Air fryers aren’t complicated kitchen appliances when it comes to cleaning. They are essentially a heating element inside a plastic body, some wiring and electronics and a cooking basket. When it comes to cleaning the basket, some are more difficult than others, as grease loves to cling on more if you have baskets with more holes in them.
Typically, households opt to soak their air fryer baskets in hot soapy water or a combination of baking soda and white vinegar. However, one Mrs Hinch fan had no success with either method, instead suggesting other solutions.
Taking to the Mrs Hinch Army Cleaning Tips Facebook page, Vanessa Martin asked: “What’s the best thing to clean the basket of my air fryer with? Without damaging the non-stick, obviously.
“There’s grease that won’t shift! I’ve tried Fairy [washing up liquid], soaking in boiling water with vinegar and baking soda, elbow grease spray and scrubbing with a Scrub Daddy!”
One of the first options suggested by group members was to add water and dish soap to the baskets and turn the air fryer on for several minutes. However, experts have warned against this hack.
Dr Richard Anderson, a food hygiene expert, warned: “Despite being a popular internet trend, never fill a running air fryer with water to clean it, as this can damage the appliance. Always ensure your air fryer is completely dry before using it again, as moisture in the wrong places can cause your air fryer to malfunction.”
Air fryers have exposed electrical elements, so splashes and spills can ruin your appliance.
Others suggested sticking air fryer baskets in the dishwasher for a “thorough clean” but Dr Anderson claimed that even though some air fryers are labelled as dishwasher-safe “dishwashers can strip the non-stick coating” on the air fryer components.
For a safe and effective way to clean your air fryer baskets, leaving a dishwasher tablet in boiling water was a suggested method. Christie Wilson said: “I soak mine in hot water and a dishwasher tablet. Works great, just wipes away.”
Suzie Deeney wrote: “Platinum Dishwasher tablet to soak for a few minutes. Depending on the buildup of grease, you may need to do this two or three times.”
Zoe Mitchell said: “I pop a dishwasher tablet into mine! Leave for three minutes then wipe it away, comes off straight away.”
Dishwasher tablets contain enzymes and surfactants that excel in removing tough, baked-on food particles and grease, making them an excellent choice for air fryer cleaning.
