Air fryers are loved for their convenience, minimizing the grease splatter from stovetop frying, and their health benefits when compared to deep frying food. But like any cooking appliance, air fryers need to be cleaned after use. So, how do you keep your air fryer clean and ready for the next recipe?
Read on to learn the best way to clean your air fryer and how to store it properly.
The Parts of an Air Fryer
There are several parts or areas where an air fryer needs to be cleaned. That includes the basket suspended in the main body of the appliance, where the food is placed to cook. Holes in the basket’s sides allow hot air to pass through, cooking food evenly without excess grease. Air fryers also have a tray or pan that sits under the basket to catch drippings. Both slot into the main body of the appliance, a plastic casing that houses the heating element.
Cleaning Your Air Fryer: The Basics
You should always turn your air fryer off, unplug it, and let the whole thing cool completely before cleaning it. The metal basket and the heating element will retain heat longer than the plastic, so make sure everything is cool before you start. However, don’t leave the mess to sit. The longer your air fryer goes uncleaned, the more likely it will become a stuck-on mess.
Avoid abrasive cleaning tools, such as a scrub brush or abrasive sponge. These tools could scratch or damage the air fryer’s nonstick coating. Instead, opt for a dishcloth, soft sponge, paper towel, or a soft-bristled brush.
Can I Wash My Air Fryer Basket in the Dishwasher?
Sometimes! Some air fryers have baskets and trays that are dishwasher safe. Check your owner’s manual to see if you can put the basket and tray in the dishwasher. If you can, scrape out large food residue first, then load and run the dishwasher as normal.
How to Clean an Air Fryer Basket and Pan by Hand
Your air fryer basket and tray/pan will have the most residue on them because you place the food directly in the basket to cook. You’ll want to pay special attention to these parts after making particularly messy recipes.
Here’s how to clean the air fryer tray and basket:
- Once your air fryer is cool, remove the basket and tray from the chamber where they sit during cooking.
- Hand wash them with warm, soapy water and a sponge or cloth, just like you would a pot or pan.
- If the mess is particularly stubborn, it’s okay to soak the basket and tray to loosen crusty, sticky, or greasy messes. Then, hand wash as normal.
- Let them dry completely before the next use.
How to Clean the Inside of an Air Fryer
It’s also important to wipe down the interior chamber of the appliance’s body. This is where the basket and tray sit when the appliance is in use.
Like a pressure cooker, the main body of an air fryer CANNOT be submerged in water, as it has electrical parts.
To clean the main chamber:
- Wipe the bottom of the main chamber with a damp cloth, sponge, or paper towel. Take care to remove crumbs, oil, and drippings.
- Pay special attention to cracks or grooves where food residue can get caught.
- Wipe down the heating element, which sits directly above the basket. You may have to tilt or upend the air fryer for the best access.
- The air fryer heating element may be protected by a metal screen or spiral where food and grease tend to get caught. Remove this screen, if possible, to wipe it clean with soap and water. Let it air-dry before putting it back into place. If it doesn’t come out, wipe it with a mildly damp cloth. You may need to use a soft-bristled brush to remove food particles.
How to Clean Baked-on Grease from an Air Fryer
You can clean baked-on grease from the basket or tray like you would from any other dish: by soaking them to loosen the residue and scraping gently with a plastic scraper.
However, because the main body can’t be submerged, it may be more difficult to remove baked-on grease.
Wipe as much as you possibly can off with a damp cloth. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently dislodge hardened grease. If it’s still not clean, mix equal parts dish soap and cleaning vinegar. Spray a little on the grease spot and let it sit for 15 minutes before wiping it away.
Where to Store Your Air Fryer
Some people choose to leave their fryer out on the kitchen counter, but if you want to hide yours away when not in use, there are plenty of options! Place it on an exposed shelf with other small appliances, stick it in the pantry, or place it in a dedicated cabinet space. Some even choose to store their air fryers in an adjacent room, such as a mudroom or laundry room.
Can You Store an Air Fryer on Its Side?
No, you should store your air fryer upright to keep it in the best condition. In fact, store all your small appliances upright whenever possible.
Keep Your Kitchen Clean with Professional Help
Cleaning your air fryer, pressure cooker, bread maker, and other innovative, time-saving kitchen appliances can be a lot of work. Luckily, you don’t need to worry about maintaining your kitchen too. The Cleaning Authority helps you maintain a sparkling kitchen as part of our regular cleaning services.
Life’s too short to clean your own home.® Take kitchen cleaning off your plate. You’ll have more time to try more exciting air fryer recipes! Call us at 888-658-0659 or request a free estimate online to get started.