Not sure how to clean the air fryer? It’s simpler than you think!
When air fryers first appeared on the market, several home chefs dismissed them as just another gimmicky cooking appliance. Wasn’t it too good to be true that a device was claimed to make fried food healthier? In addition to not wanting to spend time learning how to clean an air fryer, skeptics were not interested in learning how to cook on the novel appliance.
But once they tried air frying, Americans were addicted. Consumers are so hooked on air fryers that the industry is worth $894 million, and market analysts predict that by 2026, air fryers will account for $1.4 billion in sales. So, what’s the big deal? Air fryers are little convection ovens that sit on your counter and cook crispy, fried-like dishes without the grease or effort of frying. But learning how to clean an air fryer is essential to maintaining it in working condition, just as frequent cleanings are vital for coffee makers, Keurigs, microwaves, humidifiers, and pretty much any other equipment.
According to recent studies, there are several reasons why it is critical to learn how to clean the air fryer. “If you use a toaster oven-style [air fryer], oil and food may drop onto the heating components below and bake on.” If not maintained clean, this might spark a small fire. ” Small food particles may become trapped in the basket of a basket-style air fryer and burn.
In summary, it’s time to include air-fryer cleaning in your normal cleaning routine. But don’t be bothered! We’ve compiled a fast and simple step-by-step guide on how to clean the air fryer, everyone’s favorite kitchen appliance.
Discover 7 Wrong Foods We Cook In The Air Fryer
How Does an Air Fryer Function?
When you deep-fry anything, you immerse it in very hot oil that seeps into every nook and crevice, quickly frying the outsides and giving your meal a crackling-crisp crust.
Air fryers function similarly. They employ blistering high heat to surround your meal, but instead of oil, they use quickly circulating air to give the same crispy coating without the fat.
What is the purpose of cleaning your air fryer?
The high-powered fan in your air fryer circulates crumbs, oil, moisture, and tiny, lightweight particles of food as well as air. A common air fryer blunder is ignoring how to clean the air fryer after each usage. Food and grease may seep into the mechanisms and cause a greasy coating on the fan, slowing it down. It will take longer to air fry items over time, and if the fan is slow, the ultimate result will be less crisp.
The good news is that, although a lack of cleaning might cause the device to break down, frequent cleaning can prolong its lifetime and keep it cooking properly.
When should you clean your air fryer?
After each usage, gently clean your air fryer by shaking off any extra crumbs and giving any components that came into close contact with food a brief wash. If you do this every time you use your air fryer, you will seldom need to thoroughly clean it.
How to identify when your air fryer needs cleaning
Even if you have the greatest air fryer and clean it after each use, the fan and heating coils will accumulate grease buildup over time, much like a traditional oven. (Speaking of which, you should clean your oven regularly.)
When the performance of your air fryer starts to deteriorate, it’s time to deep-clean it. If your food is taking longer to cook, isn’t as crispy as normal, or isn’t frying evenly, a thorough cleaning may improve the flavor of your air-fried meals and even prolong the appliance’s lifetime.
What supplies do you need?
- Sponge.
- Dish soap.
- Scrub brush or soft toothbrush.
- Damp cloth.
- Baking soda.
How to Clean the Air Fryer?
Step 1: Allow the air fryer to cool completely.
Allow a hot air fryer to cool for at least 10 minutes before cleaning it to avoid unintentional burns. After you’ve done frying, keep your air fryer basket or door open to speed things up. While you wait, concentrate on cleaning the remainder of your kitchen.
Step 2: Clean up the crumbs
Crumbs are a concern with basket-style air fryers, according to Hester—small pieces of food may become stuck under the basket and burn, so you’ll need to wipe them out frequently. Remove the basket from the chamber and dispose of it in the trash. Keep in mind that although little crumbs may go down the garbage disposal, bigger bits of food should go in the trash can.
Pull off the crumb-catching tray on the bottom of a toaster oven-style air fryer, shake it out over a sink or trash can, and then use a brush to remove any wayward crumbs that adhere to the door or hinges.
Clean the basket, tray, or pan.
Don’t be upset about cleaning the air fryer basket if you’ve learned how to clean the air fryer. It can be cleaned with soap and warm water just like any other dish. If you don’t want to wash it by hand (which we understand), Hester has good news: “Most detachable baskets may be placed on the top rack of the dishwasher to facilitate cleaning,” she explains.
While most air fryer components are dishwasher safe, it’s always a good idea to double-check the instruction booklet for your model first.
Did food stick to the basket or pan? Soak the pieces in hot soapy water for 20 to 30 minutes before putting them in the dishwasher. The softened muck may then be removed using a scouring brush.
Step 4: Clean the interior
After removing the basket, tray, and pan, clean the interior of the air fryer. Simply wipe off the whole inside with a moist kitchen sponge and a little dish soap.
How to Clean the Air Fryer Deeply
Step 1: Turn off the machine.
First and foremost, safety! As with any small appliance cleaning, ensure that your air fryer is unplugged before you begin.
Step 2: Clean the outside.
Because air frying uses very little oil, there won’t be much greasy residue after each usage. Therefore, you won’t need to clean the exterior of the air fryer as regularly. Wipe off the outside with a damp towel after a couple of uses.
Step 3: Clean up the buildup
If you discover any food particles or areas of baked-on oil on the interior of the air fryer, cover them with an easy-to-make baking soda paste: A half-cup of baking soda and a few tablespoons of water should be combined. Scrub the inside of the air fryer gently with a nonabrasive scrub brush or soft toothbrush.
Never remove caked-on food or crumbs from the appliance using metal tools. They may ruin the nonstick coating and cause your air fryer to malfunction.
Step 4: Clean the inside.
After cleaning the interior of the air fryer, wipe it off with a moist towel. Wipe the equipment clean, then replace the freshly cleaned basket, tray, or pan. And with that, you’re ready to go.
It’s time to move on to your next cleaning assignment now that you know how to clean the air fryer.
