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Views: 94 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-02-09 Origin: Site
You can cook almost anything in an air fryer - mashed potatoes, cookies, pork chops! But how do you clean an air fryer when the grease turns to goo? Even the best air fryers don't come with an auto-clean button (so far!).
However, removing caked-on grime from your beloved air fryer doesn't have to be a chore. Experts can clean their machines in just a few simple steps without much hard work.
Fortunately, most air fryers have removable parts, some of which are dishwasher safe, so regular cleanup isn't too annoying. Since splatters are contained within the kitchen appliance, air fryers don't make a mess in the kitchen like deep fryers do. However, food particles and burnt bits can easily accumulate in the nooks and crannies inside the main unit and air fryer basket.
You should think about what you are cooking. If there is a lot of oil or grease and you see the appliance smoking, you need to turn it off and remove the buildup before you start cooking. If they get dirty, they could cause food to become rancid, cook poorly, or even start a fire. Proper air fryer cleaning will ensure your next batch of wings or fries are crispy.
Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer for Cleaning
Before you start getting into the nooks and crannies, unplug the product and make sure the inside of the air fryer is completely cool. Wait until all parts are cool to the touch before you start cleaning to avoid burns. However, don't wait too long. The longer a caked-on mess sits, the more difficult it will be to remove. Now is not the time to let kitchen appliances sit idle until morning.
Step 2: Start Cleaning Removable Parts
Most countertop units feature three main components - the main unit containing the heating element, the fry basket and the fry basket base - and you'll need to clean all of them every time you use your air fryer. Keeping these components free of slime and grime will ensure a better cooking experience the next time you use your air fryer and will help the unit perform at its best, according to Abbott.
Clean the basket and accessories with warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. More abrasive materials may damage the non-stick coating on the basket. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Step 3: Clean the Inside of the Air Fryer
Make a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the interior surfaces of the air fryer with the vinegar solution, paying special attention to areas with stubborn stains or residue. Let the vinegar solution sit for a few minutes to break down the dirt. For particularly stubborn spots, use a little baking soda as a gentle scrub.
"A vinegar solution is an excellent cleaner for air fryers," says Moore. " The acidity of vinegar helps dissolve grease and grime, making it easier to remove. It also acts as a natural disinfectant, killing bacteria and eliminating odors. Gently scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush further helps remove stubborn residue without damaging the nonstick coating."
Step 4: Wipe
Remove all vinegar solution (and baking soda) and loose food particles with a clean cloth. Before reassembling the air fryer, double-check that all removable parts are dry. Wipe away grease and fingerprints left on the exterior with a diluted water and detergent solution and a soft cloth or paper towel.
You want to make sure you clean it before or after each use!
PRO TIP: When you're in a hurry and don't want to clean it, add parchment paper to your air fryer and place your food on top so nothing in the machine gets dirty. Whenever I cook meat or fish in my air fryer, I have to clean the air fryer immediately. I love making air fried salmon, but the grease that builds up is not fun!
