Air Fryer Cleaning: Tips For A Sparkling Appliance

Air fryers are a kitchen essential, but they can be a pain to clean. If you're struggling to get yours clean, you're not alone. It's important to clean your air fryer regularly to maintain its performance and ensure food safety. Here are some tips to help you get your air fryer sparkling clean!

Cleaning the heating element

• Unplug your air fryer: Always unplug the appliance from the power source before cleaning to prevent any electrical accidents.
• Allow it to cool down: Ensure that your air fryer is completely cool before handling and cleaning it.
• Remove the basket and pan: Take out the removable parts, such as the basket and pan, and set them aside for separate cleaning.
• Place the appliance upside down: To access the heating element, place a soft cloth on a flat surface and turn the appliance upside down on it. This will help protect the appliance from scratches.
• Clean the heating element: Use a soft sponge or brush with hot water to clean the heating element. Be careful not to damage the heating coil or dislodge any components. If there is stubborn food residue, use a soft to medium bristle brush. Avoid using a steel wire brush or a hard bristle brush as these can damage the coating of the heating element.
• Dry the heating element: Make sure the heating element is completely dry before reassembling the air fryer.
• Reassemble the air fryer: Once the heating element and all other parts are clean and dry, reassemble the air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that everything is properly aligned and securely in place.
• Run the air fryer empty: After cleaning, return the appliance to its upright position and turn it on, letting it run for a few minutes without any food inside. This will help loosen any remaining residues, which will be caught in the pan.

By regularly cleaning your air fryer's heating element, you can maintain its performance and efficiency. Remember to always handle the appliance with care and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools, as these can damage the coating.

Removing baked-on grease

Firstly, it is important to understand why grease builds up in your air fryer. Air fryers use heated air containing fine oil droplets to cook food, and over time, these oil droplets and grease from your food can build up and bake onto the surfaces of your air fryer. This caked-on grease can be challenging to remove and can compromise the non-stick coating if not cleaned properly.

Now, let's get into the steps for removing baked-on grease:

• Regular Cleaning: Preventative maintenance is key. It is recommended to clean your air fryer after each use. Start by allowing your air fryer to cool down and then unplugging it. Remove the basket, pan, or tray and wash it in the sink with warm water and mild dish soap. You can also fill the basket and drawer with hot water and dish soap and let them soak for a bit. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to scrub away any grease and food residue. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbers as these can damage the non-stick coating. Dry the removable parts thoroughly before placing them back into the fryer.
• Deep Cleaning: For more stubborn grease buildup, you will need to do a deep clean. Start by removing any large food particles from the air fryer. Then, fill the basket and drawer with hot water and a degreasing dish soap, such as Dawn. Let it soak for a bit, and then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. You can also create a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the grease-covered areas. Baking soda has mild abrasive properties that can help lift the grease without scratching the surface. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub away the grease. Rinse the basket and drawer with hot water and dry them thoroughly before putting them back into the fryer.
• Powerwash: For even more stubborn grease, you can use a product like Dawn Powerwash Spray. Remove the basket and drawer and fill them with hot water and Dawn dish soap. Let it sit, and then spray with the Powerwash Spray. Leave it for 10-15 minutes, and then scrub with a toothbrush. Rinse and dry the parts before reassembling. Always do a patch test on a small area of your air fryer before using any new cleaning product.
• Vinegar and Lemon Steam: This method helps loosen grease and remove odours. Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar and the juice of half a lemon to a ceramic ramekin. Place the ramekin in the air fryer and set it to 400 degrees for five minutes. Let the machine run for five minutes and then allow it to sit for another 30 minutes with the closed basket to let the steam do its work. This method is effective at loosening grease but may not be as successful at removing stuck-on food.
• Natural Degreasers: You can also use a combination of natural degreasers like dish soap, baking soda, vinegar, and lemon water to remove baked-on grease. Coat the basket generously with dish soap, and then dust it with baking soda. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to agitate the paste and get into any crevices. Add vinegar to the pan and watch it react with the baking soda. Finally, add boiling lemon water to the pan and let it sit overnight. The next day, remove the basket and use hot water and the soft side of a dish sponge to clean off any remaining grease.
• Maintenance: To prevent baked-on grease buildup, it is essential to maintain your air fryer regularly. Always wash your air fryer basket after each use, and consider using a silicone liner to catch any dripping grease. Additionally, a monthly vinegar and lemon steam bath can help keep your air fryer clean and smelling fresh.

Remember always to refer to your air fryer's manual for specific cleaning instructions and to test any new cleaning products on a small area first. With regular cleaning and the right tools, you can keep your air fryer sparkling and grease-free!

Cleaning the exterior

The exterior of your air fryer should be cleaned regularly to prevent a buildup of grease and food splatters. Here are the steps to effectively clean the outside of your air fryer:

Step 1: Unplug the Air Fryer

Before you begin cleaning your air fryer, always ensure that it is turned off and unplugged from the power source. This is an important safety precaution to prevent any electrical accidents while cleaning. Allow the air fryer to cool down completely before proceeding.

Step 2: Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. You can also use a mixture of white vinegar and hot water, which is effective in cutting through grease and residue. If you have a stainless steel oven-style fryer, you can use a stainless steel polishing solution. Alternatively, a mixture of white vinegar and lemon juice can help clean any streaks on glass elements.

Step 3: Wipe Down the Exterior

Use a soft cloth, sponge, or paper towel to wipe down the exterior of the air fryer. Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools or harsh chemicals as they can damage the non-stick coating and exterior of the appliance. Gently wipe the surface, removing any food splatters or grease residue. Pay attention to the control panel and ensure it is thoroughly cleaned.

Step 4: Dry the Exterior

Once you have finished wiping down the exterior, use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to dry the surface. Make sure that the air fryer is completely dry before reassembling any removable parts and plugging it back in.

Tips for Maintaining a Clean Exterior:

• Wipe down the exterior regularly, especially after cooking greasy or messy foods.
• Use a mild dish soap or a specialised cleaning solution for stainless steel or glass surfaces.
• Avoid using metal utensils or abrasive sponges as they can scratch the exterior.
• Always unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool down before cleaning.

Using a dishwasher vs handwashing

Most air fryer baskets are non-stick, so they can be easily cleaned with a few vigorous scrubs with a warm soapy sponge. Some baskets are also dishwasher-safe, but handwashing is recommended to preserve the non-stick coating.

Dishwasher

If you choose to use a dishwasher, make sure that there is enough room in the top rack to avoid scratching the teflon coating of the basket. Check the manual to see if your air fryer basket is dishwasher-safe.

Handwashing

To handwash your air fryer, fill the sink with warm water and add dish soap. Wash the basket and tray in the sink, and set them aside to dry overnight. Wipe down the interior and exterior of the fryer with a damp, soapy cloth, sponge or paper towel, and then wipe again with a clean damp cloth, and then a dry cloth.

It is recommended to clean your air fryer after each use to prevent flavour mixing between recipes. Deep cleaning can be done once a month or more if you use it frequently or cook greasy foods.

Cleaning oven-style air fryers

Oven-style air fryers often resemble mini ovens and sometimes have multiple racks and functions such as toasting and baking. While the basic steps for cleaning an air fryer are the same across the different styles, there are some specific considerations for cleaning the oven type.

Step-by-step guide:

• Unplug the air fryer: Always unplug the air fryer from the power outlet before cleaning, especially if you plan to clean the heating coil.
• Remove the basket or pan: Take out the basket or tray and soak it in warm, soapy water. Scrub with a sponge, using a non-abrasive sponge for non-stick finishes. Stainless steel trays can withstand abrasive sponges. For stubborn residue, let the basket soak before scrubbing.
• Wipe down the interior: Use a damp cloth or soft sponge to wipe out the interior of the air fryer, including the heating element. For hard-to-reach areas, use a small soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush.
• Clean the exterior: Use a clean cloth with warm, soapy water to wipe down the outside of the air fryer. For stainless steel oven-style fryers, use a stainless steel polishing wipe to buff out any streaks. A spray of white vinegar and lemon juice is effective for cleaning glass elements, but ensure all food residue is removed first.
• Dry thoroughly: Air dry the air fryer by leaving it open. Towel dry to remove any remaining water, and ensure everything is completely dry before using the air fryer again.

Additional tips:

• Use a high-quality grease-cutting soap to effectively remove excess grease and stuck-on food.
• Clean your air fryer immediately after use. Allow it to cool, then wash all parts before food residue dries and sticks on.
• For extra stuck-on food particles, use a paste made from baking soda and vinegar, or soak the parts in a mixture of baking soda, water, and vinegar.
• Always refer to the instruction manual for specific tips and recommendations for your particular model of air fryer.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the non-stick coating and other parts of the air fryer.
• Avoid putting water directly into the air fryer and turning it on, as this can damage the appliance.
• Ensure all components are fully dry before reassembling to prevent moisture-related issues.
• Do not submerge the entire air fryer in water.

Frequently asked questions