It is crucial to clean your air fryer properly to maintain the unit and increase its lifespan. An air fryer is an essential kitchen appliance that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. The primary reason people prefer air fryers is their contribution to their overall health and wellbeing.
Besides, an air fryer cooks food healthily, reliably, and quickly using a small quantity of oil and minimal ingredients. Some of the most common food items cooked with an air fryer are chicken tenders, French fries, and crunchy snacks without using a large quantity of oil.
Thus, an air fryer is a value appliance when you want to cut fat content or reduce calories while still enjoying the same texture, flavor, and crispiness as with the deep fryer. Anyway, when you clean your air fryer properly, it won’t lead to complications like higher electricity consumption, food burning, and internal damages.
If you neglect cleaning your air fryer, it won’t perform at its peak. How to clean your air fryer? Follow the step-by-step method given below and use the valuable tips mentioned in this post to get the most out of your air fryer. Read on!
Step 1: Turn off and unplug the Unit
Before cleaning your air fryer, it is crucial to turn the unit off and unplug it from the socket. The purpose is to cool down the appliance and prevent risks of electrocution, damage to the unit, and injury to your body. Although most people unplug the device before cleaning it, they forget it sometimes, and your negligence can damage the unit and harm your health.
Step 2: Thorough Clean the Basket and Pan
An air fryer has removable baskets and pans. Detach these components from the main unit and clean them with hot soapy water. Soak the basket in hot water followed by washing it with dish soap for 10 to 15 minutes if it has burnt-on food.
Use a sponge or anti-microbial wipes to wipe off the food particles. Read the manufacturer’s manual before cleaning your air fryer. If your air fryer is not dishwasher-safe, make sure you have to follow the cleaning guidelines mentioned in the manual to clean the unit and avoid damages.
Anyway, once you have cleaned the basket and pan, make sure you dry them. Putting a wet basket and pan in the unit will lead to complications. Therefore, you have to act carefully.
Step 3: Clean the Internal Components
It is crucial to clean your air fryer’s internal components before wiping off dust or dust from the external surface. We recommend using a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth to clean the interior. Use hot water and add some dish soap if you notice any grease on the heating element. Use the cloth or sponge to remove the grease.
Once you remove the grease, use clean, hot water to wipe away the soap. Turn the unit upside down to clean the heating element easily. Some people also use a soft-bristle brush to remove dirt and dust particles from the interior.
Step 4: Clean the External Surface
Once you have finished cleaning the internal components, it is time to clean the external surface of your air fryer. Use a moist cloth or sponge with a mild detergent to wipe the exterior. Avoid using glass cleaners, bleach, and other harmful chemicals. Likewise, avoid submerging the unit in water. Otherwise, you can damage your air fryer.
In addition, if your air fryer’s external surface is made of stainless steel material, use stainless steel wipes to clean the exterior. There are different brands and products available on the market. However, not all of them are suitable for cleaning the air fryer’s surface. Therefore, we recommend choosing eco-friendly stainless steel wipes.
Step 5: Preventative Maintenance is the Key
Although this step is not an integral part of the cleaning process, we have included it because it can protect your investment. If you want your air fryer to perform at its peak, consume less electricity, and prevent food particles and grease accumulation, focus on preventative maintenance.
Remember, preventative maintenance allows you to follow a proactive approach and clean your air fryer regularly or after every use. The purpose is to maintain the basket and pan and prevent the heating element from damages. Let us now give you some practical tips to achieve your cleaning objectives. Continue reading!
How to Clean your Air Fryer? – Bonus Tips
When you clean your air fryer regularly, you can use it for a long time and achieve higher returns on your investments (ROIs) in terms of reliability and cost-effectiveness. Use the following tips to further enhance the cleaning process.
Use Vinegar and Lemon Juice
Vinegar and lemon juice are organic ingredients with excellent cleaning properties. Not only does the mixture of these organic substances eliminate foul orders coming from your air fryer, but they also maintain the unit’s condition.
The question is: how to use the mixture? Add 50% of white vinegar and 50% of lemon juice to an oven-safe dish. Put the dish in the basket and insert it in the air fryer. Turn on the unit and run it for at least two minutes. You will notice that the mixture has eliminated foul odors.
Use a Microfiber Cloth
Experts recommend using a microfiber cloth to clean your air fryer. Make sure the fabric is slightly damped in hot water and dish soap. Some people use scrubbers and metals on their air fryers, leading to damages.
Instead of using these harsh items, focus on using a damp microfiber cloth to remove stubborn marks and interior spots with built-up grease. You can also use a microfiber cloth to clean the external surface.
Final Words
Following a proactive approach to clean your air fryer will prolong its lifespan and allow it to perform at its peak. Not only does regular cleaning protect your investment, but you also enjoy fresh and healthy food by maintaining your air fryer’s hygiene.
