are one of the most exciting culinary inventions of recent years, offering a quick, easy and convenient way to prepare meals.
Ideal for busy families, air fryers are the true unsung heroes of the nowadays, with more and more people choosing to ditch their ovens in favour of the handy gadget.
And if you’ve got one at home, you’ll know how vital it is to keep on top of the maintenance – which involves giving them a good regularly.
Although they tend to use less oil than other traditional methods, air fryers can still be a magnet for grease stains, which aren’t always the easiest to get rid of.
And it turns out many people are forgetting a vital step in the cooking process that could help to minimise this problem.
If you’ve got an air fryer, you’ll want to take note of this vital care tip (Image: Getty)
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Before you put certain things in the air fryer, one vital step must be carried out (Image: Getty)
Caroline Ross David e Silva, product marketing director at , has provided some valuable insight on how air fryer owners can boost the lifespan of their appliances – and keeping on top of the food prep is key.
She said: “Air fryers have revolutionised the way we cook but maintaining them properly is fundamental to ensuring both longevity and consistently delicious results.
“While these appliances are designed for convenience, proper cleaning techniques can make a significant difference in their performance and lifespan.”
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Many people don’t consider the importance of proper food preparation when it comes to maintaining their air fryer.
For instance, Caroline recommends always patting excess moisture from foods before air frying – a step that you might not be carrying out regulary.
This is essential for keeping your air fryer free from grease. If you’re often cooking particularly greasy food in your air fryer, such as chicken wings or bacon, then it could also be worth tossing them in a light coating of cornstarch or flour.
Not only will this improve their crunchy texture, it’ll also help to absorb the oil which can lead to those messy stains building up and accumulating in your appliance.
Keeping on top of your air fryer cleaning is key to making it last longer (Image: Getty)
How to clean your air fryer
For optimal maintenance, the experts recommend cleaning your air fryer after each use.
Begin by unplugging the appliance and allowing it to cool completely. The basket and drawer can be washed with warm, soapy water – but avoid using abrasive cleaning tools that might damage the coating.
For stubborn grease, soak these components in hot water with a gentle dish soap for 10-15 minutes before cleaning.
For added convenience, many air fryer models feature dishwasher-safe parts, allowing for effortless cleaning – but always check your model’s manual to confirm which components are dishwasher-safe to ensure the longevity of your appliance.
For day-to-day cleaning, the experts recommend wiping down the heating element carefully with a damp cloth once it’s completely cool.
A common error is using cooking sprays, which can leave a sticky residue – instead, brush or spray your food directly with oil before placing it in the air fryer.