Most People Forget To Clean This Part Of An Air Fryer - Tasting Table

""Having gunked-up food on your heating element can cause it to smoke and have unpleasant smells. So keeping it clean is obviously really important to do," said West. Many people stick to cleaning out just the basket, where the food sits, but cleaning the other parts of the machine is critical to ensure that it stays in good working order."

""Making sure that it's unplugged, flip the air fryer upside down and take a toothbrush and some soap and warm water to help clean the heating element," said West. Both she and Becky Abbott cautioned against getting water into the machine, presumably because it can risk breaking it. A soapy, wrung-out sponge or cloth should do just the trick."

""Before the grease and things cool off, harden, and become an issue, I would make sure to wipe it down after cooking," Jen West said. Of course, make sure the app"

Air fryers require thorough cleaning between uses to keep performance and prevent issues. Gunked-up food on the heating element can cause smoking and unpleasant smells, so the vent and heating area need attention beyond just the basket. Cleaning should be done with the appliance unplugged, then flipped upside down to access the heating element. A toothbrush with soap and warm water can help remove residue, while a soapy, wrung-out sponge or cloth can be used to avoid excess moisture. Water should not be allowed to enter the machine to reduce the risk of damage. Wipe down soon after cooking so grease does not harden and become harder to remove.

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