Air fryers have soared in popularity as they offer a swift and healthier method to cook food with minimal oil. Nevertheless, it’s essential to clean them after each use to prevent bacterial growth and the build-up of grease and food particles.
The challenge comes with their intricate parts that are not suitable for submerging in water. Sharon Darlington found herself in a bind with her air fryer and sought advice on the ‘Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips’ Facebook group, posting: “What is the best way of cleaning air fryer drawers?”
Her query received a flood of suggestions, but the top tip was to use a dishwasher tablet, reports the Express. Annemarie Turnbull advised: “Boiling water, washing up liquid and a dishwasher tablet. Leave for 20 minutes, rinse and dry. Perfect every time.”
Elizabeth Rose shared: “Haven’t got a dishwasher. Soak mine in a bowl of hot water with a dishwasher tablet.” Deb O’Neill recommended: “Steep in hot water, and a dishwasher tablet comes up like new.”
Dishwasher tablets, which contain enzymes, surfactants, bleach, and polymers, are effective at breaking down food residues and tackling grease and grime. These tablets are readily available in most supermarkets or online.
For instance, House 24/7 Dishwasher Tablets are priced at £1.49 for a pack of 30 at Sainsbury’s, amounting to about 5p per tablet, while Tesco All-In-One Dishwasher Tablets are offered at £3.56 for a pack of 40.
Fans of cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch have shared their own tips for scrubbing air fryer drawers, with suggestions ranging from good old washing up liquid to the trusty dishwasher. Louise Simpson recommended: “Soak with hot water and washing up liquid as soon as you take the food out, then wash when you’ve eaten.”
Gina Singh-Trotz added her own advice: “Dishwasher works also but if, like me, you use it everyday, you should wash it everyday.”