Sometimes washing with soap and water is not enough to remove burnt food and grease from your air fryer basket. In that case, adding a little baking soda will make a world of difference.
In this article, I’ll show you how to clean your air fryer basket and grill pan by using baking soda and dish soap.
Combining the two will not just clean the air fryer basket and pan, but it’ll also remove any unpleasant smell left behind.
Let us start.
What you’ll need:
Baking soda
Dish soap
Sponge
Warm water
Optional: Soft Brush
Steps:
1. Safety first. Make sure your air fryer is unplugged. Then remove the basket.
2. Make the solution. Fill up your air fryer basket about halfway with warm water. Add in 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of dish soap. Give it a stir until you see some suds.
3. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes. This will give the solution time to soften the burnt food and separate the grease from the metal.
4. Scrub with a sponge. Be careful not to scrub too hard because the non-stick coating of some air fryer brands can easily get scratched. You can also use a soft brush to get between the gaps of the grill pan.
5. Rinse well. Make sure you wash off all the suds and traces of baking soda.
6. Dry the air fryer basket and grill pan. Use a clean cloth or paper towels. Make sure it’s totally dried before you put it back in the air fryer. I like to place the air fryer basket and grill pan on the dish rack and let them dry overnight.
Tips for Using and Maintaining Your Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes before using it can help ensure even cooking and crispy results.
- Avoid using metal utensils: Metal utensils can scratch the non-stick coating on your air fryer basket and pan. Instead, use silicone or wooden utensils to avoid damaging the surface.
- Use parchment paper or aluminum foil: To protect the non-stick coating on your air fryer basket and pan, you can line them with parchment paper or aluminum foil before cooking.
- Clean your air fryer regularly: To keep your air fryer in good condition, it’s important to clean the basket and pan regularly. Depending on how often you use it, you should clean them at least once a week.
- Don’t overfill the basket: Overfilling the air fryer basket can result in uneven cooking and affect the performance of your air fryer. Make sure to leave enough space for air to circulate around the food.
- Use the right temperature and time: Follow the recommended temperature and cooking time for the food you’re cooking to ensure the best results.
- Store your air fryer properly: When not in use, store your air fryer in a dry and clean place. Avoid stacking heavy objects on top of it, as this can damage the appliance.
- Replace worn-out parts: If you notice any signs of wear and tear on your air fryer basket or pan, it’s important to replace them to maintain the quality of your cooking.
Conclusion:
There you have it.
Adding a bit of baking soda can make a huge difference when cleaning your air fryer.
If you’re looking for more ways to use baking soda in your kitchen, please check out my article on ways you can use baking soda to clean and deodorize your fridge.
I hope that you found this article helpful.
Thanks for reading.
-Baking Soda Guy
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I use baking soda to clean the heating element or other electrical parts of the air fryer? No, it’s essential to avoid using baking soda or any cleaning solution on the heating element or other electrical parts of the air fryer. These components should not come into contact with water or cleaning agents to prevent damage or safety hazards.
- Is it safe to use baking soda on all types of air fryer baskets, including non-stick coated ones? Baking soda is generally safe for most air fryer baskets, including non-stick coated ones. However, it’s crucial to avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent scratching the non-stick coating. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions and care guidelines for your specific air fryer model.
- Can I use the same baking soda solution to clean the exterior of my air fryer? The baking soda solution mentioned in the article is designed specifically for cleaning the air fryer basket and grill pan. It’s best to use a separate cleaning solution suitable for the exterior of your air fryer, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Is it necessary to remove the non-stick grill pan from the air fryer to clean it with baking soda? If the non-stick grill pan is removable and easy to clean separately, you can take it out for a more thorough cleaning with the baking soda solution. However, if it’s not removable, use a soft brush or sponge to clean the grill pan in place.
- Can I store the air fryer basket and pan in the air fryer when not in use? It’s generally safe to leave the air fryer basket and pan in the air fryer when not in use. However, to ensure longevity and prevent potential odors, consider removing them and storing them separately in a clean, dry place.
- How often should I replace my air fryer basket and grill pan? The frequency of replacement depends on the condition and wear of the basket and pan. Inspect them regularly for signs of damage, wear, or loss of non-stick coating. Replace them as needed to maintain safe and efficient cooking.
- Can I clean the air fryer basket and pan while they are still hot after use? It’s crucial to wait for the air fryer basket and pan to cool down before cleaning them. Cleaning while hot can cause burns and may also impact the effectiveness of the baking soda solution.
- Can I use baking soda to clean other kitchen appliances and utensils? Yes, baking soda is a versatile and safe cleaning agent that can be used on various kitchen appliances, utensils, and surfaces. It can effectively remove stains, odors, and grease from items like ovens, stovetops, sinks, and more.
- What are other ways I can use baking soda for cleaning around the house? Baking soda has numerous cleaning applications beyond the kitchen. It can be used to clean carpets, upholstery, bathroom surfaces, and even as a natural deodorizer for shoes, refrigerators, and garbage disposals. Explore different cleaning methods using baking soda for a chemical-free, effective solution. Read 10 Spots That Will Benefit from a Box of Baking Soda for some ideas.
