How To Clean An Air Fryer With Water?

Air fryers have become a kitchen staple in recent years, and with frequent use, it's important to keep them clean. While some people have suggested using water to clean an air fryer, this is not recommended and could damage the appliance. Here's what you need to know about cleaning your air fryer safely and effectively.

Air fryer cleaning hacks

Air fryers have become a kitchen staple, and for good reason! They're a healthier alternative to deep fryers, using less oil to cook your favourite foods. But, as with any kitchen appliance, regular cleaning is necessary to keep your air fryer in tip-top shape. Here are some cleaning hacks to help you maintain your air fryer:

Unplug and let cool:

First things first: always make sure your air fryer is unplugged and completely cooled down before you start cleaning. This is an important safety precaution.

Wash removable parts:

Most air fryers have dishwasher-safe parts, including the basket, tray, and pan. Check your instruction manual to be sure, but generally, these parts can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand with warm, soapy water.

Soak stubborn residue:

If your air fryer basket has an excess amount of sticky residue, fill the basket halfway with hot, soapy water and let it soak for 20-30 minutes. Then, use a soft-bristled brush or non-abrasive sponge to scrub away the softened gunk. Remember to dry the parts completely before reassembling the air fryer.

Wipe down the main unit:

The main unit of your air fryer should never be immersed in water. Instead, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the entire unit, including the control panel, to remove any food splatters or grease residue. If needed, you can use a soft dish brush to remove stuck-on food from the heating coil.

Use baking soda for tough residue:

For particularly tough residue, create a paste with baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the affected areas and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub away the particles. Rinse well with water and dry before using your air fryer again.

Avoid metal utensils:

When cleaning your air fryer, avoid using metal utensils or abrasive scrubbing tools, as these can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, opt for soft-bristled brushes, sponges, or microfiber cloths.

Use air fryer liners:

To make cleaning easier, consider using air fryer liners or parchment papers made to fit perfectly in the bottom of your basket. These disposable liners catch any food residue or grease and can be tossed in the trash after each use.

Don't fill your air fryer with water:

Despite what you may have seen on TikTok or other social media platforms, filling your air fryer with water and soap and turning it on is not a safe cleaning method. Air fryers are not designed to hold large amounts of liquid, and doing so could cause leaks or splashes that damage the appliance. It can also create an excessive amount of steam, leading to potential issues.

How to clean an air fryer basket

While some people have tried a hack where they fill the air fryer basket with water and soap and turn the air fryer on, this is not recommended. Home safety and electrical professionals advise against it, as air fryers are not designed to accommodate so much liquid. This could cause leaks or splashes that damage the machine. The amount of steam created by heating soapy water can also cause issues, and the air fryer might overheat and pose a fire hazard.

Instead, follow these steps to clean your air fryer basket:

Step 1: Unplug the air fryer

Turn off and unplug your air fryer. Allow it to cool completely before cleaning. This is an important safety precaution and will also make the cleaning process easier.

Step 2: Remove the basket

Take out the basket, tray, and pan. These removable parts can usually be washed just like any other dish: with soap and warm water. If you don't want to wash them by hand, check your air fryer's instruction manual to see if these parts are dishwasher-safe.

Step 3: Clean the basket

Fill the basket with warm or hot water and add a couple of tablespoons of dish soap. You can also add a degreasing agent to the soapy water for a deeper clean. Let the basket soak for at least 20 to 30 minutes to loosen any stuck-on food or grease. Then, use a soft sponge or dishcloth to scrub away any remaining residue. Avoid using steel wool or metal utensils, as these can damage the nonstick coating.

Step 4: Rinse and dry

Rinse the basket thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Then, dry the basket with a microfiber towel or a dishcloth. Make sure to air dry or towel dry the basket completely before reassembling and using your air fryer again.

Additional Tips:

• It's best to clean your air fryer basket after every use, especially if there is stuck-on food.
• To make cleaning easier, cover the basket's cooking surface with foil or an air fryer liner before each use.
• If you're dealing with tough residue, create a paste with baking soda and water, rub it onto the affected areas, and let it sit for about 10 minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Never use metal utensils to remove crumbs or baked-on grease, as these can damage the nonstick coating.

Best products for cleaning an air fryer

While some sources suggest that using water to clean an air fryer can be effective, it is generally not recommended, as it can cause the water to spray up and damage the machine. Instead, it is advised to clean the air fryer basket in the sink with warm, soapy water and a sponge or paper towel.

Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap

This dish soap is specifically designed to fight grease, making it perfect for cleaning air fryers. It can be used to create a soapy water solution for soaking the air fryer basket or for scrubbing the basket with a sponge.

Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can be used to clean the air fryer basket without scratching the non-stick coating. It can be mixed with water to form a paste, which can then be applied to tough, stuck-on food residue.

Air Fryer Liners or Filters

Using air fryer liners or filters can help keep your air fryer clean by catching any food residue or grease. These liners can be tossed in the trash after each use, making cleanup quick and easy.

Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

A soft-bristled toothbrush can be used to gently scrub the air fryer basket, especially in tough-to-reach places like the holes in the grate. This helps to remove any stubborn food particles or grease buildup.

Microfiber Cloth

A microfiber cloth is ideal for wiping down the exterior of the air fryer and the interior, including the heating element. It is important to ensure that the cloth is only slightly damp when cleaning the heating element, as too much water can damage it.

How to clean an air fryer's heating element

To clean an air fryer's heating element, it is recommended to unplug the appliance and ensure it is not hot. Place a soft cloth on a flat surface and turn the air fryer upside down on top of it to access the heating element.

The heating element should never be soaked in a sink of soapy water. Instead, dip a microfiber cloth in hot soapy water, wringing it out until it is damp, not dripping. Wipe the heating element, rinsing the cloth often to remove the grease. Allow the element to air dry for several hours before using the appliance.

Alternatively, use a soft sponge with hot water to clean the heating element. If there is food residue stuck to the element, a soft to medium-bristled brush can be used to gently scrub it off. Do not use a steel wire brush or a hard-bristled brush, as this may damage the coating of the heating element.

After cleaning, return the appliance to its upright position and turn it on, letting it run for a few minutes without any food inside. This will ensure any remaining loose residue is caught in the pan.

How to clean an air fryer: step-by-step guide

Step 1: Unplug the Air Fryer

For safety, turn off and unplug your air fryer. Allow it to cool down completely before cleaning.

Step 2: Remove Removable Parts

Take out the basket, tray, and pan. Wash these parts with warm, soapy water in the sink. Most air fryers are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing is recommended to preserve the non-stick coating.

Step 3: Clean the Main Unit

Wipe down the main unit and control panel with a damp cloth to remove any food splatters or grease. If there is stubborn grease on the heating coil, use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean it.

Step 4: Check the Heating Coil

Check the heating coil for any oil or residue. If present, allow the machine to cool, then wipe the coil with a damp cloth or soft brush.

Step 5: Dry and Reassemble

Ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling the air fryer.

Additional Tips:

• For tough, baked-on grease, soak the basket in hot water and soap for 20-30 minutes, then scrub with a brush.
• For odours, mix baking soda and water to form a paste, scrub the interior with it, and rinse.
• Avoid using metal utensils or abrasive sponges/pads as these can damage the non-stick coating.
• Clean your air fryer regularly after each use to prevent buildup and make future cleanings easier.

Do not:

Put water directly into your air fryer and turn it on. This can damage the appliance and may not effectively clean it.

Frequently asked questions