Here Are Our Tips On How To Clean Your Air Fryer!
Got yourself a fancy new air fryer, used it once or twice, but aren’t sure how to clean it? You’re not alone!
Cleaning your air fryer can feel like a scary task with lots of dos and don’ts to consider – but it really is pretty straightforward!
In this guide, we’ll cover general tips and common air fryer questions regarding how and when to clean an air fryer. It’s not as hard as it may seem – but it should be done right each time.
Of course, we can only share general tips and information in this article. Since every air fryer is slightly different always make sure to check the user manual for your air fryer model for specific instructions!
How Often Should You Clean Your Air Fryer?
You should clean the air fryer basket, crumb basket (if your air fryer has one), and the tray after every use. This way, you don’t have to worry about stuck-on food and grime that will get worse over time.
Most of the time, simply wiping the basket and the tray with a damp cloth or paper towel after they have cooled will be enough. Make sure to dry the pieces well before putting them back in the air fryer.
After making something messy in the air fryer (such as bacon) or every few weeks – depending on how often you use your air fryer, we would recommend a deep clean.
How To Clean Your Air Fryer
Before cleaning your air fryer, make sure that it is unplugged and has cooled – you don’t want to burn yourself by touching any parts that are still hot.
Gently remove any crumbs with a dry cloth or paper towel. Clean the air fryer basket – and the crumb basket, if applicable – with a damp cloth or non-abrasive sponge and wipe it dry with a dishtowel afterward.
In many cases, the air fryer tray (the grill plate inside the basket) is dishwasher safe. Check if this is the case for your model! We usually just gently wash the tray with a cloth and a little bit of soapy water in the sink.
If there is any sticky or greasy residue on the basket or tray, dab or spray it with a mix of baking soda and vinegar.
Let the mixture sit on the grease spot for 5-10 minutes, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth and gently dry it with a dishtowel after. For stubborn stains, you might have to repeat these steps a couple of times.
In case of dirt on your heating element, first, make sure that it has fully cooled. Then very gently wipe it with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
Lastly, wipe down the outside of the air fryer with a damp microfiber cloth to avoid dust build-up. Also, make sure that everything is dry before using your air fryer again.
What To Avoid When Cleaning
There are a few things you should consider when it comes to cleaning your air fryer, for example:
- Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaners.
- Don’t use steel wool or any other abrasive sponges, cloths, or brushes. The tray often has a non-stick coating on it and you don’t want to scratch that.
- Don’t place the air fryer in water – it is an electric appliance after all! Instead, wipe the different parts down with damp cloths and only wash the tray and possibly the frying basket in the sink.
- Don’t clean the air fryer while it is still hot – you don’t want to burn yourself.
- Don’t use metal utensils in the air fryer – not just when cleaning but in general since it can harm the non-stick coating and leave scratches in the metal which can lead to issues over time.
How To Deal With Odors In Your Air Fryer
When your air fryer is new, it can often have a typical “plastic smell” from the manufacturer. Check your user manual for specific manufacturer instructions for how to get rid of this smell.
Often times, it includes running the empty air fryer for a certain amount of time (with our model it was 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit – but check your manual first!)
When it comes to odors after cooking food, first let your air fryer cool and follow the cleaning steps mentioned above. If you clean your air fryer regularly, strong, lasting odors from foods should be rare.
In case they still occur, take a soft cloth, dab it into some lemon juice and wipe down the air fryer tray and basket with it.
Let it sit for 30 minutes, then wipe the components down with a damp cloth that you dipped into some clean water. Dry everything with a dish towel before reassembling the air fryer.
And there you have it – a few tips on how to clean your air fryer. Air fryer maintenance is important if you want to keep it running well and lasting for a long time. If you are ever unsure, be sure to check the manual that came with your specific air fryer!
Happy Air Fryin’,
-L+E
