Clean Your Air Fryer Basket And Pan Like A Pro

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook food quickly and easily, but they require regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance. The build-up of grease and food particles can affect the taste of your food and even pose a fire hazard if left unattended for too long. This guide will teach you how to effectively clean your air fryer basket and pan to ensure your appliance remains in top condition.

Soak the basket in warm, soapy water

Soaking the basket in warm, soapy water is a highly recommended method to clean your air fryer basket and pan. It is an effective way to remove caked-on grease and hard-to-remove stains. The process is simple: fill your sink or a large container with warm water and add a good amount of dish soap. Submerge the basket and let it soak for at least 10 to 30 minutes. This will loosen any stubborn grease and food residue, making it easier to clean.

While the basket is soaking, you can prepare a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to apply to the basket after soaking. This mixture will further break down any remaining grease and stains. You can also use a soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush to gently scrub the basket while it soaks, paying extra attention to crevices and areas with caked-on grease.

After soaking, remove the basket from the water and rinse it thoroughly. If there are any remaining grease or stains, apply the vinegar and baking soda paste and scrub gently. Rinse again and dry the basket with a clean towel.

It is important to note that you should avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning pads, as these can damage the non-stick coating on your air fryer basket. Regular dish soap, warm water, and a soft sponge or cloth are usually enough to get the job done.

Additionally, while it is not necessary to soak your air fryer basket after every use, it is recommended to clean it regularly to prevent grease build-up and maintain the functionality of your air fryer. A quick wash with warm, soapy water and a light scrub with a soft sponge will usually suffice between deeper cleans.

Use a baking soda and lemon paste

Cleaning Your Air Fryer with Baking Soda and Lemon Paste

Step 1: Prepare the baking soda and lemon paste

In a small bowl, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with the juice of half a lemon. Then, add a teaspoon of hot water to form a paste.

Step 2: Apply the paste to the air fryer basket

Pour the paste directly into the air fryer basket. You can also use a soft toothbrush or sponge to lightly scrub the paste onto the basket, helping to lift off stuck-on food particles.

Step 3: Let the paste sit

Let the paste sit for a few minutes. The baking soda will help lift the grease off the basket, and the lemon will leave a fresh scent.

Step 4: Rinse and dry

Rinse the basket with warm water to remove the paste, any remaining food particles, and grease. Dry the basket thoroughly with a clean cloth or towel.

Tips:

• Always unplug your air fryer and let it cool down before cleaning.
• For extra stubborn grease, try a paste made of baking soda, vinegar, and lemon.
• Never submerge the entire air fryer in water, as it can damage the electrical unit.
• Avoid using metal utensils or harsh abrasives to scrub the basket, as these can damage the non-stick coating.

Use vinegar and lemon juice steam

Vinegar and lemon juice steam is an effective method for cleaning an air fryer basket and pan. It is a good way to remove grease and oil and eliminate odours.

To clean your air fryer basket and pan using vinegar and lemon juice steam, start by filling a ceramic ramekin or microwave-safe dish with vinegar and lemon juice. For a standard-sized air fryer, use a quarter of a cup of vinegar and the juice of half a lemon. Place the dish in the air fryer, turn it on, and let it heat up. Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it run for about five minutes. After heating, leave the air fryer closed for about half an hour to allow the steam to work.

This method effectively loosens grease and oil, and the lingering lemon scent can help neutralise any pungent food odours. While it may not be the best method for removing stuck-on food, it is a good option for frequent cooks who want to eliminate odours from cooking fish or other strong-smelling foods.

For tougher, baked-on grease, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda can be applied to the affected area. After a few minutes, scrub thoroughly with a brush and then rinse.

Wash with dish soap and baking soda

To clean your air fryer basket and pan with dish soap and baking soda, start by unplugging your air fryer and removing the basket, tray, and pan. These can be washed in a similar way to other dishes.

Fill your sink with hot water and add a few squirts of dish soap. Submerge the basket, tray, and pan in the water and let them soak for 10-15 minutes. If your air fryer parts feature tough, baked-on grease, you can also try applying a generous amount of dish soap to the dry basket and pan, and then gently dusting baking soda on top.

After soaking, use a soft sponge or a non-abrasive brush to scrub the air fryer parts. Pay particular attention to any stubborn, stuck-on food or grease. For especially tough residue, create a paste with baking soda and a splash of water and apply this directly to the affected areas. Let the paste sit for about 10 minutes, and then scrub gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Rinse all parts with water and dry them with a microfiber towel. Ensure that they are completely dry before reassembling your air fryer.

Note: It is important to avoid using metal utensils or abrasive sponges when cleaning your air fryer, as these can damage the non-stick coating.

Deep clean with vinegar and baking soda

To deep clean your air fryer basket and pan with vinegar and baking soda, follow these steps:

Step 1: Dish Soap and Baking Soda

Cover the basket with a layer of dish soap, spreading it all over the fryer basket. You can use any dish soap, but some people recommend Dawn. Then, sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the entire basket. Use a small brush to scrub the mixture, ensuring it reaches all the crevices where grease could be hiding.

Step 2: Add Vinegar

Place the basket back into the removable frying pan and lock it in place. Add 3/4 cup of vinegar to the bottom of the pan. The vinegar and baking soda will create a bubbling chemical reaction that will help to break away the grease.

Step 3: Add Boiling Lemon Water

Fill a kettle with water and add half a lemon. Bring the water to a boil and then pour the boiling lemon water into the pan with the basket. Let the solution sit overnight. The dawn soap, baking soda, vinegar, and lemon water have powerful natural degreasing properties that will break down hard baked-on grease. The heat from the boiling lemon water will also help melt the grease off the sides of the basket.

Step 4: Clean Remaining Grease

Remove the basket from the mixture and use it with hot running water to clean up any remaining grease deposits. Use the soft side of a sponge to clean the pan and the basket to avoid scratches. Wipe everything dry with a soft cloth before reassembling the air fryer.

Step 5: Repeat if Necessary

If the first round of treatment does not remove all of the grease buildup, repeat the process. It should not require more than two cleaning rounds to get the basket clean and free of grease.

Frequently asked questions