Air fryer grease will 'melt away' in minutes if soaked in 1 ingredient
Neglecting this important step when cleaning air fryers can lead to unpleasant odours, reduced performance, and even bacteria build-up
Air fryers have become an essential kitchen gadget, cherished for their ability to whip up crispy, tasty meals rapidly and with very little oil. However, with all that ease comes one significant duty - maintaining your air fryer clean and sanitary, reports the Express.
Failing to do this can result in nasty smells, diminished performance, and even bacterial growth. To assist you in keeping your air fryer as spotless as possible, Salomé Gião, Shark's in-house microbiologist, revealed her expert guidance on how to clean it correctly - both following daily use and during thorough cleaning sessions.
Salomé explained: "Although their convenience is what makes them so popular, they need more care than ovens."
Put simply, your air fryer might appear straightforward to look after, but it genuinely demands more regular and attentive cleaning than larger kitchen equipment. Your air fryer basket and tray serve as the primary contact points for food - and consequently, the most crucial components to clean.
According to Salomé, the basket and tray must be washed following every use by rinsing with a soap solution. Even if you utilise a liner, food remnants, oils, and grease can still harbour bacteria if not thoroughly disinfected.
When the moment arrives for a more comprehensive scrub, Salomé advised: "Using a non-scratch sponge, create a baking soda paste to hone in on those areas of stubborn grease.
"For overall cleanliness, create a mixture of white vinegar and washing-up liquid to remove bacteria - after, rinse with warm water and put back all parts."
How to give your air fryer a thorough clean
- Mix baking soda with a little water to form a thick paste. Apply it to greasy areas inside the basket, tray, or base.
- Use a non-scratch sponge to lift stuck-on residue without damaging the non-stick surface.
- Combine equal parts of white vinegar and washing-up liquid in a bowl or spray bottle, then use this mixture to clean the interior walls and removable parts.
- Rinse all parts thoroughly with warm water, then dry them completely before reassembling your air fryer.
Aside from your daily wash, it's crucial to give your air fryer a proper deep clean to ensure it continues to work safely and efficiently. As Salomé suggests, you should aim to do a deep clean at least every four weeks, or two to three weeks depending on how often you use it.
This process will get rid of any bacteria from food spillages, splatters, or grease that can build up in those tricky-to-reach spots.