Air fryers, one of the most exciting culinary inventions in recent times, offer a swift, straightforward and convenient method for meal preparation.
Perfect for busy households, air fryers are becoming the unsung heroes of modern kitchens, with an increasing number of people opting to swap their ovens for this handy gadget.
If you own one, you’ll understand the importance of regular maintenance, which includes frequent, thorough cleaning.
READ MORE: Air fryer owners issued warning over ‘common’ cleaning mistakes
Despite using less oil than traditional cooking methods, air fryers can still attract stubborn grease stains that aren’t always easy to remove.
Caroline Ross David e Silva, product marketing director at Cuisinart, has provided some valuable insight on how air fryer owners can boost the lifespan of their appliances – and keeping on top of the food prep is key.
She said: “Air fryers have revolutionised the way we cook but maintaining them properly is fundamental to ensuring both longevity and consistently delicious results.
“While these appliances are designed for convenience, proper cleaning techniques can make a significant difference in their performance and lifespan.”
Many people don’t consider the importance of proper food preparation when it comes to maintaining their air fryer.
For instance, Caroline recommends always patting excess moisture from foods before air frying – a step that you might not be carrying out regularly.
This is essential for keeping your air fryer free from grease. If you’re often cooking particularly greasy food in your air fryer, such as chicken wings or bacon, then it could also be worth tossing them in a light coating of cornstarch or flour.
Not only will this improve their crunchy texture, it’ll also help to absorb the oil which can lead to those messy stains building up and accumulating in your appliance.
How to clean your air fryer
For optimal maintenance, the experts recommend cleaning your air fryer after each use.
Begin by unplugging the appliance and allowing it to cool completely. The basket and drawer can be washed with warm, soapy water – but avoid using abrasive cleaning tools that might damage the coating.
For stubborn grease, soak these components in hot water with a gentle dish soap for 10-15 minutes before cleaning.
For added ease, numerous air fryer models come with dishwasher-safe parts, allowing for hassle-free cleaning – but it’s crucial to check your model’s manual to confirm which components are dishwasher-safe to ensure your appliance’s longevity.
For everyday cleaning, experts suggest gently wiping down the heating element with a damp cloth once it has completely cooled.
A common mistake is the use of cooking sprays, which can leave a sticky residue instead, it’s recommended to brush or spray your food directly with oil before placing it in the air fryer.