How to Clean and Maintain Your Air Fryer

Air fryers have become a must-have appliance in kitchens across the world, revolutionizing the way we cook by offering an alternative to deep frying. But just like any other kitchen gadget, air fryers need regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them performing at their best. Here's some tips on how to keep a clean air fryer.

Cleaning your air fryer is essential for maintaining its performance and keeping it odor-free. Fortunately, air fryers are easy to clean and don’t require a lot of effort. Remember to unplug and let your air fryer cool down completely before cleaning!

Our air fryer baskets, crisper plates, and accessories can be safely cleaned in the dishwasher. This is especially convenient for busy days when you need to get things cleaned up quickly.

However, if you prefer to hand wash your air fryer, it’s just as effective. Use a soft sponge or cloth with mild dish soap to gently scrub away food particles.

When hand-washing your air fryer, avoid using steel wool or harsh scrubbing pads as these can damage the delicate surfaces. Instead, opt for non-abrasive sponges or microfiber cloths. For stubborn grease or oil buildup, try using a mixture of warm water and a mild dish soap. Make sure to dry the parts thoroughly to prevent water buildup that could lead to rust or malfunctions.

Consistency is key when it comes to air fryer maintenance. If you neglect cleaning, residue can build up inside the fryer and impact its efficiency. A dirty air fryer may lead to uneven cooking results and the dreaded burnt food smell.

Moreover, grease buildup inside the air fryer can make it more difficult for air to circulate, affecting the overall cooking process. Air fryers rely on a fan to circulate hot air evenly around the food, and buildup in the basket can restrict airflow. This will result in poor cooking results and, ultimately, burnt food. Cleaning your air fryer regularly helps ensure crisp, evenly cooked meals.

While it’s tempting to use your air fryer multiple times without cleaning it, it’s important to give it a thorough cleaning after every few uses. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• After Each Use: Wipe down the outside of the air fryer and clean the basket and crisper plate. If there are any food particles stuck in the basket, a quick rinse with warm water should suffice. If you’re using a non-dishwasher-safe air fryer model, make sure to clean it by hand to avoid grease buildup.
  
  
• Weekly or After Several Uses: Depending on how often you use your air fryer, a deeper cleaning may be necessary. Once a week or after multiple uses, you should clean the entire interior and exterior of the appliance, removing any grease or food debris that may have accumulated.
  
  
• Monthly Maintenance: Every month, do a more thorough deep clean, scrubbing any stubborn spots that have built up over time.

Liners are a great way to make cleaning your air fryer easier, but they need to be used properly to avoid interfering with the cooking process.

Parchment paper is ideal for air frying as it helps absorb excess grease, preventing it from splattering inside the fryer. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the parchment paper doesn’t block airflow. To avoid this, don’t let the parchment paper touch the heating element or the fan. You should always cut the parchment paper to fit the size of the basket and leave enough space for air to circulate. Never put baking or parchment paper into the air fryer without food on top.

Aluminum foil is another common liner option, but just like parchment paper, it needs to be used carefully. The foil can easily blow around inside the fryer, especially when the fan is on. Make sure the foil is tightly secured in the bottom of the basket and that it doesn’t obstruct the air vents or fan. Aluminum foil should be used sparingly and only for certain foods, like those that might drip grease (e.g., fatty meats or marinated dishes).

Sometimes, using a liner can interfere with the air frying process. If you’re cooking something that benefits from direct exposure to the hot air, such as crispy fries or roasted vegetables, it’s best to skip the liner. The air needs to circulate freely to achieve that golden, crispy texture, so avoid using parchment paper or aluminum foil when you want that perfect crunch.

When it comes to cleaning your air fryer, the right cleaning products can make all the difference. Mild dish soap is usually sufficient for routine cleaning, but there are a few other products you can use if needed:

• Degreasers: For stubborn grease buildup, use a non-toxic degreaser. Make sure it’s safe for kitchen appliances and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that could damage the non-stick coating.
  
  
• Baking Soda: For a natural and gentle cleaner, try a baking soda paste (mix baking soda with water) to scrub away tough grease spots. This works especially well for the basket or crisper plate.
  
  
• White Vinegar: This is a great natural cleaner that can help cut through grease and odors. It’s especially useful for cleaning the exterior of your air fryer.

Avoid using strong chemical cleaners or abrasive materials, as they could damage the nonstick surface and potentially affect the food’s taste.

Proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial to ensuring that your air fryer works efficiently and continues to produce crispy, flavorful meals. So, next time you’re done
cooking, take a few extra minutes to give your air fryer the care it deserves. Your air fryer — and your taste buds — will thank you!