How To Clean Your Air Fryer With Soap And Water?

A viral TikTok hack suggests filling your air fryer basket halfway with soap and water and turning the air fryer on for a few minutes to clean it. However, this is not recommended by experts as it can cause leaks or splashes that damage the machine. Instead, it is advised to wash the basket in hot, soapy water in the sink or, if dishwasher-safe, in the dishwasher.

The TikTok air fryer hack

TikTok is a treasure trove of hacks, from deodorizing drains to removing limescale with lemons. While some of these hacks are incredibly useful, others can be counterproductive or even dangerous. One such hack that recently went viral on TikTok involves cleaning an air fryer by filling it with soap and water and running it for a few minutes. This method is likely to cause more harm than good and could potentially break your air fryer.

In the viral TikTok video, the creator squirts dish soap into a dirty air fryer basket and then adds enough water to cover the base. They insert the basket into the air fryer and run it for three to five minutes at 200-350°F. After this, they rinse out the basket, which appears clean. However, this method can cause serious issues.

Air fryers are not designed to hold a large amount of water. If the water level is too high, it can be splashed by the airflow from the fan onto the internal electrical components, causing a short circuit. Additionally, your air fryer might overheat while attempting to 'cook' this much water, creating a fire hazard.

While it's not advisable to fill your air fryer with water and soap, you can add a small amount of water (1-2 tablespoons) to the basket before cooking to maintain moisture and contain fatty drippings, reducing smoke and making cleanup easier.

So, how should you clean your air fryer? Well, it's best to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for everyday cleaning. Many air fryer parts are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze. If not, you can usually wash the accessories by hand with warm, soapy water. Just be sure to never submerge the main unit in water or put it in the dishwasher.

For a deep clean, you can scrub the internals with a damp soft-bristled brush and a microfiber cloth, using some dish soap. While it may be tempting to try out viral cleaning hacks, it's always best to prioritize the safety of your appliances and yourself!

Potential damage to the machine

Air fryers are not designed to accommodate large amounts of liquid. The maximum amount of liquid that should be added to the air fryer basket is a few tablespoons of water. Adding more than this could cause leaks or splashes that may damage your machine. The liquid could be sprayed by the fan onto the internal electrical components, causing a short circuit.

The amount of steam produced by heating a large amount of soapy water could also cause issues. The steam could escape through the vents, or the air fryer might overheat, creating a fire hazard.

Single-purpose air fryers are not designed to heat water enough to boil it. Trying to do so could put too much pressure on the appliance, causing it to burn out or be otherwise damaged.

If you have already tried this method and are worried about damage, unplug the machine and carefully wipe away any excess water. Let the appliance sit for 24 hours to ensure that any water dries before using it again.

Manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning

While there are several innovative methods to clean an air fryer, the best way to clean it is to follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Here are some detailed instructions from manufacturers on how to clean an air fryer:

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning an Air Fryer:

• Unplug and Cool: Always unplug the air fryer and let it cool down completely before cleaning. This is important for safety and to prevent burns.
• Disassemble: Remove any detachable parts, such as the basket, tray, and other components that can be washed separately. Most air fryer parts are dishwasher-safe, but it's best to check the user manual for specific instructions.
• Soak and Scrub: For heavily soiled parts, soak them in warm soapy water for a few minutes to loosen stuck-on food. Then, use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub away residues. Avoid using steel wool, metal utensils, or abrasive sponges as they can damage the non-stick coating.
• Rinse and Dry: After scrubbing, rinse the components under warm water to remove any soap residue. Ensure no soap remains as it can affect the taste of your food. Completely dry each component before reassembling the air fryer.
• Wipe Down the Interior and Exterior: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside and outside of the air fryer. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they may damage the surface.
• Clean the Heating Element: Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean the heating element if it has accumulated grease or residue. Ensure the heating element is completely dry before reassembling.
• Reassemble and Store: Once all parts are clean and dry, reassemble the air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Store it in a clean, dry place when not in use to prevent dust or buildup.

Additional Tips:

• Use Baking Soda for Stubborn Stains: Create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the affected area, and scrub gently after 10-30 minutes.
• Vinegar for Deodorizing: Fill a bowl with equal parts water and vinegar and run the air fryer at a low temperature for 5-10 minutes to eliminate odours.
• Use Air Fryer Liners: Air fryer liners or parchment paper can catch food drippings and prevent them from sticking to the basket.
• Wipe Regularly: Wipe down your air fryer regularly, especially after cooking greasy foods. This will help prevent buildup and make future cleanings easier.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Overfilling the basket can cause food to touch the heating element and create excess splatter, leading to more cleanup.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Abrasive Materials: Stick to mild dish soap and water. Strong chemicals, degreasers, steel wool, and abrasive sponges may damage the non-stick coating.
• Don't Neglect the Heating Element: Clean the heating element regularly with a damp cloth when the appliance is cool.
• Dry Properly: Ensure all components are fully dry before reassembling. Moisture can affect the performance of your air fryer and may even cause malfunction.

How to clean the heating element

It is important to clean the heating element of your air fryer to ensure optimal performance and avoid fire hazards. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean the heating element effectively and safely:

• Unplug and Cool Down: Always start by unplugging your air fryer and letting it cool down completely. This step is crucial for your safety and to prevent accidental burns.
• Access the Heating Element: Remove all detachable parts, such as baskets, trays, and plates. You may also need to remove a splatter shield, depending on your air fryer model. Refer to your user manual before removing any internal components.
• Position for Cleaning: If possible, turn the air fryer upside down to access the heating element more easily. Not all models allow this, so adjust as needed for your appliance.
• Gentle Wipe: Use a damp cloth or sponge with warm water to gently wipe the heating coil. Be cautious not to use too much water to avoid any electrical hazards.
• Tough Residue: For stubborn residue, you can use a soft-bristled brush, such as a toothbrush. Add a few drops of dish soap or make a baking soda paste for extra cleaning power. Be sure not to use a steel wire brush or a hard-bristled brush to avoid damaging the heating element's coating.
• Rinse and Dry: Wipe away any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth. Allow the air fryer to air dry completely before reassembling and using it again.

It is recommended to clean your air fryer's heating element regularly to maintain its performance and prevent unpleasant odors. Always unplug the appliance and exercise caution when handling electrical equipment near water.

Other methods for cleaning

It is not recommended to put soap and water in an air fryer and turn it on to clean it. This is because air fryers are not designed to hold much water, and the water is likely to be splashed by the fan into the internal electrical components, causing a short circuit. Your air fryer might also overheat, resulting in a fire hazard.

Instead, you should follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning your air fryer. Here are some alternative methods for cleaning your air fryer:

• Regular cleaning after each use: Unplug the air fryer and let it cool down. Remove the basket and tray and wash them with warm, soapy water in the sink. Wipe the interior and exterior with a damp cloth, and ensure everything is completely dry before reassembling.
• Deep cleaning: It is recommended to deep clean your air fryer about once a month or more often if you use it frequently or cook greasy foods. Allow the air fryer to cool down completely, then unplug it from the power outlet. Remove the removable parts such as the basket, tray, and pan, and wash them with hot water and mild dish soap. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to remove any food residue or grease. If the parts are dishwasher-safe, you can also place them in the dishwasher. Wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge, avoiding abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. Clean the heating element with a soft brush or toothbrush, being careful not to damage the heating coil or dislodge any components. Ensure the heating element is completely dry before reassembling the air fryer.
• Soaking: If you have tough residue or baked-on grease, you can try soaking the basket or tray in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes to loosen the stuck-on food. Then, scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge.
• Baking soda paste: For particularly tough residue, create a paste with baking soda and a small amount of water. Rub the paste onto the affected areas and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, scrub gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse well.
• Vinegar solution: A 50:50 mixture of distilled white vinegar and hot water can be used to cut through greasy residue on the basket and insert. You can spray this solution on or use it to soak the components. Rinse and dry well afterward.
• Air fryer liners or parchment paper: Using liners or parchment paper is a simple way to reduce mess. These catch food drippings and prevent them from sticking to the basket.

Frequently asked questions