Air fryers have surged in popularity in recent years, as UK households look for energy-efficient alternatives to traditional cooking methods.
Though air fryers offer a budget-friendly and healthier approach to preparing various dishes, regular cleaning and maintenance is the key to their longevity. A routine clean-up after each use, paired with a more thorough wash every three to five uses, is advisable, reports the Express.
While the internet is awash with cleaning hacks for air fryers, expert advice warns against certain practices that could cause damage. David Miloshev, an appliance technician and licensed electrician with Fantastic Services, cautioned: “While most baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe, you’ll always need to check your air fryer’s manual before putting them in the dishwasher.
“In any case, this is something I’d advise against because the non-stick coating lasts longer when the parts are hand-washed more regularly. Instead, save the dishwasher for bigger, greasier messes. Soak the basket or tray in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen up any stuck-on food, scrub the parts gently with a nonabrasive sponge.
“This will generally be enough to keep your air fryer’s removable parts clean.”
He advised: “When you’re cleaning your air fryer, avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive sponges or metal utensils, because they can damage the appliance.”
To preserve the integrity of the air fryer, he recommended using gentler tools, saying: “Instead, stick to mild dish soap and warm or hot water.”
He warned against the allure of strong chemicals, cautioning: “Even if you are tempted to use strong chemicals or degreasers, keep in mind that they can damage the non-stick coating inside the air fryer basket or leave behind harmful residue that can end up on your next meal.”
For stubborn grease and unpleasant odours, the expert suggests a safer cleaning concoction: “If your air fryer has a lot of grease accumulated on it or smells bad, you can use a solution of baking soda, dish soap and vinegar to clean it, or simply sprinkle and even layer of baking soda and let it sit overnight to absorb the smells.”
The need for thorough cleaning extends beyond just the visible parts, as David emphasised cleaning an often-overlooked component. “You’ll also need to gently clean the heating element with a soft brush or toothbrush if it has accumulated grease or food residue,” he said.
It is essential to treat this area with care: “When you do that, be very careful not to damage the heating coil or dislodge any other components. You’ll also need to make sure the heating element has dried out completely before reassembling and using the air fryer again.”
His final reminder was a word of caution regarding a popular TikTok cleaning hack, hinting at the practice of cleaning an air fryer by adding water and turning it on.
“Never put water in the air fryer,” he warned. “Some people believe that they can clean the air fryer by putting water in it and turning it on but that’s not something they should do.
“This can damage the appliance instead of actually cleaning it. The hot air that circulates in the appliance poses a high risk of water droplets going onto its electrical parts, creating a short circuit and damaging the appliance.
“If that’s the heating element, it may even start a fire.”