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‘Why Is This Air Fryer So Easy To Clean,’ Said No One Ever. Here’s How To Do It Right

Published May 2, 2023•Updated May 5, 2023

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Close up flat lay image of an air fryer oven on kitchen countertop. This offers fast and easy crispy food with little or no fat by circulating hot air inside the basket. A healthy snack alternative. — Grandbrothers/istockphoto

Air fryers are a convenient, quick, and healthy way to fry up all kinds of food. But man, can they be a hassle to clean. No matter the brand, that big pot can fill with greasy gunk pretty easily, in our opinion.

So what should you do to keep your air fryer as clean as the day you bought it? Redditors weighed in on the best way to clean an air fryer. Here are their top tips.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Multiple Redditors suggest using good ol’ ingredients like white vinegar and baking soda. Try soaking the air fryer basket overnight in that ingredient combo. The grease should be loose enough to scrub out in the morning.

Dishwashing Liquid

What can’t Dawn do? If it’s good enough for degreasing baby ducks, it’s good enough for your air fryer. Simply squirt some into hot water, soak, and scrub the gunk off.

Aluminum Foil

Avoid the mess altogether: One Redditor suggests putting aluminum foil at the bottom of the basket and in the grease tray to help with clean up. Why did this never occur to us until now?

Note: Different models may be incompatible with aluminum foil. Make sure to check your air fryer’s manual, and ensure that the foil isn’t in contact with any heating elements.

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Oven Cleaner

can of paint, insect repellant, or chemical — Benjamin Clapp/istockphoto

An air fryer is an oven of sorts after all, isn’t it? Try some old fashioned oven cleaner. Just spray the inside, let it sit overnight, and clean it off in the morning.

Powder Degreaser

Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser Trio — Amazon

Another Redditor suggests a powder degreaser to get rid of the oils, such as Bar Keeper’s Friend. Sprinkle it on and use a damp sponge to rub it all in.

Meet the Writer

Jennifer Magid

Jennifer Magid has worked as a writer and editor in publishing and marketing for almost two decades. She has written for outlets ranging from InStyle magazine to Psychology Today and for a number of grocery and personal care brands. Jennifer is frugal by proxy: She is married to a certified cheapskate, which has been good for her wallet but bad for her shoe and handbag collections. These days, she never, ever buys her fashions at full price. Jennifer holds a Master’s in Journalism from New York University. She lives in Connecticut with her family and an admittedly expensive-to-maintain standard poodle — the one anomaly in her cheap lifestyle. Find out more about Jennifer at www.jennifermagid.com. You can reach her at [email protected].

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