Express.co.uk spoke to kitchen appliance brand Cosori about the best way to clean an air fryer and why the viral hack of using washing up liquid, replacing the basket and turning the machine on could be detrimental to the appliance. Sometimes using a dishwasher tablet is suggested too.
A spokesperson said: “Always clean the air fryer basket and crisper plate after every use. Lining the basket with foil (except for the crisper plate) may make cleanup easier.
“Turn off and unplug the air fryer. Allow it to cool completely before cleaning. The basket and crisper plate are dishwasher-safe. You can also wash the basket and crisper plate with hot, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge, and you can soak them if necessary.
“Clean the inside of the air fryer with a slightly moist, non-abrasive sponge or cloth – but do not immerse in water.
“If needed, clean the heating coil to remove food debris. Note: Make sure the air fryer, especially the heating coil is completely dry before turning on the air fryer.”
When it comes to cleaning products or materials that shouldn’t be used to clean an air fryer, the expert added: “The basket and crisper plate have a nonstick coating, so avoid using metal utensils and abrasive cleaning materials.”
As for the viral cleaning hack that is adding washing up liquid and water to the basket, then putting the basket back into the machine and turning it on for five minutes, Cosori commented: “It is not recommended to directly add a mixture of water and detergent to the air fryer.
“The moisture from the cooking ingredients will be expelled through the vent, and having a large amount of water in the air fryer may cause water condensation on the electronic components, which can affect the lifespan of the device.”
There is also a specific location for an air fryer in the kitchen, for it to be used safely.
The spokesperson explained: “The air fryer should be away from any heating element like a stovetop.
“And leave 13 cm of space behind and above the air fryer as the hot steam will come out of the back of the air fryer. You also need to leave enough room to remove the basket, and keep it away from items that are not heat resistant.”
As for how Cosori’s air fryers are different from other brands, the spokesperson said: “COSORI is an acronym of ‘Cooking, Smarter, with Originality and Inspiration’ which reflects our brand’s core values. Cosori is well-known for our smart kitchen appliances, especially our stellar air fryer series.
“Many of our common foods are suitable for cooking in the air fryer, such as French fries, chicken, sausage, beef, etc. Please pay attention to light weight and thin foods, the air circulation may lift them to the top heating element.”