Best Ways To Clean Your Air Fryer

Air fryers are a great way to enjoy fried foods with less fat and fewer calories. But how do you keep them clean? Here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning your air fryer, including some tips and tricks to make the process easier.

Using soap and water

Step 1: Unplug and Cool the Air Fryer

Always start by unplugging your air fryer and letting it cool down completely. This is important for safety reasons and to avoid any burns when handling the appliance.

Step 2: Remove Removable Parts

Most air fryers have removable parts such as the basket, tray, and pan. Carefully take out these parts and set them aside for cleaning separately.

Step 3: Wash Removable Parts with Soap and Water

Fill your sink with warm to hot water and add some mild dish soap. Wash the removable parts in the soapy water using a soft sponge or cloth. If there is baked-on grease or stubborn residue, you can let the parts soak in the soapy water for about 10 to 30 minutes before scrubbing gently with a non-abrasive sponge. Alternatively, you can use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away any tough residue.

Step 4: Clean the Interior and Exterior

Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer. You can also use a mild dish soap or a vinegar solution to help remove any grease or stubborn stains. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these may damage the surface of your air fryer.

Step 5: Clean the Heating Element

Turn your air fryer upside down and use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean the heating element. Be careful not to damage the heating coil or dislodge any components. Make sure the heating element is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Reassemble and Dry

Once all the parts are clean and dry, reassemble your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that everything is properly aligned and securely in place. You can use a towel to dry the parts or let them air dry completely before reassembling.

Additional Tips:

• It is recommended to clean your air fryer after each use to prevent food buildup and make future cleanings easier.
• While some air fryer parts are dishwasher-safe, hand washing them regularly can help prolong the life of the non-stick coating.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals, steel wool, metal scrubbers, or abrasive sponges as these can damage the non-stick coating.
• Always make sure all components are fully dry before reassembling your air fryer to prevent any issues with its performance.

Cleaning the heating element

The heating element of your air fryer should be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of grease and residue, which can reduce the efficiency of your appliance over time. It is important to be gentle when cleaning the heating element to avoid damaging the heating coil or displacing any components.

Firstly, unplug your air fryer and let it cool down completely. This is important for your safety and will make the appliance easier to handle. Once the air fryer is cool, turn it upside down and use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean the heating element, removing any accumulated grease or residue. Be careful not to damage the heating coil or dislodge any components.

After brushing the heating element, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe it down. Ensure that you do not use any abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these may damage the surface. You can also use a soft dish brush to remove any remaining grease or residue. Again, be gentle and avoid applying too much pressure, as this could damage the heating element.

Finally, make sure that the heating element is completely dry before reassembling your air fryer. Moisture can affect the performance of your air fryer and may even cause it to malfunction, so it is important to ensure that all components are fully dry before putting them back together.

It is recommended to clean the heating element of your air fryer about once a month or more frequently if you use it often or cook greasy foods. Regular cleaning will help to maintain the performance of your air fryer and ensure food safety.

Deep cleaning

Allow the air fryer to cool down: Before you start cleaning, ensure that the air fryer has cooled down completely. This reduces the risk of burns and makes it safer to handle.

Unplug the air fryer: Always unplug the air fryer from the power source before you begin the cleaning process. This prevents any electrical accidents while handling water or cleaning solutions.

Remove removable parts: Most air fryers come with removable parts such as the basket, tray, and pan. Take out these parts carefully and set them aside for cleaning separately.

Clean removable parts: Wash the removable parts with hot water and mild dish soap. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to remove any food residue or grease. If the parts are dishwasher-safe, you can also place them in the dishwasher for a deeper clean. For tough, baked-on grease, you can soak the basket or tray in hot, soapy water for 10-30 minutes to help loosen the gunk. For extremely stubborn food residue, you can make a cleaning paste with baking soda and water and scrub it onto the residue with a soft-bristle brush.

Clean the interior and exterior: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of the air fryer. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these may damage the surface. Wipe down the exterior as well.

Clean the heating element: Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean the heating element if it has accumulated grease or residue. Be careful not to damage the heating coil or dislodge any components. Make sure that the heating element is completely dry before reassembling the air fryer.

Reassemble and store properly: Once all the 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. Store your air fryer in a clean, dry place when not in use to prevent dust or buildup of grime.

Some additional tips for keeping your air fryer clean include:

• Using liners or parchment paper to catch food drippings and prevent them from sticking to the basket.
• Wiping down the air fryer regularly, especially after cooking greasy foods.
• Avoiding overfilling the basket, as this can cause food to touch the heating element or create excess splatter.

Cleaning the exterior

The exterior of your air fryer should be cleaned less frequently than the interior, as less grease and grime accumulate on the outside. However, it is still important to wipe down the exterior regularly to keep your appliance in good condition.

Firstly, unplug your air fryer and let it cool down. This is an important safety precaution, as you do not want to risk electrical accidents while handling water or cleaning solutions.

Once your air fryer is unplugged and cool, use a cloth or sponge with a bit of dish soap to wipe down the exterior. You can also use a product like Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray to cut through any grease. Just spritz and scrub with your favourite sponge! Make sure to wipe away any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth.

Finally, polish the outside of your air fryer with a paper towel to give it a nice shine.

If you want to avoid an eventual deep clean, it is recommended to quickly wipe down the exterior of your air fryer after every few uses.

To keep the exterior of your air fryer in good condition, you can also store it in a clean, dry place when not in use. This will prevent dust or buildup of grime.

Cleaning the interior

The interior of your air fryer should be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of grime and grease. It is recommended to clean the air fryer's interior after every use, or at least once a week. Here are the steps you should follow:

Step 1: Unplug and Cool

First, always unplug the air fryer and let it cool down completely before attempting to clean it. This is important for safety reasons, as it reduces the risk of burns and makes it safer to handle.

Step 2: Remove Removable Parts

Most air fryers have removable parts such as the basket, tray, and pan. Carefully take out these parts and set them aside for cleaning separately.

Step 3: Clean Removable Parts

Wash the removable parts with warm to hot water and mild dish soap. You can use a non-abrasive sponge, cloth, or soft-bristled brush to remove any food residue or grease. If the parts are particularly greasy, you can soak them in hot, soapy water for about 10 to 30 minutes before scrubbing. If your air fryer parts are dishwasher-safe, you can also place them in the dishwasher, although hand washing may help the non-stick coating last longer.

Step 4: Clean the Interior

Use a damp cloth, sponge, or soft brush to wipe down the interior of the air fryer, including the coil. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these may damage the surface. If there is baked-on grease or stubborn residue, you can use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Apply it to the dirty area and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.

Step 5: Clean the Heating Element

Turn your air fryer upside down and use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the heating element. You can also use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean the heating element if it has accumulated grease or residue. Be careful not to damage the heating coil or dislodge any components. Ensure that the heating element is completely dry before reassembling the air fryer.

Step 6: Reassemble and Dry

Once all the 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. Make sure that all components are completely dry before reassembling to prevent moisture buildup, which can affect the air fryer's performance and even cause malfunctions.

Frequently asked questions