Air fryers are soaring in popularity right now - but how do you clean them?
Whether it's a recent purchase or you've been ahead of the curve, we know that if you've got an air fryer you're probably using it all the time. Quick, easy, and great for giving leftovers a refresh, they're cost-effective too, leading many to ask how much does it cost to run an air fryer? It's important to know how to look aftere these handy gadgets too, and just like people have been wondering how to clean a TV screen, the same is being asked of air fryers.
Fortunately, they're a lot easier than ovens and deep fryers to clean, and despite not having any Mrs Hinch cleaning tips on this area, we've done the research to find out how you can get your air fryer sparkling again. Sarah Dempsey, cleaning expert at MyJobQuote, says, "2022 has seen a drastic increase in air fryer usage due to the sudden skyrocketing of energy bills. With such constant use, it’s important to know good maintenance skills to prolong the longevity of your appliance. Keeping your air fryer clean and looked after is a sure-fire way to avoid going back to the oven."
How to clean an air fryer
- After use, unplug your air fryer and let it cool fully to prevent injury
- Fill a sink or bucket with hot soapy water
- Pull out any removable parts such as the basket, tray or pan and wash them in the sink or bucket
- Set these parts aside to dry overnight
- With a damp, soapy cloth, sponge or paper towel, wipe down the interior and exterior of your air fryer - don't forget the heating element too
- Once the removable parts are fully dry, insert them back into place
Sarah adds: "If your air fryer has accumulated a lot of grease and build-up over time, you may need to go in with a deep clean. To lift any stubborn grease, submerge the removable parts in hot soapy water for 30 minutes. This will allow you to remove debris and oil with ease."
Tips for cleaning an air fryer
- Add water - Sarah says, "You can also try adding a cup of water to the air fryer basket, turning it on and leaving it to heat for a few minutes. The heat of the water will lift stubborn grease, allowing you to wipe down with ease - no need to scrub!"
- Try baking soda - "If you’re dealing with extra awkward patches, mix some baking soda with a little water to create a paste. Apply the paste to any difficult areas and leave to soak for a few minutes before lightly scrubbing."
- Use a toothbrush - "If you’re struggling to get to some hard to reach areas, try using an old toothbrush to lightly scrub."
- Invest in liners - "It’s also possible to get your hands on some air fryer liners, which can drastically cut down cleaning time! Before using an air fryer liner, ensure you consult the manual to check compatibility."
How often should you clean an air fryer?
Ideally, you should clean you air fryer each time you use it, but you could give it a deep clean every 4-5 uses instead.
Sarah Dempsey says, "The quickest and easiest method for cleaning an air fryer is to do a light clean after each, or every few uses. This will save time in future, as you won’t have to put in as much energy to remove grease and grime."
She adds, "Keeping your air fryer clean is vital to prevent odours, malfunctions and even fires. It will also keep you and your family healthy, as cooking in a dirty appliance is never beneficial for your body. I recommend deep cleaning your air fryer every 4-5 uses. However, lightly cleaning after each use will drastically cut down overall cleaning time."
Related Features:
If you're looking to invest in an air fryer we'd recommend taking a look at our collection of the best air fryers for families as well as best air fryer cookbooks and best air fryer recipes to add to your repertoire. We've also answered an array of air fryer questions for you including 'Can you put tin foil in an air fryer?' and 'Are air fryers healthy?'
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Sarah Dempsey has worked in the cleaning industry for over twenty five years. She specialises in domestic cleaning and works closely with MyJobQuote - the UK’s leading trades matching site - to provide expert cleaning knowledge to homeowners, tradespeople and news outlets.