How to clean an air fryer

Your air fryer is probably one of the most appreciable kitchen appliances, and it proves to be so handy while cooking foods fast and without using excessive oil. Dream about yummy chicken wings and crisped-up fish sticks with no added oil and no extra calories. Further, you can dream about perfect al dente zucchini noodles, french fries, and leftovers reheated to perfection in no time.

That said, you need to clean air fryers after every use. No matter if you use minimal or no added oil, grease and food bits can accumulate and cause your air fryer to smell or even begin to smoke. That may decrease the durability of this appliance as well. 

Whether you use a tray-style or basket-style air fryer, here are some cool tips from the Experts of the Kitchen appliance department of Top 10 Products India to make cleaning a breeze and save your time:

How to clean a basket-style air fryer

So, you’re gonna need:

• Degreasing dish soap.
• Soft-bristled bottle brush.
• Soft cloth, like paper towel, or Microfiber Wipes

Now, the steps are:

1. Turn off and unplug your air fryer, and permit it to cool completely. Then pull out the drawer and remove the tray or basket.
2. In case your air fryer is dishwasher-safe, you should place the basket, drawer, or tray, depending on the type of your air fryer, upside down in your dishwasher, preferably on the top rack, in case it fits.
3. If using the dishwasher isn’t an option, wash using warm soapy water to wash all removable parts. Use the brush and scrub off the gunk and reach the nooks, crannies, and vents of the tray while protecting the nonstick or metal finish. Rinse well, and finally, dry.
4. Wipe down the air fryer’s bottom interior, and the exterior, with a paper towel or damp cloth. Replace the basket once cleaned.

Tips for Cleaning Your lovely Air Fryer

Before deep cleaning your air fryer, here are the do’s and don’ts related to air fryer maintenance.

• Don’t use metal utensils, steel wire brushes, or abrasive sponges to remove residue and food particles from your air fryer. This will likely damage your air fryer’s non-stick coating.
• Avoid submerging your air fryer in water because the main unit is an electric appliance. Water will ruin it.
• In case you notice a terrible odor coming from the air fryer, you can cut a half lemon and put it in the basket. Let it sit for around 30 mins before cleaning.

How Often One Should Clean an Air Fryer

After Each Use

Every single time you use your air fryer, you need to wash the tray, pan, and basket with warm water and soap or place them in a dishwasher. (Refer to the owner’s manual to ensure that these parts are dishwasher safe.) Besides that, you should quickly clean the interior with a damp cloth using a bit of dish soap over the area. Reassemble all the parts after drying.

After Every Few Uses

Although it isn’t compulsory to complete these steps after every use, washing all parts on occasion will ensure that your air fryer keeps functioning properly. Use a damp cloth and wipe down the exterior regularly. Besides that, you should check the heating coil for residue or oil. If you notice any build-up there, let the air fryer cool, and later on, wipe it with a damp cloth (not fully wet).

How to Deep Clean an Air Fryer

Now, if it’s been one minute since you’ve cleaned your air fryer, or you are just bewildered about where to start, read on for the following instructions describing how to clean an air fryer from start to end.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• A non-abrasive sponge or Damp microfiber cloth 
• Baking Soda
• Dish soap
• Clean, dry cloth
• Soft-bristle scrub brush

Instructions:

1. Begin by unplugging your air fryer and wait for 30 minutes to let it fully cool down.
2. Remove the pans and baskets, and wash using hot soapy water. Soak the parts in soapy water (not very hot)  for a minimum of 10 minutes before you scrub with a non-abrasive sponge in case you recently cooked Greece food. Some of the parts of your air fryer may be dishwasher safe, so go through your manual if you want to use your dishwasher to clean.
3. Use a non-abrasive sponge or damp microfiber cloth with a bit of dish soap and wipe down the interior. Use a clean damp cloth and softly wipe away the soap.
4. Turn the appliance upside down. Use a damp cloth piece and wipe down the heating element properly.
5. If there is any hard or baked residue on the central appliance, make a paste using baking soda and water. Scrub the paste into the residue with the help of a soft-bristle scrub brush. Finally, wipe away with a clean cloth once again.
6. Use a damp cloth again to wipe down the exterior, and wipe away the soap with the same cloth.
7. Dry all removable parts, and the final step is to reassemble the whole unit.

How to clean an oven-style air fryer

What you’ll need:

• Soft-bristled bottle brush
• Soft cloth or paper towel
• Degreasing dish soap

Now, the steps are:

1. Turn off and unplug your air fryer, and let it cool completely.
2. Remove its racks and either use your dishwasher to clean them, or you can hand wash them in light warm soapy water. You can use your dish brush and scrub away food bits and grease. Rinse well and dry them.
3. Empty any oil from the drip tray – Never flush it down the sink. You can place the tray upside down in the dishwasher and clean it or simply hand wash it. Now, rinse it properly and dry it.
4. The bottom interior of your air fryer needs to be wiped down, and the exterior, using a paper towel or damp cloth. Replace the trays once clean as you did with other types of air fryer types we previously discussed. 

The Conclusion tip

Overfilling your air fryer will certainly guarantee its heating element will need cleaning, and to prevent this chore, ensure the food quantity you’re cooking at one time shouldn’t exceed the recommended amount for your air fryer model.