1. Why is it necessary to clean an air fryer?

Health Issues (Primary):
Accumulated grease and food residue, when repeatedly heated, can produce harmful substances such as benzopyrene, which can attach to subsequently cooked food and pose a health risk.
Residual grease can become rancid, causing odors and bacteria.

Impaired Cooking Performance:
Grease accumulated on the bottom heating element and fan can affect hot air circulation, reducing heating efficiency and unevenly heating food, resulting in burnt outsides and undercooked insides.
Residual odors can transfer flavors, giving your fries the same flavor as yesterday's grilled fish.

Safety Hazards:
Grease accumulated on the heating element can pose a potential fire hazard at high temperatures.
Repeated carbonization of food residue can produce large amounts of smoke, triggering smoke alarms.

Shortened Machine Life:
Grease and moisture can corrode the air fryer's inner pot and heating element, causing premature aging and damage.

2. How should I properly clean an air fryer?

The golden rule: Perform a light cleanup after each use, and perform a deep clean regularly.

Unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool completely: This is the first safety step! Never clean the air fryer while it's still hot.

Cleaning the basket and rack:
These are the dirtiest parts and can usually be removed. Use hot water, dish soap, and a soft sponge or cloth to clean.

Tip: Pour hot water and dish soap into the basket and let it soak for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to remove grease.

Warning: Do not use hard objects like steel wool to scrub, as this will scratch the non-stick coating and make it more susceptible to sticking and rusting.

Wipe the fryer's interior: Wipe the air fryer's interior with a damp cloth to remove any splattered oil and food debris.

Dry and replace: Thoroughly dry all components or allow them to air dry before returning them to the main unit. Avoid moisture, which can cause bacterial growth and malfunction.

Dealing with Stubborn Stains:
For stubborn burnt stains on the fryer and basket, apply a baking soda paste (baking soda mixed with a small amount of water) and let it sit for a while before wiping with a sponge.
A dedicated kitchen cleaning cream is also a good option.

3. Cleaning Precautions Summary

Clean the fryer basket and rack after each use.
Perform a regular deep clean on the heating element.
Unplug the power cord after use.
Use a soft sponge and mild detergent.
Dry all parts thoroughly.

Don'ts:
Never immerse the entire main unit in water or rinse directly with water.
Do not use steel wool or hard cleaning brushes, as these will damage the non-stick coating.
Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners (such as bleach, strong acids, or alkalis), as they may damage the unit or leave harmful residue.