For many Brits, the air fryer has become an indispensable kitchen hero, promising healthier versions of our favourite fried foods. However, this beloved appliance comes with a dirty secret: it requires regular cleaning to function properly and hygienically.
The consequence of a dirty air fryer
Neglecting your air fryer's cleanliness can lead to more than just an eyesore. Grease and leftover food debris can block the vital airflow, resulting in unevenly cooked meals and surprisingly longer cooking times. This build-up can also produce unpleasant odours that may taint the flavour of your food, turning your healthy alternative into a disappointing dish.
The one-year cleaning revelation
The stark reality of air fryer neglect was recently demonstrated by TikTok user @lifebytheparsons, a creator who shares cleaning and lifestyle content. After using her air fryer four times a week for almost an entire year without cleaning it, she decided to tackle the significant grease and grime build-up. She claimed to have a remarkably simple solution that required hardly any elbow grease.
The effortless cleaning method
Her secret weapon? A common dishwasher tablet. Here is her step-by-step method for a deep clean without the scrubbing:
First, remove any loose, excess oil and food particles that haven't solidified onto the basket.
Next, place a single dishwasher tablet into the greasy air fryer basket. Pour in enough boiling water to cover the bottom of the basket completely.
After adding the water, place the basket back into the air fryer unit and close the drawer completely. It is crucial that you do not turn the appliance on. The cleaner explained that shutting the drawer allows the mixture to steam, which effectively loosens the hardened dirt and grease.
Let the basket soak for approximately 20 minutes. According to @lifebytheparsons, after this steaming period, the grime had softened so much that it required hardly any scrubbing to wipe clean.
Before putting your air fryer back together for its next use, ensure every component is thoroughly dried. Trapped moisture can lead to bacteria growth and rust, creating new problems for your newly cleaned appliance.
