If you own an air fryer, you’ll want to know how to maintain it so it looks and fryes like new. Whether you use it daily, weekly, or monthly, there are a few key things you need to do to keep your air fryer looking its best.
The best air fryers are becoming more and more versatile. Many of these countertop appliances can bake, roast and dehydrate, as well as air fry, which reduces cooking time and thus your energy bills.
Taking good care of your air fryer also means you won’t need to replace it anytime soon, which saves you even more money. Below you’ll find eight ways to make your air fryer last longer, so you can take care of your investment while taking care of your cooking.
8 Ways to Make Your Air Fryer Last Longer
1. Clean it – This is something that needs to be done after every use, we’re not talking about a quick wipe down. The drawer and basket of the basket air fryer need to be removed and soaked in warm soapy water, or put in the dishwasher if safe to do so. Oven-style air fryer owners will need to remove the racks and soak them in warm soapy water, and wipe down the inside of the oven.
Knowing how to clean your air fryer (basket or oven) will ensure that you can remove grease and spills that, if left untouched, can burn and produce unpleasant smells, or even damage the unit.
Air fryer performance can also suffer if it is not kept clean, especially if doors or drawers do not close properly due to residual debris.
2. Do not use metal utensils – They can damage the non-stick coating of the air fryer basket. The same goes for using a metal cleaner when cleaning — just don’t do it.
Unless you can empty food out of the basket, it’s worth investing in utensils that are suitable for nonstick coatings, such as those made of wood or silicone.
3. Give it space – The air fryer needs to suck in air, so make sure it has room to breathe. Every air fryer has vents to help keep it cool, and if there isn’t enough space around it, the unit could overheat and stop working.
The manual will guide you on how much space you should give the air fryer, as well as recommendations for where it should be placed on the countertop.
4. Look at the cable – When placing the air fryer, make sure it is not sitting on or pressing on the cables. The air fryer heats up to a dizzying 250-450F/90-230C, which can damage cables.
Also make sure the cables are out of danger – you can use cable ties to organize excess cables if needed.
5. Place on the counter – Air fryers are countertop appliances; they don’t sit on a shelf or on the floor. They get hot, they’re heavy to move, and you need to be able to use the air fryer easily and safely.
They need to be on the counter and out of harm’s way. Make sure the device is also pushed back from the edge of the counter so little hands can’t reach it. They don’t take up much space, and with a huge selection of air fryers, you’ll always find one that fits the space you have available.
6. Replace accessories instead of the whole air fryer – If you damage the air fryer basket, it’s worth checking to see if a replacement is available. This will keep the device out of recycling centers and also save you money and time looking for a replacement.
If you’d like some extra accessories to go with your air fryer, check the manufacturer’s website, as there’s a good chance you can get them too.
7. Don’t cook what you shouldn’t cook – While air fryers are versatile machines, there are 5 foods that should never be cooked in an air fryer (at least). Foods to avoid include trying to cook chicken in the air fryer basket (please don’t) and cooking food with wet batter unless you have the right equipment.
Air fryers work by circulating hot air. Overfilling the basket will mean that the air cannot circulate and therefore the food will not cook. Putting dripping, mushy food onto a basket or rack will cause residue to build up on the bottom of the drawer/oven. You’re better off reading the instruction manual to see what you can and can’t do, do some research, play it safe, and let the air flow without any obstructions.
We’ve tried a few recipes ourselves, so why not check out our guides on how to make french fries in the air fryer, French toast in the air fryer, and even fudge brownies in the air fryer .
8. Safekeeping – Don’t just throw it in the cupboard. This can scratch the outside of the air fryer and possibly damage other appliances in the cabinet.
Having a safe place to store the air fryer when it’s not in use will ensure it doesn’t get splashed with other foods and is protected from dust and damage.
