How To Clean Your Air Fryer With Water?

Air fryers have become a kitchen staple, but they need to be cleaned regularly to prevent damage and keep them in good working order. While some people recommend using a traditional scrubbing method to clean an air fryer, others suggest filling the basket halfway with soapy water and setting the appliance to air fry for a few minutes. This TikTok hack has received mixed reviews, with some people claiming it works and others saying it doesn't. However, it is generally advised to hand-wash an air fryer with a non-abrasive sponge and dish soap, allowing the unit to cool before washing and avoiding submerging it in water to prevent the non-stick coating from warping.

Air fryer cleaning hacks

Air fryers have become a kitchen staple, and while they are a convenient way to cook, they can be notoriously difficult to clean. Here are some tips and tricks to help you keep your air fryer in tip-top shape.

The TikTok Hack

A popular method for cleaning an air fryer that has been doing the rounds on TikTok involves filling the basket halfway with soapy water and then air frying it for around three to five minutes. After this, you simply dump out the water and give the basket a final rinse. While this method may work for some, others have reported that it does not completely remove stains and that it can leave a soapy taste and smell.

The Traditional Method

If you're not keen on trying the TikTok hack, don't worry; there are other ways to clean your air fryer. The traditional method involves removing the basket and drawer and cleaning them with soap and water in the sink using a non-scratch sponge. You can also use a damp paper towel to wipe down the air fryer after each use to prevent caked-on grease and grime.

Deep Cleaning

For a deeper clean, especially if you have burnt-on grease and grime, you can fill the tray with water, add liquid soap and a squeeze of lemon juice, and run the air fryer for 10-15 minutes. You may need to do this process a few times, replacing the water each time, until the water no longer turns brown. While this method won't get your air fryer perfectly clean inside, it will help to reduce any unpleasant smells.

Natural Cleaning Solutions

If you're looking for a more natural cleaning solution, you can try using baking soda or vinegar. Create a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to tough spots. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Alternatively, a 50:50 mixture of distilled white vinegar and hot water can be used to cut through greasy residue. This can be sprayed on or used to soak the components.

Maintenance Tips

To keep your air fryer cleaner for longer, there are a few simple things you can do. Firstly, spray the bottom insert with cooking spray before each use. You can also use air fryer liners or filters, which can be thrown away after each use. Finally, try to clean your air fryer after every use, especially if there are bits of food or stuck-on grease.

How to clean an air fryer basket

It is important to clean your air fryer basket regularly, especially after cooking greasy or sticky foods. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to effectively clean your air fryer basket:

Step 1: Unplug the Air Fryer

Before you begin cleaning, make sure the air fryer is unplugged and completely cooled down. It is important to never immerse the entire air fryer in water as it can damage the appliance.

Step 2: Remove the Basket

Take out the air fryer basket and any other removable parts, such as the tray or insert.

Step 3: Blot Excess Oil

Using a paper towel or a clean cloth, blot up any excess oil or grease from the basket. This step will make the subsequent cleaning process easier and help prevent a buildup of grease.

Step 4: Soak in Hot Soapy Water

Fill your sink with hot water and add a generous amount of dish soap. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the water for extra degreasing power. Submerge the basket and other removable parts in the soapy water and let them soak for at least 20 minutes. This will help loosen any stuck-on food or grease.

Step 5: Scrub Gently

After soaking, use a non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the basket. Avoid using steel wool or metal utensils as they can damage the non-stick coating. If there are stubborn areas, create a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the basket and other parts thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Dry them with a microfiber cloth or a towel, and ensure they are completely dry before putting them back into the air fryer.

Additional Tips:

• Clean your air fryer basket after each use to prevent a buildup of grease and stuck-on food.
• Always spray the basket with cooking spray before use to create a barrier and make cleanup easier.
• For a deeper clean, fill the basket with water, add a few drops of dish soap, and turn on the air fryer for a couple of minutes. Then, rinse and scrub the basket as usual.
• If your air fryer basket has a non-stick coating, be gentle during the cleaning process to avoid damaging the coating.

Best sponges for cleaning an air fryer

Yes, you can clean an air fryer with water, but it's important to note that you shouldn't put water directly into the appliance and turn it on. The best way to clean an air fryer is to remove the basket, tray, and pan and wash them with warm, soapy water in the sink. Here are some tips for choosing the best sponges for cleaning your air fryer:

• Avoid using abrasive sponges, scouring pads, or metal utensils as these can damage the non-stick coating in the air fryer basket.
• Opt for a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to remove any food residue or grease.
• Look for a sponge that is sturdy yet soft, such as the Scrub Daddy sponge, which is durable and can effectively remove food buildup and grease without scratching the interior cooking surface.
• If you're dealing with tough residue, create a paste with baking soda and water, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the affected areas.
• For the heating element, use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently remove any grease or residue, being careful not to damage the heating coil.
• Microfiber cloths are also a good option for wiping down the interior and exterior of the air fryer, as they are soft and absorbent.
• Swedish dishcloths are another reusable and absorbent option that can be used instead of paper towels.

How to remove sticky oil from an air fryer

It is important to clean your air fryer regularly, especially after cooking oily foods. If you don't clean your air fryer regularly, cooked-on food can harden and become even harder to remove. Here are some steps you can take to remove sticky oil from your air fryer:

Firstly, it is important to note that you should always unplug your air fryer and let it cool down before cleaning. Do not use steel wool or metal utensils to scrape off stuck-on food, as this will damage the non-stick coating. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush or a non-abrasive scrubber sponge to remove food bits and cut through grease. Remove the basket and any other removable components and soak them in hot, soapy water for at least 10 minutes to help soften stuck-on food. You can also try using a cleaning solution with a high degree of degreasing properties, such as Dawn dish soap, and apply it directly to the area with the oil residue.

After soaking, scrub the basket and insert with a soft sponge or cloth. Rinse the components well and repeat if necessary. You can also try creating a paste with baking soda and a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the tough spots and let it sit for about 10 minutes before gently scrubbing with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse the components again after scrubbing.

For an extra boost of cleaning power, add about a cup of white vinegar to the basket and watch it sizzle away the grease. You can also squeeze half a slice of lemon into water, boil it, and then pour the boiled lemon water into the air fryer basket. Let it sit overnight, and in the morning, pour out half of the solution and use a soft sponge with running water to gently scrub away any remaining residue.

It is also important to clean the heating element of your air fryer. Do not soak the heating element in water. Instead, unplug the air fryer and use a damp microfiber cloth or sponge to wipe down the element, rinsing the cloth often to remove grease. Allow the element to air dry completely before using the air fryer again.

How to get rid of smells in an air fryer

Lingering smells in your air fryer? Here's how to get rid of them.

Firstly, it's important to regularly clean your air fryer to prevent smells from building up. If you've just purchased your air fryer, it may have a burnt plastic smell. This is likely due to a protective coating burning off inside the fryer. Give the new appliance a good clean, and then run it a couple of times without any food inside to get rid of the smell.

If your air fryer is emitting a food odour, try this trick: place an oven-safe bowl in the fryer with two cups of water mixed with the juice of half a lemon. Let it steam at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. The steam will pull off any remaining grease on the interior surfaces, and the lemon will help cover up the smell.

Alternatively, a simple solution of one ounce of lemon juice (bottled or fresh) and one ounce of white vinegar can be placed in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 2-3 minutes. Allow the air fryer to cool, and then wipe it out with a damp cloth. Repeat this process as needed until the odours are gone.

If you're looking to give your air fryer a deep clean, fill the basket halfway with soapy water and set the appliance to air fry for three minutes. Dump the water and give it one last rinse. Before cleaning your air fryer, ensure the appliance is turned off, unplugged, and completely cooled.

For tough residue, create a paste with baking soda and a splash of water. Rub the paste onto the affected areas and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, scrub gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse well.

Frequently asked questions