DIY Cleaning Methods for Air fryer

How to Clean Your Air Fryer with Baking Soda Paste and a Soft Sponge

• Unplug and Cool Down: Before you even think about cleaning, unplug your air fryer and let it cool completely. Hot oil and cleaning don’t mix—unless you’re into pain and regret.

 

• Disassemble What You Can: Take out the basket, tray, and any removable parts. If you’re not sure what comes out, check your manual or give it a gentle tug. If it resists, it probably wants to stay put.

 

• Mix Your Baking Soda Paste: In a small bowl, combine 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Stir until you get a thick, spreadable paste—think toothpaste, not soup. This paste is mildly abrasive, which means it helps lift stuck-on bits without scratching most surfaces.

 

• Apply the Paste: Use your fingers or a soft sponge to spread the paste over greasy or grimy spots inside the basket, tray, and the main compartment (but avoid the heating element). If you see brown, baked-on gunk, that’s your target.

 

• Let It Sit: Give the paste 10–15 minutes to work its magic. This gives the baking soda time to loosen up stubborn residue, so you don’t have to scrub like you’re training for an arm-wrestling competition.

 

• Gently Scrub: With a soft sponge (not a scouring pad—those can scratch), gently wipe away the paste and grime. For tight corners or mesh baskets, an old toothbrush works wonders. If you hit a sticky spot, reapply paste and repeat.

 

• Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse all parts under warm running water to remove every trace of baking soda. Leftover paste can leave a chalky film or affect the taste of your next batch of fries.

 

• Wipe Down the Main Unit: For the outside and inside walls (but not the heating element), use a damp cloth to wipe away any splatters or residue. Never submerge the main unit in water.

 

• Dry Completely: Air dry or towel dry all parts before reassembling. Moisture and electronics are not friends.

 

• Bonus Tip: If your air fryer still smells like last week’s fish sticks, place a bowl of baking soda inside (with the unit unplugged and off) overnight to help absorb lingering odors.

What to Avoid:

• Don’t use metal utensils or abrasive scrubbers. These can damage the nonstick coating and make future cleaning even harder.

 

• Don’t soak the main unit. Only removable parts should take a bath.

 

• Don’t use harsh chemicals or oven cleaners. Stick to mild dish soap and baking soda paste for best results.

Why Baking Soda Paste?

• Baking soda is a gentle abrasive. It helps lift stuck-on food and grease without scratching most surfaces.
• It’s easy to rinse away. No weird aftertaste or residue if you rinse thoroughly.
• It’s budget-friendly and easy to find. No need for fancy specialty cleaners.

Final Word: Clean your air fryer regularly to keep it working well and your food tasting great. A little baking soda paste and a soft sponge go a long way—no judgment if you let it go a little too long between cleanings. We’ve all been there.

How to Clean Your Air Fryer with a Microfiber Cloth and Rubbing Alcohol

• Unplug and cool down: Always unplug your air fryer and let it cool completely before you start cleaning. This isn’t just about comfort—rubbing alcohol is flammable, and you don’t want to mix heat and fumes.

 

• Remove loose crumbs and grease: Take out the basket and tray. Shake out any crumbs over the trash, then use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away loose bits. Microfiber grabs onto debris better than paper towels, so you’re not just pushing crumbs around.

 

• Dampen your microfiber cloth: Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol, ideally 70%) onto a clean microfiber cloth. You want it damp, not dripping. Too much liquid can seep into the air fryer’s electrical parts, which is a recipe for trouble.

 

• Wipe the exterior and non-cooking surfaces: Gently wipe down the outside of the air fryer and the control panel. Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, so it won’t leave streaks or residue. Avoid scrubbing display screens or labels too hard—microfiber is gentle, but persistent rubbing can wear off markings over time.

 

• Spot-clean the interior: For the inside walls (not the heating element), use your dampened cloth to wipe away greasy spots or splatters. If you hit a stubborn patch, let the rubbing alcohol sit for a few seconds before wiping again. Don’t soak the interior—just a light touch-up is enough.

 

• Clean the basket and tray: If you want to use rubbing alcohol here, make sure you rinse thoroughly with water afterward. Microfiber will help lift off greasy residue, but you don’t want any alcohol left behind where your food goes. Dry with a clean cloth before reassembling.

 

• Let everything air dry: Give all parts a few minutes to air out before plugging the air fryer back in. Rubbing alcohol evaporates fast, but patience is your friend here.

 

• What is a microfiber cloth? Microfiber is a synthetic fabric made of super-fine fibers that grab onto dust, grease, and crumbs. It’s reusable, machine-washable, and doesn’t leave lint behind like cotton rags or paper towels.

 

• What is rubbing alcohol? Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) is a common household solvent that evaporates quickly. It’s often used for cleaning because it helps break down greasy residue and dries without streaks. Always use it in a well-ventilated area and keep it away from open flames.