How to Clean Your Air Fryer in 3 Easy Steps

Air fryers have changed cooking. They let you enjoy your favorite crispy foods with less oil and in less time. However, just like any kitchen appliance, air fryers require regular maintenance to ensure they perform at their best.

Proper care not only enhances the quality of the cooking but also extends the lifespan of the appliance. In this guide, we will explain why it is important to maintain your air fryer. We will also give you a step-by-step cleaning and care guide that will help you keep your appliance in great shape.

Let’s dive into how you can maintain your Cosori air fryer to ensure years of efficient and healthy cooking.

Why Air Fryer Cleaning and Maintenance is Crucial

Cleaning and maintaining your air fryer is essential for both health and performance. Regular cleaning and care can help:

• Remove food and oil buildup: This ensures consistent cooking results and prevents the accumulation of grease and food particles.
• Maintain the appliance's lifespan: A well-maintained air fryer lasts longer, saving you money in the long run.
• Ensure consistent cooking: Proper care helps the fryer operate efficiently, ensuring your food cooks evenly every time.
• Preserve food flavor: A clean air fryer prevents lingering odors, ensuring every dish tastes fresh and delicious.
• Promote hygiene: Regular cleaning reduces food residue and bacteria buildup, helping maintain a healthy cooking environment.

Cosori is a trusted brand for high-quality air fryers. With proper care, you can maintain the performance and lifespan of your device for many years.

3 Cleaning Steps for Your Air Fryer

The core mantra of air fryer cleaning is "clean while warm, handle in sections, and avoid scratching." Here are the detailed steps:

1: Preparation

• Turn off the power. Let the air fryer cool down for 10-15 minutes. This helps prevent burns from high temperatures. The leftover heat will make it easier to wipe off grease.
• Prepare cleaning tools: Soft sponge/cloth, soft-bristle brush (for cleaning crevices), warm water, mild dish soap (such as dish detergent), and paper towels. For stubborn stains, you can also prepare baking soda or citric acid (lemon juice).
• Take out removable parts: Remove the air fryer basket, crisper plate, racks, and other detachable parts, and place them in the sink for cleaning.

2: Cleaning Steps

Air Fryer Basket and Crisper Plate:

• Fill the sink with warm water. Add a little mild dish soap. Submerge the air fryer basket and crisper plate for 15 minutes.
• For food residues (like burnt meat or fries), gently scrub with a soft sponge. Use a soft-bristle brush to clean the crevices.
• For tough stains like burnt oil, make a paste with baking soda and warm water. Apply it to the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, scrub gently. Avoid using steel wool to prevent damaging the non-stick coating.
• Rinse the parts thoroughly with running water to remove any detergent, then dry them using paper towels.

Air Fryer’s Interior :

• Use a soft cloth dampened with diluted dish soap to gently wipe away grease and food residues from the interior walls.
• Be extra cautious around the heating element. Use a soft-bristle brush to gently sweep away dust and debris. Avoid applying water directly to the heating element (to prevent short-circuiting).
• Wipe the inside with a slightly damp cloth to remove soap. Then, use a dry cloth to dry it completely.

Air Fryer’s Exterior :

• Use a wrung-out damp cloth to wipe the exterior shell of the air fryer, removing surface dust and grease.
• To clean the control panel, gently wipe it with dry paper towels.
• For the bottom vents, use a soft-bristle brush to clean out any dust and ensure proper airflow.

3: Final Touches After Cleaning

• Make sure all parts are fully dry, especially areas like inside the air fryer and heating element.
• Once everything is dry, place the basket and accesories into the air fryer.
• Store the air fryer in a dry, well-ventilated area.

Important Notes 

Avoid using steel wool, harsh brushes, or sharp tools, as they can scratch the non-stick coating. Once damaged, the coating may cause food to stick, make cleaning more difficult.

Do not submerge the entire air fryer in water, and avoid using high-pressure water on the housing or heating element.

Cleaning frequency: Always clean removable parts after each use. Perform a deep clean when needed (using baking soda to remove stubborn stains and odors).

Using Parchment Paper and Aluminum Foil in the Air Fryer

After cleaning and drying all parts of your air fryer, it's important to use accessories correctly. Along with regular maintenance, using parchment paper and aluminum foil properly helps achieve better cooking results and maintain your appliance.

Using Parchment Paper in the Air Fryer

You can use parchment paper in your air fryer to help keep the cooking area clean while allowing proper airflow. It also helps absorb excess oil, preventing food from becoming too greasy. However, make sure the parchment paper does not touch the heating element, as this could cause a fire..

Using Aluminum Foil in the Air Fryer

Aluminum foil can also be used in the air fryer, but it must be used correctly. Never cover the vents or heating element with foil, as blocking these areas can restrict airflow and lead to uneven cooking. You can line the basket with foil or wrap food in it, but make sure it does not interfere with the appliance’s ventilation system.

Common Issues and Solutions

Even with proper maintenance, air fryers can experience common issues. Here are some solutions:

Odors: If your air fryer starts to smell, it is often due to food or grease buildup. Regularly clean the basket, crisper plate, and interior to prevent odors. For a more thorough cleaning, you can wipe down the interior with a mixture of water and vinegar.

Non-stick coating wear: To prevent damage to the non-stick surface, avoid using metal utensils or harsh cleaning materials. Wooden or silicone utensils are recommended instead.

Dishwasher-safe accessories: While some parts of the air fryer are dishwasher-safe, hand washing is typically recommended to preserve the non-stick coating. Always refer to your user manual to confirm which parts are dishwasher-safe.

The Importance of Regular Air Fryer Maintenance

By regularly maintaining your air fryer, you can ensure it continues to cook your favorite meals to perfection. Consistent cleaning, proper use of parchment paper and aluminum foil, and following the manufacturer’s instructions are essential for extending the life of your appliance.

At Cosori, we believe that regular maintenance leads to optimal cooking results and maintains the lifespan for your air fryer. Explore our range of Cosori air fryer models to enjoy healthier, delicious meals with ease.