Also known as an oil-free fryer, hot-air fryer, Airfryer or Air Fryer, the airfryer offers healthier and quicker food cooking. Although they use air instead of oil (or very little) to fry, grill or roast food, this type of fryer still requires regular cleaning to ensure healthy cooking. Find out how to clean an airfryer properly.
Can Certain Parts of the Airfryer Be Washed In The Dishwasher?
Most air fryer models feature removable parts that can be washed in the dishwasher. This is often the case for baskets and bowls, which can be washed in the dishwasher by placing them in the upper basket. The heating element and outer surface, on the other hand, require manual cleaning.
Remember, however, that for effective, risk-free cleaning, it’s best to clean all airfryer parts by hand.
Steps To Clean An Airfryer
Here are all the steps to clean an air fryer by hand:
Step 1: Allow Your Fryer To Cool Down
When cleaning your appliance, we recommend that you do so with it switched off and completely cool, to avoid the risk of burns. In other words, if you’ve just used your airfryer, you need to wait for it to cool down before cleaning it.
Step 2: Clean Out The Airfryer Basket
Since the food is cooked inside the basket, it’s the one that deserves the most thorough cleaning. To clean the basket of an air fryer, simply fill a basin with hot, soapy water. You can use washing-up liquid, Marseille soap or black soap. Immerse the basket in the basin and leave for around ten minutes, until the food residue has settled.
If any grease residue remains, you can remove it with a sponge or soft brush. Finish by rinsing the basket with clean water and drying it with a soft, clean cloth.
Step 3: Clean The Tank
The bowl, located under the basket, collects liquids and grease during cooking. It too deserves a thorough cleaning. To clean the bowl of an air-fryer, you can start by removing as much grease as possible with absorbent paper or a soft cloth.
Then take a soft sponge (or soft-bristled brush) soaked in warm soapy water (dishwashing liquid, Marseille soap or black soap) and gently scrub the bottom and sides of the bowl. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft, dry cloth.
Good to know: if the bottom of the tank is very dirty, you can remove stubborn residues by filling the bottom with hot water, a small amount of
baking soda
and a drop of washing-up liquid. Leave for about ten minutes before emptying, rinsing and drying.
Step 4: Clean The Heating Element
To avoid burnt odours and avoid impairing the unit’s performance, you should also clean the heating element of your airfryer. To access it, turn the appliance upside down and open the drawer to gain easier access to the resistor. To clean the airfryer’s heating element without damaging it, we recommend using a soft brush.
Step 5: Clean The Outside Of The Airfryer
Finally, clean the outside of the airfryer with a soft, slightly damp cloth or sponge. Then wipe the entire surface of the case with a soft, dry cloth.
Also find out how to clean a dirty oven dish!
Airfryer Maintenance Tips
What Products Should I Avoid When Cleaning My Air Fryer?
To clean an air fryer without causing damage to it, avoid using all aggressive products such as chemical detergents and abrasive tools like scouring sponges, and sharp or pointed objects. Instead, choose natural household products.
How Often Should I Be Cleaning My Airfryer?
It is recommended to clean an airfryer after each use to prolong its life and ensure optimal, healthy cooking.
Why Is It Important To Dry The Appliance Thoroughly?
After each cleaning, we strongly recommend that you dry all parts of the unit thoroughly. This often-neglected step helps prevent the formation of mould and mildew, as well as the appearance of unpleasant odours. As well as using a soft, dry cloth to dry everything, you can also leave the unit open for several hours before storing it.
How Do I Deodorise An Airfryer?
If, despite your best efforts, your airfryer still smells bad, you can use this tip to eliminate unpleasant odours. The idea is to rub half a lemon on the bowl and immerse the basket in water with lemon juice. Leave for 30 minutes before rinsing and drying.
If you’re feeling motivated after cleaning out your air fryer, and you’ve decided to challenge yourself to cleaning all your kitchen appliances, you might want to rediscover all our tips for
maintaining and cleaning your appliances naturally. And if you need a little help, don’t hesitate to call the Wecasa home cleaning professionals, we’re happy to help, from Monday to Sunday, 7 am to 10 pm!
