03 March 2024 , 16:00
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Air fryers are a great way to cut down on your energy bill - but keeping them clean can be a nightmare.
The appliances have boomed in popularity in recent years, becoming a kitchen staple in many British households. They're extremely versatile, easy to store away, and don't use as much electricity as a conventional oven.
But, if you've been perfecting your crispy wedges or experimenting with a quick-to-make apple crumble, you'll know just how quickly the baskets can fill up with stubborn grime and grease. However, one woman has found a genius way to make your air fryer 'look brand new' again, using a cheap kitchen staple.
Ciara Turley, aka The Tummy Fairy, is a content creator known for her tasty air fryer recipes. She racked up a staggering 1.3 million views for her 'toxic free cleaning hack' after warning people against the trend of heating up washing up liquid and water in their air fryer to clean the basket.
"You may not know, but things like washing up liquid have what's called a 'flashpoint'," she said. "So not only could this be a fire risk but it's also can create chemical gases/toxins that they attach themselves to the inside of your air fryer."
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Instead, Turley recommends adding a 'squirt' of washing-up liquid in the air fryer basket (removed from the appliance completely) as well as a tablespoon of baking powder. She then fills the basket up with boiling water and leaves it alone for 20 minutes to work its magic.
Then, simply pour out the water (avoid dumping it into the sink as this could cause blockages) then rinse with warm water. Dry the basket and racks with a paper towel before adding any food in.
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Viewers rushed to the comments section to hail the advice, with one user branding it a 'gamechanger' "I do this all the time, it's brilliant," one person wrote. "Just doing this now! Great way for a deep clean," another commented. While a third added: "This is amazing. Makes it so easy to clean [my] air fryer."
However, many people pointed out that grime won't build up if you clean it with soapy water after every use. Others suggested purchasing liners that fit into the air fryer basket and prevent grease from dirtying the appliance. You can buy these from a slew of retailers such as Amazon, which is currently flogging a pair of silicone baskets for £6.99.
A lot of viewers also recommended putting the basket into the dishwasher. While this is okay for many new appliances, some models recommend hand washing the appliance for 'longevity'.