A cleaning fan has shared their no-fuss way for getting their air fryer ‘sparkling’ clean. Grease and grime can build up in air fryers relatively easily, thanks to the fan circulating the hot air around the cooking chamber.
While it’s recommended to clean an air fryer after every use, sometimes cleaning can take a backseat. But to help you get rid of unwanted grime and food residue, TikToker Lily has shared her go-to hack for keeping her appliance in good condition. Lily said: “I’m about to show you the easiest way to clean your air fryer.”
All you’ll need is a dishwasher tablet and some hot water, the cleaning fan explained. Lily explained this is her go-to cleaning method for when her air fryer is considerably dirty.
She said: “If it works for your dishwasher, it’s definitely going to work for your air fryer, isn’t it?”
Lily’s method requires minimal fuss. First place a dishwasher tablet in each of the drawers, then follow with enough water boiling from the kettle.
The cleaning fan explained she leaves the mixture to soak the air fryer while she eats her dinner. Once enough time has gone for the dishwasher tablets to work their magic, pour out the greasy water, before giving the baskets a thorough rinse.
Dishwasher tablets mixed with hot water can effectively remove grease from the appliance thanks to the alkaline salts and other chemicals contained in the tablets. The chemicals work to break down grease and food residue, while hot water helps to loosen the grease for easier removal.
Lily’s video has been viewed over 173,600 times. A number of air fryer users recommend washing the air fryer baskets after every use, while Lily explained that she prefers this method of cleaning for “burnt on” food.
In a Which? Instagram video post from 2024, they slammed the ‘air frying’ water hack as the “dumbest” cleaning method for the appliance. The ‘hack’ not only poses a fire risk but also threatens to burn down your house, or at the very least, damage your air fryer.
The expert advised: “Cleaning after every use might seem like a bit of a chore, but actually uses the least effort in the long run.”
If you’re looking for the right air fryer cleaning tips for you, the Which? experts shared a full list of tips here.