Cleaning expert and TikTok creator Chantel Mila (Mama Mila) has shared a no-scrub method for deep cleaning an air fryer using only two common kitchen items: baking soda and washing-up liquid.
How to Clean Your Air Fryer
Begin by removing the air fryer basket and placing it in the sink. Apply a generous coating of baking soda to the basket, ensuring all stuck-on food and grease are thoroughly covered. Then drizzle washing-up liquid over the baking soda, followed by pouring boiling water from a kettle over the mixture to wash away the fizzing baking soda.
This process helps dislodge burnt-on food. Allow the mixture to soak in the basket for a period of time until stubborn grease and grime have loosened. Then drain the dirty water; no scrubbing is required.
Alternative Method for Stubborn Marks
For more stubborn marks, you can create a paste from baking soda and washing-up liquid instead of using the boiling water method. The gentle abrasive properties of baking soda combined with washing-up liquid dissolve greasy residue effectively.
Why It Works
Washing-up liquid increases the number of surfactants—molecules that lower surface tension between two substances—allowing water and oil to blend. It also eliminates bacteria that baking soda cannot reach, ensuring the air fryer is hygienic and safe.
Baking soda is a natural odour eliminator. Baking brand Dr Oetker explains: "Most nasty smells in the air contain some sort of acid. As an alkali, baking soda reacts with those acids and neutralises them."
