Air fryers have surged in popularity in recent years, able to cook foods faster than in the oven, potentially save on energy bills and even offer a slightly healthier way of cooking, according to some research. However, an expert has warned that some Britons might not be cleaning their air fryer often enough.
Home appliance and electronics manufacturer Hisense UK explained the importance of cleaning your air fryer, not just every day, but every single time you use it. This means if you use your air fryer twice a day, it’s probably a good idea to clean it as soon as you can – especially when cooking certain foods.
“It’s vital to clean your air fryer after every use to prevent the buildup of food particles and grease,” explained the appliance expert. “Although air fryers don’t require you to use any oil, cooking a multitude of different food types means bacteria can accumulate very quickly.”
If you notice an accumulation of grease or burnt leftover food waste, it’s definitely time to clean your air fryer. However, in some cases, the worst kind of dirt might not be visible to the eye.
“Remove the basket and tray, wash them with warm soapy water, and wipe down the interior with a damp cloth,” said the expert.
If you want to avoid harsh chemicals where you cook your food, you can use an eco-all-purpose cleaner or eco-washing-up liquid.
“This prevents the appliance from becoming dangerously unhygienic, as most of the grime will remain unseen at a glance due to the navy/ black colour scheme in the vast majority of air fryers,” continued Hisense UK.
“Suppose you are cooking something particularly messy like sausages or burgers.
“In that case, it is recommended to leave the tray to soak in boiling water, with washing up liquid and half a cup of bicarbonate soda for a couple of hours, which should make cleaning the tough grease stains a lot easier. “