Cleaning an Air Fryer is very easy and you’re going to love all of the tips and tricks we share with you today. You can make that dirty air fryer look like new Have you ever made an Air Fryer Whole Chicken? Or even made Air Fryer Chicken Wings? If so, you know that there is a specific way to help you clean out all of the grease and grime from your air fryer that comes with frying foods that are “splashy”. You want to make sure you’re not just cleaning the air fryer basket or the air fryer racks, but also cleaning around the heating element.
What Items Do I Need to Clean an Air Fryer?
bowl of hot waterdamp clothpaper towelold toothbrushsoft sponge (with an abrasive sponge side)cleaning soap such as Dawn or Dawn Power Wash to help with leftover food residue
Before we jump into cleaning the air fryer, let’s understand first how an air fryer works.
How Does an Air Fryer Work?
Air Fryers work by using fans and a heating element to circulate hot air around your recipes, essentially “frying” them with hot air. Due to the circulating air, your recipes will use less oil and fats and are generally more healthy than if using a traditional deep fryer. Because of the circulating hot air, the inside of the air fryer will also need to be cleaned. You will need to clean the heating element, and also carefully clean behind the heating element. Before using the air fryer for the first time, make sure you remove all of the packaging and inserts and read the owner’s manual carefully. Before I get started with a new air fryer, I have always found it a good idea to run it on high heat for 15 minutes or so before allowing it to cool and using it for the first time. This should also help remove any foul odor or unpleasant “new appliance” smell. I have found this to be the simplest way to get started with what will surely be your new favorite countertop appliance. We will share out tips and tricks for cleaning an air fryer throughout the post. Our tips and tricks are what we have found to be the best way to clean the air fryer, but we also know there is more than one way to do it. Today we are sharing what we think works best. If you have any additional tips or tricks, please make sure to share them in the comment section below.
Tips for Cleaning an Air Fryer:
Make sure the Air Fryer has cooled completely and is unplugged from any electricity. Gather all of the cleaning supplies and have them on hand and ready to go. Always read the instruction manual that comes with your air fryer before use.
How to Clean an Air Fryer
Make sure the Air Fryer is cooled down, unplugged, and you have all of your cleaning supplies on hand. If you have a basket air fryer, the air frying basket is typically dishwasher safe. Make sure to clean off any remaining food particles from the basket and then use the soft side of a sponge or a soft cloth to clean the basket. Another trick I love to use is by spraying the basket with Dawn powerwash. It makes quick work of extra greasy foods that can be harder to clean. Just spray the basket with Dawn powerwash and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Wash the basket with warm soapy water and then rinse the soap away with warm water after the basket is completely cleaned. Dry the basket with a soft cloth or paper towel and it’s ready for your next use. I have found this to be the best way to clean my air fryer. All air fryers are different, and some are able to be cleaned in the dishwasher. If you’re able to use the dishwasher to clean your basket, make sure to clean off any stick food particles first and then place the basket into the dishwasher.
How to Clean the Main Unit of the Air Fryer
The basket isn’t the only thing to get dirty when using the air fryer. The interior of the air fryer will also need to be cleaned. To keep the inside of your air fryer clean, use a little bit of dish soap on a paper towel or soft cloth and gently wipe any remaining food debris off of the walls of the air fryer. Follow up the cleaning with a damp cloth or paper towel to make sure to remove any remaining soapy residue. When cleaning the outside of the air fryer, you should only have to use a damp cloth to wipe away any debris. If your air fryer has racks, and they are removable, you can use a scrub brush with soapy water to help clean any remaining food particles that are left on the wracks.
How to Clean the Heating Element of the Air Fryer
When cleaning the heating element, I will use a bowl of warm soapy water and an old toothbrush and gently clean away any food particles that could be remaining on the element. Once you have that cleaned, give it a good wipe with a damp cloth and you should be ready for the next use. Cleaning behind the heating element can be a little tricky. In my air fryer, I don’t have a lot of room. I have found that using a damp, soapy, paper towel and carefully maneuvering it around and behind the heating element will do the trick. Then use a clean cloth to dry the area before your next use. If your air fryer sees regular use as mine does, then you know these are all great basic steps and tips on how to keep your air fryer clean and working for you for a long time to come. These tips are the best way to keep your favorite small appliance in tip top shape. Ready to get started using your air fryer? If so, we have a great list of over 100+ Beginner Air Fryer Recipes that are perfect for everyone. Just browse the recipes, pick the ones you want, and print them for future use. Make sure to bookmark this page for later! Looking for more easy recipes? You might also enjoy these listed below. MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES:
Air Fryer Country Style RibsAir Fryer French FriesKeto Dinner RecipesAir Fryer AppetizersAir Fryer Side Dishes
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