Home LivingAppliancesKitchenAir FryersExperts reveal your air fryer is dirtier than you think… here’s how to fix itA third of the UK doesn’t clean their air fryer enough, according to expertsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Home LivingAppliancesKitchenAir FryersExperts reveal your air fryer is dirtier than you think… here’s how to fix itA third of the UK doesn’t clean their air fryer enough, according to expertsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

A third of the UK doesn’t clean their air fryer enough, according to experts

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Amazon)

A Ninja air fryer sitting next to a basket as someone removes asparagus from it

(Image credit: Amazon)

It’s safe to say that thebest air fryershave completely taken over the kitchen. Many air fryer owners use their favourite appliance every day, but when it comes to cleaning it, that’s a completely different story.

Having a dirty air fryer is much more serious than you might think. If you’re using your air fryer on a regular basis, it can get extremely dirty, sticky and greasy, so if you’re not cleaning it regularly, this grease and food builds up inside your air fryer. This build-up is not only unhygienic, but it can affect the taste of your next air fryer meal, and can negatively affect the lifespan and safety of your air fryer.

With this in mind, here are five tips that can help you keep your air fryer in top condition.

5 tips for keeping your air fryer clean and in good condition

  1. Clean your air fryer after every use

The first tip is to clean your air fryer after you’ve used it. While it might sound excessive to clean your air fryer after every use, especially if you use your air fryer multiple times a day, it’s important to clean the basket and attachments to remove build-up and avoid contamination. See our guide onhow to clean an air fryerfor more details.

  1. Use liners or paper

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A handy trick for reducing how messy and dirty your air fryer can get is to use silicone liners or paper inside your air fryer basket. The liner can collect oil, seasonings and crumbs, and once you remove it from your air fryer, you can dispose of this dirt and give your liner a quick wash so you can use it again.

It’s important to note that you should still be cleaning your air fryer regularly, but using liners or papers can cut down cleaning time and protect the inside of your air fryer.

(Image credit: Midea)

The Midea 11QT Two-Zone Air Fryer Oven

(Image credit: Midea)

  1. Don’t overfill your air fryer

Overfilling your air fryer can result in subpar cooking performance. As your air fryer is working overtime to cook all your food, this can affect how your food comes out, with the bottom layer of food getting burned and the top layer remaining uncooked and soggy. Overfilling can also affect the internal structure of your air fryer, as causing it to work too hard can strain its power and air flow.

  1. Use and store your air fryer in a ventilated place

Depending on the type of air fryer you choose, it can stay out on your kitchen countertop for easy access and quick use. However, it’s important to place it in a well ventilated area and away from certain materials and areas, like wooden surfaces, plug sockets, other appliances and the sink – see the7 places you should never put an air fryer in your kitchenfor everything you need to know.

  1. Add salt after you’ve taken your food out of the air fryer

Finally, to reduce mess and scratches to the lining of your air fryer basket, season your food with salt after you’ve removed it from your air fryer. Salt granules, especially flaky salt, can rub on the inside of the basket, and etch away the non-stick coating which can be dangerous to consume.

For more air fryer lifespan tips, here’s7 tips to keep your air fryer working for longer.

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