Smelly & Dirty? Tips On How To Clean An Air Fryer Properly And Keep It In Tip-Top Shape

Whether you're a frequent user, a seasoned user or new to air fryers, keeping it clean after each use and regular maintenance is a key to ensuring it works efficiently and lasts longer.

This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to clean your air fryer, including the equipment you'll need, do's and don'ts, and tips on how to deep clean it. Let's get going!

Regular Cleaning Of An Air Fryer

After every use, quickly clean the removable parts (basket and drip tray). Once every month, do a regular cleaning of the interior and exterior surfaces. Here's how:

1.Equipment You'll Need

It's essential to have the right equipment to avoid damaging your air fryer. Here are what you'll need:

• A soft dish cloth or a soft sponge
• Warm water
• Vinegar/ or lemon juice
• Mild dish soap
• Soft-bristled brush
• Non-abrasive scrubbing pad (scrubber)
• A dry cloth or paper towel

Note: Avoid using steel wool, abrasive sponges, or harsh chemicals that can scratch or damage your air fryer.

2.Clean An Air Fryer

1. Unplug the air fryer and wait for it to cool down.
2. Remove the basket and drip tray, separate them.
3. Wash them in warm soapy water using a soft cloth or sponge.
4. Rinse them thoroughly, and dry them with a towel.
5. Use a soft brush to clean the heating element and remove any food particles or debris.
6. Clean the exterior of the air fryer with a non-abrasive scrubbing pad and warm soapy water.
7. Dry it with a cloth or paper towel.
8. Reassemble the basket and tray, ensuring they’re dry before using them again.

Note: Do not wash the electric part of the air fryer, as it will damage the electronics. Only wash the removable parts of the appliance.

Deep Cleaning An Air Fryer

Every quarter, deep clean your appliance by taking apart the removable parts and cleaning them thoroughly. If your air fryer is showing signs of buildup or has accumulated grease and grime, it's time for a deep clean.

This ensures that any stubborn food residue or grease is removed, to prolong the lifespan of your air fryer.

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1.Equipment You'll Need

• A soft dishcloth or a soft sponge
• Warm water
• Vinegar/ or lemon juice
• Mild dish soap
• Baking soda (for deep cleaning and removing tough stains)
• Soft-bristled brush and cotton swabs (to clean the heating element)
• Toothpicks or toothbrush (to reach small areas)
• Non-abrasive scrubbing pad (scrubber)
• A dry cloth or paper towel
• A screwdriver to remove any stuck-on parts (optional)

Note: Avoid using steel wool, abrasive sponges, or harsh chemicals that can scratch or damage your air fryer.

2.Deep Clean An Air Fryer

To deep clean an air fryer, it’s necessary to take your appliance apart.

1. Unplug the air fryer and let it cool down.
2. Remove the basket and drip tray.
3. Fill the sink with hot water and a few mild dish soap drops.
4. Soak the basket and drip tray for about 15 minutes to remove any stubborn stains.
5. Use a soft-bristled brush or cotton swabs to clean the heating element and remove any built-up grime. Use a toothbrush, toothpicks to get into any small crevices.
6. Locate the screws on the base of the air fryer, and with a screwdriver, remove them.
7. Carefully take off the base and gently wipe the inside with a damp cloth.
8. If there's any stubborn grime, you can use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad or a mixture of baking soda, vinegar and water.
9. Use a soft sponge with lemon juice or vinegar to clean the exterior of an air fryer to remove any stuck-on food particles.
10. Dry it with a cloth or paper towel.
11. Reassemble all the parts of an air fryer and tighten the screws carefully.
12. Clean the basket and tray and dry them thoroughly before using them again.

Cleaning Air Fryers: By Parts

1.How To Clean An Air Fryer Basket

Air fryer baskets and trays are the two parts that collect most grease and food particles.

To clean an air fryer basket:

• Soak it in warm soapy water for 10-15 minutes.
• Use a soft sponge and baking soda to scrub away any stains.
• Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly before using it again.

2.How To Clean An Air Fryer Tray

To clean an air fryer tray:

• Soak it in hot soapy water for about 15 minutes.
• Use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad or sponge to remove any stuck-on food particles.
• Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly before using it again.

3.How To Clean An Air Fryer Fan

To clean an air fryer fan:

• Unplug the air fryer and let it cool down.
• Use a soft cloth or brush to remove any dust or debris from the fan blades.
• Wipe the blades with a damp cloth, making sure not to get water into the electrical components.

4.How To Clean An Air Fryer Element

To clean an air fryer heating element:

• Unplug the appliance and let it cool down.
• Use a soft-bristled brush or cotton swab to remove any food particles or debris.
• You can also use a toothbrush, toothpicks, or cotton swabs to reach into small crevices.

5.How To Clean An Air Fryer Inside

To clean the inside of your air fryer:

• Unplug the appliance and let it cool down.
• Use a damp cloth to wipe the inside of the air fryer.
• For tougher stains, use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad or sponge with baking soda or vinegar.

Note: Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the inside of your air fryer.

Cleaning An Air Fryer: Do's & Don'ts

Do's

• Disconnect the air fryer from the power source before cleaning.
• Keep the base and cords dry when cleaning.
• Clean it after every use.
• Clean your air fryer regularly to keep it working efficiently.
• Use mild dish soap or detergent.
• Use non-abrasive scrubbing sponges or pads to avoid damaging the air fryer's surface.

Don'ts

• Don't put the whole air fryer into the dishwasher.
• Don't soak the whole air fryer in water or submerge it in water.
• Don't immerse the base or cords in water or any other liquid; this will damage the heating element and other electrical components.
• Don't put the basket or tray in the dishwasher as this can cause them to warp or become discolored.
• Don't use steel wool, or metal utensils, abrasive sponges or scrubbers that can damage your air fryer.
• Don't use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, such as chlorine, bleach or oven cleaner.

Tips & Tricks

• To remove tough stains or discoloration from the basket and tray, mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply it to the affected areas and let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
• To prevent future buildup, use cooking spray or oil on the basket and tray before each use to make cleaning easier.
• If you notice any unusual smells coming from your air fryer, try cleaning it thoroughly according to the instructions above. If the smell persists, do not take any risks. This may be a signal that your air fryer is at the end of it's life cycle. It may be the right time to replace your air fryer.

Cleaning your air fryer is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. Regularly cleaning your air fryer will not only prolong its lifespan but also ensure that you're cooking with a hygienic appliance.

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By following the tips outlined above, you'll be able to clean your air fryer efficiently. Taking care of your air fryer will not only ensure it works perfectly every time but also helps you cook tasty food without any hassle.

Happy air-frying!

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