Clean your air fryer to keep it functioning at its best.
My air fryer is my trusty kitchen ally. I use it to make everything from crispy fries to juicy chicken wings without the guilt of deep frying. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to effectively clean your air fryer.
Table of Contents
Inside the Air Fryer
Before we dive into the cleaning process, let’s quickly talk about what makes up an air fryer.
Air fryers feature a heating element and a robust fan that blasts hot air around. You’ll find a basket inside, suspended and perforated, allowing for air to swoosh around your food, ensuring it cooks evenly and comes out crispy—think dreamy golden fries! Below this basket sits a pan that catches any crumbs or drips.
As you cook, particularly with foods high in fat, grease splatters, and droplets can make their way up to the heating element and fan. These areas are tricky to clean because they are not easily accessible. Over time, this build-up can affect the performance of your air fryer and lead to unpleasant odors.
How to Clean Your Air Fryer
Cleaning your air fryer is not as daunting as it might seem. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Important note: The main unit contains the electrical component and cannot be submerged in water.
- Unplug and Cool: Safety first! Always make sure your air fryer is unplugged and cool before you start cleaning.
- Remove and Soak: Take out the basket and pan. If they’re really grimy, let them soak in hot soapy water for about 10 minutes.
- Scrub and Rinse: Use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to scrub the basket and pan. Rinse thoroughly.
- Wipe the Interior: With a damp cloth, wipe down the inside of the air fryer. Be cautious around the heating element.
- Exterior and Handle: Wipe the outside with a damp cloth. If your model has a touch screen or buttons, be careful not to let water seep into the electrical components.
- Reassemble: Once everything is dry, put it all back together.
Best Self-cleaning Air Fryer
If you’re thinking, “There has to be an easier way,” you’re in luck. Enter the world of self-cleaning air fryers. These beauties are designed to make your life even simpler.
One standout model I’ve recently discovered is the Typhur Dome Air Fryer. Its self-cleaning feature was an awesome surprise that has been a game-changer for me and my family. This marvel not only cooks your food to perfection but also tackles the tough job of cleaning those hard-to-reach spots around the heating elements and fan. It’s a bit pricier than a standard air fryer, but the convenience is well worth it. Imagine never having to scrub grease and crumbs out of those tiny crevices again. Bliss!
How to Clean Air Fryer Basket
Cleaning your Typhur Dome air fryer basket is a breeze, especially since it’s dishwasher-safe.
Step 1. First, ensure your air fryer is unplugged and has completely cooled down before starting the cleaning process.
Step 2. Take out the air fryer basket and any additional trays or accessories.
Step 3. Use a paper towel or a soft cloth to wipe away any loose crumbs or grease.
Step 4. Since the Typhur Dome air fryer basket is dishwasher-safe, you can place it directly in the dishwasher. Use a normal cycle with your regular dishwasher detergent.
If you prefer manual cleaning or if the basket has stubborn grease:
- Fill your sink with warm soapy water.
- Let the basket soak for about 10-15 minutes.
- Use a soft sponge or a non-abrasive brush to scrub off any remaining food particles or grease.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Step 5: Ensure the basket and accessories are completely dry before putting them back into the air fryer.
How to Clean an Air Fryer Heating Element
Cleaning the air fryer heating element can be challenging due to its location and the tendency for grease and food particles to get stuck. However, with the Typhur Dome air fryer’s self-cleaning feature, this task becomes significantly easier.
Follow the simple steps below to run the Typhur Dome self-clean mode:
Step 1. Empty the air fryer basket of oil, grease, and food before starting self-cleaning mode.
Step 2. Activate the self-cleaning mode in the Typhur App’s device settings.
Note: Choose the ‘Clean’ mode for a regular cleaning cycle, which usually completes in about 60 minutes. For more intensive cleaning, opt for the ‘Deep Clean’ mode which typically requires around 120 minutes to complete.
Step 3. Press the “Start/Pause” button to start the self-cleaning process.
Or, you can follow this video guide on how to clean Typhur Dome air fryer heating elements, starting at 3:00:
Tips to Maintain the Air Fryer from Oil
Keeping your air fryer free from excessive oil buildup is essential for its longevity and performance. Here are some practical tips:
- Use Parchment Paper: Line the bottom of the basket with parchment paper or specially designed air fryer liners. This helps catch drips and makes cleanup easier.
- Wipe After Each Use: After each cooking session, wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. This prevents oil and grease from building up over time.
- Avoid Overloading: Do not overcrowd the basket. Overloading can lead to uneven cooking and more grease splatter.
- Minimal Oil Usage: Use just enough oil to coat your food lightly. Air fryers are designed to cook with minimal oil, so a little goes a long way.
- Regular Deep Cleaning: Perform a deep clean regularly. Remove the basket and pan, and clean the interior, heating element, and fan with a damp cloth or soft brush. Ensure the air fryer is unplugged and completely cool before cleaning.
- Clean the Heating Element and Fan: Use a soft brush to dislodge any baked-on grease. A paste made from baking soda and water can help with stubborn spots. Gently scrub and wipe clean.
- Check for Residual Grease: After cleaning, inspect for any remaining grease or food particles. This prevents buildup and ensures your air fryer runs efficiently.
Air Fryer Cleaning FAQs
Ideally, you should clean the basket and drawer after every use. The heating element and fan can be cleaned once a month or more frequently if you use your air fryer daily.
Check your air fryer’s manual. Many models have dishwasher-safe components, like the Typhur Dome air fryer.
This usually means there’s some old food or grease buildup. Give it a thorough cleaning, especially around the heating element and fan. You can also run the air fryer at a high temperature for a few minutes to burn off any lingering odors.