Air Fryers are very handy when it comes to healthy cooking or preparation of simple and quick meals. It’s simplicity can make it tempting to ignore cleaning it after use. Are you wondering how to clean your air fryer? Or why it important to have it clean? This post is all about How to Clean an Air Fryer in very easy steps.
Why You Should Clean an Air Fryer
For health purposes, every kitchen utensil needs cleaning to prevent build up of food particles and attracting germs. An Air Fryer is no exception to this. Furthermore, when you fail to clean an air fryer, you may be cooking your food with old oil or food leftovers from your previous cooking which will negatively influence the taste of your food. No one likes the taste of old oil!
Cleaning Items Clean an Air Fryer
These are the recommended items you would need for the cleaning. You can get them from Amazon or any household store available to you.
Steps to Clean an Air Fryer
You can follow the steps below to have your Air Fryer clean and sparkling in few minutes.
Step 1: Turn off the Air Fryer
Turn off your air fryer and unplug the cable from the socket.
Step 2: Remove the basket and pan
Gently grab the air fryer handle and pull out the basket and pan. Clean both basket and pan with warm soapy water using a non-abrasive sponge. For some air fryers, you may be able to put these in a dish washer. But if you are not sure, simply hand wash them.
Step 3: Soak the basket (For deep cleaning)
This step is needed only when you have stubborn stains or pieces of food stuck to the basket. Pour some water into the basket/pan, add some dish soap and put back into the air fryer. Switch on the air fryer and turn on to 200 degrees, let the soapy water boil for 10 – 15 minutes. Remove and clean with the soft brush. Remember to be careful as the water will be hot. Also remember to unplug the cable from the socket before continuing the cleaning.
If there are no stubborn stains, you can simply soak the basket in a bowl of hot soapy water for only about 5 minutes and then scrub with the non-abrasive sponge or soft brush. Afterwards, allow to dry or wipe with a dry cloth.
Step 4: Clean the outer part of the Air Fryer
Gently wipe the outer surface of the air fryer with a damp micro fiber cloth. Incase there are stains, you may use the non-abrasive sponge too. But usually, wiping with the damp micro fiber cloth is sufficient.
Step 5: Clean the inner part of the Air Fryer
You can wipe the inner part using the damp micro fiber cloth. Use the non-abrasive sponge only if needed.
Step 6: Clean the inner heating element
Use the soft brush to gently remove remove pieces of food stuck in the heating compartment.
Step 7: Dry and install
Allow the everything to dry properly otherwise wipe with a dry cloth. Afterwards, install the the basket and pan into place, and your air fryer is ready for use again.
FAQ’s
Here are some commonly asked questions about cleaning an air fryer.
Can you clean an Air Fryer by putting water in it and turning it on?
This is possible but only recommended for super stubborn stains. Pour some water into the basket/pan, add some dish liquid soap and put back into the air fryer. Switch on the air fryer and turn on to 200 degrees, let the soapy water boil for 10 – 15 minutes. Remove and clean with the soft brush.
What happens if you don’t clean an air fryer?
Tiny pieces of food and oil would be stuck on the basket and the main unit. These little pieces of burnt food can lead to off-tasting food and on a long term may have tendency of causing fire.
What can damage an Air Fryer?
When you fill it with too much food without allowing air circulation, you can taking a risk of damaging it. Do not put food into the cavity. Allow air to flow around it.
How many times can you use your air fryer before washing it?
Ideally, the air fryer should be cleaned after each use. The exception would be if you are cooking food which does not stick or leave traces on the basket. E.g. warming up a piece of bread.
Conclusion
We hope you now have a better idea on how to clean an air fryer. Feel free to check out our recommendation of air fryers as well as other buying guides here.