How Often To Clean An Air Fryer? [Do You Have To Wash It After Every Use?]

Like other kitchen appliances, air fryers need to be cleaned to ensure that they stay in good working order. But how often do you need to clean an air fryer? Does it need to be cleaned after every use? Let's take a look below.

Typically, you should clean your air fryer after every use or at least every other use. This will keep grease from building up and will keep your appliance in good condition. You can also use a basket liner to make the cleaning process even easier.

Cleaning an air fryer is simple and only requires a few steps. In this article, not only will we discuss how often to clean your air fryer, but also how to do it properly. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about air fryers, so read on!

Do I Need To Clean My Air Fryer After Every Use?

Since their inception, air fryers have been a popular appliance for home kitchens. Air fryers allow you to make meals faster and with fewer unhealthy fats, which is a great benefit.

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food that you place inside. Even though you don't need oil to get that "fried" taste, air fryers still require some maintenance to keep them in good working order.

The food will still leave behind residue and grease, so it's important to clean the air fryer after every use. This will help keep your appliance in good condition and prevent any buildup of residue or grease.

Not cleaning your air fryer will mean that leftover grease and food will be transferred to your next food batch, leading to a burnt or undesirable taste.

This is where using a liner is a great way to make the cleaning process easier. A liner can be put into the air fryer basket and will collect any grease or residue from the food. Then, when you're finished cooking, all you have to do is throw away the liner and give your air fryer a quick rinse.

You should still give your air fryer a deep cleaning every few weeks or so. This includes wiping down the inside and outside of the air fryer with a damp cloth or using an all-purpose cleaner to remove any residue or grease. This will help keep your appliance in good working order and ensure that it lasts longer.

How Do You Clean An Air Fryer?

Now that you know how often to clean your air fryer let's take a look at how to do it properly.

1. Unplug And Let Cool

First, make sure to unplug the air fryer and let it cool completely. You don't want to risk burning yourself when cleaning!

2. Remove The Basket And Tray

Next, remove the basket and tray from your air fryer. These can be hand washed in warm soapy water or put into the dishwasher if they're dishwasher safe. You can also use an all-purpose cleaner for a deeper clean.

You can also use a mixture of warm water and vinegar to clean the basket. Vinegar does wonders when it comes to cleaning and is a great way to remove any hardened grease or residue.

3. Scrub The Inside

When the basket and tray are out of the way, you can begin to scrub the inside of your air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge. An all-purpose cleaner works great for getting rid of any grease or residue that may be stuck on the inside.

You should also flip the air fryer upside down and clean the heating element. Use a damp cloth to gently remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated.

4. Clean The Outside

Finally, wipe down the outside of your air fryer with a damp cloth and an all-purpose cleaner. This will help keep the exterior looking like new and prevent any grease or residue from building up on the outside.

5. Reassemble

Once everything is dry and clean, you can reassemble the air fryer and start to use it again.

You will keep it in good condition and extend its life by taking a few minutes each time you cook to clean your air fryer. Not only that, but you can also enjoy delicious and healthier meals with less mess!

Make cleanup easier with these air fryer liners on Amazon.

Can You Put Aluminum Foil In An Air Fryer?

If you don't have a liner, you can use aluminum foil as a substitute. You should spray the aluminum foil with cooking oil spray to prevent any sticking.

Just be sure to avoid blocking any of the air vents, as this could cause your food to cook unevenly. Other than that, aluminum foil is a great way to keep your air fryer clean and mess free.

It's best not to reuse aluminum foil, as it will transfer the grease and residue from the last meal onto your next one. After the air fryer has cooled, you should discard the aluminum foil and rinse off your basket and tray before use.

What Should You Not Put In An Air Fryer?

While an air fryer is great for many different dishes, there are some foods that should not be put in an air fryer. These include:

Cheese

While some cheese, like brie, may be okay for a few minutes, most cheese should not be put into an air fryer. The cheese will melt onto the interior of the air fryer and can be difficult to remove.

Battered Foods

Another one to avoid is any food that has been battered or covered in a thick sauce. The batter will likely drip off and create a huge mess.

Also, battered foods don't fry as well as using the traditional method. So, it's best to save these dishes for the stove or oven.

Eggs

Air fryers will make eggs rubbery and dry, so it's best not to put eggs directly into the basket. Instead, it's best to use an egg poacher or other special inserts.

Rice And Pasta

Unless you like overcooked or undercooked food, it's best to avoid rice and pasta in an air fryer. Rice will likely turn out dry, while pasta will be too mushy.

Popcorn

Air fryers don't reach a high enough temperature to pop popcorn. So don't waste your time trying this one.

Anything With Sauce

Lastly, avoid anything type of food that has a sauce or liquid. The liquid will likely splash and make a huge mess in your air fryer. It is also likely the sauce will burn, which can be difficult to clean.

These are just a few things that should not be put into an air fryer. There may be other foods you may want to avoid, so it's best to do some research before putting something in your air fryer.

How Long Do Air Fryers Last?

Depending on how often you use your air fryer, it can last anywhere from 1-3 years. However, if you don't use your air fryer often, it could last up to 5 years or more.

Typically, the heating element of an air fryer will wear out over time and need to be replaced. It's also important to note that if your air fryer isn't properly maintained, it won't last as long.

Maintaining your air fryer and cleaning it regularly can help extend its life. Also, avoiding certain foods that may cause a mess will also help keep your air fryer working properly for longer.

Is An Air Fryer Worth It?

An air fryer can be a great addition to your kitchen if you're looking for a healthier way to enjoy fried foods. It uses less oil, so it's much better for your health than traditional frying methods.

It also cooks food quickly and evenly with no added fat or grease, so there's no need to worry about over-frying. Plus, it's much easier to clean than conventional fryers and helps keep your kitchen mess free.

With air fryers, they cook instantly; just press a button, and it starts. With other types of fryers, you have to wait for the oil to heat up. The same goes for an oven, which takes much longer to cook food.

Also, you can cook many dishes with an air fryer—from French fries to chicken wings and everything in between. With a conventional deep fryer, you can only cook a few types of food.

The only drawback of an air fryer is the amount of counter space it takes up. It may not be ideal for small kitchens.

While it may not be for everyone, there are many people who swear by their air fryers. If you're looking for an easy and healthy way to cook food, then an air fryer may be worth considering.

Final Thoughts

Overall, cleaning an air fryer is a simple process and something that should be done regularly. Knowing what foods to avoid, such as battered foods and anything with sauce, will help keep your air fryer clean and functioning properly for longer.

Made it to the end? Here are other articles you might find helpful:

Do Air Fryers Get Hot On The Outside?

Air Fryer Light Not Working – What’s Wrong?

Do You Need To Flip Burgers In An Air Fryer?