A cleaning expert shared a simple air fryer cleaning hack using two common kitchen items that will need no scrubbing
Air fryers remain one of the UK’s most beloved kitchen gadgets, making mealtimes faster and more convenient. However, it’s absolutely essential to keep the appliance well-maintained so it doesn’t affect the machine’s cooking performance and efficiency.
It’s advised that air fryers be cleaned after each use to keep them in good working order, though they should also be given a thorough deep clean periodically. This will help ensure there are no stubborn food residues or grime lurking in hard-to-reach corners and crevices.
Cleaning expert Chantel Mila, who goes by Mama Mila on TikTok, recently revealed some of her top tips that she believes every household ought to know. When it comes to cleaning air fryers, you won’t even need to break a sweat scrubbing, as all it takes is two common kitchen staples to get the job done.
To begin, remove the basket from the air fryer and place it in the sink. Sprinkle a generous amount of bicarbonate of soda into the basket, making sure any stubborn grime is thoroughly coated.
Next, drizzle over some washing-up liquid. Follow this by pouring boiling water over the mixture, washing away the bicarbonate of soda fizz. This will help to dislodge any food that has burnt onto the air fryer basket.
Leave the mixture to work its magic and soak in the air fryer basket for a while. Once you’re satisfied that all the persistent grease and grime has been loosened, drain away the dirty water.
There should be absolutely no need to scrub. While you can simply leave the ingredients to work together, you could also create a bicarbonate of soda paste for more stubborn areas. The combination of bicarbonate of soda and washing-up liquid can break down greasy residue, making it perfect for tackling greasy kitchen surfaces and other pans.
Adding washing-up liquid to the mixture will boost the number of surfactants — molecules that reduce the surface tension between two substances — helping water and oil to combine more effectively.
Washing-up liquid will also target any bacteria that bicarbonate of soda cannot reach, ensuring your air fryer remains clean and safe to use.
Dr Oetker explained that bicarbonate of soda works brilliantly as a natural cleaning alternative due to its gentle abrasive properties. It can help eliminate stubborn grime without causing “wear and tear”, lifting off stuck-on food without the need for vigorous scrubbing.
Vanguard Cleaning also noted that thanks to bicarbonate of soda’s alkaline chemical properties, it can help to deodorise and absorb unpleasant odours left lingering from food in the air fryer. Dr Oetker explained why bicarbonate of soda is so effective at banishing unwanted smells: “Most nasty smells in the air contain some sort of acid. As an alkali, baking soda reacts with those acids and neutralises them.”
Both of these common household staples work by surrounding and lifting grease and dirt particles from the affected area, effectively tackling stubborn stains and grime. Baking soda also acts as a natural deodoriser, helping to eliminate any lingering odours following a thorough deep clean.
