Air fryers have become a kitchen staple in recent years, with homes across the UK making the switch from traditional ovens to try and save on their energy bills.
But while they may provide a cheaper and healthier way to cook many different foods, air fryers do require frequent maintenance to ensure they keep working well.
It is recommended you give it a quick clean out after every use, as well as a deeper clean every three to five uses.
When it comes to cleaning your air fryer, there are all kinds of cleaning tips and tricks on social media.
But certain methods could actually be doing more harm than good, according to one expert.
David Miloshev, appliance technician and licensed electrician for Fantastic Services, said: “While most baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe, you’ll always need to check your air fryer’s manual before putting them in the dishwasher.
“In any case, this is something I’d advise against because the non-stick coating lasts longer when the parts are hand-washed more regularly.
“Instead, save the dishwasher for bigger, greasier messes. Soak the basket or tray in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen up any stuck-on food, scrub the parts gently with a nonabrasive sponge and put some effort in.
“This will generally be enough to keep your air fryer’s removable parts clean.”
The expert highlighted another common air fryer cleaning error, adding: “When you’re cleaning your air fryer, avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive sponges or metal utensils, because they can damage the appliance.
“Instead, stick to mild dish soap and warm or hot water.
“Even if you are tempted to use strong chemicals or degreasers, keep in mind that they can damage the non-stick coating inside the air fryer basket or leave behind harmful residue that can end up on your next meal.
“If your air fryer has a lot of grease accumulated on it or smells bad, you can use a solution of baking soda, dish soap and vinegar to clean it, or simply sprinkle and even layer of baking soda and let it sit overnight to absorb the smells.”
In addition to keeping the exterior of the appliance clean, David stressed the importance of cleaning another area.
“You’ll also need to gently clean the heating element with a soft brush or toothbrush if it has accumulated grease or food residue, he said.
“When you do that, be very careful not to damage the heating coil or dislodge any other components. You’ll also need to make sure the heating element has dried out completely before reassembling and using the air fryer again.”
His final warning regards cleaning your air fryer by adding water into the basket and turning it on, as seen on TikTok.
“Never put water in the air fryer,” he cautioned. “Some people believe that they can clean the air fryer by putting water in it and turning it on but that’s not something they should do.
“This can damage the appliance instead of actually cleaning it.
“The hot air that circulates in the appliance poses a high risk of water droplets going onto its electrical parts, creating a short circuit and damaging the appliance.
“If that’s the heating element, it may even start a fire.”
