Air fryers have quickly become a must-have in kitchens, offering a faster and healthier way to cook everything from steak and chips to cakes and scones. But while they make mealtimes easier, they can be equally as difficult to clean as other appliances. Grease splatters, crumbs get stuck, and lingering odours often build up inside the basket and tray.
Fortunately, a clever 30p trick promises to leave your air fryer completely grease and odour-free in under 10 minutes. Using a simple household item is a game-changer for busy home cooks everywhere. Not only does it save time and effort, but it also helps extend its lifespan; here’s how lemons can clean your air fryer.
How to remove grease with lemons
Grease is a major problem for air fryers, especially when cooking fatty meats. If you don’t clean your air fryer after every use, grime can build up and become stubborn to remove.
According to appliance retail giant Russell Hobbs, “Ideally, you should be cleaning the basket of your air fryer after every use in order to protect it from the buildup of food. If you use air fryer liners, you may not need to clean the basket as often, but it’s important to still clean it after every few uses.”
Lemons, which cost as little as 30p for a bag, are a great cleaner because citric acid acts as an antibacterial, antiseptic, and natural bleaching agent.
To remove stubborn grease with lemons, begin by combining a generous amount of lemon juice with water in a small saucepan and place it on the stove, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle boil, reported kitchen experts at HYSapientia.
Once it reaches a steady boil, carefully add a tablespoon of regular dish soap, stirring the mixture thoroughly. After the mixture has been well combined, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
When the liquid has cooled to room temperature, pour it carefully into a clean, empty spray bottle. Then simply spray the homemade cleaner directly onto the greasy or grimy air fryer surface.
Let it sit for a moment to break down the residue, and then wipe it away with a scouring pad or a soft towel for a sparkling, fresh finish.
How to remove smelly odours with lemons
Smelly foods like salmon, broccoli or other meats with seasoning can leave a smelly odour. Zoe McLean, senior home economist at Breville spoke to Ideal Homes and admitted, “Lemons are not only a common household food item but, because of their acidity, a great natural cleaning product that is safe to use in your air fryer.”
Zoe continued: “By adding a (heatproof) bowl of sliced lemons and water and then switching the air fryer on for just 10 minutes that will help to remove the smell, leaving your kitchen smelling like a fresh, citrus wonderland.”