Air fryers are cooking appliances that use hot air instead of water or oil to heat food, and they are typically used without adding water. Recently, there has been an online trend of using a “trick” to clean air fryers by putting detergent in them, adding water, and turning on the hot air circulation. Experts are urging people not to do such foolish things with air fryers to avoid causing damage to the appliance or other property, which could make them “explode” in anger.
According to a report by the UK’s “Daily Express,” a resident in Dorset, England, experimented with the above method to clean an air fryer a few months ago, resulting in sparks and a fire in the kitchen.
Giuseppe Capanna, a product safety engineer at the UK charity “Electrical Safety First,” warned against this practice, saying that it is not a good idea. He emphasized that air fryers are not designed to come into contact with water, as it could lead to electric shock, appliance damage, or even fires due to short circuits in electronic components.
Capanna pointed out that while the cleaning “trick” may seem quick and convenient, it is actually very dangerous. Before cleaning an air fryer, it is essential to turn off the power and unplug the appliance, following the manufacturer’s instructions meticulously.
He advised, “Do not assume that a ‘trick’ is safe just because it looks easy or is trending.”
To safely clean an air fryer, start by unplugging the power cord and allowing it to cool completely. Carefully remove all detachable parts, such as baskets, trays, or inner pots.
Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to wash these parts with warm soapy water to prevent scratches. For stubborn stains or stuck-on food, soak the parts in warm soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes and then gently scrub.
For parts that are dishwasher-safe, if indicated by the manufacturer, you can place them in the dishwasher. When wiping the interior of the air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge, be cautious not to damage the heating elements.
Be especially cautious not to submerge the main unit of the air fryer in water as it may damage the electronic components. If dealing with grease or food residues on the heating element, invert the air fryer if possible and delicately clean the area with a slightly damp soft cloth or a small soft brush.
For the external surfaces of the air fryer, use a soft damp cloth for wiping. Make sure all parts are completely dry before reassembling the air fryer and plugging it back in.
Refer to the air fryer’s manual for cleaning recommendations provided by the manufacturer to ensure proper maintenance and care.
Consumer Reports magazine in the United States pointed out that air fryers can reach very high temperatures during use since the internal temperature of the food being cooked can reach nearly 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius). This high temperature can transfer to some external parts of the air fryer, posing a risk of burns if users are not careful. More importantly, such high temperatures can also pose a fire hazard.
To prevent such incidents, many air fryer manufacturers provide safety guidelines in the product manual, including tips on where to place the air fryer and sometimes even on labels.
Despite these guidelines, safety accidents related to air fryers can still occur due to unclear instructions or people not reading them.
It is important to note that the higher the surface temperature you touch, the shorter the time it takes to get burned, and the deeper the burn penetrates the skin. Temperatures above 176 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius) can cause burns in less than a second. Higher temperatures can cause more severe burns.
Consumer Reports magazine offered the following recommendations for the safe use of air fryers:
• Leave at least 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) of space between the back of the air fryer and the wall or other objects when using the appliance.
• Avoid touching any parts of the air fryer except the handle when in use. If necessary, wear oven gloves or heat-resistant gloves.
• Use the air fryer only on surfaces that can withstand high temperatures. Most kitchen countertops are safe, but items like plastic placemats are not.
• Place the air fryer out of reach of children and pets and leave space around it until it cools down completely. Typically, all parts can be safely touched after about an hour.
In addition to these safety tips, another “drawback” to consider while using air fryers for cooking is the potential health impact from consuming excessive amounts of fried foods and carcinogens due to the appliance’s ability to cook with less oil and lower calories. This could potentially affect health negatively.