How to Clean Grease and Burned Food in an Air Fryer: Caring for the Basket, Bowl, and Heating Element

Caring for an air fryer requires following specific guidelines to extend the appliance's lifespan and keep the non-stick coating in pristine condition. Grease and food residue should never be scrubbed off with a metal sponge or scraped with sharp knives. For regular cleaning of removable parts, warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge are sufficient.

Preparation and Basic Cleaning Rules

Before starting any procedures, make sure to unplug the appliance, pull the plug from the outlet, and let the device cool down completely. As manufacturers like Frigidaire warn, the housing, power cable, and plug must never be immersed in water or any other liquids. The outer casing of the air fryer should be wiped exclusively with a soft, slightly damp cloth, avoiding moisture contact with electrical components.

Cleaning the Bowl and Soaking Burned Food

If food is stuck to the bottom of the bowl, official Philips recommendations suggest pouring hot water with dish soap into it and leaving it for 5 to 10 minutes. Such soaking helps effectively soften stubborn dirt, after which it can be gently removed with a soft sponge. Nevertheless, always check the manual for your specific model to ensure the manufacturer allows soaking removable parts.

Dishwasher Safety Features

The ability to wash parts in a dishwasher depends on the recommendations of a specific brand. For example, Instant Pot indicates that the Vortex 6QT air fryer basket can be washed in the dishwasher, provided it is placed on the top rack. However, this rule does not automatically apply to other models. If the manufacturer does not confirm this possibility, it is best to prefer careful hand washing.

Heating Element Care and Prevention

Special attention is required for the heating element, near which crumbs and grease can accumulate over time. It is strictly forbidden to attempt to remove the heating element yourself or clean hard-to-reach areas with sharp objects. Clean components regularly after each use and ensure all parts are completely dry before turning the device back on.

Contradictory Data

Regarding kitchen appliance maintenance, there are varying approaches to the use of household chemicals and dishwashers. While some manufacturers permit automatic washing of removable baskets on the top racks of dishwashers, other brands, such as COSORI, strictly warn against using any abrasive materials, aggressive cleaners, and even certain home odor removal methods, recommending manual care exclusively.