Whether you’ve just purchased the latest air fryer model or used a similar kitchen gadget for years, it’s important to keep up with regular cleaning. According to experts, proper maintenance of your air fryer requires more than simply wiping down the outer surfaces; instead, they recommend that most of its parts be dismantled and washed regularly.
This cleaning should be done with warm soapy water or mild dishwashing detergent after each use. Using abrasive scrubbers or cleaners on any part of the appliance is unnecessary, as doing so could damage it over time.
Removable baskets, trays, and other components are best soaked in hot water before being scrubbed by hand. If you follow the right process to clean the air fryers, you can keep your kitchen hygiene alive. Read on to learn the correct way to clean your air fryer.
Here is How Do I Clean My Air Fryer:
1. Cool Down Your Air Fryer
An air fryer is a great appliance for quick and easy cooking, but it can be dangerous if used improperly. One essential step that must be followed before cleaning your air fryer is to let it cool down.
To do this, make sure to unplug the appliance and give it at least 30 minutes of cooling time. It is important to take this safety measure to avoid potential injury or damage if cooked food or warm parts touch you while cleaning.
2. Remove Parts And Wash It
The first step is washing the parts with warm, soapy water. This will help to remove any leftover debris or grease on the parts. If baked-on grease or charred food on the parts, they should be soaked in hot soapy water for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing using a nonabrasive sponge.
You can create a cleaning paste out of baking soda and water for any hard-to-wash parts of the fryer or any stubborn food residue that won’t come off easily. This paste should be scrubbed onto these areas with a soft-bristle brush and then wiped away with a damp cloth. Doing this effectively helps ensure that your deep fryer remains in good condition for many years.
3. Clean the Interior
Cleaning your air fryer’s interior may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. All you need is a damp microfiber cloth or nonabrasive sponge with a splash of dish soap on it. Start wiping down all surfaces of the air fryer’s interior, including the basket, crumb tray, and heating element.
Be sure to thoroughly clean any hard-to-reach spots, such as the crevices between the shelves or around fan blades. Using gentle strokes will help ensure you won’t cause unnecessary scratches on your appliance.
After all, surfaces have been wiped down, use a clean damp cloth to remove any remaining soap residue. If your air fryer has stainless steel elements, polish them using a stainless steel cleaner that is specifically made for appliances.
Doing this step can maintain your air fryer’s appearance while helping keep it healthy and food-safe for years. And don’t forget to dry off the interior parts after cleaning so that they won’t collect moisture inside, which can cause rusting or mildew over time.
4. Clean Heating Element
Checking the heating element of your air fryer should be a regular part of maintenance to ensure everything is working correctly. Turn the air fryer upside-down to check on the heating element, and use a damp cloth or nonabrasive sponge to wipe down the surface.
Doing this regularly will help you spot any wear or buildup of grease and grime that can accumulate over time, making it difficult for the air fryer to heat its contents properly.
5. Clean the Exterior
Cleaning the exterior of your car is just as important as keeping the interior clean. In order to do this, you’ll need a cloth or sponge and some dish soap. Dip your cleaning utensil into the soapy mixture, then gently scrub any dirt, dust, mud, or grime from outside your vehicle.
Make sure you don’t forget to clean areas such as wheel wells and door jambs, where dirt and debris can easily accumulate and hide. After wiping down each area with soap, use a clean damp cloth to remove any leftover soap residue. Finally, use a dry paper towel to give your car an added shine and leave it looking new
6. Reassemble Your Air Fryer
The first step is to ensure that all of its components are completely dry, as any continued moisture will attract mold and bacteria, which can damage the health benefit an air fryer promises. Check each shelf, drawer, drip tray, and other parts for signs of lingering dampness to prevent bacteria growth. Once everything is safe and dry, it’s time to begin putting it back together.
Start by laying out all the removable parts you had taken apart earlier in preparation for cleaning. Ensure that none have become warped or misaligned due to drying before reassembling them into the main unit.
Be sure not to cross-thread bolts to avoid issues when operating the device upon completion. As you carefully put each piece back together, pay extra attention if there are electric connections – inspect their seals to verify that no water has seeped in during cleaning – this will help prevent short-circuiting your fryer down the line and damaging elements inside it. Your air fryer is ready for use when all the pieces fit snugly together again as one unit.
How Do You Get Baked on Grease Out Of An Air Fryer?
One of the most common issues with air fryers is baked-on grease. If you’ve been using your unit for a while, chances are some grease has accumulated on the basket, lid, or other components. Luckily, removing baked-on grease from an air fryer isn’t too difficult. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Start by unplugging your air fryer and removing the basket from the unit.
2. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any loose debris or dirt on the surfaces affected by the grease.
3. To clean an air fryer effectively, mix 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water to create a paste. Leave it in the fryer for 30 minutes, then scrub it with a toothbrush and rinse well. This homemade mixture can be used instead of the Dawn Powerwash Spray, although some may prefer the latter.
4. After sitting, use a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining paste residue and debris.
5. Reassemble your air fryer and plug it back in, and you’re good to go.
What Things Should I Avoid While Cleaning Air Fryer?
When cleaning an air fryer, it is important to avoid certain practices. Utensils such as metal scrubbers or abrasive sponges should never be used to remove stuck-on food as this can easily scratch away the nonstick coating that many of these devices come equipped with.
Disinfectants should not be used, but sanitizing solution should be used if the sanitizer has been approved for food-contact surfaces. Examples of approved sanitizers are chlorine, iodine, and quaternary ammonium.Â
The high heat of a dishwasher can also effectively help with sanitation; however, one must double-check their air fryer manual to ensure that the basket, tray, and pan are deemed safe for use in a dishwasher first.
It’s important to remember to unplug your air fryer before cleaning it and to never submerge the main unit in water. Be careful while wiping it down to avoid any accidents.
Importance Of Cleaning Air Fryer Regularly:
Cleaning your air fryer can help keep it in tip-top shape and ensure your foods are cooked properly. Not only do air fryers make dishes healthier by using little to no oil, but they also prevent fats from rendering out of cooked foods.
To ensure your appliance stays clean and in good condition, it should be cleaned more frequently than ovens or other countertop appliances. Consult your manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning methods since some parts may be dishwasher safe.
For those who prefer traditional hand-washing methods, there are a few universal tactics to maintain the air fryer’s cleanliness when frequently used. Generally, check for oils, grease, food particles, and other debris in or under the baskets, as these could be hard to remove if left unattended inside and outside the unit.
Remove any removable parts, such as trays and baskets, to clean thoroughly with warm soapy water or a mild detergent solution for an even deeper clean – don’t forget to dry off all removable parts after washing.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. Can You Put Water In An Air Fryer To Clean It?
No, you cannot put water in an air fryer to clean it. To clean your air fryer, unplug the unit and remove any food debris from the basket. To clean the outside of the appliance, simply grab a damp cloth or sponge and use mild dishwashing soap to gently wipe it down.
You can also use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to remove any stuck-on food particles. To disinfect the air fryer, use a sanitizer approved for food-contact surfaces.
2. What Should I Do If My Air Fryer Smells?
If your air fryer has an unpleasant smell, you can clean it with a mixture of baking soda and water. Create a paste with 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water, leave it in the air fryer for 30 minutes, then scrub it with a toothbrush and rinse well.
Additionally, after cleaning it, you can try placing a cup of white vinegar or a few slices of lemon in the air fryer to help eliminate any lingering odors.
3. Can You Put Soap In An Air Fryer?
No, you should not put soap in your air fryer. Soap can damage the non-stick coating of the air fryer and create a residue that is difficult to remove. Instead, use a damp cloth or sponge with warm water and mild dishwashing liquid to clean the air fryer. Avoid using abrasive scrubbing pads or steel wool, as these may scratch the non-stick coating.
4. Does The Air Fryer Remove Oil?
No, the air fryer does not remove oil from your food. It uses a combination of hot air and convection to cook the food quickly and evenly with minimal oil. The amount of oil used will depend on the type of food you cook, but it is generally much less than traditional frying methods. To clean your air fryer, start by unplugging it and cooling it.
5. Can You Boil Water In An Air Fryer?
The short answer is no, you cannot boil water in an air fryer. An air fryer circulates hot air around the food to cook it. Boiling water requires direct contact with heat, and an air fryer does not have enough power or capacity to reach and maintain boiling temperatures. Additionally, boiling water produces steam, which can damage the heating element of your air fryer.
Conclusion
Cleaning an air fryer is not difficult, but it takes planning and consistency. I hope I have given you clear-cut ways to clean your air fryer. Now, you won’t face any problems while cleaning the air fryer. So, don’t keep using your dirty air fryer anymore; clean it and keep your kitchen hygienic alive.
Meet our air fryer recipe expert, Jenny J. Brown. Jenny is a culinary enthusiast with a passion for creating healthy, delicious meals using the latest kitchen appliances. As an experienced home cook and food blogger, Jenny has spent years experimenting with air fryer recipes and perfecting her techniques to create meals that are both nutritious and satisfying.
