If you have an air fryer, you want to know how to take care of it, how to keep it looking like new and how to fry it. Whether you use it every day, every week or once a month, there are a few important things you should do to keep your air fryer in top condition.
The best airfryer is becoming more and more versatile. Many of these countertop appliances can bake, roast and dry, as well as air fry, which can reduce cooking times and therefore your energy bill.
By taking good care of your air fryer, you won’t have to replace it anytime soon, saving you even more money. Below are eight ways to make your air fryer last longer, so you can look after your investment while it takes care of the cooking.
8 ways to make an airfryer last longer
1. Clean it up – this is something that should be done after every use, and we’re not talking about a quick wipe. The drawers and baskets of a basket air fryer should be removed and soaked in warm, soapy water, or placed in the dishwasher if safe to do so. Oven-style air fryer owners should remove the racks and soak them in hot, soapy water, and wipe down the oven interior.
Knowing how to clean an air fryer (the basket or oven type) will ensure that you can remove grease and spills that, if left untouched, can burn and cause foul odors and even damage the appliance.
The performance of your air fryer can also be affected if it is not kept clean, especially if the door or drawers do not close properly due to trapped debris.
2. Do not use metal utensils – they damage the non-stick coating of basket airfryers. The same goes for using metal scouring pads when cleaning – just don’t.
Unless you can tip the food out of the basket, it’s worth investing in utensils that are suitable for use on non-stick surfaces, such as those made of wood or silicone.
3. Give it space – an airfryer must suck in air, so make sure there is room to breathe. Every air fryer also has vents to keep it cool, and if there isn’t enough space around it, the unit can overheat and stop working.
The manual includes guidelines on how much space to give your air fryer, plus advice on the counter top it should sit on.
4. Look at the cable – when placing your hot air fryer, make sure that it is not sitting on the cable or pressed against it. A hot air fryer can reach staggering temperatures of up to 250-450F / 90-230C, which can damage the cable.
Also make sure the cable is free from hazards – if necessary you can use a cable tie to tidy up any excess cable.
5. Put it on the counter – airfryer is a countertop appliance; they don’t go on a shelf or on the floor. They can get hot, they’re heavy to move, and you need easy and safe access to your fryer.
They should be on the counter and away from danger. Make sure the unit is also pushed back from the edge of the counter so little hands can’t touch it. They don’t take up much space, and with an extensive selection of air fryers to choose from, you can find one that fits your available space.
6. Replace the accessories instead of the whole air fryer – if you’ve damaged your airfryer’s basket, it’s worth checking if replacements are available. This saves the device from the recycling center and also saves you money and time looking for a replacement.
If you want some extra accessories with your deep fryer, take a look at the manufacturer’s website, because chances are you can get your hands on those too.
7. Do not cook anything that is not allowed – although airfryers are versatile machines, there are 5 foods that you (at least) should not cook in an airfryer. Foods to avoid include attempting to cook chicken in a basket of the air fryer (don’t do it) and cooking food with a wet batter unless you have the proper equipment.
An airfryer works by circulating hot air. If a basket is too full, the air cannot circulate and the food will not cook. Placing dripping battered food in a basket or on a rack will cause residue to build up in the bottom of the drawer/oven cavity. You’re much better off reading the manual to see what you can and can’t cook, do some research, play it safe and let the air circulate freely.
We’ve tried out a few recipes ourselves, so check out our guides to making French fries in an air fryer, French toast in an air fryer, and even fudgy brownies in an air fryer.
8. Store it properly – don’t just throw it in the closet. This will scratch the outside of your air fryer and potentially damage other appliances in the cabinet.
Having a safe place to store your air fryer when not in use will ensure it is not splashed with other foods and is protected from dust and damage.