Air Fryer Cleaning & Maintenance Guide

Air fryers have revolutionised cooking with their ability to create crispy, delicious meals with minimal oil. However, to ensure they continue to perform at their best, regular cleaning is essential. Over time, food residue and grease can build up inside the air fryer, leading to decreased efficiency and unpleasant odours. Neglecting to clean your air fryer properly can pose health risks due to the accumulation of burnt food, bacteria and germs.

By following a regular cleaning routine, as outlined in this guide, you can maintain the efficiency, performance, and hygiene of your air fryer, ensuring it remains a reliable kitchen appliance for years to come.

How To Clean An Air Fryer: Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps to keep your air fryer sparkling clean:

1. Unplug the Air Fryer

Before you begin cleaning, make sure the air fryer is unplugged and completely cooled down to prevent any accidents.

2. Take Out Removable Parts

Take out the removable parts of the air fryer, including the basket, tray, and any accessories. This makes it easier to clean each component thoroughly.

3. Wipe Exterior Surfaces

Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the exterior surfaces of the air fryer, including the housing and control panel, to remove any grease or food residue.

4. Clean Air Fryer Basket and Tray

Wash the air fryer basket and tray with warm, soapy water using a soft sponge or cloth. For stubborn residue, soak them in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes before washing.

Rinse the basket and tray thoroughly with clean water and dry them with a soft towel or allow them to air dry completely.

5. Wipe the Interior

Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe the interior of the air fryer, including the walls and heating element, to remove any grease or food particles.

6. Clean Air Fryer Heating Element

If there is any food residue or debris stuck to the heating element, use a soft brush or damp cloth to gently wipe it away. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that could damage the element.

7. Reassemble the Air Fryer

Once all the components are clean and dry, reassemble the air fryer by placing the basket, tray, and accessories back into their respective positions.

8. Regular Maintenance is Key

To keep your air fryer in top condition, clean it after each use to prevent buildup and ensure optimal performance. Regular maintenance will prolong the lifespan of your air fryer and help you enjoy delicious and easy meals for years to come.

By following these step-by-step instructions, you can easily clean your air fryer and keep it in excellent condition for all your cooking needs. These instructions should work for most standard air fryers, but it's always a good idea to consult your air fryer's manual for specific cleaning instructions and precautions to take for your specific model. Remember to clean your air fryer regularly to maintain its efficiency and performance.

Air Fryer Cleaning Hacks

Discover these additional cleaning hacks for maintaining your air fryer in pristine condition. From using simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda to leveraging the power of steam cleaning, these tips will make cleaning your air fryer a breeze:

• Vinegar and Baking Soda: Create a paste using equal parts of vinegar and baking soda. Apply the paste to stubborn stains on the air fryer basket or heating element and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before wiping clean.
• Use a Toothbrush: For hard-to-reach areas or intricate parts of the air fryer, use a clean toothbrush to scrub away debris gently.
• Prevent Sticking: To prevent food from sticking to the air fryer basket, lightly coat it with cooking spray or oil before each use.
• Lemon Water Soak: Fill the air fryer basket with warm water and squeeze in the juice of one lemon. Let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour to help loosen stubborn residue before cleaning as usual.
• Aluminium Foil Liner: Line the bottom of the air fryer basket with aluminium foil before cooking to catch drips and prevent them from sticking to the basket. This makes cleanup a breeze as you can simply remove and discard the foil after use.
• Dishwasher-Safe Accessories: Check if your air fryer accessories, such as the basket and tray, are dishwasher-safe. If they are, simply place them in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
• Steam Clean Your Air Fryer: Fill the air fryer basket with water and a few drops of dish soap, then set the air fryer to its highest temperature and let it run for a few minutes. The steam will help loosen any stuck-on food particles, making them easier to wipe away.

Shop the best air fryers in Australia & find air fryer recipes

Dive into our collection of mouth-watering air fryer recipes, from family-friendly air fryer dinners to easy air fryer snacks. Don't own an air fryer? Don't fret - we've got you covered with our guide on how to clean your oven (without ruining the kitchen) - and when you're ready to upgrade, you can explore our comprehensive air fryers buying guide to find the best selection of air fryers in Australia.