With energy bills on the rise and the cost of living squeezing family budgets, air fryers have soared in popularity due to their energy efficiency.
Touted as being 50 per cent more economical than regular ovens, these gadgets are fast becoming a must-have in the kitchen, offering families a speedy and efficient way to prepare meals.
Besides the ease of use, one of the air fryer’s attractions is fewer dishes to clean. However, it’s crucial to maintain cleanliness to ensure it stays in good working order.
But some experts have raised concerns over a cleaning method that could be hazardous. Which? consumer professionals labelled it as “the dumbest way to clean your air fryer and burn down your house.”
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The dangerous cleaning technique involves filling the air fryer basket with warm, soapy water and turning on the appliance, aiming to tackle any grease and dirt, reports the Express.
Household cleaning brand Method, along with other experts, strongly advises against this approach and instead recommends safer options for maintaining the air fryer’s cleanliness and extending its lifespan.
And cleaning the air fryer after every use is the best way keep it in top shape.
The experts said: “This will avoid any oil, grease and grime setting in as it will be much harder to clean the basket if you have to scrub hard food residue away.
“Without cleaning after each use, small crumbs and grime can burn during the next time you cook – leaving your food with an unpleasant taste.”
Keeping your air fryer clean will make it last longer and also make your food taste better
(Image: Getty)
To safely clean your air fryer, start by removing the basket and tray and immerse them in warm soapy water in your sink. Allow these parts to soak for approximately 10-15 minutes for best results.
Next, use a sponge or soft-bristle brush to scrub the tray and basket thoroughly before rinsing them. After this, dry each part with a clean towel.
Ensure both parts are entirely dry before you use them again, as any moisture could potentially harm the appliance.
Additionally, you should wipe down the interior of the air fryer with a damp cloth, ensuring no spots of grease are left behind.
The exterior of the air fryer can also gather dust, fingerprints, and grease, so it’s important to wipe it down, paying particular attention to buttons and the control panel.
Avoid applying cleaner directly onto electronic components to prevent any damage. Once all parts of the air fryer are clean, let them air dry completely or wipe them down with a clean towel before putting them back together.
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