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If you’re anything like me, your air fryer has become the star of your kitchen.
But even our most cherished kitchen gadgets need a little TLC every now and then.
So, let’s dive into how to keep our air fryers looking and cooking like they’re brand new.
How to Do a Basic Clean of Your Air Fryer
I get this question a lot: “how do you clean your air fryer?”
While there are many models out there, the cleaning basics for most air fryers are pretty straightforward.
Here’s my routine, personally..
- Cool and Unplug: Always let your fryer cool down and unplug it before cleaning.
- Basket Bath: Pull out that basket and give it a good wash in warm soapy water. You can let them soak a bit to ease up any dry pieces of food/grease, then dry them on a dish rack, I prefer to let it air dry overnight.
- How to Clean the Interior: With a damp, soapy cloth or sponge, gently wipe down the inside.
- How to Shine the Exterior: A soft cloth and maybe a spritz of detergent or degreaser will do the trick, is all you need to wipe down the outside and keep it looking fresh.
- Reassemble: Once everything’s dry, pop those parts back in.
A little tip from me: avoid abrasive cleaners, as to avoid scratching the interior.
You can also put the whole tray and parts in the dish washer, but I recommend you check to see if that’s recommended for your model.
How to Deep Clean Your Air Fryer
For those days when we’ve cooked up a storm and the fryer shows it, a deeper clean might be in order.
Here’s what I do:
- Steam Magic: Fill the air fryer basket with a cup of water, turn it on high for a few minutes, and let the steam do its thing.
- Soak and Scrub: If there’s still some stubborn residue, let the removable parts soak in hot, soapy water. A soft-bristled toothbrush or even a toothpick can help get into those tricky spots.
- Stay Dry: Remember, never submerge the whole air fryer in water. And even if your manual says it’s okay, I personally avoid the dishwasher for the removable parts. Hand washing just feels right.
How to Tackle Sticky Residue
For those super sticky messes, I swear by a baking soda paste.
Mix up some baking soda with a bit of water, spread it over the sticky spots, and let it sit.
A soft-bristled toothbrush will help scrub away the residue.
Rinse with a wet cloth and then dry.
How to De-Grease Your Air Fryer
If the inside of your fryer feels a tad greasy, add a drop or two of a good grease-fighting dish soap to the water and let it steam.
And if you’re noticing some lingering food odors, try rubbing a lemon over the basket.
Let it sit, then wash.
Now it’s ready to be abused all over again hehe.
Expert’s Take
To keep your air fryer in top shape, regularly give it a basic clean, tackle sticky residues with a baking soda paste, and de-grease using a steam method with dish soap. For deep cleans, use warm soapy water and gentle tools to protect the non-stick surfaces.
That’s it from me for today! If you found this guide helpful, you’ll love my other air fryer content over at WhatGoesWellWith.
Especially my guide on how to preheat a ninja air fryer. I’ve got a bunch of air fryer tips that’ll make you feel like a pro, even if you’re just cooking in your backyard.
Before you go, don’t forget to grab our free Recipe Template or Notion Template to elevate your cooking game. Until next time, happy frying! 💕