Common mistakes while cleaning an air fryer that can damage its heating system

Air fryers have made cooking much easier, which is why most households now prefer them. But the convenience the appliance offers comes with the responsibility of cleaning it correctly. Even a small mistake in cleaning can directly affect the machine's performance.

Oil, grease and small bits of food keep collecting inside the machine while cooking. If these are not cleaned properly, they can damage the heating system, vents and non-stick coating of the machine. Here are the things to keep in mind while cleaning an air fryer.

The first and most important rule is that the main body of the air fryer should never be dipped in water, since it houses electronic parts. Clean the body with a lightly damp cloth or cotton, and make sure water does not get anywhere near the control panel. Most importantly, do not forget to unplug the machine before starting to clean it.

If the air fryer is used repeatedly without cleaning, grease and food particles keep building up inside it. This can cause bad odour while cooking, and the previously accumulated oil can also spoil the taste of the food. That is why the basket and tray should be cleaned thoroughly after every use.

While cleaning the basket or tray, never use steel wool, metal scrubbers or overly rough sponges, as they can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, it is better to clean it with a soft sponge, mild dish soap and lukewarm water. If grease has built up heavily in any spot, soak it for some time before cleaning.

Food particles and grease can also accumulate on the heating element. For this, the machine must be completely cooled down and unplugged, after which the heating element can be cleaned with a soft brush or a toothbrush. If this is not taken care of, it can affect the air fryer's efficiency.

Using bleach, oven cleaner or any other harsh chemical can also damage the non-stick coating. Instead, cleaning should be done only with mild dish soap and lukewarm water.