Foodies reveal how to keep your air fryer looking like new after every use
Air fryers have a lot of advantages. They can cook almost anything in a fraction of the time and are even a slightly healthier alternative cooking option.
But it’s no secret that cleaning your gadgets can be a chore, especially if you’re going to use them again hours later.
Moreover, it is not so easy to find the best way to keep them spick and span, because there are many parts that should not get wet.
But don’t worry, according to some hobby chefs, there is a super simple way to make your trusty air fryer look like new again after every use.
There is one thing you need to keep in mind, though: you can’t put off cleaning for too long.
On a popular Reddit forum, someone asked for tips on the “latest/best way to clean your air fryer.”
Other gourmets agreed that it is important to clean as soon as possible.
“You probably won’t like this, but,” someone warned, “if you want your basket to last a long time, clean it as soon as possible after cooking.”
They then suggested soaking the basket in ‘hot soapy water’ while eating and cleaning it thoroughly afterwards.
“It will be very easy to clean,” they added.
A second agreed: “I mean, it’s just a matter of hygiene, just like cooking, and it’s not at all burdensome, honestly.”
“Usually after a simple soak, wipe down and drying on a rack they are ready to use again. Five minutes max,” said a third.
Still not sure how to get your Airfryer sparkling clean again? Check out the advice below.
How do you clean your air fryer?
Unplug the power cord
This is very important because you don’t want water to splash on the electrical appliances, especially while they are plugged in.
Make sure the appliance is switched off, unplugged and has cooled completely before checking it again.
Give removable parts a clean
Now it’s time to take out the pan, baking sheet and basket.
These parts, like the rest of your dishes, can be washed with dishwashing liquid and water.
They are usually dishwasher safe if you have one, but check with the manufacturer first.
Most air fryers have a removable drawer that you can easily pull out of the appliance.
Others have a different design where you lift the pan out of the machine from above.
Wipe the main unit
It is very important not to immerse the fryer in water as this may cause damage.
For this part of the fryer, simply use a damp cloth to wipe down the control panel and the entire unit, removing grease stains and food splatters.
With most air fryers, the fat from bacon, for example, remains on the bottom of the baking tray. This fat can harden as the appliance cools down.
It is best to remove these types of stains as soon as you cook your food.
The warmer the stains, the easier they are to remove. This way they don’t stick and removing them becomes a lot more difficult.
Check the heating coil of the appliance
Check the heating coil every time you use the deep fryer.
Normally you will find this at the top.
If there are any residues or oil When you connect the appliance, make sure that the appliance is unplugged and has cooled down. Then wipe the appliance clean with a dishwashing brush or a damp cloth.
Be sure to take extra care when cleaning around buttons and controls.
Dry and reassembled
After cleaning the appliance, dry all parts with a towel or let them air dry.
Then all you have to do is assemble it and it’s ready to use again!
How does an air fryer work?
Despite the name, you don’t actually fry food in an air fryer, because no hot oil is used.
The appliance works much like a convection oven.
Hot air is created by the heating element and blown around the food by a fan.
The meat or vegetables you put in it are held up in the basket, allowing the (very) hot air to move along all sides.
This process ensures that your food will be brown and crispy without using a lot of oil. You can use some oil to prevent the food from sticking to the basket.