The air fryer requires correct maintenance and cleaning to ensure maximum efficiency even over time. So it’s not enough to choose a quality fryer, you also need to take care of it and not underestimate maintenance.
The advantage of air-operated ones is that they are often equipped with removable baskets and drawers which facilitate these operations. But in any case you need to pay attention to some things: here is a series of tricks and tips that will help you keep it at maximum efficiency.
Do not clean it if it is still hot
It seems obvious, but it’s not that obvious. In fact, it is not enough for the fryer to be lukewarm, you must let it cool completely before cleaning it. Both for a safety issue and because you could damage it. If you’ve fried foods with a particularly sticky sauce, though, you can clean the basket and drawer while they’re a little hot so it comes off more easily.
Don’t delay cleaning too long
Don’t let crumbs and bits of food settle overnight if you don’t want the basket and drawer to become a nightmare to clean. When you’re done cooking, unplug the air fryer, let it cool, then empty any oil or sauce residue from the pull-out drawer with a paper towel or absorbent cloth.
Avoid sprays
Spray here, spray there and after a few months the fryer is no longer the same. Detergent sprays, especially if aggressive, risk ruining the external casing. Not only that, sprayed chemicals can end up inside it.
Better to prefer the old method of hot soapy water, dipping a cloth in it and gently passing it over the fryer. The same method should be used for cleaning cooking baskets which are generally covered with a delicate non-stick coating.
Use the dishwasher for removable pieces
We were saying that many air fryers are now equipped with removable parts that make life easier! Simply remove them and place them in the dishwasher, removing any large food residues before starting to wash. Always read the instructions to understand which parts of your air fryer, including the basket, you can put in the dishwasher
Remove food residue with wooden spatulas or a toothbrush
If you find dried food residue in the basket, avoid using metal, it is better to immerse the basket in warm water, add a little dishwashing liquid, and proceed with the removal with a wooden spatula. If food is stuck in the vent or other spaces, you can also use a clean old toothbrush. Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to remove food stuck in the holes in the basket
Let the air fryer dry completely
We are all in a hurry, but the air fryer needs time to dry well. Do not store it before it is completely dry, as the damp interior would cause mould, limescale stains and bad smells.
Use lemon to remove bad odors
It happens that despite all your good will in cleaning the air fryer correctly, bad odors remain. In this case nothing better than a few slices of lemon. Use them to clean the interior, it is an exceptional remedy against bad odors.
Citric acid for limescale stains
If despite all the precautions, limescale stains have formed inside the basket or the air fryer, use a 15% citric acid solution (150 mg in a liter of water), spray and let it rest for a few seconds and then rub and it will be as good as new. (Read also: 10 DIY anti-limescale remedies)
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