Air Fryer Cleaning: Power On Or Off?

Air fryers are a kitchen essential, but they need to be cleaned regularly to maintain performance and ensure food safety. While some people recommend filling the basket with soapy water and turning the appliance on for a few minutes, this can damage the non-stick coating. The best way to clean an air fryer is to remove the basket and tray, wash them with warm, soapy water, and wipe the interior and exterior with a damp cloth.

Air fryer cleaning hacks: Fill the basket with soapy water, air fry for 3 minutes, dump the water, and rinse

Air Fryer Cleaning Hacks

Fill the Basket with Soapy Water, Air Fry for 3 Minutes, Dump the Water, and Rinse

A popular hack for cleaning an air fryer is to fill the basket halfway with soapy water, set the appliance to air fry for three minutes, dump the water, and then rinse.

• Ensure the air fryer is turned off, unplugged, and completely cooled before cleaning.
• Fill the basket with 1 inch of hot water and 2 tablespoons of dish soap. You can use Dawn dish soap, which has degreasing agents for a deeper clean.
• Insert the basket into the air fryer and set the temperature to 370°F.
• ""Fry" the soapy water for 3 minutes.
• Pull out the basket and dump the water into the sink.
• Rinse the basket and check for any remaining grime or residue.
• Repeat steps 2-6 if necessary.

This method is a faster alternative to the traditional scrubbing method and can help to speed up the cleaning process for your air fryer.

However, it is important to note that this hack may not work for all types of stains, especially those from honey- and hoisin-based marinades. In such cases, you may need to soak the basket in warm, soapy water for a longer period and then scrub it with a sponge.

Deep cleaning: Wash removable parts with hot water and mild dish soap, and wipe down the interior and exterior

Deep cleaning your air fryer is an important step in maintaining its performance and ensuring food safety. It is recommended to deep clean your air fryer about once a month or more frequently if you use it often or cook greasy foods. Here is a detailed guide on how to deep clean your air fryer:

Step 1: Allow the air fryer to cool down

Before you start cleaning, ensure that the air fryer has cooled down completely. This is important for your safety and reduces the risk of burns.

Step 2: Unplug the air fryer

Always unplug the air fryer from the power source before cleaning. This is a safety precaution to prevent any electrical accidents while handling water or cleaning solutions.

Step 3: Remove removable parts

Most air fryers have removable parts such as the basket, tray, and pan. Carefully take out these parts and set them aside for separate cleaning.

Step 4: Wash removable parts with hot water and mild dish soap

Fill your sink with hot water and add a mild dishwashing soap. Wash the removable parts in the sink using a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to remove any food residue or grease. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush for stubborn stains. If your air fryer parts are dishwasher-safe, you can place them in the dishwasher for a deeper clean.

Step 5: Clean the interior and exterior

Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads as they may damage the surface. Pay extra attention to the heating element, ensuring it is free of grease and residue. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean the heating element, being careful not to damage the heating coil or dislodge any components.

Step 6: Reassemble and dry

Once all the parts are clean and dry, reassemble the air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that everything is properly aligned and secure. Use a microfiber cloth or towel to dry the air fryer thoroughly before storing it in a clean, dry place.

By following these steps, you will be able to deep clean your air fryer effectively, removing any grease, food residue, and odours. Remember to always refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific cleaning instructions and safety guidelines.

Cleaning the heating element: Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean the heating element

To clean the heating element of your air fryer, you will need to gather a few supplies and follow a few important steps. Firstly, ensure that you have unplugged the air fryer from the power outlet. This is a crucial safety measure to prevent any electrical accidents while you are handling the appliance.

Next, you will need a soft brush or toothbrush, along with some warm, soapy water. It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges as these can damage the non-stick coating and other parts of the air fryer. Dip your brush or toothbrush into the warm, soapy water, ensuring that it is damp rather than dripping. Gently clean the heating element, taking care not to damage the heating coil or dislodge any components. Pay special attention to any areas with accumulated grease or residue, as skipping the cleaning of the heating element can reduce the efficiency of your air fryer over time.

Once you have thoroughly cleaned the heating element, it is important to rinse the brush or toothbrush and wipe the heating element again to remove any remaining soap. Finally, make sure that the heating element is completely dry before reassembling the air fryer. This step is crucial, as moisture can impact the performance of your air fryer and may even cause it to malfunction.

Air fryer cleaning myths: Do not add water to your air fryer and turn it on—this can damage the appliance

Air fryers are fantastic kitchen appliances that can cook up a storm in a flash. But, like any appliance, they need to be cleaned and maintained to keep them in good working order.

There are many methods for cleaning an air fryer, from soaking the basket in warm soapy water to using a baking soda and lemon paste. However, one method that should be avoided is adding water to the air fryer and turning it on.

This method involves filling the air fryer basket with water and then turning on the appliance, supposedly to clean the interior with steam. However, this is not an effective way to clean your air fryer and can, in fact, be dangerous.

Firstly, water and electricity do not mix, and your air fryer contains a large electrical coil. This means that attempting to clean your air fryer in this way could short out the internal electrical mechanisms and ruin the appliance.

Secondly, this method will not effectively clean the inside of the air fryer. The fan cannot blow the water around evenly, so it will not reach all the areas that need to be cleaned.

So, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to clean your air fryer, it's best to avoid this particular hack. Instead, try some of the other cleaning methods mentioned in this article, such as using a soft sponge and warm soapy water, or a paste made from baking soda and lemon juice.

Always remember to unplug your air fryer and let it cool down completely before attempting any kind of cleaning or maintenance. It's also important to dry all components thoroughly before reassembling and storing your air fryer to prevent bacterial growth.

By following these simple cleaning tips, you can keep your air fryer in top condition and avoid any unpleasant surprises the next time you use it.

Removing baked-on grease: Use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, or a soft brush or cloth to wipe the heating element

It is important to clean your air fryer regularly to prevent a thick build-up of grease and food deposits. While it may be tempting to try a viral cleaning hack, such as filling the fryer with soapy water and turning it on, this method can be dangerous and may damage the appliance.

Removing baked-on grease:

Use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda:

A 50:50 mixture of vinegar and hot water can be sprayed on or used to soak the fryer components. The acidic properties of vinegar help to dissolve grease deposits. Alternatively, you can use a paste made from baking soda and a small amount of water. Apply the paste and let it sit for about 10 minutes, then scrub with a soft-bristled brush or cloth and rinse.

Use a soft brush or cloth:

For the heating element, it is best to use a microfiber cloth dipped in hot soapy water and wrung out so that it is not dripping. Wipe the element and rinse the cloth often, allowing the element to air dry for several hours before using the appliance.

Additional tips:

• Always unplug the appliance before cleaning.
• Avoid using steel wool or metal utensils to scrape off stuck-on food, as this can damage the non-stick coating.
• To prevent a build-up of grease, clean the air fryer after each use, especially if there is stuck-on food.
• Use a liner or filter to catch grease and food residue, which can be thrown away after each use.
• Soaking the fryer basket in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes can help to loosen residue before scrubbing.

Frequently asked questions