The smell of plastic from a new air fryer can be off-putting, and old grease stains or food residue can be challenging to clean, taking up your time and energy. Here are some tips to help you clean your air fryer more efficiently.
1. How to Clean a New Air Fryer
Heat the Empty Air Fryer
Heat the empty air fryer
Turn on the air fryer (without any food) and let it heat up for 15-20 minutes at 200°C. Then, let the air fryer cool down and wash it with warm water. The heat will help reduce the plastic smell.
Use Lemon Slices
Use lemon slices to remove plastic odor
Cut a fresh lemon into thin slices and place them in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 180°C for 4 minutes. After that, let the air fryer cool down and wash it with water. The citric acid in lemons helps eliminate the plastic odor.
Use Lemon Juice
Use lemon juice to get rid of the plastic smell
Alternatively, you can use lemon juice instead of lemon slices. Pour the lemon juice into a heat-resistant glass or metal bowl and place it in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 200°C for 10 minutes.
Repeat this process twice to thoroughly remove the odor. Then, let the air fryer cool down, wash it with warm water, and wipe it dry with a cloth.
Use Coffee Grounds or Tea Leaves
Coffee grounds are effective in removing odors
Place some coffee grounds or tea leaves in a heat-resistant glass or metal bowl and put it in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 200°C for 4 minutes. After that, let the air fryer cool down, wash it with warm water, and wipe it dry.
Use Essential Oils
Essential oils like cinnamon or clove can help with odors
Put a few drops of essential oil (such as cinnamon, clove, or eucalyptus) into a small metal or glass bowl and place it in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 200°C for 10 minutes. Then, let the air fryer cool down, wash it with warm water, and wipe it dry.
2. How to Clean the Air Fryer After Each Use
For the Frying Basket and Rack
Clean the frying basket and rack
Step 1: Unplug the air fryer.
Step 2: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the air fryer and do a general inspection.
Step 3: Remove the frying basket and rack. Soak them in warm water to loosen any grease or food residue. Then, scrub them with dish soap and dry them with a cloth.
For the Heating Element
Make sure the air fryer is unplugged and has cooled down before cleaning the heating element.
Use a Soft Cloth and Warm Water
Use a soft cloth and warm water to clean the heating element
Turn the air fryer upside down to easily access the heating element. Use a soft cloth and warm water to clean the inside of the air fryer. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to remove any food residue.
After cleaning with the warm cloth, use a dry cloth to wipe it down again. Turn on the air fryer and let it run for a few minutes to dislodge any remaining food particles.
Use Baking Soda
Use baking soda for a deeper clean
Mix 3g of baking soda with 100ml of water and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Remove the frying basket and turn the air fryer upside down. Spray the solution onto the heating element and wait for about a minute. Then, turn the air fryer right-side up and wait for 30 minutes.
Spray the baking soda solution onto the heating element
Pour about 400ml of boiling water into the frying basket, place it in the air fryer, and set the temperature to 200°C for 20 minutes. After that, remove the basket and let it cool down. Turn the air fryer upside down again and clean the baking soda residue with a soft brush. For stubborn grease stains, use a soft cloth.
It is recommended to deep clean your air fryer every 2-3 months to maintain its performance and ensure your health and safety.
We hope you found these tips helpful. Happy cooking!