Air fryers are one of the most sought-after kitchen appliances as it is estimated that 12 million households in the UK now own one.
TikTok has seen users flock to the app in recent months for information on how to effectively clean the device, with the tag #airfryercleaning garnering more than 118 million views.
Frequent cleaning of your air fryer eliminates the risk of cross-contamination and the growth of dangerous bacteria such as salmonella – but many cooks don’t know where to start.
Luckily, the cleaning experts at Hiatt Hardware have shared their essential guide on how to effectively clean your air fryer and ward off any chance of a foodborne illness in just “five simple steps”.
1. Turn off and unplug
Your air fryer will need to be completely cool before you begin cleaning, for your own safety.
While the basket may appear cool, internal compartments can still retain heat after use – aim to wait at least 30 minutes before attempting to clean the air fryer.
It’s also important to ensure that your device is unplugged from the mains, to avoid any potential accidents and ensure you can take it to a spacious area of your kitchen during the cleaning process.
2. Clean the air fryer basket and plates
The removable compartments of your appliance are “just as easy to clean” as other dishes in your cupboards, according to the experts.
Simply, submerge your air fryer baskets and cooking plates in warm, soapy water and tackle with a sponge – making sure to pay close attention to any stubborn-looking areas where there may be residue buildup.
3. Soak removable compartments in a solution
If you want to go the “extra mile” to remove “stubborn areas and grime stains”, you can create a “trusty, DIY cleaning solution”.
This is made up of equal parts water and white vinegar to shift any remaining traces of grime.
4. Wipe down the heating unit
As it contains the heating coil and fan, the body of your air fryer should never be placed in water. The safest way to tackle the inside of your unit is to use a slightly damp cloth working from the outside inwards.
Pay close attention to any splatters as these can harbour bacteria for long periods.
The air fryer’s coil will be located inside the unit, this area can also be cleaned with a damp cloth. If you find that “grease is stubborn inside the coil” you can upgrade to a dish brush, making sure you get inside every gap of the coil.
5. Dry and place together
Once you can be sure that all elements of your air fryer are clean, you can set them to air dry.
If you are hoping to reuse it soon, you can also towel dry each compartment before piecing it together.
Once reassembled, you can set your air fryer in its usual home on your counter or in a cupboard ready for the next use.
