Cleaning a dirty air fryer looks like a pretty simple task, but news flash, it is not. Yes, it seems easy because an air fryer uses hot air to cook food and barely any oil, but there might be splatters of oil, fat, and food all over the basket drawer. It is a good idea to look into how to clean your equipment.
If you see residue and black crumbs attached to the drawer, it is time to deep clean your air fryer. In this article, we discuss how to clean an air fryer and how to maintain its quality so that the unit remains functional for years to come. The quality of a unit matters, but knowing how to maintain and service it increases its durability. So, let’s begin!
A Step-by-Step Guide of How to Clean an Air Fryer
1. Gather all your cleaning equipment.
You can clean the air fryer using items you probably already have at home. Some of the things you need are:
- A soft, non-abrasive cloth
- Water
- Dishwasher
- Baking soda
- A small brush (or you can also use a toothbrush)
2. Unplug the air fryer from the main power source.
The first thing you need to do is unplug the air fryer to ensure your safety. Never try to clean your air fryer while plugged in. After unplugging it, let it cool down before you start cleaning.
3. Take out the air fryer basket, pan, and tray.
After the air fryer cools down, remove the basket, pan, and tray. The good news is that you can easily wash these accessories just like all your other dishes. Just take them out and scrub them with some elbow grease, soap, and warm water.
If you do not want to wash them yourself, you can place them in the dishwasher and let it do all the dirty work, but make sure they are dishwasher-safe first.
4. Use a damp cloth to clean the main unit.
Never try to clean the main unit with hot soapy water. An air fryer is an electrical appliance, and it might malfunction if you do so. That said, how do you clean the greasy smears and handprints? Use a damp microfiber cloth or nonabrasive sponge and wipe the entire thing clean. Make sure to wipe off the control panel as well to get rid of the grease and other particles.
5. Check the heating coil and clean it.
You should do this step every time you use the air fryer to ensure it is clean and cooks your food evenly whenever you use it.
Turn the main unit slightly at an angle and check the heating coil. If anything is stuck, use a small soft bristled brush to clean it off. If you notice oil, clean it with a damp cloth as well.
The heating coil is the same as an electric stove, so clean them the same way. Ensure the unit is not plugged in or hot to avoid any accidents.
6. Dry the accessories and the unit
Ensure all the equipment is dry before putting it back together and plugging it in. Once you’ve done this, enjoy air frying!
Air Fryer Cleaning Tips
Here are a few tips that can help you clean your air fryer better.
Do not scrape off the gunk!
If the basket or the pan of the air fryer has grease stuck on it, do not scrape it off using metal utensils. Most air fryers have a nonstick coating, and you can scratch and damage it if you clean it the wrong way. A better way to clean is to soak the air fryer accessories in hot water mixed with soap for about half an hour. Then, the stuck-on pieces become soft, so it is easier to remove them.
Do not use a disinfectant on the appliance.
Many people have made the mistake of using a disinfectant on an air fryer to clean it, but this is extremely dangerous! Most disinfectants are not safe for food-contact surfaces. The safest way to sanitize your air fryer is by placing the removable pieces in the dishwasher.
Use baking soda to get rid of the smell odor.
If there is a constant smell coming from your air fryer, it is usually because of the food particles hiding somewhere inside the air fryer. You can remove them by making a baking soda paste. Then use a soft bristled brush to scrub the interior, and all the gunk will come off instantly!
Use distilled vinegar and lime juice to get rid of grease.
Use equal parts distilled vinegar and lime juice to make a solution, then pour it inside the air frying basket. Turn the air fryer on for three minutes. Then, turn the air fryer off and let it cool for at least fifteen minutes before taking the liquid out. Pat dry the insides, and you will have a grease-free clean air fryer!
How Often Should You Clean Your Air Fryer?
We recommend that you clean your air fryer every time you use it to avoid charred food and keep the gunk from building up. You do not need to wash the entire unit each time, you should clean the basket, pan, and tray after every use. Doing so will also help keep your food from tasting foul.
