If, like me, you've invested in one of the best air fryers, you'll be enjoying healthier versions of your restaurant favorites on a daily basis – from French fries to chicken wings and baked salmon.
Learning how to clean an air fryer is essential for keeping your food as healthy as possible, and the best way to make your air fryer last longer. Thankfully, we've got kitchen cleaning experts on hand, to tell us exactly how it's done below.
How to clean an air fryer
Once you've learned these cleaning hacks and DIY tips, it's easy to keep your air fryer clean, pristine, and ready to whip up your favorite healthy dishes in minutes.
1. Turn the air fryer off
Before you begin the cleaning process, make sure your air fryer is unplugged from the power source and safe to clean. Actually, our experts say you should always unplug the air fryer when it's not in use, so it's good to get into the habit. Allow the air fryer to cool down completely before you get to work on making it sparkle.
2. Clean the air fryer basket after every use
We've all been there – you've eaten dinner and now you just want to curl up on the couch with a show or a good book. But the best time to clean your air fryer is on the same day of cooking.
'We recommend washing the basket and tray after every use, even if it doesn’t appear dirty,' says Zoe McClean, Senior Home Economist at Breville. 'Fat splashes and food residue can get easily baked on and will be difficult to remove if you leave it for a long time.'
To ensure your air fried food stays crispy, healthy and delicious, it's well worth getting in the habit of cleaning on the same day. 'You definitely don't want to consume leftover bacteria from previous foods that have been fried,' says Adele Brennan, Home Electrics buyer at VonHaus.
If your air fryer has one, you should also clean an air fryer splatter guard.
3. Use the right tools
So, how do you clean the air fryer basket? 'Dish soaps, such as Ecover and Method are always a safe bet for a gentle clean,' says Home Economist, Zoe McClean. 'Abrasive cleaners, scrubbing brushes and chemical cleaners will damage the air fryer, so look for soft scrubbers (such as this one from Amazon) that won't scratch your non-stick lining.'
Even the best non-toxic air fryers, which don't use synthetic non-stick materials, require gentle cleaning methods. You will find that some elements, like the air flow racks, trays and rotisserie spits, can be dishwasher-safe – so do check the specific cleaning guide for your air fryer. But if in doubt, soapy water and a soft sponge will do the trick.
If there are stubborn stains or baked on grease, you can soak the removable basket in warm soapy water for about 10-15 minutes to loosen any stuck-on food. We have more tips on how to deep clean an air fryer, including vinegar and baking soda methods, below.
4. Put air fryer liners in the dishwasher
When I tested the best air fryer accessories, the silicone liners really changed my life. They catch all the cooking grease, they're safe to go in the dishwasher and the air fryer drawer only needs a light clean afterwards. They make my life a lot easier on busy work nights.
Air fryer chef, Sam Milner says: 'I've always used liners inside my drawer, so I've never really had to scrub at my non-stick lining.' This is her top tip for making your air fryer last longer. Thanks to this method, her air fryer has lasted an impressive 7 years.
5. Clean the interior
Once you've washed the air fryer basket or liner, use a soft, damp cloth dipped in warm soapy water to clean the inside of your air fryer. Just make sure the cloth is damp not wet, because you don't want to get any water in the heating element.
You can even use a soft brush or old toothbrush to get into the corners of your air fryer, and clear out all the grime. Again, just stay away from steel-wire brushes.
6. Leave to dry before re-assembling
Allow all parts to dry completely before reassembling the air fryer. This prevents any moisture from causing havoc with your appliance. Safety always comes first! I think the best way to clean the air fryer is to rinse it on the night of cooking, leave the parts out to dry overnight and reassemble in the morning.
7. Clean the outside of the air fryer
Use a damp cloth to clean any food residue or dirt off the air fryer, then buff the shiny plastic surface with a microfiber cloth.
If you have a stainless steel air fryer, our Head of Solved, Punteha, found an amazing hack. She makes a DIY homemade cleaning solution with essential oils, filtered water and a drop of dish soap – and it works to remove fingerprints from stainless steel appliances. This is sure to keep your air fryer looking shiny and beautiful on your countertop.
How to deep clean the air fryer
Soaking the air fryer basket in hot, soapy water should work to remove stuck-on grease, but baking soda is brilliant for a deeper clean. Simply mix three parts baking soda and one part water, let the basket soak for 30 minutes, and use an old toothbrush to remove the grease. As always, check the instructions manual for your air fryer first.
FAQS
Should I clean my new air fryer before use?
Yes, it's a good idea to clean your new air fryer before using it, especially if it has that 'new' smell from manufacturing residues. As we've outlined above, wash the basket, pan, and accessories in warm soapy water, and wipe down the interior and exterior with a damp cloth. This ensures your air fryer is clean and free from any contaminants that could affect the taste or healthiness of your food.
How do you get baked-on grease out of an air fryer?
Baked-on grease can pose a challenge. Start by soaking the removable basket in the sink with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. 20-30 minutes should do the trick to loosen the baked-on grease.
Vinegar has become a viral cleaning hack on TikTok, as it's a natural degreaser and deodorizer. You can mix equal parts white vinegar and water to create a cleaning solution, then use it to wipe down the basket, pan, and interior of the air fryer to dislodge any grease. As always, check the instructions manual for your air fryer first and try to clean it regularly to avoid that troublesome baked-on grease.
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