Air fryers have revolutionised kitchens across the UK, offering a healthier and more cost-effective way to cook. However, the dreaded clean-up, often involving stubborn, oily residue, can be a significant downside. Fortunately, a remarkably simple cleaning method has been discovered that lets your appliance almost clean itself while you enjoy your meal.
The 'Self-Cleaning' Reddit Revelation
The game-changing tip emerged from a conversation on Reddit, where a cooking enthusiast sought advice for tackling the notoriously difficult task of air fryer maintenance. The solution that captured widespread attention is both straightforward and effective.
One user with a 'bucket-style' air fryer shared their effortless routine: immediately after cooking, while the appliance is still warm, add warm water and a squirt of dish soap into the bucket. They advised letting it soak during your meal. "By the time you finish eating, use a sponge to clean. Problem solved," they confirmed.
Another contributor elaborated on a similar technique, recommending adding dish soap and hot water to the basket and removable tray, ensuring the water level covers any visible oil or dirt. After letting it sit for 10 to 20 minutes, a gentle wipe with a microfibre cloth or soft sponge makes quick work of the grime before a final rinse with cold water.
A Word of Caution and a Lining Tip
While this method is highly effective, it is crucial to proceed with care. Always check your air fryer's instruction manual first to ensure that no water enters electrical components or areas where it shouldn't. A quick clean after each use is highly beneficial, though a more thorough deep clean can be scheduled less frequently.
For those looking to minimise mess from the start, cleaning influencer Mrs Hinch, whose real name is Sophie Hinchliffe, has endorsed a brilliant preventative trick. She recommends using baking parchment liners, readily available from retailers like Amazon, to catch any drips and spills during cooking.
Sharing this wisdom with her 4.8 million followers, she stated, "I use them to keep it quite clean inside. Brilliant little hack." This means the mess accumulates on the disposable liner, sparing the main appliance from the worst of the grime and making daily washing a much simpler chore.
Why This Matters for UK Households
Air fryers have seen a meteoric rise in British homes, prized for their ability to cook smaller portions efficiently and reduce oil consumption. Their compact size and often awkward design, however, have made cleaning a common pain point. This newly popularised hack, which leverages simple household items like soap and water, addresses a genuine need for millions of users, transforming a laborious task into a hassle-free part of the cooking routine.
