Air fryers, much like any other appliance, demand care. If you do not look after your air fryer properly, it will cause you trouble and may also affect the way your food tastes.
Luckily an air fryer consists of many parts. These parts are removable and can be cleaned separately. So, here is a step-by-step guide on how you can maintain your air fryer and keep the air fryer basket clean.
To keep your air fryer basket clean, make sure to let it cool down and clean it after every use. Just take some warm water, dish soap, and a non-abrasive sponge to clean the air fryer basket. Then, let it air dry. You can also use the dishwasher to clean the basket if it is dishwasher-safe.
Tips to keep the air fryer basket clean
As you use the air fryer, it collects dirt and grease. This is not only unhygienic but also greatly affects the taste of the food and the life of the appliance. Below are the steps on how you can keep the air fryer basket clean:
1. Type of sponge to use
Use a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth to clean the basket after each use. Avoid using abrasive cleaners like steel wool and scouring pads because they can damage the non-stick coating. This way, your coating can chip off more and mix with your food while you’re running the air fryer.
2. Getting rid of grease
Grease or food residue can be difficult to clean. Soak the basket in luke warm soapy water for a couple of minutes to loosen any food residue. You can also add some drops of dishwashing liquid to the water to help break down grease and oil. We also have a detailed article on removing grease from an air fryer basket.
3. Cleaning the hard-to-reach areas
Use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to softly scrub the remaining residue, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Do not use sharp or pointed items like knives or toothpicks to remove the residue. This can damage the coating too.
4. Dealing with stubborn residue
If any stubborn residue doesn’t come off with regular cleaning, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the area, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
5. Extra tip
You can also remove the basket and clean the inside of the air fryer regularly to prevent any build-up of grease or debris.
Conclusion
Air fryers can help cook a large variety of dishes; similarly, it is a great tool for cooking fast and healthy food. To best ensure that your air fryer performs optimally, clean your cooking baskets regularly, as grease or food residue can build over time and affect the performance as well as the flavor of the food items.