Keeping your air fryer clean is essential to maintain performance and hygiene, and a Shark microbiologist has shared expert tips for daily washing and deep cleaning using simple household ingredients
Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for many households, praised for their ability to create crispy, delicious meals with minimal time and oil. However, alongside all that convenience comes one crucial responsibility – maintaining the appliance’s cleanliness and hygiene.
Neglecting to do so can lead to unpleasant odours, diminished performance, and even bacterial growth. To assist people in keeping their air fryers clean, Salomé Gião, Shark’s in-house microbiologist, has shared her expert advice on both daily cleaning and deep cleaning routines.
Salomé explains, “Although their convenience is what makes them so popular, they need more care than ovens.”
Simply put, whilst your air fryer may seem simple to maintain, it requires more frequent and thorough cleaning than larger kitchen appliances. Your air fryer basket and tray are the main contact points for food and therefore the most crucial components to clean.
According to Salomé, the basket and tray require washing after every use by rinsing with a soap solution. Even when using a liner, food residue, oils, and grease can still harbour bacteria if not properly disinfected, reports the Express.
When it’s time for a deep clean, Salomé advises, “Using a non-scratch sponge, create a baking soda paste to hone in on those areas of stubborn grease.
“For overall cleanliness, create a mixture of white vinegar and washing-up liquid to remove bacteria – after, rinse with warm water and put back all parts.”
How to deep clean an air fryer Besides your routine cleaning, a comprehensive deep clean is essential to maintain the safety and efficiency of air fryers. Salomé suggests performing a deep clean at least once every four weeks, or every two to three weeks depending on how often you use it.
This meticulous cleaning eradicates any bacteria from food spillages, splatters, or grease that can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas.
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