How to clean an air fryer in 3 easy steps
We'd recommend to never soak the entire air fryer in water and although some models are dishwasher-safe, it can actually rust the basket over time.
As someone who loves cooking in the kitchen but constantly rushing for work, having an air fryer is a timesaver and allows me to whip healthy, yummy food for the family. However, we know oil and grease build up over time so it's best to give your air fryer a deep clean.
Even as thorough as we can get, cleaning an air fryer takes some time and effort without damaging the parts (see TikTok hashtag #airfryercleaninghack which has over 6 million views now).
How to clean an air fryer
We know it's always beneficial to read the product manual instructions as different air fryer models have varied functions and specific recommendations for cleaning.
The manual will tell you what parts are removable and dishwasher-safe.
1. Unplug the appliance and let it cool
Never attempt to wash the appliance while it's still being plugged to the socket. Always make sure the air fryer has cooled down before you start washing it as you'll want to avoid burns.
Before you wash the air fryer in the sink, make sure you pour the leftover oil into a separate garbage bag as the oil can clog the sink.
If there's a weird smell, especially after cooking fish, you may want to squeeze lemon all over the basket and inside the mini oven.
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2. Deep clean the air fryer
Remove the nonstick drawer from the mini oven and soak the drawer in soapy warm water for 30 minutes.
If the parts are still gunky, use half a cup or less of baking soda and a bit of water to create a thick paste. Leave the paste on the insides of your drawer and inside the mini oven and leave it on for a few minutes before scrubbing it off with a soft bristle brush.
We'd recommend never to soak the entire air fryer in water and although some models are dishwasher-safe, it can actually rust the basket over time.
If you want to wipe down the air fryer, mix equal parts water with white vinegar and spray the mixture on a damp cloth. Wipe the outside of the fryer and in the mini oven for hard-to-remove stubborn bits.
Never submerge the whole mini oven in water as that will cause damage to your product. Also, we'd discourage the use of chemical cleaning products as this will cause damage to the non-stick coating.
3. Let it dry before the next use
Now that you've removed all the gunk, place the nonstick drawer back into the mini oven after they have dried and put everything back into the fryer. Before cooking the next meal, you may want to run a few minutes without the food inside the drawer, to remove extra food bits that were stuck earlier on.
If there's a weird smell, especially after cooking fish, you may want to squeeze lemon all over the basket and inside the mini oven. Let it set for a few minutes and gently wash off and dry again.
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Air fryer deals under S$200
1. Philips 4.1L Airfryer (Essential)
S$102 S$199 at Amazon Singapore
Enjoy healthy food that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Download the NutriU app to discover hundreds of tasty recipes every day. The Philips Essential Airfryer uses hot air to cook your favourite foods to crispy perfection.
2. Ninja Foodi Deluxe Airfryer Grey
S$198 S$215 at Amazon Singapore
Meet the Ninja Air Fryer, a fast and easy way to cook your favourite foods. Features 6 Auto IQ functions, a digital timer and dishwasher-safe parts to make cleaning a breeze! The wide temperature range up to 240°C allows you to gently remove moisture from foods or quickly cook and crisp food with convection heat. Enjoy your fried foods with a crispier finish than ever, guilt-free with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods.
3. Tefal Easy Fry & Grill Classic EY5018, in Black
S$95 S$149 at Amazon Singapore
Discover a 2-in-1 solution for a healthy air fryer and grill all in one! More than just an air fryer, its unique dual technology offers a die-cast aluminium grilling plate as well, for tender, juicy meat and veggies seared to perfection. Of course, the classic air fryer function promises crispy, golden results on your favourite fried treats with little to no added oil. It's the ideal alternative to a classic oven, for fast results and less energy consumption!
4. Cosori Lite Air Fryer 3.8L
S$109 S$129 at Amazon Singapore
Make your cooking process easier, make food tastier, and keep your kitchen clutter-free – with the Lite Series. Save up to 55% on energy bills compared to traditional convection ovens. Upgraded ThermoIQ Technology automatically detects temperatures throughout cooking, while improved air circulation cooks food faster and more evenly. Enjoy one-touch food presets for simple cooking and cook with your smartphone using the free VeSync app and connect to Google Assistant for hands-free cooking.
5. Xiaomi Mi Smart Air Fryer 3.5L
S$74.90 S$139 at Lazada Singapore
Put your food in the Xiaomi Mi Smart Fryer and schedule meals in advance! Enjoy hot, delicious meals when you return home and easily interact with the smart OLED screen to adjust the time and temperature.
Kitchen tools & gadgets to buy
1. Oil Sprayer for Cooking
Deeply loved by chefs and gourmets, this kitchen little helper can be widely used for frying steak, grilling, baking and even in the air fryer.
2. 7.9-inch Air Fryer Disposable Paper Liner
Tired of cleanup after baking and roasting? It’s never too late to settle a disposable paper liner inside your air fryer basket. Once you’re done cooking, simply toss the liner away, pop in another liner and continue cooking without cleaning up the mess between different foods.
3. Air fryer Silicon Tray Bowl Basket
S$8.90 S$14.90 at Lazada Singapore
The hollow-out tray helps to transfer heat evenly so your foods will come out well-cooked and delicious. Plus, the basket is made from food-grade material, so it is safe for the whole family.