The first air fryer was invented 20 years ago, with the first models hitting the shelves in 2010. Ever since, it has become one of the most popular kitchen appliances, second only, perhaps, to microwave ovens. Today, air fryers can be found in two out of three households globally. However, not many people know how to clean the air fryer, which can significantly reduce its lifespan.
In fact, grease buildup is a major reason why some of these appliances start malfunctioning. Here’s how to keep it clean and make it last longer.
How Often Should You Clean Your Air Fryer?
It’s crucial to clean the air fryer after each use, not only for a matter of hygiene but also to preserve its parts and prevent health risks. Accumulated crumbs and grease will burn with use, resulting in a bad taste and eventually, the growth of germs. The best way is to do it right after the basket cools down; otherwise, it’ll quickly become sticky.
Once a month, users should do a thorough cleaning, flipping it upside down to clean its heating coil and interior parts. In order to preserve its interior surfaces, loose dry bits must be removed using a dry brush. Don’t forget to check the back vents for crumbs and dirt so that hot air can keep moving freely, ensuring its efficiency. Meanwhile, use a damp cloth with soap for cleaning the metal, using a cloth with plain water afterwards.
How To Clean The Air Fryer After Every Use
It’s advisable to use warm water and mild dish soap, as it’s the most effective way of removing grease without risking scratching its Teflon surface. The exterior part of the basket, as well as its base, must also be cleaned, preferably using a damp cloth. Moreover, every part of it must be completely dry before being put inside the appliance again, preventing rust damage to its electrical parts.
Air fryers were designed to work with minimal oil, but some recipes just can’t do without it. After all, they were also designed to handle a wide variety of recipes, from fried chicken to focaccia. After cooking a recipe that takes a lot of olive oil, it’s advisable to wipe off the excess with a paper towel before proceeding with the actual cleaning. Otherwise, this oil will be absorbed by the cloth, which will have to be replaced after that anyway.
How To Deep Clean An Air Fryer
It’s not enough to clean an air fryer only after use; it also requires deep cleaning every once in a while. Although necessary, this procedure can be risky for those who don’t know how to do it. Using the wrong products or tools can make the whole process backfire. How to deep clean an air fryer, then?
Above all, the appliance must be unplugged and completely cooled down when the process starts. The main housing should never be submerged in any type of liquid to prevent damage to its electrical components. As for tools, steel wool or any other metal scouring pads should be avoided, as they can peel the surface, compromising its non-stick properties.
Once the cleaning process is complete, wait for all parts to dry before assembling and plugging them in. Before using it, it’s advisable to run the test cycle again, removing remaining cleaning product smells and soap particles. Different models may have slightly different recommendations for cleaning, which is why it’s important to check the manual first for more specific guidance on the most adequate products and tools.
How To Remove Grease From An Air Fryer
As grease buildup is one of the main causes of malfunction, it’s essential to learn how to clean grease from an air fryer. Since brushes can damage its surfaces, it’s advisable to chemically treat it before proceeding with the cleaning. It’s much more difficult to brush grease out than to dilute it with chemicals anyway.
For that, it’s enough to let baskets and trays soak in a hot water solution with a dishwasher tablet for half an hour. It’s also possible to replace a dishwasher tablet with combinations like vinegar with lemon juice, baking soda with lemon paste, or vinegar and powerwash products. Regardless of the choice of products, the process will take some time, as all safe methods involve sinking baskets and trays in some kind of solution.
What Cleaning Products Are Safe To Use
The rule of thumb for choosing cleaning products for air fryers is that they have to be mild and non-abrasive. White vinegar, baking soda, and soft cloths or sponges are still the best allies for both everyday and deep cleaning processes. Meanwhile, commercial oven cleaners, heavy-duty industrial degreasers, and chlorine bleach should be avoided, as they’ll likely damage Teflon surfaces and pose health risks, leaving toxic chemical residue behind.
In fact, using metal scrubbers and harsh chemicals is among the most common and obvious mistakes. One less obvious mistake is using aerosol cooking sprays. While these sprays are meant for cooking, they may conceal components like anti-foaming agents and soy lecithin that can change texture under extreme heat. Worse still, most of them have harsh propellants that may cause Teflon surfaces to peel off over time. Additionally, users should avoid washing hot parts with cold water, as such a temperature change can damage the basket.
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