An air fryer’s proper functioning or performance doesn’t just depend on the manufacturer’s brand. Daily use, without any maintenance behind it, can also affect the unit’s capacity. So you see: air fryer cleaning is becoming a crucial step, and one that should be part of your daily routine. But not everyone knows how. If you’re in the same situation, don’t hesitate to consult this guide. It will tell you all you need to know to clean your air fryer properly.
How to clean an air fryer: the basics
For some people, the best way to clean the dirt from an air fryer is to put its various components in the dishwasher. But this is a very bad idea! Using a dishwasher can damage the air fryer’s components and shorten its lifespan. Therefore, the only way to proceed is manual cleaning. Here again, you’ll need a few essentials to get a “clean” result. These include:
- A damp microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge;
- Warm water;
- Baking soda;
- A soft bristle brush;
- A soft brush;
- A clean, dry cloth.
Next, the other non-negotiable step before any cleaning is to disconnect your appliance from its power source, to avoid any risk of electrocution. Once this precaution has been taken, you can proceed to wash your air fryer, both inside and out.
How do I clean the inside of an air fryer?
To clean the inside of an air fryer, it’s important to consider its main components. These include the basket and the heating element.
How do I clean the air fryer basket?
Food and fat residues can sometimes accumulate in your appliance’s basket. This generally impairs rapid cooking and sometimes leaves behind unpleasant odors.
For optimum cleaning of this accessory, you first need to carefully remove the basket from your air fryer. This is necessary to remove residues and oil, and a paper towel will help. Next, immerse the basket in hot water with two tablespoons of bicarbonate. This will create a paw that you’ll need to leave to rest. For your information, baking soda is a highly effective cleaning ingredient for easily removing even the most stubborn stains.
After that, it’s time to clean the sides of the basket with great care. You can use a soft sponge or a brush with delicate bristles for this step. Don’t leave any gaps, and scrub the surface until all dirt has been removed. At the end, rinse with clean water and spread or dry.
Alternatively, if you find that your air fryer retains odors after cleaning, an effective solution is to use lemon. To do this, cut a lemon in half and rub one half over the basket. Then use the other half to coat the inside of the tank.
When you’re finished, leave the components impregnated with lemon juice to stand for about half an hour. This will allow the lemon juice to take effect. Finally, rinse the basket thoroughly with lukewarm water and dry it with a clean cloth.
A word of warning: we strongly advise against using metal utensils to clean residues from your air fryer. This could damage the non-stick coating.
How do I clean an Air Fryer resistor?
The resistor is also known as the heating element. It is the centerpiece of your mini fryer. In concrete terms, the heating element is responsible for generating heat to cook food, thanks to the hot air circulating inside the appliance.
To ensure optimal cleaning, you’ll need to follow the steps below:
1. Make sure the appliance is completely cool and unplugged from any power source. It’s a golden rule that you may not realize, which is why we’re reminding you once again.
2. We recommend using a damp cloth for this operation. This will gently wipe the area around the resistor, taking care not to damage any electrical components.
3. If debris has collected on the hot element, simply use a soft brush or a soft bristle brush. This type of accessory offers a precise and delicate cleaning method. Best of all, it ensures that impurities are removed without damaging the heating element.
A word of warning: never immerse the heating element in a bucket of water or any other liquid. Such action could lead to electrical malfunctions, premature corrosion of components, or even short circuits.
How to clean the outside of an air fryer
When using a hot-air fryer, there’s no risk of grease splattering onto the casing. A simple wipe down of the exterior with a damp cloth may suffice, with the addition of a mild cleaning product. However, it’s best to avoid using a scouring sponge to prevent scratches. And, to avoid stains, be sure to dry the exterior thoroughly with a cloth.
The other foolproof solution: HG cleaner
HG cleaner is an effective solution for thorough air fryer cleaning. It has been specially developed to remove grease residues, stains, and encrusted dirt. Of course, it’s not a magic cleaning product, as it owes its performance to several features:
- A powerful formula: this cleaner is inspired by a powerful formula that works deep down to effectively remove stubborn grease residues and the most persistent stains.
- Food-safe: HG cleaner is perfect for safe use in kitchen appliances, with no harmful residues. So your culinary preparations retain their purity.
And it’s just as easy to use. Simply spray the HG cleaner onto the internal and external surfaces of your appliance. Then leave for a few minutes to allow the cleaner to dislodge impurities and deposits. Once the number of minutes has elapsed, it’s time to gently scrub the surface with a damp sponge or cloth.
By following these simple methods and tips, you can be sure of keeping your air fryer clean and in good condition.