleaning or maintenance. By following these steps, you can effectively eliminate lingering odours and keep your air fryer fresh and ready for your next culinary adventure!

Frequently asked questions