How to Clean an Air Fryer
5 min read
Air fryers are one of the most popular kitchen appliances of all time, and it’s estimated that around a third of British households own one. Looking after your air fryer and keeping it clean will ensure it lasts for longer and remains safe to use. Fortunately, cleaning an air fryer doesn’t require too much hard work. In this article, we’ll explain why cleaning your air fryer is important, how often you should clean it, outline the best way to clean an air fryer and provide you with some top air fryer cleaning hacks.
Why Cleaning Your Air Fryer is Important
Air fryers have soared in popularity over recent years thanks to their small size, efficient use of energy and the speed at which they can cook your favourite foods. You may own a simple model with just a basket and tray, or your air fryer may come with multiple accessories, including chip baskets and rotisserie baskets – all of which need to be cleaned thoroughly.
Proper care, maintenance and cleaning of your air fryer is essential for ensuring your appliance continues to work efficiently and safely. Not only that, cleaning your air fryer is important because it:
- Ensures the food you cook tastes better.
- Improves food hygiene.
- Lowers the chances of harmful bacteria causing food poisoning.
- Prevents the build up of grease, making future cleaning much easier.
- Prevents unpleasant odours from building up.
- Reduces the chances of smoke and potential fire hazards.
- Prolongs the lifespan of your air fryer.
- Keeps your air fryer running efficiently.
- Ensures your air fryer remains safe to use.
How Often to Clean Air Fryer
Cleaning your air fryer regularly is important to ensure it continues to work like new whilst also keeping your food safe from harmful food poisoning bacteria. It’s recommended that you give your air fryer a light clean after every use and a deeper clean every month, or every few uses if you regularly cook greasy foods.
A light clean after each use means removing small crumbs that may burn, wiping in and around the appliance with a damp cloth to remove surface dirt and hand washing the air fryer basket.
For a monthly deep clean, you’ll need to clean all the accessories and inside the appliance more thoroughly to remove burnt-on food, grease and odours. See our guidance on the best way to clean an air fryer below.
Best Way to Clean an Air Fryer
The best way to clean an air fryer is with washing up liquid, a soft cloth, an old toothbrush and some old-fashioned elbow grease. You don’t need fancy cleaning products or sponges to keep your air fryer looking and operating at its best.
To clean an air fryer, follow these simple steps:
- Unplug your air fryer and allow it to cool down completely.
- Remove all the parts and accessories, including the tray and any baskets.
- Clean each item with warm, soapy water and a soft, clean cloth. Use an old toothbrush to get into the corners and each part of the basket to ensure it’s cleaned thoroughly.
- To remove stubborn dirt or burnt-on food, leave the part to soak for a few minutes before cleaning. Alternatively, make up a paste with bicarbonate of soda and water then gently work this into the area with a toothbrush until the dirt comes loose.
- Rinse each air fryer accessory in clean water and leave to air dry.
How to Clean an Air Fryer Basket or Drawer
To clean an air fryer basket or drawer:
- Fill the sink with warm water and washing up liquid, then use an old toothbrush to clean all areas of the basket.
- For stubborn dirt, leave the basket to soak in soapy water for 20-30 minutes before scrubbing with a brush or sponge.
- Leave the air fryer basket to air dry and then reassemble, ready for its next use.
- If the basket still has an unpleasant odour after cleaning, sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda into the basket and leave it to absorb the smell for a few hours, then rinse clean.
How to Clean an Air Fryer Tray
To clean an air fryer tray:
- Sweep off any loose crumbs and food from the tray into the bin. Use a paper towel to wipe away any oil.
- Fill the sink with warm water and washing up liquid, then wipe the tray thoroughly using a soft, clean cloth.
- For stubborn dirt or burnt-on food, leave the tray to soak in soapy water for 20-30 minutes before scrubbing lightly with a sponge or old toothbrush.
- Leave the air fryer tray to air dry and then reassemble, ready for its next use.
How to Clean an Air Fryer Heating Element
To clean an air fryer heating element, found on the underside of the appliance:
- Unplug the air fryer and ensure it has completely cooled to avoid burns.
- Because the heating element is part of the air fryer itself and cannot be detached, it must not be submerged in water or you risk breaking the appliance.
- Use a clean, damp cloth or sponge to wipe grease and dirt off the heating element.
- Rinse the cloth in warm soapy water and wipe again, repeating this action until no dirt is left on the heating coil.
- For stubborn grease, use a soft bristled toothbrush and warm, soapy water to carefully scrub the heating element. Avoid getting it too wet so you don’t damage the element.
- Leave the heating element to dry completely before switching the air fryer back on.
How to Clean an Air Fryer Filter
To clean an air fryer filter:
- Remove the filter casing and pull out the air fryer filter.
- Fill the sink with warm, soapy water and then use a soft, clean cloth to wipe the filter clean.
- Leave the filter to air dry and then put back into the air fryer for next use.
- Most air fryer filters need replacing every 6 months or so, depending on how often you use your appliance. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for more advice for your particular model.
Air Fryer Cleaning Hacks
Check out our top air fryer cleaning tips to help you get the most out of your appliance, minimise cleanup after use and make the cleaning process easier:
- Avoid using the dishwasher to clean an air fryer, even if the parts are labelled as dishwasher safe. This is because, over time, dishwashers can strip the non-stick coating on the air fryer components.
- Wipe your air fryer down after every use, as this will help it last for longer and make deep cleans much easier to do.
- Use air fryer basket liners or baking paper when you cook, as this drastically helps to reduce mess and the liner can be thrown away after use.
- For stubborn, baked-on grease, try filling the tray or drawer with water, drop in a dishwasher tablet and leave to soak overnight. Then, simply rinse clean the next day.
- Never use harsh cleaning chemicals or abrasive sponges on your air fryer, as this will damage the non-stick coating or could cause chemical contamination of food.
- Despite being a popular internet trend, never fill your air fryer with water to clean it, as this can damage the appliance. Instead, remove the individual components and hand wash them.
- Always ensure your air fryer is completely dry before using it again, as moisture in the wrong places can cause your air fryer to malfunction.
Knowing how to clean an air fryer is essential knowledge for anyone who owns this small appliance. Regular and thorough cleaning ensures food safety and proper hygiene, and helps to increase the longevity of your air fryer. By following our top tips for how to clean an air fryer, you’ll easily get the most out of your favourite kitchen appliance.
Further Resources:
- Food Hygiene Courses
- Air Fryer Safety for UK Households
- Deep Fat Fryer Safety
- How to Clean a Kitchen
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