Weeks of air fryer grease will melt away in minutes if you soak basket in 1 ingredient

Air fryers have become a must-have appliance in kitchens, loved for their ability to cook crispy, delicious meals quickly and with minimal oil. But with all that convenience comes one major responsibility - keeping your air fryer clean and hygienic.

Neglecting this step can lead to unpleasant odours, reduced performance, and even bacteria buildup. To help you keep your air fryer as clean as possible, Salomé Gião, Shark's in-house microbiologist, has shared her professional advice on how to properly clean it - both after everyday use and during deep cleaning sessions.

Salomé explains, "Although their convenience is what makes them so popular, they need more care than ovens."

In other words, your air fryer might look easy to maintain, but it actually requires more frequent and careful cleaning than larger kitchen appliances.

Your air fryer basket and tray are the main contact points for food - and therefore, the most important parts to clean.

According to Salomé, the basket and tray need to be washed after every use by rinsing with a soap solution. Even if you use a liner, food residue, oils, and grease can still spread bacteria if not properly disinfected.

When it's time for a more thorough scrub, Salomé's explains, "Using a non-scratch sponge, create a baking soda paste to hone in on those areas of stubborn grease.

"For overall cleanliness, create a mixture of white vinegar and washing-up liquid to remove bacteria - after, rinse with warm water and put back all parts."

How to deep clean an air fryer

• Mix baking soda with a little water to form a thick paste. Apply it to greasy areas inside the basket, tray, or base.
• Use a non-scratch sponge to lift stuck-on residue without damaging the non-stick surface.
• Combine equal parts of white vinegar and washing-up liquid in a bowl or spray bottle, then use this mixture to clean the interior walls and removable parts.
• Rinse all parts thoroughly with warm water, then dry them completely before reassembling your air fryer.

Beyond your daily wash, a deep clean is essential to keep your air fryer functioning safely and efficiently. As Salomé advises, a deep clean should be done at least every four weeks, or two to three weeks depending on usage. This process removes any bacteria from food spillages, splatters, or grease that can accumulate in hard-to-reach places.