How often do you clean your air fryer? After every use, once a week, once a month—or never? Cleaning your air fryer isn't just about keeping your kitchen tidy; it can actually impact its performance. If the basket and tray are coated with grease and grime, the air circulation won't work as effectively, causing your food to cook unevenly.
There are some viral air fryer cleaning hacks floating around the internet, but do they really work? And are they safe for your favorite kitchen gadget? To clear up the confusion, we’ll explore some of the most popular air fryer cleaning hacks and show you the most recommended ways to clean your air fryer. Let’s get it sparkling!
Is it hard to clean your air fryer?
The answer largely depends on how often you clean it and what you cook in it.
Cleaning Frequency
If you regularly clean the basket after each use, removing any crumbs, grease, or food residue, the task will be much easier. A well-maintained air fryer basket prevents buildup and keeps the cleaning process straightforward. On the other hand, if you neglect to clean it frequently, grease and food particles can accumulate, hardening over time and making the cleaning process more labor-intensive.
Type of Meals
The type of meals you cook plays a significant role in how often you'll need to clean your air fryer basket. Cooking foods that release a lot of grease, such as fried dishes or fatty meats, will require more frequent cleaning to maintain its performance and prevent unpleasant odors. Conversely, cooking less greasy foods or those that don’t leave much residue might make cleaning less of a chore.
Coating of Air Fryers
Fortunately, many air fryer trays are coated with a non-stick surface like Tastee. This feature significantly simplifies the cleaning process, as food and grease are less likely to adhere to the surface. If you use the air fryer properly and clean it regularly, the non-stick coating will help keep the basket and tray in good condition with minimal effort.
Should I use the viral air fryer cleaning hacks?
You might have seen the viral TikTok hack where people fill their air fryer basket halfway with soap and water, then turn it on, hoping the heat will magically clean it. Sounds intriguing, right? But before you give it a try, let’s be clear: DON’T do it!
Why? The steam from heating soapy water can reach the heating elements and internal wires, potentially causing a short circuit. Plus, most air fryers aren’t built to handle boiling water. Forcing them to do so might stress the appliance and could lead to serious damage. Many experts, including our engineers, have reached a consensus that it's not a great idea. Instead, you should invest a few minutes in a more effective method to clean your air fryer.
The most recommended ways to clean your Tastee air fryer
For regular cleaning
- Turn off and unplug your air fryer, allowing it to cool completely before cleaning. For quicker cooling, you can pull out the basket.
- Wipe the exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth if needed.
- Clean the smart temperature probe under running water or wipe it with a damp cloth.
- Our basket, tray, and rack are all dishwasher-safe. If using a dishwasher, gently place them inside and let it do the work.For hand-washing, use soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge.
- Be sure to air-dry or towel-dry all parts after washing, and make sure they are fully dry before using them again.
The best cleaning hack
Hot soapy water is the best method for removing heavy or stubborn grease and food scraps. Soak the items for a while before hand-washing. However, be sure to let them cool down before adding hot water to protect the non-stick coating.
Note:
- To prolong the lifespan of the air fryer basket, we recommend hand-washing.
- Always choose the soap and detergent that are mild enough to avoid damaging the non-stick coating.
- Don’t immerse the temperature probe in water or any other liquid.
- Don’t clean the temperature probe in a dishwasher.
How to deep clean the main unit and heating elements of your air fryer
- Prepare a towel soaked in a small amount of soapy water.
- Preheat the air fryer to 450℉for 1 minute.
- Turn off and unplug the air fryer, allowing it to cool slightly.
- While it's still warm, use the towel to wipe away any grease on the inner walls.
- Turn the air fryer upside down. Use a damp towel or a soft-bristle brush to carefully clean the grease off the surface of the coils. Grease is easier to remove when warm.
- After cleaning, ensure the parts are air-dried or towel-dried before using them again.
Note:
Be cautious with the high temperature of the heating elements. Clean them when warm, but not so hot that it could burn your hand.
5 things you should NEVER do to clean your air fryer
Grease and grime can be frustrating, especially when they’re tough to clean. However, even if you're tempted to find a quick fix, you should NEVER do the following:
- Neversubmerge the entire air fryer in water. The electrical components can be damaged, posing a serious risk.
- Never use the abrasive side of a sponge or any material that could scratch the non-stick coating.
- Never clean your air fryer before it has cooled down naturally. Sudden cooling from hot water can cause the coating to separate from the tray, leading to unnecessary damage.
- Never use harsh detergents – Strong chemicals may damage the non-stick coating.
- Never attempt to boil water inside the air fryer – The steam can cause internal damage.
What If I’m Just Too Lazy to Clean?
Cleaning up is never fun for most of us. We love the cooking part, but facing a pile of dirty dishes and cookware? Not so much. A big reason for this is that a lot of kitchen gadgets just aren’t as easy to clean as we’d hope. That’s why choosing Tastee air fryer as your go-to kitchen partner is a smart choice!
A great kitchen appliance should not only cook well but also be easy to clean. Tastee is designed with those in mind who are tired of the hassle that comes with cleaning an air fryer. We’ve incorporated a new PTFE coating formula that’s PFOA and PFOS-free, delivering the same non-stick benefits as traditional coatings while being safer and more environmentally friendly. This makes cleaning up as simple as a quick hand-wash.
And if hand-washing isn’t your thing, no problem. Tastee’s basket, tray, and rack are all dishwasher-safe, so you can trust your dishwasher to handle the job and save yourself some time.
Conclusion
Cleaning your air fryer can be a bit of a hassle, but with the right tips and tricks, it’s easier than you think. Just grab some hot soapy water, a non-abrasive sponge, or simply use your dishwasher. Follow our simple steps, and you’ll have it cleaned up in no time.
Picking the right air fryer also makes a big difference. With an easy-to-clean one like Tastee air fryer, you’ll save time and keep the fun in cooking and enjoying your meals.