I never have to scrub or use harsh chemicals on my air fryer, thanks to a simple 30-second cleaning technique that keeps stains off the metal.
Air fryers have quickly become my go-to kitchen gadget, making meal prep a breeze, but the cleaning process can be a bit of a chore. Cleaning air fryers can be a real challenge, as grease tends to splatter during cooking and then solidifies into stubborn stains that cling to the metal.
I’ve experimented with various cleaning products and methods in an attempt to shift these greasy marks, but I always find myself spending far too long scrubbing away, which can be off-putting when it comes to tidying up the kitchen. However, I’ve found a much simpler solution for keeping my air fryer clean by simply rinsing the basket under the tap once I’ve finished cooking.
It may sound basic, but softening the grease before it hardens prevents stains from setting in the air fryer and makes the clean-up process much easier.
How to stop stains from accumulating in an air fryer
Leaving any food remnants inside air fryers will result in them burning each time you use the appliance, creating a thick charred layer that will take hours of cleaning to remove later on.
Although it might seem like a nuisance, taking a moment to wipe down your air fryer after cooking is the most effective way to prevent staining and eliminate any crumbs that tend to fall out of the basket, reports the Express.
Once I’ve finished cooking, I simply turn on the kitchen tap and place the basket in the sink for about 30 seconds. While the basket is soaking, I give the air fryer a quick wipe and check for any stray crumbs inside.
Afterwards, I dry both the air fryer and basket using paper towels before putting everything back together. This maintains my air fryer in spotless condition for extended periods, meaning I don’t need to fret about any marks accumulating in the appliance.
How to deep clean an air fryer
My air fryer now remains clean for lengthy stretches thanks to a quick evening wipe-down, but should I ever notice a mark, it’s still no cause for concern.
I simply fill the air fryer basket with hot water and washing-up liquid, and within 10 minutes, any marks can be effortlessly removed with minimal fuss.
Washing-up liquid is formulated to break down grease and oil on dishes, making it highly effective against food residue in an air fryer.
That said, if I spot a blackened burn mark in my air fryer basket, I’ll also add one tablespoon of baking soda to the soapy water mixture.
Baking soda is alkaline in nature, allowing it to break down acidic residue such as burnt food and help maintain an air fryer’s cleanliness without any need for scrubbing.
