I’m not going to lie; I was really intrigued by air fryers when they first came out. I mean, who wouldn’t want an appliance that can make fried foods with little to no oil?
But I never ended up getting one because I was always a little bit intimidated by them. I thought that they would be difficult to clean and that I would regret the purchase. But recently, I decided to take the plunge and buy an air fryer.
So, are air fryers hard to clean? Here is what I found out!
Are air fryers hard to clean?
Air fryers are easy to clean. Just take out the basket and wash it like a regular utensil. However, air fryers could be hard to clean in two conditions. First, if oil and grease from food sticks on the basket and cooking tray. Second, if the smaller food residue (0.88-3.0 mm) passes from the tray into the heating element.
| Common causes | Things to use | Things not to use |
| Greasy and oily foods | Wash tray with dish soap and set aside for overnight | Don’t Use metal utensils, steel wire brushes |
| Food debris | Use a wooden skewer to poke out food stuck in the basket | Don’t submerge the air fryer in the water |
| Leftover oil | Clean the tray and wipe the heating element with soapy water | Ensure the air fryer is unplugged |
| Sticking sauces | Apply a paste of baking soda, sit it for a few minutes and ½ cup of baking soda and then scrub it off. | Use food-safe cleaners/disinfectants. |
Related reading: Can an air fryer be used as a microwave?
In general, I found that air fryers do not need a lot of maintenance, and they are pretty easy to clean. I usually took 2-4 minutes to clean the air fryer and put it back on the shelf.
The only problem arises if the oil or the grease sticks on the inside of the basket. In this scenario, I usually take the basket out and wash it with soap in the kitchen sink.
Another case where cleaning an air fryer can be a little painful is when small food resides and reach the heating element of the air fryer. In this case, you cannot simply wash the heating element with soap.
You might need to disassemble the air fryer and manually clean the heating element. But it is very, very rare that such a thing would happen.
Is it OK to put water in Airfryer to clean it?
Yes, it is okay to put water in an Airfryer to clean it. However, you must use the correct amount of water and ensure that the water does not come into contact with the heating element. Additionally, it is important only to use distilled water in your Airfryer.
Also read: Are air fryers bad for pet birds?
Should you wash the air fryer after every use?
It’s important to clean your air fryer, but how often should you wash it? Is it really necessary to wash it after every use?
Let’s take a closer look at the air fryer and how it works. An air fryer is a small appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it. The food is cooked in a basket or tray on top of a heating element.
So, how often should you wash your air fryer? It depends on how often you use it and what you’re cooking. If you’re cooking oily or fatty foods, you’ll want to wash them more often.
If you only use it once or twice a week, you can probably get away with washing it once a month.
How do you get baked on grease out of an air fryer?
When cleaning an air fryer, one of the most difficult tasks can be removing baked-on grease. This can be a real challenge, as grease can quickly build up and harden on the air fryer’s surfaces, making it tough to remove. However, you can use a few methods to eliminate this tough residue.
One way to clean baked-on grease is to fill the air fryer basket with hot soapy water and let it soak for a while. After soaking, scrub the basket with a sponge or brush to loosen the grease and rinse it clean.
You can also use a degreaser or all-purpose cleaner sprayed onto a cloth to wipe down the inside of the air fryer. Just be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals on any non-stick surfaces.
Is it okay to wash the air fryer while it is still hot?
It is okay to wash your air fryer while it is still hot. There are a few things you should keep in mind when doing so, however.
First, make sure that you unplug the air fryer from the outlet. Second, use hot, soapy water to clean the inside and outside of the fryer. Finally, rinse the air fryer with clean water and dry it thoroughly before using it again.
Are there any precautionary measures while cleaning air fryers?
Cleaning is important in keeping a home or office space sanitary and safe. However, some precautionary measures should be taken while cleaning to avoid injury or illness.
First, it is important to know what cleaning products to use for each surface and material. Using the wrong product on a surface can damage it or cause harm to the person cleaning it.
Second, always read the label on cleaning products before using them. This will ensure that you are using the product correctly and safely.
Third, when using any cleaning chemical, it is important to ventilate the area well. Chemicals can be harmful if inhaled, so open windows and doors or use fans to circulate air while cleaning.
Fourth, take care when handling sharp objects such as knives or scissors while cleaning. Always keep these objects away from children and pets.
Conclusion
To sum up, No, air fryers are not hard to clean. They are quite easy to clean. All you need to do is remove the basket and wash it in the sink with soap and water. The exterior of the air fryer can also be wiped down with a damp cloth.
References
How the Air Fryer Crisped Its Way Into America’s Heart. New York Times.
A cooking game changer: Try an air fryer for healthy fast food. The Washington Post
