Oven Cleaner In Air Fryer: Safe Or Not?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, offering a healthier way to cook food without the need for excessive amounts of oil. However, one of the biggest mistakes people make is not cleaning their air fryer regularly. While it may seem like a tedious task, proper maintenance is crucial to keep your air fryer in good working condition and prevent the buildup of grease and grime. But what about using oven cleaner? Can you use it to clean your air fryer?

Why you shouldn't use oven cleaner in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook food with less oil and faster cooking times. However, they can get greasy over time, and proper maintenance and cleaning are required to keep them in good condition. While it may be tempting to use harsh oven cleaners to get rid of tough grease stains, it is not advisable to do so. Oven cleaners contain harsh chemicals and fumes that can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer and may even ruin it completely.

Air fryers have a non-stick coating that makes them more sensitive to certain cleaning products. Oven cleaners are designed to remove baked-on grease and grime from ovens, and they contain strong chemicals to do so. These chemicals can be too harsh for the non-stick coating of an air fryer, causing it to wear off and potentially ruining the appliance. Therefore, it is crucial to use the right cleaning products to maintain the integrity of your air fryer.

Additionally, oven cleaners often produce fumes that can be harmful if inhaled. Air fryers have many small parts, such as the heating unit, fans, and electrical components, that can be difficult to clean thoroughly. If oven cleaner residue is left on these parts, it could affect the taste of your food or even be harmful to your health. The strong chemicals in oven cleaners can also cause corrosion and rust on the air fryer's surfaces, which can be dangerous and unsanitary.

To effectively clean your air fryer, it is recommended to use mild, non-toxic cleaning products. Natural substitutes like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice are effective in removing grease and odours. Warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge are usually sufficient for regular cleaning. For tougher grease stains, you can soak the removable parts in hot, soapy water or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Always remember to unplug and let your air fryer cool down before cleaning and ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling.

How to clean an air fryer

While oven cleaner can be used on the glass door of an air fryer without causing damage, it is not recommended for use on other parts of the appliance, as it may be too harsh on aluminum and PTFE. In fact, some users have reported that using oven cleaner on their air fryer has resulted in corrosion and rust forming on the outside window and wiring.

Instead, here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean an air fryer:

Step 1: Unplug and Cool

Always unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool down completely before cleaning. This is important for safety and to prevent any electrical accidents while handling water or cleaning solutions.

Step 2: Remove Removable Parts

Take out all the removable parts, such as the basket, tray, and pan. These parts can usually be washed with warm, soapy water in the sink. Use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid damaging the non-stick coating, and pay extra attention to any gaps or crevices where food may be stuck. If there are any burned-on bits of food, a paste made from baking soda and water can help to loosen them.

Step 3: Clean Removable Parts

Wash the removable parts with hot water and mild dish soap. You can also use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to remove any food residue or grease. If your air fryer parts are dishwasher-safe, you can place them in the dishwasher, although hand washing is recommended to preserve the non-stick coating.

Step 4: Clean the Main Unit

The main unit of the air fryer should not be submerged in water. Instead, use a damp cloth or sponge with a mild cleaning solution to wipe down the interior and exterior, including the control panel. Be sure to get rid of any food splatters or grease residue.

Step 5: Check the Heating Coil

Inspect the heating coil, usually located at the top of the unit, for any oil or residue. If necessary, wipe it clean with a damp cloth or soft brush. Ensure that it is completely dry before moving on.

Step 6: Dry and Reassemble

Make sure all parts are completely dry before reassembling the air fryer. Towel drying or air drying are both effective methods.

Additional Tips:

• It is recommended to clean your air fryer after every use to prevent grease and grime buildup.
• For a deeper clean, especially if you notice a buildup of grease or burnt food particles, consider disassembling the air fryer and cleaning it with a mild cleaning solution and a soft brush or cloth.
• To reduce mess and make cleaning easier, use air fryer liners or parchment paper to catch food drippings.

How to deep clean an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the air fryer for cleaning

Turn off and unplug the air fryer from the power source. Allow the appliance to cool completely before removing any parts for cleaning. Once cooled, open the door of the air fryer and collect all the removable parts, such as the air fryer basket, tray, and crumb tray.

Step 2: Clean the removable air fryer parts

Wash the removable parts with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. Rinse the parts with clean water and dry them thoroughly with a soft cloth or towel. If your air fryer basket is dishwasher-safe, you can also wash the removable parts in the dishwasher.

Step 3: Deep clean the air fryer basket

If your air fryer basket has an excess amount of sticky residue or baked-on grease, you may need to soak it in warm, soapy water for 20 to 30 minutes before scrubbing. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to clean the mesh of the air fryer basket.

Step 4: Clean the air fryer interior and exterior

Wipe down the interior and exterior surfaces of the air fryer using a soft, damp cloth. For heavy spatter or grease, apply warm water to the cloth and gently scrub the interior. Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaning agents and metal scouring pads, as these can scratch the surface and damage the non-stick coating.

Step 5: Dry and reassemble

Make sure to completely dry all the parts of the air fryer with a soft cloth or towel before reassembling and plugging the appliance back in.

Tips for Regular Cleaning

To prevent the need for deep cleaning, it is recommended to clean your air fryer after every use. This will help to prevent grease and grime from building up and will keep your air fryer in its best shape. Always allow the air fryer to cool down before cleaning and unplug it from the power source.

How often to clean an air fryer

It is recommended to clean your air fryer after every use. This keeps your air fryer in good condition and prevents grease and grime from building up, which will eventually require a longer, more strenuous deep clean.

How to Clean an Air Fryer

Before cleaning, always wait for the air fryer to cool down and unplug it from the power source. Do not immerse the whole appliance in water, as this can be dangerous and will likely ruin the machine.

• Remove the basket or tray.
• Saturate the holder with an oven and grill cleaner, such as Goo Gone, or a mixture of baking soda and water.
• Allow the cleaner to sit for 3-5 minutes on the surface.
• Wipe clean with a wet cloth or sponge.
• Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe again with a wet paper towel or sponge.

For a super deep clean, saturate the area with the oven and grill cleaner and allow it to sit for 30-60 minutes before wiping clean. Repeat as necessary.

How Often to Clean the Air Fryer Oven

If you have a fancy air fryer toaster oven, you will need to remove the racks and clean them thoroughly. Sauce, such as BBQ sauce, can get caught on the pan and burn on, so it is important to clean this off. You can either clean the racks quickly or leave them to soak in the sink. While you're at it, check the air fryer "floor" for any grease, goo, or gunk that needs to be cleaned.

Exterior Cleaning

You don't have to clean the outside of your air fryer unless there are fingerprints or marks. In most cases, you can use a cleaning wipe or spray.

Heating Element Cleaning

On rare occasions, you might want to clean the heating element inside your air fryer. Be careful not to get it too wet. The best way to do this is to lay the air fryer on its back and apply a baking soda paste. Once it's dried, use an old toothbrush to gently scrub away the residue.

What parts of an air fryer need to be cleaned

Oven cleaner should not be used in an air fryer. It can be too tough on aluminium and PTFE, but it should be fine to use on glass surfaces.

Air fryers should be cleaned after each use to prevent flavour contamination and grease build-up. The frequency of cleaning will depend on how often you use your air fryer. If you use it daily, a thorough clean once a week should be sufficient.

Firstly, turn off and unplug the appliance and allow it to cool. Then, remove all trays, racks, and parts. Wash these in the dishwasher or by hand with warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Next, wipe down the interior surfaces of the air fryer, including the coil, using a soft cloth and warm water. For heavy spatter, scrub gently with a damp cloth.

Finally, clean the exterior of the air fryer by wiping gently with a clean, damp cloth before drying thoroughly.

To prevent scratches, avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaning agents and metal scouring pads. Instead, opt for warm, soapy water and soft cleaning tools like sponges or cloths.

Frequently asked questions