Maintain Your Air Fryer Oven
An air fryer has a lot of perks, from making tasty, crispy dishes to cutting the calories and fat in many of your favorite fried foods. But it’s important to clean your air fryer oven regularly to prevent the build-up of food residue that can cause the appliance to smell and/or clog the heating coil.
The best way to keep your HYSapientia air fryer in tip-top shape is to wipe it down after each use. If you don’t have a nonstick surface, it’s okay to use a mild abrasive cleaner, like a steel wool pad or nonabrasive sponge. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and do not use harsh chemicals as they may damage your appliance.
Once the oven has cooled, remove any removable parts (basket, tray, or drawer) and either put them in the dishwasher if they’re safe to do so or hand wash them with warm soapy water. Use a brush or sponge to get into the nooks and crannies, then rinse, dry and reassemble. If you’re noticing hardened gunk stuck to the exterior of your air fryer oven, turn it upside down and use a damp cloth or sponge with a bit of cooking oil or baking soda to scrub the surface. Once the food and grime are gone, wipe the surface down with a damp cloth and dry.
Depending on the type of food you’re cooking in your air fryer, you might want to consider using protective liners. These are available in various forms, including paper and silicone. Just be sure to pick ones that will fit your air fryer well and not interfere with the crispiness of your dish, recommends Becky Abbott for Tasting Table.
How to Maintain Your Air Fryer Oven
If you don’t have any liners on hand, line the bottom of the basket or frying pan with parchment paper before adding your meal. This prevents direct contact between your food and the lining, reducing sticking. If you use a nonstick coating on the pan or basket, you can also lightly spray the surface with cooking spray for an extra layer of protection.
The heating coil on the underside of your air fryer can become greasy and clogged with gunk, so it’s important to inspect it after each use. You can usually tell if it needs to be cleaned by looking for a film of oil, food residue, or black burn marks. The good news is that you can often simply wipe it down with a sponge or cloth dipped in warm soapy water, and then rinse and dry.
When you’re done cooking, empty the drip tray and empty any oil in it into a can or jar. Don’t flush it down the sink; this can clog the drain and create a fire hazard.
Cakes, too, have become a staple in the air fryer dessert repertoire. The convection heat ensures that the cake bakes evenly, and the circulating air helps in achieving a golden-brown crust. Miniature versions of cakes, such as cupcakes, are especially well-suited for the air fryer oven. This compact appliance allows for quick and efficient batch cooking, making it an ideal choice for small gatherings or when you simply want a personal-sized indulgence.