Air fryers have cemented their place as a modern kitchen staple, praised for creating crispy meals with less oil. Yet, a crucial cleaning step is being missed by countless owners, potentially creating a dangerous build-up of grease.
The Overlooked Fire Hazard in Your Appliance
While most people diligently scrub the removable basket, there is a hidden area that often escapes attention. Inside the appliance, typically on the ceiling, sits the heating element – a metal coil responsible for generating the intense cooking heat. The area surrounding this coil is a magnet for splattered grease and grime.
Cleaning content creator Ciara, known as @thetummyfairy on TikTok, highlighted the risk. "Have you looked inside your air fryer? Up where the element is there's loads of grease. This could be a fire hazard if not cleaned properly," she warned.
The Simple Two-Ingredient Steam Method
Ciara demonstrated a straightforward and cheap solution using items already in most kitchens: water and lemon. Her method is designed to loosen stubborn grease without risking damage to the sensitive element.
She placed heat-resistant bowls filled with water and lemon slices into the air fryer basket. "We are going to try and loosen it by putting some lemon and water into your air fryer for 10 minutes to let the steam soften it up," she advised.
The machine was then set to 200°C for a 10-minute cycle. After allowing everything to cool completely, she used a damp cloth to wipe away the softened residue.
Safe Scrubbing Around the Delicate Element
It is vital to follow manufacturer guidelines and avoid direct contact with the heating coil. Ciara emphasised this safety rule: "Make sure there's no water, as you don't want water getting in there. You can't touch the element, so you are just cleaning around it as best you can."
To tackle tricky crevices, she employed an old toothbrush, acknowledging that the process requires some "elbow grease." While some persistent stains may remain in the hard-to-reach spot, the result is significantly safer. "But it's a lot better than what it was, and it's safer," Ciara affirmed.
This simple maintenance step, often overlooked in routine cleaning, can prolong the life of your appliance and, more importantly, reduce a potential fire risk lurking in your kitchen.
