Warning issued to households with air fryer in their kitchen

Air fryers, one of the hottest kitchen gadgets of the moment, come with a cleaning warning that all users should heed. The popularity of these versatile cooking appliances has surged in recent years, particularly as energy costs continue to rise.

Air fryers typically consume less electricity than traditional ovens and offer a healthier, oil-free method of preparing food swiftly. However, households are being cautioned to 'deep clean' their air fryer at least once a month and perform a lighter clean after each use.

Importantly, no part of the appliance should be placed in the dishwasher, even if it's labelled as dishwasher safe. Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at High Speed Training, advised: "It's recommended that you give your air fryer a light clean after every use and a deeper clean every month, or every few uses if you regularly cook greasy foods."

He added: "For a monthly deep clean, you'll need to clean all the accessories and inside the appliance more thoroughly to remove burnt-on food, grease and odours."

Despite some air fryers being marketed as dishwasher-safe, Dr Anderson warned that dishwashers can erode the non-stick coating on the air fryer parts, reports the Express.

For stubborn, baked-on grease, he suggested filling the tray or drawer with water, adding a dishwasher tablet, and leaving it to soak overnight before rinsing clean the next day. Given that the heating element is an integral part of the air fryer and isn't detachable, it's crucial not to immerse it in water as this could damage the device.

Instead, use a clean, damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any grease or dirt from the heating element. Rinse the cloth in warm soapy water and repeat the process until the heating coil is completely clean.

For more stubborn grime, a soft-bristled toothbrush and warm, soapy water can be used to gently scrub the heating element. However, avoid over-wetting it to prevent any damage. Once cleaned, ensure the heating element is thoroughly dry before turning the air fryer back on.

Some air fryers come with built-in filters that also require regular cleaning and maintenance. For specific guidance related to your model, refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

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