In recent years, this appliance has become essential in the cooking of many, so it is important to clean it properly
In recent years, the air fryer has become an appliance essential in the routine of many. It rose to fame for being able to cook and, specifically, fry without having to use oil. French fries have been the star dish of this new machine, which cooks autonomously. But it can also be used to make numerous original recipes, including desserts and puddings.
Another advantage of the air fryer is its low energy consumption compared to the oven, for example. However, it is very important to clean it properly, not only to extend its life, but also to ensure that the food tastes better.
How often should it be cleaned?
If you are one of those people who uses the air fryer non-stop, you should know that the ideal thing is to clean it after each use and thus remove any food debris or grease that may have remained. High Speed Training, which specialises in food hygiene courses, among others, says that this step is also important to “keep food safe from the harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning”. The company recommends using a damp cloth to remove dirt from the surface lightly, in addition to hand-washing the air fryer basket.
On the other hand, you should not forget to clean the appliance thoroughly once a month. In this second phase, you will need to remove all the accessories from the air fryer in order to remove burnt food, crumbs, grease and odours.
Steps to follow for proper cleaning
On the other hand, according to the Moulinex brand, you can use a mixture of hot water and liquid degreasing soap, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. First, you’ll need to unplug your air fryer and make sure it’s completely cool. Then remove all the accessories and clean them with a soft, clean cloth.
If you have trouble reaching some of the corners, you can use a toothbrush that you no longer use. And if some of the parts, such as the basket, also have food stuck to them, soak them in water and bicarbonate of soda for a few minutes. This will make it easier to remove the dirt. If you still can’t get rid of the bad smell, High Speed Training recommends sprinkling a little baking soda on the part and scrubbing with a toothbrush.
Be careful with the heater and the filter
The fryer’s heater is one of the parts that cannot be removed from the main appliance, making it more difficult to clean. In addition, you must take special care, because if it is hot you can suffer burns.
To clean this part, just follow the same instructions as for the other parts. Use a damp cloth or sponge with soap and water to remove any grease that may have accumulated. On the other hand, if your air fryer is one of those with a filter, you must remove it to clean it properly and put it back in place.
Finally, make sure you rinse each part of the fryer thoroughly and dry it well before plugging it in again. Remember not to use products or instruments that could damage the surface of the air fryer, as this “could cause chemical contamination of the food”.
