Introduction
If you own an air fryer, you know the convenience it offers. This amazing appliance enables you to cook crispy, delicious food with up to 80% less fat compared to traditional deep frying methods. However, this doesn’t mean that you can neglect cleaning it – regular cleaning prevents food buildup and ensures your air fryer provides you healthy and clean food every time you use it! In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to clean your air fryer basket, including some helpful tips and tricks to keep it sparkling clean!
Step-by-Step Guide
First, let’s gather the tools that’ll make cleaning your air fryer basket much easier. You’ll need a soft-bristled brush or a non-abrasive sponge, dish soap, and hot water. Remember to read your air fryer user manual to ensure that the components are dishwasher safe.
Before cleaning any appliance, always ensure you’ve unplugged it! Begin by removing the air fryer basket from the machine. With the soft-bristled brush or non-abrasive sponge, scrape off any food particles. Once you’ve removed all the large debris, use hot water and a small amount of dish soap to scrub the basket thoroughly. Rinse the basket thoroughly with hot water and dry it off with a clean cloth or let it air-dry. Skimping on this process may cause foul odors and bacteria buildup over time.
If the basket is extremely oily or has stubborn stains, use the following hacks:
Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is an excellent natural cleaning agent. To make a vinegar solution, combine equal parts water and white vinegar in a bowl. Dip a sponge or a brush into the solution and scrub the basket. You could even submerge the basket into the solution if you have enough space. Rinse with hot water and dry off the basket.
Baking Soda Paste
You may also use a baking soda paste to get rid of stubborn gunk. Mix two parts baking soda with one part water to create a paste. Apply the baking soda paste to the basket, focusing on the stubborn dirt. Use a sponge or a brush to scrub the basket. Rinse the basket with hot water and dry it.
Dishwasher
Some air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe – double-check the material of your basket before loading it into the dishwasher. Ensure there’s no oily residue or removing any stuck food bits before loading it. When loading it, do it with care and consideration, keeping other dishes out of the way of the arms of the dishwasher.
Steam Cleaner
Steam cleaners are a great way to clean an air fryer basket. Steam is high-temperature vapor that disinfects and removes dirt or grease stains. Before you start cleaning with the steam cleaner, inspect the basket and remove all the heavy food particles. Place the basket onto a clean surface and aim the steam cleaner’s nozzle onto the inside of the basket, allowing it to reach all corners. Allow the basket to cool down, rinse with hot water, and dry it off.
Commercial Cleaners
Various types of commercial cleaners are specifically formulated for cleaning air fryer baskets. Be cautious when selecting one as you’ll want it to be food grade or non-toxic, and as you may be cooking food directly above it. When using a commercial cleaner, follow the instructions to the letter, whether it’s a spray cleaner or wipes.
Conclusion
Cleaning your air fryer basket shouldn’t be a hassle or intimidating. Incorporating this cleaning ritual into your routine could save you a lot of time in the long run. A clean air fryer basket produces quality food and is healthy to use. Remember to clean your air fryer basket regularly and properly store it – if left in a moist, dank place, unpleasant smells and even mold could develop.
