The Dangerous Air Fryer Cleaning Hack Experts Are Warning About
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
You've probably seen this popular hack for cleaning your air fryer: Fill the basket with soapy water, pop it into your machine and turn it on for several minutes. Then, dump out the hot water, rinse the basket and voilà — a sparkling air fryer without scrubbing. After testing it out, our appliance experts found the cleaning method not only ineffective but also potentially dangerous.
What happens if you heat water in your air fryer?
When our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab first tried this, they heated the water in the air fryer for the amount of time suggested in several viral videos — three minutes — and it only reached 72°F. "The water barely got hot, so it wouldn't help soften buildup or grime," says Kitchen Appliances Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou, who has tested more than 50 air fryers with her team.
But after heating the water for 10 minutes, it was over 130°F. "We were worried about carrying it to the sink without spilling it and possibly burning ourselves." Some air fryer basket trays can fall out when you dump the steaming water, increasing your risk of getting splashed.
What's more, electrical appliances and H2O famously don't mesh. "Air fryers have exposed electrical elements, so splashes and spills can ruin your machine," says Nicole.
How to safely clean an air fryer
Even though the small but mighty machines can crisp up fried food and cook juicy proteins with little to no added oil, they must be cleaned after every use. Small food particles or grease can pile up over time and cause the machine to smell or even start to smoke when it gets hot. But cleaning your air fryer — the right way — is a total breeze.
Turn off and unplug the air fryer. Allow it to cool completely.
If the air fryer basket is dishwasher-safe, place the drawer and basket or tray upside down in the dishwasher. Opt for the top rack if space allows. While using the dishwasher may cause the air fryer's nonstick coating to wear faster, it makes cleanup easier and more convenient.
If using the dishwasher is not an option, wash the removable parts in warm soapy water. Use a non-abrasive brush to gently scrub off any stuck-on bits without damaging the nonstick surface. Dealing with a particularly messy surface? Soak it in warm water to allow grime to break down before scrubbing. Rinse well and dry.
Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe down the air fryer's exterior, bottom interior and, if necessary, the heating element. Replace the basket once everything is clean and dry.
How to minimize mess when cooking
While you can't get out of cleaning your air fryer's basket or tray after cooking, there are several ways to make the chore a little bit easier.
Line the bottom of the basket with parchment paper to catch drips and crumbs.
Use a minimal amount of oil to prevent excess grease. Remember: Air fryers use concentrated heat and a high-powered fan (not a ton of oil) to turn food crispy and brown.
Avoid overfilling your air fryer to help prevent splatters on the heating element. Peep your air fryer's user manual to ensure the quantity of food doesn't exceed the amount recommended for your model.
You Might Also Like
