How to Clean Air Fryer with Vinegar [Get Grease Off]

Because they can produce crispy, tasty meals with very little or no oil, air fryers are becoming increasingly common in kitchens. However, to guarantee that they continue to function well and deliver delicious meals, air fryers require routine cleaning, just like any other kitchen device. Using vinegar is one efficient and all-natural way to clean your air fryer.

With its many cleaning benefits, vinegar is a cheap, helpful, and adaptable household component. It helps get rid of any residual smells, in addition to being efficient in removing grease and grime. The steps for cleaning your air fryer with vinegar are as follows, but let's talk about a few things first.

Things You Need to Know Before You Begin Your Cleaning Process

With the wide variety of sizes and styles of air fryers available, it's an excellent idea to consult the owner's handbook to find out the precise maintenance procedures that each unit's manufacturer suggests.

Ensure that the air fryer has had some time to cool down after usage, that the device is turned off, and that the cord is disconnected from the electrical socket. The appliance's electrical component should never be submerged in water as this could cause an electrical shock or render the air fryer inoperable.

These are the key points you should be aware of. Let's dive into cleaning an air fryer using vinegar; keep reading.

Tips on how to clean an air fryer with a vinegar

1. Unplug and Cool Down the Air Fryer:

Ensure your air fryer is thoroughly cooled, unplugged, and turned off before cleaning. This will safeguard your safety when cleaning and stop any unintentional burns.

2. Remove the Removable Parts:

The basket and tray of the majority of air fryers are detachable. Remove these components carefully, then place them aside for separate cleaning.

3. Mix a solution of Vinegar and Water:

Equal amounts of vinegar and water should be combined in a small dish or container. Half a cup of vinegar and one-half cup of water ought to be plenty for an air fryer of typical size.

4. Wipe the Interior with Vinegar Solution:

Wipe out the internal parts of the air fryer entirely with a damp towel, or sponge dipped in the vinegar solution. Areas with grease or sticky residue should receive further attention. The vinegar's acidity will break down any stubborn stains.

5. Clean the Removable Parts:

To remove any food residue or dirt, soak the basket and tray in the vinegar mixture for ten to fifteen minutes. After soaking, remove any last bits of residue using a brush or sponge. To get rid of the vinegar smell, give the pieces a thorough water rinse.

6. Dry and Reassemble:

When putting the air fryer back together, be sure that all of the parts have dried thoroughly after cleaning. Mold or foul odors could result from any residual moisture. To ensure the portions are totally dry, let them air dry or use a fresh towel.

7. Clean the Exterior:

Remember to clean your air fryers outside as well. Use a sponge or damp cloth immersed in the vinegar solution to remove stains, grease, or fingerprints. To avoid watermarks, wipe with a fresh, dry towel to finish.

How Often Should You Clean Your Air Fryer?

Depending on how frequently you use your appliance and the kinds of food you cook with it, you should wipe your air fryer down after each use and give it a more thorough cleaning every week or so. This cleaning should comprise soaking and scrubbing your cooking basket, pan, and trays.

If you use your air fryer on a daily basis, you should give it a thorough cleaning at least once a week to avoid unpleasant smells emanating from the cooking chamber. Additionally, it would be best if you cleaned it after cooking poultry or shellfish to prevent nasty episodes of food poisoning and cross-contamination with other meals. The same holds for meals like bacon and pork belly high in animal fats.

What Parts Of An Air Fryer Need To Be Cleaned?

The main unit of your air fryer, which contains the exterior casing, the fans, and the heating element, has to be cleaned, but you should avoid submerging the main unit in water. Instead, wipe it down. All that needs to be done is wipe them down with a moist cloth (be sure the device is disconnected from the wall).

Any mesh grills, the tray, and the detachable parts such as the air fryer basket or rack should be cleaned in hot, soapy water or a solution made of vinegar and baking soda. Depending on the model of your air fryer, you may either do this in the dishwasher or the kitchen sink. Ensure your air fryer has cooled down enough before cleaning, but not so much that the food has dried or coagulated.

Nifty Air Fryer Cleaning Hacks to Try

Take a look at these lovely tips to quickly and easily clean your air fryer without using too much grease:

• Tip #1: Split a lemon in half, massage it all over the basket, set your air fryer to low heat for five minutes to seal in the scent, and then rinse to eliminate any lingering smells.
• Tip #2: For an additional clever tip, fill the basket with a small amount of dish water and soap, then set your appliance to low for three minutes. After that, you may drain the water and quickly rinse the detachable components, and you're ready to go! Just watch out that water doesn't get anywhere near the machine's mechanics, as that could lead to some damage. Thus, before using this one, read the manufacturer's instructions!
• Tip #3: As a last resort, you can wipe out crumbs or baked-on fat from your air fryer by making a paste out of baking soda and water. Use an old toothbrush to clean the interior thoroughly; never use anything that contains metal. After that, thoroughly wipe it with a cloth to remove any leftover residue, and your air fryer will look brand new soon!

Air fryer cleaning tips for the best results

Soak the basket and tray of your air fryer in soapy water that is warm for a minimum of ten minutes to eliminate baked-on fat. Scrubbing away any leftover food and grease should be much more straightforward. Just make sure the sponge you use is smooth.

Anything with metal in or around your air fryer should be avoided. Steel wire, abrasive sponges, and metal utensils are examples of this. These will harm the nonstick coating on your device, scratch it, and impair the air fryer's capacity to cook food effectively.

Use a toothpick, wooden skewer, or even an old toothbrush to clean any crevices where food particles may have become lodged and be the source of the burning smell emanating from your air fryer.

Should I clean an air fryer while it’s still warm?

While it could be tempting to start cleaning your fryer as soon as your meal is cooked, Michael Bogoyavlenskiy, director of Cleaning Express in the United Kingdom, suggests against it.

He claims that "people usually attempt to clean their air fryer once it's hot or warm." "This is not ideal because there could be thermal shock from the sudden temperature change, which could cause warping or cracks." Furthermore, he continues, you risk burning yourself on the heated coils.

However, you shouldn't leave your air fryer out too long after it has cooled down because, just like any other cookware, cleaning it will be easier the sooner you do it. If you leave cleaning your air fryer for too long, bacteria, mold, and other pathogens will have more opportunities to grow and colonize.

Are air fryers dishwasher-safe?

Dishwasher-safe removable pieces on most air fryers include the rotisserie accessory, racks, mesh grills, frying basket, and tray. Referring to the manufacturer's instructions is the most straightforward (and secure) method of determining whether the elements of your device are suitable for the dishwasher. Please remember that because the main unit has electrical components, it should never be submerged in water.

How do I keep my air fryer from smelling bad over time?

Cooked-off fat may accumulate over time and coat other minor fryer components, leaving behind an unpleasant, greasy smell. "Let the machine clean itself!" is the solution, advises KitchenTimeSavers.com founder Clare Ivatt. Just fill the basket with one to two cups of water, squeeze in some dish soap, and set the air fryer to 375°F for three minutes. "The soapy water steams off grease, so it wipes away readily with a clean cloth," Ivatt clarifies.

The genius trick that prevents air fryer messes in the first place.

All air fryer items have a nonstick surface thanks to silicone perforated liners. Additionally, because of their openings, the food cooks more quickly and evenly by allowing heat to surround it. Julie Miltenberger, our director of the test kitchen, has another suggestion: Before using, line the air fryer's bottom with aluminium foil. After the food is cooked and the air fryer has cooled down, take off the foil and discard. And presto! Nothing to tidy up!

Final Thoughts

You may use vinegar to clean your air fryer properly by following these easy instructions. In addition to extending the life of your device, regular maintenance and cleaning will guarantee that you continue to eat wholesome meals. So grab that bottle of vinegar and quickly give your air fryer a thorough cleaning!

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