How To Clean an Air Fryer?

How To Clean an Air Fryer? But before that, what is an Air Fryer after all? Truthfully speaking, an Air fryer is a heaven-sent machine for the health freaks. It is much like an oven, but not quite. The difference is that it ensures you utilize the bare minimum of oil required for cooking. Some models do not require oil at all. Let us take a closer look at what this wonder machine is all about.

How To Clean An Air Fryer
Air Fryer

As mentioned before, this is a kitchen appliance that can cook with a minimum quantity of oil. The design comprises heating elements fixed at the top of the machine. A large fan is also located, which forms a vital part of the operation. It ensures that the food turns crispy in no time with less oil. The main benefit of the air fryer is that it uniformly provides quick cooking while utilizing less oil. This is done by the balanced combination of the high heat source and the working of the fan. But, just as pleasant as the cooking experience is in an air fryer, the clean-up is just as important. While the latest models are dishwasher safe, the earlier ones require the use of brushes and manual intervention.

Functions of an Air Fryer

An Air fryer has grown to be one of the most important home appliances. This is mainly because the users can easily benefit from its unique application. Let us explore a few important functions of an air fryer:

    • It helps in quick cooking. Yes, it is true; now, you can easily whip up an elaborate meal in a matter of a few minutes. Literary. The air fryer surely brings down cooking time considerably, as It utilizes high temperatures and even distribution of the same. This way, the ingredient is cooked soon, with an almost ‘instant’ heating effect. 
    • It cuts down the fats. Now, you no longer have to worry about ingesting excessive oils in the foods. This is because the air fryer mimics deep-frying cleverly, minus the excess oils. Now, you can easily enjoy Pakoras, fried chicken, Potato fries without worrying about the extra Cholesterol making its way into your system.  
    • Is a Compact option. Yes, it surely helps you with compact cooking. If you are a busy mom or a part-time working girl, an air fryer is a thing for you. You do not have to worry about various stoves, induction cookers, or Ovens. You Air fryer can double-up as almost any cooking option. This brings down the clutter, and you need not worry about having to deal with too many options.  
    • It can multi-task. Yes, now you have customized air-fryer recipes to help you get the hang of how to use the machine. Of course, like everything else on the horizon, you do need to get the hang of how to use an air fryer best. After that, it is a smooth sail. Now, you can bake your favorite cake or Pizzas; Mutton curries, or mix veg, Potato fries, or Lamb Chops. Your recipe can be a basic one-pot dinner or an elaborate ‘Biryani’; just get the time, temp, and tempo right. 

How To Deep Clean An Air Fryer

So, your dinner for close friends was a major hit, and they simply love your new member of the family. Everybody wants to get hold of your ‘recipe-genie’ and show off just as well. But, now that the party is over, your little air fryer needs a little bit of its own ‘TLC.’ Just like any other machine or gadget, it also requires to be maintained regularly. But, there are a few pros and cons as well as you get about cleaning the machine. So, what are the tips for cleaning the air-fryer? Let us examine a few important ones:

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

INSTRUCTIONS

    • Never clean when your machine is hot. Always unplug the device and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes.
    • Carefully remove the basket, racks, and pans from the machine. 
    • Allow soaking in warm soapy water for about 20 minutes or so. Now, gently scrub-away using the soft sponge to clean away the grease. 
    • Now, get down into the Air fryer’s main body with a soft, damp microfibre cloth. Clean away the interior carefully with a bit of soap if required. Now clean for the final effect with a soft dry cloth. 
    • Turn the machine upside down to clean the heating element. Use a damp cloth to gently handle the cleaning of the heating element without being too aggressive. 
    • If you discover some hard residue within the appliance, make a simple paste of soap and water and apply it over the residue. This can be done using a thin brush. Now, wipe away using a cloth after a while.
    • The Exterior of the machine can be wiped clean using a soft, damp cloth. This can be done in a few simple strokes all over the machine.
    • Now, you need to dry all the removable parts separately before you re-assemble them back.
    • And that is it. You are ready for the next party for close friends. 

Tips for Cleaning an Air Fryer

    • You must never utilize steel wire brushes, metal utensils, or abrasive sponges to clean your air fryer.
    • It is an electric appliance, after all. Never submerge it in water.
    • To get rid of all the odor, place half a Lime on the bottom of the air fryer and allow it to sit for 30 minutes.

How Often Should You Clean Your Air Fryer?

Well, that depends. 

Are You The OCD-Type?: Well, that is a bit of an exaggeration. But some users simply love a squeaky clean machine every time they have to use it. For this, you will need to do some cleaning every time you cook in the Air Fryer. Follow the basic precautions and steps for cleaning an air fryer. This includes removing all the racks and baskets and popping them in the dishwasher at the end of the day. The interior can be cleaned using a damp cloth. 

A Balanced Cleaning Routine: Usually, you do not need to deep clean your Air fryer every time you use it. A basic cleaning routine is just fine for good maintenance. Ensure a squeaky clean exterior with just a wipe of a cloth. If you encounter a few pieces of debris and residues at the bottom of the machine, be sure to use a soft, damp cloth to remove it gently. 

What Not to Do When Cleaning Your Air Fryer?

An air fryer is a basic machine at the end of the day. Be sure to follow a few basic rules, and you are good to go. Maintenance is the key to ensuring a long run with good results. For this, you need to follow a few basic rules:

    • Never use a metal wire scrubbing brush to clean your air fryer.
    • Do not expose your machine directly to water or submerge it.
    • Be sure to clean the machine when any heavy cooking is done.
    • Always unplug the appliance before you get cleaning.
    • Ensure the removable parts of the Air fryer are Dishwash proof if you need to pop them into the cleaning machine.
    • In the beginning, it is recommended to stick to ‘air fryer proof’ recipes before you finally experiment on your own. Do not worry; it is quite simple, and you will turn into a Chef in no time.

Tips To Get The Best Out Of An Air Fryer

    • Be sure to pre-heat your device before you get cooking. Do not worry; it is a simple push of a button, much like allowing your frying pan to heat-up before you toss-in something.
    • Cleaning is an essential aspect of the long-term maintenance of the machine. While this is not necessary every time, but be sure to remove the grease and residues.
    • Ensure you rotate the ingredients every once in a while to make sure you get them fine on both sides.
    • While this is a wonderful machine for oil-free cooking but, it won’t hurt to Oil-up once a while. This will ensure the right amount of browning and crispiness of the food as it cooks.
    • Also, toss and turn your veggies, just like you would in a normal pan. This will offer uniform cooking throughout.

The Conclusion

An air fryer is a fine product and a must-have for the modern kitchen. It heats up to 250 C and can remove the cooking time by 20%. It can also deep fry using just one tablespoon of oil. A study also revealed that cooking in an Air fryer prevents the formation of harmful compounds. Overall, the air fryer is a perfect health partner to ensure you eliminate the unwanted Calories, Fats, and oils from your recipe. So, grab a model now, as newer brands have launched various on-a-budget designs as well. Health is an affordable commodity, and you can get yours right now.

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