An air fryer is the best appliance in a kitchen, but while it’s the easiest way to cook up some delicious food, it can be a challenge to keep clean, especially with all that grease build-up. The general rule of thumb is to clean it after every use, but how do you properly clean your air fryer?

Let’s find out!

The basic clean

While it can seem like a schlep, you should clean your air fryer after every single use. It keeps your air fryer spik and span and working properly. Here’s what you’ll need to clean your air fryer properly after every use:

  • Sunlight dish soap
  • A soft bristle brush.
  • A cloth or paper towel

Step 1:

The first thing you absolutely need to do is unplug your air fryer and let it cool down. You should also remove the basket and let it cool.

Step 2:

Now, it’s time to scrub-a-dub up! If your air fryer tray/basket is dishwasher safe (lucky you), you throw it in there and let the machine do the heavy lifting.  If it’s not dishwasher safe, soak the tray in a sink with warm soapy water.

Once the grease has softened, you can grab your brush and begin scrubbing the basket. Be sure to get into all the nooks to get rid of all the grub. Don’t be too rough, or else you might damage the non-stick surface.

Rinse it out, pop into the drying rack, and let it dry out completely.

Step 3:

While the tray is drying out, wipe down the inside of your air fryer with a slightly wet cloth or paper towel. Let it dry and pop your air fryer tray back in place, and you’re done!

The deep clean

As with all things, your air fryer will need a deep clean after some time. You might even need to prep an intense cleaning session if you cook something big or that splatters all over the inside of your air fryer. All you need is:

  • Half a cup of baking soda.
  • 2 tablespoons to make a baking soda paste.
  • Cloths or paper towels.

Step 1:

First things first do a basic clean to get rid of most of the gunk. Then make up your baking soda paste.

Step 2:

Pop the baking soda paste on any stubborn grime and let it sit and soak for about 20 minutes.  From there, use a small toothbrush to get rid of all the excess grime.

Step 3:

Be sure to wipe down all the elements inside the air fryer too. Using a clean damp cloth or paper towel with some soap or baking soda paste, scrub everything carefully. Once everything dries out, put everything back into place!

Clean your air fryer with quick tips

I find that soaking the basket thoroughly after every use makes the deep cleaning sessions even easier! And, you can use paper liners to make your clean-ups almost nonexistent.

ALSO SEE:

10 air fryer hacks you need to try

Feature image: Instagram: @newlux.brand

Article originally written by Jade McGee for Woman&Home.