Air fryers have exploded in popularity over the past few years, being cheap, quick and perfect for getting your chips crispy. The miniature ovens often cook fatty and greasy foods meaning it doesn’t take long before they become filled with grime.
Many air fryers are filled with trays and baskets lined with holes where bits of old food get caught, and before you know it germs and bacteria could be going wild on your mozzarella dipper remnants.
To save us, one cleaning expert has done a deep dive into all things air fryer cleaning to see exactly what we’re doing wrong. Food scientist Jennifer Pallian has revealed some mistakes we often make when trying to get the countertop ovens sparkling.
One common error she highlights is using harsh chemicals. There are often hacks on social media telling you to use strong detergents and cleaning powders but this may actually be damaging the gadget.
On the website Foodess, she writes: “Stick to mild dish soap and water. Strong chemicals or degreasers may damage the non-stick coating in the air fryer basket or leave behind harmful residue.” She also warns that many of us are missing a key part when we clean the cooker by skipping the heating element: “Even if it doesn’t look dirty, grease can accumulate on the heating element, reducing your air fryer’s efficiency over time.”
She suggests to not over-complicate the cleaning process giving the simple advice to: “Remove the basket and tray and wash with warm, soapy water in the sink. Wipe the interior and exterior with a damp cloth, and dry everything thoroughly before you reassemble”.
When you come to deep clean, she also suggests gently scrubbing the heating element with a soft brush or toothbrush, being careful not to damage the coil. To keep your air fryer cleaner for longer she suggests a handy piece of grease proof paper or foil to stop any grease becoming burnt into the walls.