Using Oven Cleaner In An Air Fryer: Safe Or Not?

Air fryers are a great way to enjoy crispy, fried foods with less oil. But with all that grease and grime, they can be a pain to clean. So, can you use oven cleaner in your air fryer? The short answer is no. While it may seem like a good idea to use a heavy-duty cleaner to tackle the mess, oven cleaners can damage the non-stick coating and ruin your air fryer. The fumes and chemicals from oven cleaners are too strong for air fryers and will leave a residue that affects the taste of your food. Instead, it's best to clean your air fryer after every use with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. For stubborn stains, you can use natural cleaners like baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice.

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

Oven cleaner should not be used in an air fryer as it can cause several issues. Firstly, the fumes and chemicals from oven cleaners can be too strong and damaging to air fryers, particularly to the non-stick coating, which can be ruined. The strong chemicals can also be difficult to rinse off completely, meaning that the fumes and chemical residue will remain in the air fryer and can affect the taste of your food.

Secondly, oven cleaners are often too tough on the materials used in air fryers, such as aluminium and PTFE, and can cause corrosion and rust. This can not only damage the air fryer but also compromise the safety of the appliance, particularly if the wiring is affected.

Thirdly, oven cleaners are designed for use in ovens, which are much larger spaces than air fryers. As such, the fumes and chemicals can become concentrated in the smaller space of an air fryer, exacerbating the issues mentioned above.

Finally, oven cleaners are not necessary for cleaning air fryers, as there are many alternative, safer methods. These include using natural products like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice, or specialised air fryer cleaning products, which are designed to be fume-free and safe for use on non-stick coatings. These methods are effective at removing grease and grime without causing damage or leaving harmful residue.

How to clean an air fryer basket

It is not recommended to use oven cleaner on your air fryer as it can be too tough on aluminium and PTFE. It can also leave a permanent soapy taste in your food. Instead, there are several alternative methods you can use to clean your air fryer basket.

Firstly, it is important to clean your air fryer after every use, just like a baking pan. If you allow grease and grime to build up, it will be much harder to clean.

One method is to use a combination of baking soda and water (or vinegar) to scrub away any baked-on grease. You can also use a non-abrasive brush or sponge, water, and dish soap to wash the basket. If your model is dishwasher-safe, you can place it in the dishwasher.

Another method is to soak the basket in hot water with dish soap for 20 minutes. Then, scrub the basket with more soap and a scrub sponge.

Alternatively, you can try a TikTok hack by filling the basket with water and a few drops of dish soap, and turning it on for 2 minutes.

For stubborn stains, you can create a paste using baking soda and lemon juice. Apply this paste to the basket and lightly scrub with a soft toothbrush or a sponge.

Always remember to unplug your air fryer and allow it to cool down before cleaning.

How to clean an air fryer's interior

It is important to clean your air fryer after each use to prevent grease and grime from building up, which can lead to smoke and odours. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean an air fryer's interior:

Step 1: Unplug and let it cool

Always unplug your air fryer and let it cool down before cleaning. It is important for safety and to avoid burning yourself.

Step 2: Remove all removable parts

Take out the basket, tray, and any other removable parts. Some air fryers may have multiple grates or baskets.

Step 3: Clean the removable parts

Handwash the removable parts with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. You can also use a non-abrasive brush or sponge if needed. If there is stuck-on food, soak the parts in hot water and dish detergent first to loosen it. For tougher messes, fill the basket halfway with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then gently scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.

Step 4: Dry the parts

Use a clean towel to wipe the components dry and then let them air dry completely before reassembling.

Step 5: Clean the interior

Knock out any loose crumbs and wipe up any visible oil from the interior, including the coil. Then, gently wipe out the inside with a damp cloth or sponge dipped in warm water. If there is stubborn grease, repeat this step using warm soapy water or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. You can also use a wooden skewer or toothpick to dislodge any stuck-on food.

Step 6: Wipe down the exterior

Keep the outside of your air fryer looking clean by wiping it down with a damp cloth or sponge and warm water, followed by a dry towel. For grease or tougher messes, add a few drops of dish soap to the warm water.

Tips:

• It is recommended to clean the coil about once a week to ensure optimal performance and safety.
• Do not use metal utensils, steel wool, or other abrasives on non-stick surfaces as they can scratch or damage the coating.
• Do not use oven cleaner or any harsh chemicals on the interior of your air fryer as they can leave harmful residue.
• Always consult your air fryer's user manual for specific cleaning instructions.

How to clean an air fryer's exterior

While it is important to clean the interior of your air fryer, you should also pay attention to the exterior. Here are some tips on how to clean your air fryer's exterior:

First, always unplug the air fryer and let it cool down before cleaning. Safety should be the top priority. Once it is cool, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the exterior, removing any food splatters or grease residue. You can also use a kitchen towel or rag with warm water, followed by a dry towel. For grease or tougher messes, add a few drops of dish soap to the warm water and wipe it clean. You can also use a mild cleaning solution such as Goo Gone Oven & Grill Cleaner, but be sure to follow the instructions and avoid getting it inside the air fryer.

It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive sponges, or metal utensils when cleaning the exterior of your air fryer, as these can damage the surface. Mild dish soap and water are usually sufficient. Regular cleaning of the exterior will help to prevent grease buildup and make future cleanings easier.

How often you should clean an air fryer

Air fryers are designed to provide a healthier way to recreate the flavours and textures of deep-fried foods without the excessive calories. However, they do require regular cleaning to keep them in good working order.

Ideally, you should clean your air fryer after every use to avoid charred food and gunk buildup. Leftover food particles can get stuck in places they shouldn't be and potentially mess up the appliance. A dirty air fryer will heat up slower, consume more energy, and be more difficult to clean. You are also more likely to get a foodborne illness if you're using dirty equipment. Old food particles and germs will build up and contaminate the food you put in the air fryer.

What to Do When Cooking in Batches

When cooking in batches, try to remove any debris by letting the machine cool a bit and carefully wiping it out with a paper towel in between batches.

How to Clean Your Air Fryer

First, unplug your air fryer and let it cool for at least 30 minutes. Once cooled, take all the removable parts out of the appliance (basket, tray, pan). Wash the removable parts in warm soapy water. If you notice any baked-on grease or charred food, let them soak in hot, soapy water for about 10 to 15 minutes, and then scrub them using a non-abrasive sponge. For hard-to-wash parts or stubborn food residue, you can make a cleaning paste with baking soda and water. Scrub the paste onto the residue with a soft-bristle brush and wipe clean.

Wipe down the interior of your air fryer using a damp microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge with a splash of dish soap. Then wipe any soap residue off with a clean, damp cloth. Turn your air fryer upside down and use a damp cloth or non-abrasive sponge to wipe down the heating element. Just make sure your air fryer is unplugged first.

Wipe down the exterior with a cloth or sponge with a bit of dish soap. Wipe away any soap residue with a clean damp cloth, then polish the outside with a paper towel. Check to make sure every nook and cranny of your air fryer is thoroughly dry before reassembling.

What Not to Do When Cleaning an Air Fryer

When cleaning your air fryer, never use utensils to remove stuck-on food. Your air fryer has a non-stick coating, which is very easy to scratch and wear away. The same goes for steel wool, metal scrubbers, or abrasive sponges. You shouldn't use disinfectant to clean your air fryer, either, as disinfectants aren't typically safe for food-contact surfaces. If you choose to use a sanitizing solution, double-check the label to make sure it's been approved for food-contact surfaces.

Absolutely not. You will be left with fumes, and it will basically ruin your air fryer.

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