Air fryers have been hailed as the latest kitchen must have, but owners are still figuring out the best way to keep it clean.
The device can cook an extensive list of foods, from roast potatoes to boiled eggs and even a full chicken, so it can need a good scrub. To do so, some have suggested filling the basket with soapy water and putting this on a cooking setting for three minutes to loosen up grime.
However, experts have condemned this method as it can actually ruin the electric appliance. Luckily, Mrs Hinch fans have revealed their go-to item to safely clean an air fryer basket with little to no scrubbing - a single dishwasher tablet.
The knowledgeable cohort of cleaning enthusiasts have come to the rescue once again after one person needed advice on the matter.
As reported by the Daily Express, a woman posted on the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook page: “I clean my air fryer after every use but grease has built up around the sides, I’ve washed it out with washing up liquid and just used a normal washing up sponge, but it’s not budging.
“I’ve tried soaking it in boiling water and still can’t get rid. I don’t want to use anything abrasive as it’s got a non-stick coating, how can I get all of the grease off?
"Would a Scrub Daddy be okay to use? What cleaning spray would be best?”
While it's natural to opt for washing up liquid, this may not be able to remove those stubborn burnt on food stains. Dishwasher tablets contain substances known as surfactants, which reduce the surface area of the liquid it's dissolved in, making it more effective at lifting difficult stains.
The majority of Mrs Hinch fans suggested filling the air fryer basket with boiling water and leaving a dishwasher tablet to sit in it anywhere between an hour and overnight without turning it on.
One said: “Hot water and dishwasher tablet. Let it sit for an hour then it works like magic and comes up like new with no damage.”
Another wrote: “Hi. I've seen people put a dishwasher tablet in the drawer and cover it in hot water, then leave to soak for approximately an hour. Then rinse and wipe and it should be clean.
"Obviously this will only work if you have the pull out drawer type of air fryer.”
A third said: “Boiling water and dishwasher tablet left overnight will soak off the grease. It works on burned pots also.”
One cleaning enthusiast commented: “I use really hot water and a dishwasher tablet and leave it to soak, works a treat.” Another urged: “Whatever you do please do not fill it with water and then switch it on.
“This can f*** your air fryer altogether, definitely pour boiling water in it with a dishwasher tablet and leave it sitting overnight.”
Another Mrs Hinch fan wrote: “I find that I always have to scrub the basket when using washing up liquid, but not when I leave it soaking with a dishwasher tablet.”
Most homes will likely have dishwasher tablets, but for those who don’t, it can be purchased cheaply from most local supermarkets. A pack of 30 Asda Just Essential dishwasher tablets costs just £1.34, working out to 3p per tablet.
This cleaning product can also be picked up from other major supermarkets, such as Sainsbury's and Tesco. Other Mrs Hinch fans suggested using a cleaning product dedicated to removing grease from all surfaces - Elbow Grease, which costs just £1 at Asda for 500ml.
One recommended: “Elbow Grease spray - spray on and leave for a while to work magic and then wash up as usual.”
Another wrote: “Spray the basket in Elbow Grease and leave it for 15 minutes before wiping away.”
A third added: “My husband is in charge of cleaning our air fryer and he swears by Elbow Grease.”
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