Soaking Your Air Fryer Basket: Is It Safe?

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy alternative to deep fryers, but they can be a pain to clean. The best way to clean an air fryer basket depends on the type and extent of the mess. For light cleaning, it is generally recommended to wash the basket with warm water and dish soap. For tougher messes, it is advisable to soak the basket in hot water and dish soap for at least 20 minutes, or even overnight, before scrubbing it with a non-abrasive sponge.

Soaking the basket in hot water and dish soap

Firstly, it is important to let your air fryer cool down and unplug it before cleaning. You can then begin by knocking out any loose crumbs and oil. You can do this by blotting with a paper towel or gently shaking the basket over a bin.

Next, fill your sink with hot water and add a good amount of dish soap. You can also add the soap directly to the basket before pouring in the hot water. Some people recommend using Fairy Platinum Quick Wash, which is reportedly very effective on grease. Let the basket soak for at least 15-20 minutes, and up to 30 minutes for tougher messes.

After soaking, you can then scrub the basket with more soap and a non-stick-safe scrubby sponge, or a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse the basket thoroughly, ensuring that all soap residue is removed. Finally, dry the basket with a clean towel and let it air-dry completely before putting it back in the air fryer.

This soaking method is a great way to loosen tough, stuck-on grease and grime, without the need for harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools, which could damage the non-stick coating.

Using a dishwasher pod

Soaking your air fryer basket is a great way to loosen tough, stuck-on grease and grime. If your air fryer basket is not dishwasher-safe, you can soak it in the sink with a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap for 15-20 minutes. For very dirty baskets, you can also try adding a dishwasher detergent pod to the mixture. However, be sure to check the label of the detergent pod to make sure that it is safe for use in a dishwasher.

• Remove the air fryer basket from the appliance.
• Scrape off any large pieces of food residue from the basket using a spatula or spoon.
• Fill your sink with warm water.
• Add a dishwasher detergent pod to the water and mix until the pod is dissolved.
• Place the air fryer basket in the sink and allow it to soak for 15-20 minutes.
• After soaking, use a soft sponge or brush to gently clean the basket, paying special attention to any areas with stuck-on food or grease.
• Rinse the basket with warm water to remove any remaining soap and detergent.
• Dry the basket with a clean towel or allow it to air dry.

It is important to note that not all air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe. Always consult your user manual before cleaning your air fryer basket with a dishwasher detergent pod. If your basket is not dishwasher-safe, you can still use this method, but be sure to exercise caution and avoid using harsh detergents or abrasive cleaning tools, as these can damage the coating of the basket.

Baking soda and lemon paste

To clean your air fryer basket with baking soda and lemon paste, start by unplugging the air fryer and letting it cool down. Then, mix two tablespoons of baking soda, the juice of half a lemon, and one teaspoon of hot water in a small bowl. Combine the ingredients well until a paste forms.

Pour the paste directly into the air fryer basket and gently scrub with a soft toothbrush or sponge. Make sure to scrub the inside walls of the basket as well. Let the paste sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Finally, rinse the basket under cool running water, dry it with a clean microfiber cloth, and put it back in the air fryer.

This cleaning method is effective at removing stuck-on food and grease, as well as neutralizing odours with the fresh lemon scent. However, it may not be able to remove old, dark grime.

Vinegar and lemon juice steam

To clean your air fryer basket with vinegar and lemon juice steam, add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to a ceramic ramekin and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. Place the ramekin inside the air fryer basket and set it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes. After heating up, let the air fryer sit closed for half an hour so that the steam can do its job.

This method is not as effective at removing stuck-on food, so you may need to scrub the basket with a sponge or toothbrush after steaming. You can also try using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, applying it to the dirty area, and scrubbing with a brush after a few minutes.

Always consult your manufacturer's cleaning instructions first, and be sure to rinse and dry all components thoroughly before reassembling your air fryer for storage.

Dawn steam

Cleaning an Air Fryer Basket with Dawn Steam

To clean an air fryer basket with the Dawn steam method, follow these steps:

• Fill the basket with water: Ensure the air fryer is turned off and unplugged, then fill the basket with water.
• Add a few drops of Dawn dish soap: A little goes a long way. Dawn is known for its grease-cutting power, so it's effective at tackling tough grease and grime.
• Turn on the air fryer for two minutes: This step creates steam, which helps loosen the grease and grime from the basket.
• Rinse the basket: After steaming, rinse the basket with clean water to remove any remaining soap residue.
• Dry the basket: Wipe all components dry with a clean towel and let them air dry completely before storing. This step helps prevent bacterial growth.

Additional Tips:

• Always consult your manufacturer's cleaning instructions first, as some air fryer parts may be dishwasher-safe.
• Clean the air fryer basket after each use.
• For tougher messes, fill the basket halfway with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Let it sit for 10-30 minutes, then gently scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth until all the build-up is removed.
• To clean the inside of the air fryer, knock out loose crumbs and wipe up visible oil. Gently wipe the interior, including the coil, with a towel and warm water. Repeat this step with warm soapy water if needed to dissolve cooked-on grease.

Frequently asked questions