Air fryers have surged in popularity in recent years, able to cook foods faster than in the oven, potentially save on energy bills and even offer a slightly healthier way of cooking, according to some research. However, when it comes to cleaning them, it can be confusing to figure out the best way to get the job done.
According to some air fryer users, there is a “lazy” method that means you can watch the dirt and grime melt away in just five minutes. But, there is a catch – you need to be doing this every single time you use your air fryer.
Posting to a Reddit forum r/airfryer, one user asked for the “laziest/best way to clean your air fryer.”
Many users responded, and many of them said the same thing: You need to prioritise cleaning your air fryer after every use.
One user said: “You’re probably not going to like this but…if you want your basket to last you’ll need to clean it as soon after cooking as you can; put the basket in a sink with some hot soapy water and let it soak while you eat, it will be super easy to clean.”
A second commenter agreed, explaining how this method promises fast results. They wrote: “Agreed. I mean it’s just simple cleanliness as you would with any cooking and it’s not onerous at all, to be honest.
“They are usually a simple soak, wipe and rack dry away from being ready to go again. Five mins tops.” [SIC]
How to clean your air fryer
To clean your air fryer, simply remove the basket and tray and wash them with warm soapy water. If you have any areas of tough grease or dirt, you can leave the components to soak in boiling water.
While they are soaking, wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. If you want to avoid harsh chemicals where you cook your food, you can use an eco-all-purpose cleaner or eco-washing-up liquid.
Some people also recommend using baking soda to loosen any extra burnt-on grease and grime. The alkaline properties of the baking soda combined with its abrasive texture mean it works well to lift tough-to-clean patches.
Make sure everything is dried before reassembling your appliance.
