With just a few simple household supplies, you can keep an air fryer clean and working perfectly. Here is how to clean an air fryer simply that you should practice today.
How Often to Clean an Air Fryer
Since the air fryer is filled with raw food, the components that come in direct contact with the food (basket, tray, or plate) should be cleaned after every use. The interior should also be cleaned to make sure there are no food particles blocking the grid.
What You’ll Need
Tools/ Equipments
- Non-abrasive sponge or dishcloth
- Soft-bristled bottle brush or old toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth
Materials
- Dishwashing liquid with a degreaser
- Dishwasher detergent
- Baking soda
Instructions
1. Unplug and Allow to Cool
After every use, unplug the air fryer from the wall outlet and allow the unit to cool completely before cleaning any component.
2. Wash Removable Components
Once the unit is cool, remove the crisper plate or tray and basket. These can be hand washed with dishwashing liquid and hot water or placed in the dishwasher. Always check the user guide that came with the air fryer to make sure these components are dishwasher-safe. Most manufacturers recommend handwashing the baskets to extend their life.
Tip:
- If there is baked-on food on the plate or basket, fill a sink or large tub with hot water and add several drops of dishwashing liquid.
- Allow the components to soak for 15 to 20 minutes to loosen the particles and then use a soft-bristled brush to scrub them away.
- For the best results, always use a dishwashing liquid that contains a degreaser.
3. Dry the Components
If you are handwashing or stop the dishwasher before the drying cycle, use a lint-free microfiber cloth to dry the crisper plate and basket. Never put damp components back into the base unit.
4. Wipe Down the Base Unit
Dampen a non-abrasive sponge with warm water and add a drop of dishwashing liquid. With the unit unplugged and with the basket, plates or trays removed, use the sponge to wipe out the entire interior opening. Use a microfiber cloth to thoroughly dry the area.
Rinse out the sponge and use it to wipe down the exterior of the appliance (including the control panel).
5. Do a Deep Clean
After several uses, check the heating element for grease splatters or food particles. Use a damp non-abrasive sponge to wipe it clean.
If the air fryer develops a bad odor, there are food splatters somewhere in the interior. In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of water with two tablespoons of baking soda to make a paste. Dip a dampened sponge in the paste to clean the interior. You may also need to use a small soft-bristled brush like a bottle brush or an old toothbrush dipped in the solution to get into all of the corners.
Rinse with a sponge dipped in clean water and dry thoroughly with a microfiber cloth before reinserting the basket and plates and plugging the unit into a wall outlet.
Simple Tips to Keep Your Air Fryer Clean
- Avoid using metal utensils that can damage the non-stick surface to remove food scrub or scour the components.
- Don’t place the air-fryer on a stovetop or too close to an open flame to prevent the plastic components from accidentally melting.
- Never immerse the base unit in water.
- Always operate the air fryer with at least six inches of space around all sides of the appliance to provide good air circulation.
- Do not overfill the food baskets. This can damage the interior heating elements.
- Always turn off the air fryer, disconnect it from the wall outlet, and allow it to cool completely before cleaning or storing any component.