Clean your air fryer easily using three cupboard ingredients without any scrubbing

Air fryer cleaning is a pain, but this three-ingredient hack will have your appliance looking good as new in no time – and you won't need any elbow grease either

Air fryers can be quite easy to use for households preparing their meals, particularly when it comes to crafting meat dishes such as chicken and pork that emerge beautifully crispy and bursting with taste.

These gadgets also excel at producing chips, and can perform miracles on a variety of frozen items including pies, sausage rolls, and breadcrumb-coated mozzarella sticks that might turn mushy in a conventional oven. However, there's one significant downside to the trusty air fryer - it's a nightmare to clean. While we ought to clean our ovens on a regular basis, they don't require washing after every single cooking session like our air fryers do, and scraping away at baked-on spices can transform using the device into a tedious task.

According to one cleaning guru on social media, though, there's a simple method to clean your air fryer using just three ingredients.

What's better, the technique promises to remove all the dirt without requiring any elbow grease.

The method was posted on Instagram by a mother called Ali, who explained she "had to try" it after spotting it online herself.

Initially, Ali placed a dishwasher tablet into her air fryer.

She punctured each segment with a knife before releasing the liquid inside to help it break down quicker, though since you'll be adding hot water to the basket afterwards, this step isn't absolutely essential. Next, she placed several fresh lemon slices into the basket before adding a sprinkle of bicarbonate of soda.

Ali then poured boiling water from the kettle into the basket, ensuring the cooking rack was just submerged.

The air fryer was then set to its maximum temperature for a mere two minutes. Following this, she emptied the grimy water down the sink and gave the basket a swift rinse under cold water, leaving it looking pristine.

One user commented: "Perfect air fryer cleaning tip!"

Another remarked: "Great idea!"

How to clean an air fryer

Unplug and Cool Down: Always unplug your air fryer and let it cool completely before cleaning.

Remove Basket and Pan: Take out the basket, tray, and pan (or drawer), depending on your air fryer model.

Wash Removable Parts:

• Wash these parts with warm, soapy water using a soft sponge or cloth.
• For stuck-on food, soak them for 10–15 minutes first.
• Use a soft brush to clean holes or mesh areas if needed.
• Most removable parts are dishwasher safe (check your manual to be sure).

Clean the Interior:

• Wipe the inside of the air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge.
• Avoid abrasive materials, which can damage the nonstick coating.
• For stubborn residue, use a little baking soda on a damp sponge.

Clean the Heating Element:

• Carefully turn the air fryer upside down.
• Use a soft brush or cloth to gently wipe the heating element.
• Make sure it’s completely dry before plugging back in.

Wipe the Exterior: Wipe the outside with a damp cloth.

Dry and Reassemble: Dry all parts thoroughly before putting them back together.

You should never immerse the main unit in water, and you should clean your air fryer properly after each use to avoid buildup and bad odours.