The air fryer, also known as an air fryer, has become an indispensable appliance in many kitchens. It allows you to prepare crispy potatoes, golden chicken, roasted vegetables and many other recipes with very little fat.
But after several uses, a problem arises: food residue builds up, grease gets stuck in the basket, and some stains seem impossible to remove.
On social media, a spectacular tip promises to clean an air fryer in seconds with water, dish soap or even a dishwasher tablet.
The video seems convincing. However, this method may pose a risk to the appliance, especially if soapy water is heated in the basket.
Good news: There is a much safer method to remove grease and burnt-on residue without damaging the coating on your air fryer.
Here’s how you proceed step by step.
- Why is your air fryer so hard to clean?
When you cook food in an air fryer, the appliance circulates very hot air around the ingredients.
This method provides quick cooking and a crispy surface.
However, grease and cooking juices can settle in the bottom of the basket, the sides and on the rack.
Under the influence of heat, these can residues dry out and become particularly sticky.
The problem is often more pronounced when you prepare:
Marinated chicken.
Chicken wings.
Sausages.
Melted cheese.
Spiced potatoes.
Fatty meat.
Preparations containing sugar or honey.
If the basket is not cleaned after each use, deposits can gradually accumulate.
They then become more difficult to remove and can cause unpleasant odors during subsequent cooking.
- Does the viral soap and water trick really work?
Some publications show a person pouring water into the basket of an air fryer along with dish soap or a dishwasher tablet.
The method sometimes involves Place the basket back in the appliance and start a heating cycle to froth the mixture.
The goal would be to automatically loosen the fat.
However, this practice is generally not recommended.
An airfryer is not designed to boil soapy water like a pot.
Depending on the model, heating a large amount of liquid may cause splashing, excessive foaming, or unwanted exposure of certain parts of the device to moisture.
Dishwasher tablets may also contain cleaning agents that are too aggressive for certain coatings.
It is therefore best never to start a cooking cycle with soapy water or a detergent tablet in the basket, unless expressly instructed by the manufacturer.
The safest method is to clean the basket after it has been removed, with the appliance unplugged and cooled down.
- The gentle method to remove grease without damaging the basket.
This technique is suitable for many air fryers equipped with a removable basket, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
Materials needed
Hot water.
A few drops of mild dishwashing liquid.
A non-abrasive sponge.
A soft brush or a clean old toothbrush.
A microfiber cloth.
A clean towel for drying.
There is no need to use expensive or particularly powerful products.
Step 1: Unplug the unit
Turn off the air fryer and unplug it from the electrical outlet before handling it.
Let it cool down sufficiently.
Never pour cold water on a still hot basket, as thermal shock can damage certain materials or coatings.
Step 2: Remove the accessories
Remove the basket, the rack and the removable parts intended for cleaning.
Remove any remaining food residue with a flexible spatula or paper towel.
Avoid knives and metal utensils that can scratch the coating.
Step 3: Prepare soapy water
Pour warm water into the removable basket if its design simple and valuable. The story of paprika shows that sometimes unexpected wonders are hidden in the most ordinary things.
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