Air Fryer Cleaning: Quick Tips For Sparkling Results

Air fryers are time-saving appliances, but they require more cleaning than ovens. To keep your air fryer in good condition for as long as possible, it is recommended to clean it after each use. Grease and food residue can accumulate and burn in the basket if not cleaned properly, affecting the taste of your food and potentially impacting the performance and lifespan of your appliance. To avoid this, it is important to allow your air fryer to cool down, unplug it, and then remove any excess grease with a paper towel. After this, you can clean the basket, accessories, and interior with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth, warm water, and washing-up liquid. Finally, wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth to remove any oil or food splatters.

How often to clean an air fryer

Air fryers are time-saving appliances, but they require more frequent cleaning than ovens. To keep your air fryer in good condition for as long as possible, it's recommended to clean it after each use. This prevents the build-up of old food and grease, which can affect the taste of your food and potentially impact the performance and lifespan of your appliance.

If your air fryer is not too dirty after use, simply wipe out any liquid grease with a paper towel. Deep cleaning is not necessary after every use, but it should be done at least once a month or after every five to seven uses, depending on the amount of oil and messiness of the food cooked.

Steps for a quick clean:

• Allow your air fryer to cool down after cooking. It will need at least 30 minutes to cool, but don't wait too long, as food residue will become harder to remove.
• Unplug the appliance before cleaning.
• Wipe away any oil that has accumulated in the bottom of the basket with a paper towel to prevent clogging your sink or dishwasher.
• Clean the basket, accessories, and all removable parts with warm water and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Soaking in hot water with washing-up liquid may be necessary for stubborn residue.
• Check the inside of the appliance for any grease or food residue and wipe away with a damp cloth or gentle sponge.
• Give the interior a final wipe with a dry cloth before letting it air dry completely.
• Wipe down the exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth to remove any oil or food splatter.

Steps for a deep clean:

• Repeat the first three steps of the quick clean process.
• Clean the interior, including the heating element, with a damp cloth or sponge. The heating element is typically located at the top inside the main unit and can be accessed by turning the air fryer over.
• Use a small brush, such as an old toothbrush, to reach any bits of grease or food particles that may be stuck to the heating element.
• Wipe down the exterior, paying special attention to dirt traps such as crevices around controls and buttons, as well as the top of the unit.
• Once all components are dry, reassemble the air fryer.

Best way to clean an air fryer

Air fryers are a great kitchen appliance, but they do need to be cleaned regularly to keep them in good working order. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your air fryer:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. This includes:

• Paper towels
• Dish soap
• Baking soda
• A non-abrasive sponge
• A soft-bristle scrub brush

Step 2: Let Your Air Fryer Cool Down

Safety first! Always unplug your air fryer and let it cool down for at least 30 minutes before attempting to clean it. Once it's cooled, remove all the removable parts, such as the basket, tray, and pan.

Step 3: Clean the Removable Parts

Fill your sink with warm soapy water and let the removable parts soak for a few minutes. If there is any baked-on grease or charred food, you may need to let them soak for longer, up to 10-15 minutes. Then, use a non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristle brush to scrub away any remaining residue. For stubborn food residue, you can make a baking soda and water paste to scrub onto the problem areas. Rinse the parts with clean water and set them aside to dry.

Step 4: Clean the Interior

Use a damp microfiber cloth or sponge with a mild dish soap to wipe down the inside of the air fryer. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, and pay special attention to the heating element. Do not use abrasive sponges or steel wool, as these can damage the non-stick coating. Wipe away any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth.

Step 5: Clean the Exterior

Wipe down the outside of the air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge and a mild dish soap. Be sure to unplug the appliance first. Rinse away any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth, then polish the exterior with a paper towel.

Step 6: Reassemble and Dry

Before reassembling your air fryer, make sure that all parts are completely dry. Reinsert the removable parts and you're ready to go!

Additional Tips:

• To keep your air fryer in good condition, it's recommended to clean it after every use. This will prevent chared food and gunk buildup.
• Avoid using utensils or abrasive sponges to remove stuck-on food, as these can damage the non-stick coating.
• You can also use a dishwasher to clean the removable parts, but always check your manufacturer's instructions first.
• To get rid of unpleasant odours, try using lemon juice or vinegar to steam clean your air fryer.

Quick cleaning an air fryer

Air fryers are a great kitchen appliance, and cleaning them need not be a chore. Here are some quick and easy methods to clean your air fryer, keeping it in tip-top condition.

Firstly, always unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool before cleaning. This is an important safety step.

If you are in a hurry, a quick clean with a damp cloth will spruce up your air fryer. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the main unit and control panel, removing any food splatters or grease. You can also use a soft dish brush to gently clean the heating coil if there is any food stuck to it. Ensure the unit is unplugged and cooled before doing this.

Removable parts, such as the basket, tray, and pan, can be washed with warm soapy water, just like regular dishes. You can also put these parts in the dishwasher, but check your instruction manual first to be sure they are dishwasher-safe.

If you want to give your air fryer a more thorough clean, there are a few simple methods you can try. One is to fill the basket with warm soapy water and let it soak for 20-30 minutes. This will help to loosen any baked-on grease or food residue. Then, simply scrub with a sponge or brush and rinse. Another method is to make a paste with baking soda and lemon juice and scrub the basket with this mixture, which will leave a fresh lemon scent.

There are also a few tricks you can use to keep your air fryer clean. One is to cover the basket's cooking surface with foil or an air fryer liner before cooking. This will catch any drips or splatters, making cleanup much easier.

With these quick and easy methods, you can keep your air fryer clean and ready for your next cooking adventure!

Deep cleaning an air fryer

Deep cleaning your air fryer is an important step in maintaining your appliance. A dirty air fryer will take longer to heat up, use more energy, and be more challenging to clean. It is recommended to deep clean your air fryer at least once a month, or more frequently if you use it often. Here is a step-by-step guide to deep cleaning your air fryer:

Step 1: Unplug and Let it Cool

First, turn off and unplug your air fryer. Always prioritise your safety. Allow your air fryer to cool down for at least 30 minutes. It is important to ensure it is cooled and safe to touch before proceeding.

Step 2: Remove Removable Parts

Once cooled, remove all the removable parts, such as the pan, tray, and basket. Use a paper towel to wipe out any visible food crumbs or grease from these parts.

Step 3: Soak the Removable Parts

Fill the basket with warm water and add some dish soap. Allow the removable parts to soak for around 15 to 30 minutes. This will help loosen any stubborn grease or food residue.

Step 4: Scrub the Removable Parts

After soaking, use a soft or non-abrasive sponge to scrub the removable parts. Gently scrub away any remaining grease or food particles. If necessary, use a soft or medium-bristle brush. Avoid using steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive cleaning materials, as these can damage the non-stick coating.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the removable parts with clean water to remove any residual soap. Dry them thoroughly with a clean towel and allow them to air dry completely before reassembling.

Step 6: Clean the Inner Parts

Use a damp microfiber cloth or a non-abrasive sponge dipped in dish soap to clean the inside of your air fryer. Pay special attention to the heating coil, ensuring it is free from grease and food debris. Wipe away any soapy residue with a clean, damp cloth. Be cautious not to let water drip into the electrical parts of the air fryer.

Step 7: Clean the Outside

The exterior of your air fryer also requires regular cleaning. After each use, wipe it down with a damp cloth. If needed, use a small amount of dish soap, and then wipe away any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth.

Step 8: Reassemble

Before reassembling your air fryer, ensure that all parts are completely dry. Once dry, you can put the removable parts back into the main unit. Your air fryer is now ready for use!

Tips for Deep Cleaning:

• If your air fryer has a lot of built-up grease, you can use a baking soda paste. Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water to form a paste. Apply it to the greasy areas and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a sponge or toothbrush.
• For tough grease, use the scrubber side of a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid using abrasive materials as they can damage the non-stick coating.
• A solution of water and baking soda can be used instead of dish soap. Do not use oven cleaner or other harsh chemicals.
• If your air fryer has a strong odour, soak the basket and drawer in soapy water for 30 to 60 minutes, then rub them with half a lemon and let it rest for 30 minutes before rewashing.

Air fryer parts in the dishwasher

Whether or not you can put air fryer parts in the dishwasher depends on the model of your air fryer. Always check the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning your air fryer in the dishwasher. Some manufacturers, such as Ninja, recommend hand washing the parts of your air fryer instead of using a dishwasher to extend the lifespan of the appliance.

Air Fryer Basket

The air fryer basket is the part of the appliance that may or may not be dishwasher-safe, depending on the model. For example, the Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone Air Fryer AF400UK and the Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer baskets can be washed in the dishwasher. However, Ninja recommends hand washing these parts to extend their lifespan. Other models, such as the Instant Vortex Plus, cannot go in the dishwasher due to the ClearCook feature in the drawer.

Crisper Plates

For both the AF100UK and the AF400UK Ninja models, the crisper plates that sit inside the baskets can also be washed in the dishwasher. Again, the manufacturer recommends hand washing if possible.

General Advice

When cleaning air fryer parts in the dishwasher, always place them on the top shelf, away from the heating element. Ensure that the parts have cooled down before placing them in the dishwasher. After washing, either hand dry or air-dry the parts thoroughly before returning them to the main unit.

Frequently asked questions