Air fryers have revolutionised the way we cook, swiftly becoming a staple in UK homes. They not only offer a healthier cooking option and lower energy usage, but also speed up the process compared to traditional ovens.
However, cleaning them is often a chore that’s overlooked, despite recommendations to clean the basket after each use and perform a thorough clean every three to four times it’s used. The thought of scrubbing away at built-up grease and grime can be daunting, but the task is much less bothersome with the right guidance. AO’s small appliance expert Isabella Forgione has come to the rescue with her straightforward tips for maintaining spotless air fryers.
“The right method for cleaning your air fryer will depend on the type of air fryer you have,” she explained.
“When cleaning a grill style air fryer, it is important to ensure that the appliance is unplugged and left to cool completely.
“Once cooled, remove the grill and then clean with dish soap and warm water. It’s also key to empty the drip tray at the bottom of your fryer and scrub away any grease with soap and warm water.”
She added: “Before replacing the racks and drip tray, wipe down the inside of the air fryer with a wet paper towel to remove any build-up inside.
“Once you’re done, replace the tray and grill and your air fryer is ready for it’s next use. When cleaning a basket style air fryer, again wait for the appliance to cool before removing the basket.
“With a soft bristle brush, soap and warm water brush the basket to remove any grease and dirt.”
Continuing onto the next step, she said: “With a wet paper towel gently wipe the interior and exterior of the appliance before replacing the basket. Sometimes you may find that your air fryer needs an extra deep clean due to gunk and sticky residue building up.
“To get rid of this, simply wash your air fryer as usual and then mix baking soda and water together to make a thick paste. Put the paste on a damp dish cloth and use it to gently scrub the affected areas.
“Once done, rinse off any residue and your air fryer will be as good as new.”