If you love your air fryer, you know how quickly it can become a go-to appliance for crispy, delicious meals.
However, after a few uses, the air fryer basket can get greasy and covered in stuck-on food.
Cleaning it might seem like a hassle, but it can be quick and easy with the right tips.
In this article, we’ll share ten game-changing air fryer basket cleaning hacks to help you keep your air fryer spotless with minimal effort.
Let’s dive into these simple yet effective cleaning tips that make maintaining your air fryer a breeze.
1. Soak the Basket in Warm, Soapy Water
One of the easiest ways to clean your air fryer basket is by soaking it in warm, soapy water. This helps loosen up any food residue and grease, making it easier to wipe away without scrubbing too hard.
- How to Do It: Fill your sink with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Submerge the air fryer basket and let it soak for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing with a sponge.
Why It Works: The soap breaks down grease while the warm water softens food stuck to the basket.
Recommended Amazon Products:
- Dawn Platinum Dishwashing Liquid – Known for cutting through grease quickly, this dish soap will help break down stubborn food residue and grease on your air fryer basket.
- Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge – These sponges are perfect for gently scrubbing your air fryer basket without scratching the non-stick coating.
2. Use a Soft Brush for Stubborn Food
Sometimes, food can remain stuck in the basket even after soaking. Instead of using a metal scrubber that might scratch the surface, opt for a soft-bristle brush to remove stubborn bits gently.
Tip: A toothbrush or a vegetable brush works great for getting into the basket’s nooks and crannies.
Why It Works: The soft bristles can loosen stubborn food without damaging the basket’s non-stick coating.
3. Line the Basket with Parchment Paper
One of the easiest ways to prevent messes is to line your air fryer basket with parchment paper. This keeps food from sticking to the surface, making cleanup a breeze.
How to Use: Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the basket before cooking.
Why It Works: Parchment paper protects the food from the basket, so you can toss it out after cooking without worrying about scrubbing.
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4. Avoid Metal Utensils
Metal utensils can easily scratch the non-stick coating on your air fryer basket, making it harder to clean over time. To keep food in top condition, use silicone or wooden utensils when removing food from the basket.
- Tip: Stick to non-metal utensils to extend the life of your air fryer basket.
Why It Works: Non-metal utensils won’t scratch the non-stick surface, making future cleanups much easier.
5. Try Baking Soda for Tough Stains
Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent that works wonders on tough grease and stains. If your air fryer basket has stubborn spots that won’t budge, sprinkle some baking soda on the area and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
- How to Do It: Mix baking soda with water to paste, then apply it to the stained areas. After 10-15 minutes, scrub with a sponge or brush.
Why It Works: Baking soda is gentle on surfaces but tough on stains, making it a great solution for cleaning air fryer baskets.
6. Use a Toothpick for Small Crevices
Your air fryer basket has small holes or grooves where food can get stuck, making it hard to reach with a sponge. A toothpick is the best tool for removing tiny food bits stuck in these areas.
Tip: Gently run a toothpick through the small holes to dislodge any stuck food.
Why It Works: A toothpick can reach the tiniest spaces where sponges or brushes can’t go, ensuring a thorough clean.
7. Steam Clean with Water
You can steam clean your air fryer basket. This method helps loosen up any stuck-on grease or food particles without scrubbing.
- How to Do It: Add a cup of water to the basket and run the air fryer at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. After it cools down, wipe away the loosened grime with a damp cloth.
Why It Works: The steam helps soften any hardened food, making it easy to wipe away after.
8. Use White Vinegar for Deep Cleaning
White vinegar is a natural disinfectant and grease cutter. For a deeper clean, soak your air fryer basket in vinegar to remove tough grease.
- How to Do It: Soak the basket in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water for 15 minutes. Rinse and scrub with a sponge for spotless results.
Why It Works: Vinegar breaks down grease, leaving your air fryer basket clean and shiny.
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9. Clean the Basket After Every Use
The best way to prevent buildup and tough stains is to clean your air fryer basket after each use. Keep grease and food out of the basket for a short time, as this makes cleaning more difficult later.
How to Do It: Wipe the basket with a damp cloth immediately after cooking, and give it a deeper clean if needed.
Why It Works: Regular cleaning prevents grease from hardening, making future cleanups faster and easier.
10. Let the Basket Air Dry
After cleaning your air fryer basket, ensure it’s scorched before using it again. Letting it air dry on a dish rack will ensure that no moisture is left behind, which could damage the air fryer or cause unwanted smells.
Best Practice: Always let the basket air dry thoroughly before returning it to the fryer.
Why It Works: A dry basket keeps your air fryer running smoothly and prevents rust or mold from forming.
Conclusion
Maintaining a clean air fryer basket doesn’t have to be a struggle. By following these air fryer basket cleaning hacks, you can keep your air fryer in excellent condition and make cleaning a breeze. From simple solutions like using baking soda to preventive measures like lining the basket with parchment paper, these tips will save you time and effort in the kitchen.
Discover the Best Vegetarian Air Fryer Cookbook UK and enjoy a variety of mouthwatering, easy-to-make recipes that fit perfectly into your healthy lifestyle! Plus, don’t forget to check out our recently published articles for more tips, reviews, and air fryer inspiration.
