How to Clean an Air Fryer
An air fryer is one of the most beloved kitchen appliances as it offers convenient cooking. It is such an appliance that you will see in almost every kitchen now. With minimal effort, your food is prepared with less oil. Who doesn’t want this convenience? However, this convenience later turns into an effort when it comes to cleaning an air fryer, simply because most people don’t know how to clean an air fryer.
Often, we don’t pay heed to cleaning the air fryer and clean it only when it becomes very dirty or when it starts giving out a nasty smell. But that’s not right, no doubt you will have to clean it at that time, but how about cleaning it regularly so that it does not become very dirty, as cooking in a dirty air fryer is also not good for your health. But the question is how to clean an air fryer.
If you are also one of those people who have an air fryer but don’t know how to clean it properly, then this guide is for you. In this guide, we will see how to clean an air fryer, how to keep the air fryer clean, and how often you should clean the air fryer. This guide covers it all.
How to Clean an Air Fryer
When cleaning an air fryer, always make sure that you unplug it completely, as cleaning an air fryer connected to a power supply can be very dangerous. If it’s hot, then let it cool completely before starting to clean it. After cleaning, always make sure that all of its parts have dried completely and then use it. Following these precautions is necessary to ensure a safe cleaning process.
Now, let’s see how to clean an air fryer.
How to Clean the Inside of Air Fryer
To clean the interior of the air fryer, first remove the basket. Then take a cleaning cloth and wipe it all over the interior to remove any grease or food debris. After that, take a sponge and slightly dampen it in a mixture of hot water and dishwashing soap. Gently rub this sponge over the interior of the air fryer and then wipe it with a clean, dry cloth.
How to Clean Air Fryer Basket
To clean the air fryer basket, remove the basket. Wash the basket with warm water and dishwashing soap. Pay extra attention to any stains and grease. If there is a lot of grease stuck on the basket, then let it soak in a mixture of hot water, dishwashing soap, and baking soda for 30 minutes. After that, wash the basket and wipe it with a clean dry cloth.
How to Clean Air Fryer Rack
To clean the air fryer rack, remove it from the air fryer and rinse it off completely. Then soak the rack in a mixture of warm water and dish soap for 30 minutes. After that, take the racks out and sprinkle some baking soda over and gently scrub with the help of a sponge. Then rinse it thoroughly and wipe it with the help of a clean dry cloth.
How to Clean Air Fryer Heating Element
To clean the air fryer heating element, turn the unit upside down. Take a toothbrush or dry microfiber cloth and gently remove the grease or food crumbs from the heating element. For stubborn build up on the heating element, take a cleaning cloth and dampen it in the mixture of water and white vinegar. Rub this dampened cloth over the heating element to clean it and then let it dry completely.
How to Clean Air Fryer from Outside
To clean the air fryer from the outside, take a dry cleaning cloth and wipe it all over the exterior surface to loosen any dirt. Then take another cleaning cloth and slightly dampen it in a mixture of hot water and dishwashing soap. Gently wipe the exterior with the dampened cloth, including buttons, vents, and handles, without letting moisture seep inside. Then wipe the air fryer from the outside with the help of a dry cleaning cloth.
How to Keep Air Fryer Clean
To keep the air fryer clean, you should use parchment paper or liners that help to catch the grease so that they don’t stick to the air fryer basket or rack. When using it, do not overcrowd it with food, as excess oil can splatter inside the air fryer. When you have used an air fryer for cooking greasy foods, rinse the air fryer basket so that grease does not set into it.
Once the air fryer cools down after using, wipe it down completely with the help of a cleaning cloth. Also, wipe the air fryer from the outside to make sure that no grease remains on its exterior. With these simple habits, you can keep your air fryer clean to ensure healthy cooking.
How Often Should You Clean Air Fryer
The answer to the question of how often you should clean an air fryer totally depends on its usage. If you are using it frequently or daily, then you should clean it on a daily basis. It’s best to clean the air fryer after every use to remove any leftover food particles and grease. A weekly deep cleaning is recommended if you are using your air fryer daily or more than once on a daily basis.
It is best to at least wipe the air fryer rack with tissue paper after every use to prevent grease from building on it.
In addition to this, there are some clear signs that your air fryer needs cleaning. When you notice any of the following signs, you should clean your air fryer:
- Smoke while cooking the food in the air fryer.
- An unpleasant smell when using the air fryer.
- Uneven heating and food not cooking properly.
- Food is sticking to the air fryer rack.
Regular cleaning of an air fryer not only ensures hygiene cooking but also extends the life span of an air fryer.
Regular cleaning of the air fryer is a must to cook better tasting food. Over time, the grease and food particles start to set in the air fryer if it is not cleaned regularly. Also, it affects the taste of food cooked in it. If you make air fryer cleaning a part of your daily cleaning then it will become very easy to clean.
After going through this guide, you must have completely understood how to clean an air fryer. Be it cleaning the air fryer’s basket, interior, or exterior, just follow the right steps and see the results yourself.
Read Also: How to Clean Oven With Baking Soda?