Cleaning an air fryer is something that many people can probably admit they don't do as often as they should for many reasons, including the fact that it is used frequently and cleaning the appliance can be time-consuming. However, when it comes to taking care of your air fryer, cleaning is something that should be done after every use, and it doesn't have to be a nuisance because there are a number of things you can do to make the job easier. 

Consumer group Which? has not only revealed how to clean your air fryer but also shared some top tips on how to keep it in a sparkling state. Once you start following these steps, you will realise that maintaining an air fryer need not be a pain, and those deep cleaning days can be so much easier than before.

1. Use an air fryer liner

Using an air fryer liner is one of the best ways to keep the basket or tray as clean as possible. This is because what it simply creates a barrier between the food and the basket, preventing any sticking and making the final cleanup easier.

2. Don't overfill the basket or tray

Regardless of what you are cooking, if you fill up the air fryer basket beyond capacity, not only does it prevent food from cooking properly, but it is also likely to create more mess, resulting in more time spent cleaning.

3. Avoid overcooking or burning foods

No one likes a burnt meal, but overcooking or scorching food will make your air fryer more challenging to clean, as you will need to give it a nice soak to get those tough parts off. It could also leave an unpleasant smell, which isn't great.

4. Don't put things in your air fryer that shouldn't be in there

If you wouldn't put it in your oven, it most likely should not go in your air fryer. It is important you only use air fryer-safe accessories or ones recommended by the manufacturer to avoid any issues.

5. Clean your air fryer after every use

It might sound like a pain, but cleaning your air fryer after every use will save you time in the long run. It will ensure that grime and grease do not build up over time, which would make it even more challenging to clean.

One thing to avoid when cleaning your air fryer is the internet cleaning 'hack' of filling the basket with water and washing up liquid, as it could be hazardous.