The air fryer is a common kitchen appliance nowadays. It varies in size, shape, and functions. Whatever the variation is, the common question among all air fryer users – ‘how can I clean it?’ In this article, I am going to demonstrate you how you can clean the air fryer after using it. After the read, you will be able the clean your air fryer by yourself with ease and grace. You will also learn some air fryer cleaning tips that will make your life easier.
Cleaning Frequency
You need to clean some parts of your air fryer regularly – after each cooking. On the other hand, you should clean some other parts occasionally. What are the parts that you should clean regularly? It depends on the number and types of accessories you have with it. A basic air fryer will only have a food basket that you should clean regularly. A multi-functional air fryer may have accessories such as rotisserie basket, skewer, racks, drip pan, and so on. You should clean all these accessories after every time you cook. The body, exterior, and the heating element should be cleaned infrequently. Because you will not use too much oil, these parts do not get dirty easily. Hence, they do not require frequent cleaning.
Regular cleaning
You have to clean and wash the food basket, racks, and pans after each time you finish cooking. You can clean these items like a regular kitchen appliance. You should use a light cleaning liquid with lukewarm water. Although most of the air fryers are dishwasher safe, I would recommend not using hard liquids when washing it manually. You can also put the accessories into the dishwasher if you do not have much time. If you have sprayed grease or oil into the food, then soak the basket in water with soap for 20 minutes. After that, it will be easier to get rid of the oil that sticks on the wall of the basket.
To clean the interior, use a wet cloth soaked with soap. Wipe it inside the cooking chamber. After wiping with a wet cloth, wipe it again with a dry cloth to make sure no moisture remains inside.
Occasional cleaning
Air frying does not require a lot of oil. Therefore, other than the food basket, it does not require to clean the body and the exterior too often. To clean the outside, use a damp cloth soaked with liquid soap and wipe it thoroughly. After you have removed the dirt and grease, use a dry cotton cloth to remove the moisture. You should also clean the heating element if you find any grease on it. I recommend you to use a dry cloth to remove the oil. Do not clean it with soap as you know that it is the most sensitive part of an air fryer.
Cleaning tips
- Before you clean the air fryer, unplug it from the electric socket. Wait for at least 30 minutes after you have finished your cooking.
- Most of the food baskets have a non-stick pan. Therefore, when cleaning or washing, do not use a metal utensil or cupper brush. It can damage the non-stick coating.
- Other than the food basket and small accessories, do not submerge the air fryer in water. Use dry cloths to clean the exterior.
- Use lemon during clean the basket. It may work if there is a burning plastic smell.
- Always use nonabrasive cloth or sponge when cleaning your air fryer.
- Before using it again, make sure the inside and outside of the air fryer are dry.
- You can also get rid of burning plastic smell with a paste made of baking soda and water. You can use an old toothbrush to scrub the interior thoroughly. I can help remove the bad smell.
- Always try to purchase the best air fryer with steel basket. It will be resistant to corrosion and long lasting.
Bottom line
Proper cleaning of the air fryer is important to ensure food safety. Why should you use an air fryer instead of a deep fryer? Because you want to prepare a healthy meal for your loving family. Therefore, what’s the meaning of contaminating the food with a dirty food basket? That’s the reason I always recommend the users to maintain food safety. It is equally important for air fryers as well as any other types of cookers. I think you have learned a lot from this article about how to clean your air fryer. If you find it helpful, you can share it with others. Happy cooking!