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How To Clean An Air Fryer

How often do you use your air fryer? If it’s anything like me, it’ll be most days!

Despite little to no oil being used, just like any other kitchen appliance, air fryers need to be washed and kept clean after every use.

In this blog post, I will be covering how to clean an air fryer in easy steps.

Air Fryer Cleaning & Maintenance

How Often Should You Clean An Air Fryer

You should clean your air fryer after every single use. No matter what foods you are cooking in there, it needs to be kept clean.

The type of clean you do will be dependent on the air fryer recipe you have made.

For example, a whole chicken in an air fryer is going to produce a lot more grease than say some Brussel sprouts.

Every once in a while you should deep clean an air fryer to prevent excessive build-up of grease from the fattier foods.

Is It Difficult To Clean An Air Fryer?

No, it’s really not difficult. In fact, for a regular clean it’s much easier than cleaning an oven or a deep fat fryer as all you have to do is wipe the baskets out with a soapy cloth and rinse them under some water. You can use any type of kitchen cleaner or soap to give them a good once over.

You will need to perform deep cleans too, these do take longer, but they are not difficult.

What You Need To Clean An Air Fryer

what you need to clean an air fryer
  • Cotton or microfibre cleaning cloths
  • Non-abrasive sponge
  • Soft bristle brush or toothbrush
  • Washing up liquid

How To Clean Your Basket-Style Air Fryer

Cleaning An Air Fryer Basket

  1. The most important thing to do is unplug your air fryer and allow it to cool down before attempting any cleaning.
  2. Once the device has cooled, remove the basket and any accessories you used for cooking.
  3. Many air fryer models have baskets that can be put in a dishwasher (always check with the manufacturer that this can be done). Alternatively, you can clean the basket with either a soft bristle brush or a non-abrasive brush and some warm soapy water.
  4. Leave the basket to air dry or use a tea towel to dry it off.

If the grease and any stuck-on food bits aren’t coming off the air fryer basket or tray leave it to soak in some warm soapy water for 15 minutes before using a non-abrasive sponge to clean it.

Cleaning The Exterior Of An Air Fryer

To clean the exterior of your air fryer, you can use a damp cleaning cloth and glass to wipe down any stains. Always remember to unplug your appliance before doing this!

You can also wipe over the exterior with soapy water if it is looking quite grimy.

How To Clean An Air Fryer Fan

If there are any food bits stuck on the fan your air fryer will begin to get quite smokey and smelly.

To clean the fan, first, leave to cool down completely before using a non-abrasive sponge or cleaning cloth to wipe off any stuck-on bits. You may need to turn the appliance upside down to easily get to it and see what you are doing.

Air Fryer Cleaning Tips and Tricks

How to Deal With Lingering Smells

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, there might still be a lingering odour that you just can’t get rid of. Hopefully by following our deep cleaning tips above any food bits will have been removed, but if the smell is still there try the following;

  1. Using an air fryer safe bowl, fill it with a little warm water. Add the juice of half a lemon and 1 tbsp of vinegar.
  2. Place the bowl in the air fryer and set off at 200C for 5 minutes.
  3. Repeat if necessary.

Be Careful With Nonstick

When cleaning your air fryer be careful not to damage any of the nonstick coatings. Always use non-abrasive cloths and sponges and never use metal utensils to scrape any food bits off.

Can You Clean An Air Fryer With Vinegar?

Yes, you can use vinegar to clean an air fryer. Simply mix 250ml of water with 80ml of vinegar.

You can either dip a cleaning cloth into this solution to wipe your air fryer clean or, put it in a bottle and spray the air fryer with it.

Can You Use Bicarbonate Of Soda To Clean An Air Fryer?

Yes, bicarbonate of soda is useful for removing more stubborn residue and grease from an air fryer. Make up a paste using some bicarbonate of soda and water. Spread it over the greasy area and leave it to dry for a few hours, preferably overnight.

Using a soft damp cloth, wipe the dried paste away.

How To Reduce Grease And Food Spillages In An Air Fryer

It is possible to use parchment paper on the bottom of the air fryer to catch any food or fat that drips down.

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