How To Clean Your Air Fryer's Interior

Air fryers have become a staple in many kitchens, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. However, they require regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance and prevent unpleasant odours, reduced cooking performance, and potential health hazards. While some people may find cleaning air fryers difficult, it is important to maintain them properly to ensure they function efficiently and produce delicious, crispy results. This includes cleaning the removable components with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth, wiping down the exterior and interior surfaces, and deep cleaning the inside of the air fryer, including the coil, to prevent grease build-up.

How to clean the inside of an air fryer

Air fryers are a great kitchen appliance to have, but they can be a little tricky to clean. The good news is that with the right tools and techniques, you can keep your air fryer in top condition. Here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning the inside of your air fryer:

Step 1: Unplug and Cool Down

Start by unplugging your air fryer and letting it cool down completely. This is an important safety precaution before you begin cleaning.

Step 2: Remove Removable Parts

Take out the basket, tray, and any other removable parts. These can usually be washed separately in the sink or dishwasher. If you're going to wash them by hand, fill your sink with warm, soapy water and let the parts soak for about 10-15 minutes. This will help loosen any stuck-on food particles.

Step 3: Wipe Down the Exterior

Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the exterior of the air fryer. Be sure to pay extra attention to the control panel and buttons, taking care not to let any water seep into the electrical components.

Step 4: Clean the Interior

Now it's time to clean the inside of the air fryer. Remove any crumbs and wipe up any visible oil with a paper towel. Then, use a damp cloth or sponge and warm water to gently wipe out the interior, including the heating element and any crevices where food debris may have accumulated. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these can damage the non-stick coating.

For tougher messes, you can create a natural cleaning solution by mixing equal parts vinegar or lemon juice with water. You can also use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to scrub the interior, focusing on areas with stubborn residue.

Step 5: Dry and Reassemble

Once you've finished cleaning, dry all parts thoroughly with a clean towel or air-dry them completely before reassembling your air fryer. Make sure that all components are dry before putting them back together, as moisture can promote bacterial growth.

Additional Tips:

• It's recommended to clean your air fryer after each use to prevent the buildup of grease and food residue.
• Avoid using metal utensils or abrasive cleaners, as these can scratch the non-stick coating.
• To remove baked-on grease, use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Apply it to the dirty area and scrub it with a brush after a few minutes.
• If your air fryer has developed lingering odours, you can neutralise them by sprinkling a thin layer of baking soda on the bottom and letting it sit for a few hours before wiping it away.

How to clean the exterior of an air fryer

To clean the exterior of your air fryer, start by unplugging the appliance and allowing it to cool down completely. This is an important safety precaution. Once the air fryer is cool, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the exterior surfaces, removing any splatters or spills. Be sure to pay extra attention to the control panel and buttons, being careful to not let any water seep into the electrical components.

After wiping down the exterior, you can move on to cleaning the interior and any removable parts, such as the basket, tray, or pan. These removable parts can usually be washed separately in the sink or dishwasher. For tough stains on removable parts, you can soak them in warm, soapy water for about 10-15 minutes to help loosen any stuck-on food particles. You can also fill the basket halfway with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap to tackle stubborn residue.

Finally, dry all parts thoroughly with a clean towel or allow them to air dry completely before reassembling the air fryer and storing it in a cool, dry place. Regular cleaning of your air fryer will ensure optimal cooking results and prolong the lifespan of your appliance.

How to clean the removable parts of an air fryer

Air fryers are a great kitchen appliance, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. However, they do require regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance and prolong their lifespan. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean the removable parts of your air fryer:

• Unplug the Air Fryer: Always put safety first. Make sure your air fryer is unplugged and completely cooled down before you start cleaning it.
• Remove Accessories: Take out the basket and any other removable parts, such as the tray or pan. These can usually be washed separately in the sink or put in the dishwasher.
• Soak Removable Parts: Fill your sink with warm, soapy water and let the basket and other removable parts soak for about 10-15 minutes. This will help loosen any stuck-on food particles. For tougher stains, you can add a few drops of dish soap or a mixture of vinegar or lemon juice with water to create a natural cleaning solution.
• Scrub the Basket: After soaking, use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to scrub the basket, focusing on areas with stubborn residue. You can also use a soft sponge or cloth—avoid using anything abrasive, especially on non-stick coatings.
• Dry the Components: Dry all the removable parts thoroughly with a clean towel or let them air dry completely before reassembling the air fryer.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean the removable parts of your air fryer, ensuring that your appliance remains in top condition and your meals are delicious and healthy.

How to clean the heating element of an air fryer

To clean the heating element of an air fryer, you must first unplug the appliance and let it cool down. Once it is safe, remove the basket and the pan. Place the appliance upside down on a soft cloth to avoid scratches and to access the heating element.

Use a soft sponge with hot water to clean the heating element, and if there is stubborn food residue, use a soft to medium-bristled brush. Do not use a steel wire brush or a hard-bristled brush, as this could damage the coating of the heating element.

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

Some other tips for cleaning an air fryer include:

• Using a wooden skewer or toothpick to remove food stuck in the basket or grate
• Cleaning removable components with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth
• Using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda for baked-on grease
• Soaking removable parts in hot water and lemon juice or vinegar to remove odours

How to clean the air fryer basket

Keeping your air fryer basket clean is essential to maintaining the appliance and ensuring your food doesn't taste like last night's dinner. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean your air fryer basket:

Step 1: Don't delay cleaning

As tempting as it may be to put off cleaning your air fryer after cooking, it's best to tackle it right away. Unplug the air fryer and let it cool down before cleaning. This will make the process much easier and prevent any lingering odours or smoke from building up.

Step 2: Remove loose crumbs and oil

Knock out any loose crumbs and oil from the basket. You can use a paper towel or a soft cloth to wipe away any excess oil or crumbs. This step will make the subsequent cleaning process more effective.

Step 3: Soak the basket

Fill the basket with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Let it soak for about 30 minutes to an hour. This will help loosen any stuck-on food and grease, making it easier to clean.

Step 4: Scrub the basket

After soaking, use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the basket. Avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool, as these can damage the non-stick coating. If there is caked-on residue, you can fill the basket halfway with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before scrubbing.

Step 5: Rinse and dry

Once you've scrubbed the basket, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Dry the basket with a clean towel and let it air dry completely before putting it back in the air fryer.

Bonus tip: To remove stubborn grease or baked-on food, create a paste or mixture of baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice. Apply it to the dirty areas and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.

Frequently asked questions