Like me, you probably find that one of the most indispensable gadgets in your kitchen is the air fryer.
I really enjoy how it eases the burden of hands-on cooking when things get hectic. Just throw in a joint of roasted meat, or some lamb cutlets, maybe a quiche, or even some roasted vegetables.
However, tackling the cleanup process isn’t quite as straightforward.
We sought advice from specialists to outline the simplest techniques for cleaning your air fryer without resorting to scrubbing.
A brief reminder about food safety
Senaka Ranadheera, a food scientist and associate professor at the University of Melbourne, notes that effectively cleansing kitchen gadgets prevents the dissemination of detrimental microbes that may lead to foodborne illnesses.
He mentions that cleaning assists in eliminating food residue from kitchen devices.
Harmful disease-causing microbes and bacteria that lead to food spoiling may proliferate otherwise.
The soaking method
In her capacity as a kitchen specialist for Consumer Group Choice, Fiona Mair has undertaken the cleaning of numerous varieties of air fryers.
"As with numerous countertop devices available, cleaning an air fryer can be somewhat troublesome due to its components," she explains.
Even though minimal oil is used, grease and fats tend to build up within the air fryer’s interior, making cleaning rather challenging once it accumulates.
Kristen Menard's instructional video on cleaning an air fryer garnered over eight million views last year.
As soon as she finishes cooking, the UK-based content creator cleans the air fryer basket using dish soap, baking soda, and hot water.
She lets it sit for 5 minutes, followed by rinsing with water and wiping it clean.
She mentions using a wet cloth for the components (after they have cooled down) and a multipurpose spray for the exterior.
Fiona Mair from CHOICE also suggests this approach, however, she mentions that you could choose to use vinegar rather than baking soda to eliminate oil and sticky residues.
Begin by removing any excess oil that has gathered.
If you’ve prepared marinated chicken or similar dishes that tend to stick or bake onto the surface, simply let them sit in warm soapy water.
I'd likely opt for either the bicarbonate of soda or vinegar... mixed with water.
So once they've soaked for a bit, getting rid of them becomes quite simple.
The heating-up method
Ms Mair suggests that you can employ a comparable technique to cleanse both the basket and the interior of the device.
Begin by adding warm water, detergent, and eitherbicarbonate of soda or vinegar into the drawer. Then, put it back inside the air fryer.
Simply set the temperature to around 100 degrees Celsius and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the steam to cleanse the inside of your air fryer.
This will simply help eliminate any leftover residues and reduce some of the smells from built-up... particularly when you cook meat and marinated dishes.
She mentions that you can utilize a 'gentle bristle brush' if you have to clean the grooves and corners of the basket before giving it a thorough rinsing.
Ways to clean internal components
It is advised to exercise caution during this stage of the cleaning procedure.
Ms Mair advises that when you're cleaning near the heating element, it's preferable to ensure it has fully cooled down first.
Detach the power cord, then simply use a microfiber cloth with some lukewarm water or soapy lukewarm water. Wipe around the component as well as inside the compartment.
I'd suggest using a small paintbrush or similar tool to carefully clean the difficult-to-reach areas of the component.
Stay away from the dishwasher or dishwasher tablets.
This is strongly discouraged for several reasons.
According to Choice, using dishwasher tablets or detergents to cleanse your air fryer might degrade the non-stick surface and result in exposure to harmful substances.
Ms Mair explains that since dishwasher detergents are rather strong, repeatedly cleaning the baskets and drawers inside the dishwasher can gradually diminish the non-stick coating over time.
Thus, it's not effective now, and during the heating process, it might emit certain toxic substances.
Simply refrain from putting it in the dishwasher, and if you consistently clean it after every use, this will prolong the lifespan of your air fryer and make it operate more efficiently for you.
Ms Mair advises against using baking trays or parchment paper in an attempt to reduce cleanup afterward.
Every air fryer works by circulating hot air, which is precisely why the grill plate has holes—it enables the heated air to flow upwards and underneath your food.
Steer clear of items that obstruct this process, as even baking paper can occasionally prevent heat from reaching from below.
