People are just discovering a hidden area in their air fryers (Image: Getty Images)
Air fryer owners are just discovering a hidden grimy section of their beloved kitchen gadget.
Renowned for their ability to crisp up frozen food, whip up delicious baked goodies, reheat yesterday’s dinner, or even tackle a hearty Sunday roast, have become indispensable.
Marketed not just for their versatility, these are also known as a thrifty, energy-efficient alternative to the traditional oven.
They’re the go-to tool for anyone looking to slash bills and time spent in the kitchen, all while whipping up healthier versions of classic comfort .
However, to ensure your air fryer remains your trusted culinary sidekick, regular cleaning is vital, with experts urging users to clean the basket after every use.
Have you ever noticed this section of your air fryer? (Image: Getty Images)
But there’s a secret nook that many haven’t found until now.
user @sarahlifestyleandfood shared a video of the top of her air fryer, showing the heating element covered in grime , reports .
They wrote: “Do I pretend I didn’t notice the absolute state of the top of my air fryer or have an absolute meltdown? Off to B&M to buy every single bit of cleaning equipment I can find to clean this beast. I’m so upset.”
Social media users were horrified, with one writing: “Omg! Stop it! I noticed mine this afternoon! Knocked me sick.”
Another said: “It’s why I got rid of mine. I couldn’t get that top part clean and it absolutely smelt rotten every time I switched it on,”
Meanwhile, a third stated: “This is my sign to not check what mine looks like, what I don’t know can’t hurt me.”
However, as unsavoury as it might look, attacking the heating element with a barrage of cleaning products isn’t advisable.
Since every air fryer model varies, it’s crucial to consult the specific manufacturer’s instructions before diving into maintenance.
For instance, Phillips suggests a straightforward approach: once you’ve unplugged the air fryer and ensured it has cooled down, flip it upside down to access the heating element easily.
Following Phillips’ official cleaning guidelines, one should use a gentle sponge and hot water for wiping the interior and the heating element.
They added: “If necessary, food residues stuck to the heating element can be removed with a soft to medium bristle brush. Do not use a steel wire brush or a hard-bristle brush, as this might damage the coating of the heating element.”
After scrubbing the appliance, they recommend turning on the air fryer empty for a short period, allowing any dislodged remnants to fall into the pan below.