How To Clean Your Air Fryer Basket The Right Way

Air fryers are a convenient kitchen appliance, but they require regular cleaning due to the type of food cooked in them. While some air fryer parts are dishwasher-safe, it is generally recommended to clean the air fryer basket by hand after each use. This is because grease and food particles can get stuck in the small holes and crevices of the basket, which can be difficult to remove. There are various methods for cleaning an air fryer basket, including soaking it in warm soapy water, using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, or a combination of dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar. It is important to avoid harsh, abrasive cleaners or sharp objects when cleaning the basket to protect the coating.

Can you wash an air fryer basket?

How to hand-wash an air fryer basket

Air fryer baskets can be difficult to clean by hand, especially if food has been allowed to dry and harden on the surface. However, it is recommended that you wash your air fryer basket after each use. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to hand-wash an air fryer basket:

Step 1: Prepare the basket

Firstly, unplug your air fryer and let it cool down. Remove the basket and any other removable parts, such as grates or trays. Knock out any loose crumbs and oil, then give the basket a quick wipe with a paper towel to remove any remaining bits.

Step 2: Soak the basket

Fill your sink with warm water and add a few squirts of dish soap. Submerge the basket and any other removable parts in the soapy water and let them soak for 30 minutes to an hour. This will help to loosen any grease and grime, making it easier to scrub away.

Step 3: Scrub the basket

After soaking, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or sponge to gently scrub the basket. You can use a combination of baking soda and lemon juice, or a small amount of dish soap, to help cut through the grease. Be sure to scrub all the nooks and crannies, and pay extra attention to any areas with caked-on residue. Avoid using harsh, abrasive cleaners or sharp objects, such as knives or hard brushes, as these can damage the coating on your basket.

Step 4: Rinse and dry

Once you've finished scrubbing, rinse the basket and removable parts with warm water to remove any residual soap. Dry the basket and parts thoroughly with a clean towel, then let them air dry completely before putting them back in the air fryer.

Additional tips:

• To remove stubborn grease, create a paste with baking soda, lemon juice, and a small amount of hot water. Apply the paste directly to the grease and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
• For a deeper clean, fill the air fryer drawer with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then gently scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.
• To neutralise odours, add lemon juice to your soaking water or cleaning paste.
• Always consult your manufacturer's cleaning instructions before attempting to clean your air fryer basket.

Using a dishwasher to clean an air fryer basket

If your air fryer basket is dishwasher-safe, it is still recommended to hand wash it regularly and only use the dishwasher for particularly greasy messes. To hand wash your air fryer basket, simply rinse it with warm water and a mild dish soap, then wipe it down with a sponge or soft cloth and let it dry on a towel. This method is easy and effective at removing grease.

If you do decide to use a dishwasher, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance. It is also important to ensure that all components are completely dry before reassembling your air fryer, as moisture can affect its performance and even cause a malfunction.

Additionally, when cleaning your air fryer basket, whether by hand or in the dishwasher, avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive sponges, or metal utensils as these can damage the non-stick coating and other parts of the air fryer.

Removing stuck-on food from an air fryer basket

Soaking and Scrubbing:

• Start by filling your sink with very warm or hot water and adding a generous amount of dish soap to create soapy water. You can also use boiling water if you prefer.
• Remove the air fryer basket and any other removable components like the grate, pan, or tray. Soak them in the soapy water for at least 10 minutes to help loosen and soften the stuck-on food particles. For tougher residues, you can soak them for 30 minutes to an hour.
• After soaking, use a non-abrasive scrubber sponge, a soft-bristled brush, or the soft side of a sponge to scrub away the food bits and cut through the grease. You can also use a soft toothbrush dedicated to cleaning. Make sure not to use harsh, abrasive cleaners or sharp objects like knives or hard brushes, as these can damage the coating of your basket.
• Rinse the basket and other components thoroughly with water to ensure all residue and soap are removed.
• Finally, let the basket air dry completely before using it again.

Using Baking Soda and Vinegar:

• For stubborn stuck-on food, create a paste by mixing baking soda with liquid dish soap and a small amount of hot water. You can also add vinegar to this mixture for extra power.
• Apply the paste generously to the dirty areas of the basket.
• Let the paste sit for a few minutes to allow it to work on breaking down the grease and food particles.
• After a few minutes, thoroughly scrub the basket with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth until all the build-up is removed.
• Rinse the basket with water to remove any residual soap or paste.
• Let the basket air dry completely before using it again.

Using Dawn Dish Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide:

• This method combines the power of Dawn dish soap, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide for a speedy and efficient clean.
• Add two tablespoons of baking soda, two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide, and a few sprays of Dawn dish soap directly into the air fryer basket and mix to create a paste. Alternatively, you can mix it in a bowl and then apply it to the basket.
• Gently clean the entire basket with a soft toothbrush for about two minutes.
• Rinse the basket with water, using the non-abrasive side of a sponge to ensure you don't damage the coating.
• This method effectively removes stuck-on food, grease, smells, and even some of the dark grime that builds up over time.

Remember to always consult your air fryer's instruction manual before cleaning, as some models may have specific recommendations or restrictions. Additionally, it's a good idea to clean your air fryer basket regularly and not let grease and food particles build up, as this can affect the taste and quality of your cooked food.

Cleaning an air fryer basket with baking soda and lemon paste

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

Pour the paste directly into the air fryer basket and lightly scrub with a soft toothbrush or sponge. Let the paste sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse the basket under cool running water, dry it with a clean microfiber cloth, and put the basket back in the air fryer.

This cleaning method effectively removes stuck-on food and grease, leaving your air fryer basket fresh and clean. The baking soda gently removes grime without scratching the surface, while the lemon juice has natural antibacterial properties that help to deodorize and neutralize any lingering odours.

It is important to note that this cleaning method may not completely remove old, dark grime. Additionally, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and precautions before cleaning your air fryer, as different models may have specific recommendations.

Cleaning an air fryer basket with vinegar and lemon juice steam

Yes, you can wash an air fryer basket, but it's important to follow the correct steps to ensure it's done safely and effectively. Here's a detailed guide on how to clean your air fryer basket using vinegar and lemon juice steam:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Before you begin, always make sure your air fryer is unplugged and completely cooled down. Remove any large pieces of food debris or residue from the basket. You can use a soft-bristled brush, like a toothbrush, or a damp microfiber cloth to loosen and wipe away any stuck-on food, grease, or grime. This step is important to ensure that the steam cleaning process is more effective.

Step 2: Create the Vinegar and Lemon Juice Solution

In an oven-safe dish or ramekin, combine equal parts lemon juice and white vinegar. The exact amount of liquid you need will depend on the size of your air fryer basket, but typically, using about 1/4 cup (or a few ounces) of each liquid should be sufficient. You can also add a teaspoon of hot water to the mixture if desired.

Step 3: Steam Clean the Air Fryer Basket

Place the dish containing the vinegar and lemon juice solution into your air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to a temperature of around 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it run for approximately 5 minutes. The heat will cause the liquid to evaporate, creating a steam-filled environment. After the time is up, turn off the air fryer and let the basket sit closed for about 30 minutes. This allows the steam to loosen and dissolve grease, odours, and any remaining food particles.

Step 4: Wipe Down the Air Fryer Basket

Once the steaming process is complete, remove the dish with the lemon juice and vinegar solution. Use a microfiber cloth or a soft sponge to wipe down the entire air fryer basket, including the interior and exterior surfaces. This step will remove any remaining residue and ensure your air fryer is clean and sanitised. If necessary, you can also use a small brush or toothbrush to reach into narrow crevices and cracks.

Step 5: Dry the Air Fryer Basket

After wiping down the air fryer basket, it's important to dry it thoroughly. Use a clean towel or cloth to absorb any remaining moisture. Make sure that all components are completely dry before reassembling your air fryer. Leaving moisture inside the air fryer can promote bacterial growth, so it's crucial to take the time to dry everything properly.

Additional Tips:

• Always refer to your air fryer's user manual or manufacturer's instructions for specific cleaning guidelines.
• To remove tough, baked-on grease, you can also create a paste by mixing baking soda and water and applying it directly to the affected areas. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly.
• For a simpler cleaning method, you can fill the air fryer basket with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Let it soak for about 15-20 minutes, then scrub away any remaining residue with a brush or sponge.
• To eliminate odours, you can also fill an oven-safe dish with vinegar and lemon juice and run the air fryer at 400°F/200°C for 10-20 minutes.

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