Experts have shared the best way to clean your air fryers and the three common mistakes people make.
Air fryers remain the must-have kitchen appliance of the moment and promise to save you time and money when cooking.
However, to keep your beloved air fryer in tip-top condition, Which? experts have warned against a viral “hack” that supposedly keeps it clean. Air frying a jug of soapy water in the basket is not the best option and could put you at risk.
The air frying water trick is the “dumbest” way to clean the appliance, the expert said in a video posted on Which’s Instagram. The “trick” can cause a fire hazard and risks burning down your house, as well as breaking your air fryer.
The expert explained that the correct way to clean an air fryer is “not as easy” as the viral hack, but sometimes cleaning requires effort. The best way? Little and often.
The expert says: “Cleaning after each use may seem like a chore, but in reality, in the long run, it requires the least effort.”
Simply unplug your air fryer and allow the machine to cool down, but don’t wait too long as this could cause oils to solidify, bond with the basket, and dehydrate streaks. These can get stuck in all the hidden places.
Which one? She recommended blotting out the oil with a paper towel to prevent clogging the lines before placing the basket in warm, soapy water. It’s also important to check the inside of the machine, just in case any food or grease remains stuck.
All you need to do is use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any debris. Which? also suggested that a proper deep clean of the air fryer should be done once a month; using a toothbrush and a damp cloth to wipe down the heating element.
One common cleaning tool that should be avoided altogether is the scouring pad. Which? said: “Don’t use scouring pads or scrapers. You’re just going to break something.”
“And don’t waste a dishwasher tablet on this. Dishwashing liquid will also work.”
The expert had one last message for air fryer fans: “And let me tell you again. That TikTok hack where you try to air fry half a jar of soapy water is a surefire shortcut to breaking your air fryer.
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