Mrs Hinch fans share 'magic' cleaning hack to remove grease from air fryer
by Kathryn Riddell, Angela Patrone · ChronicleLiveAir fryers are taking over from traditional ovens in many households trying to save on soaring energy bills, with their ability to cook everything from succulent chicken to delightful cakes and even a full roast.
But owners are discovering that cleaning these gadgets is not always straightforward due to the various models on the market.
The Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook community offered a plethora of savvy suggestions when a user asked for advice on how to remove stubborn grease. Tia Forde sought help online: "I clean my air fryer after every use but grease has built up around the sides, I've washed it out with washing-up liquid and just used a normal washing-up sponge, but it's not budging.
"I've tried soaking it in boiling water and still can't get rid. I don't want to use anything abrasive as it's got a non-stick coating, how can I get all of the grease off? Would a Scrub Daddy be okay to use? What cleaning spray would be best?"
When faced with an air fryer caked in sticky residue, mere dish soap may fail to impress.
Fear not — Mrs Hinch devotees have shared a nifty tip: submerge the dirty basket in boiling water, toss in a dishwasher tablet, then leave it to soak from an hour to overnight. Sammie Ann Currie recommended: "Hot water and dishwasher tablet. Let it sit for an hour then it works like magic and comes up like new with no damage."
Debbie Clayton shared a cleaning tip, recommending: "Hi. I've seen people put a dishwasher tablet in the drawer and cover it in hot water, then leave it to soak for approximately an hour," reports the Express.
She further advised: "Then rinse and wipe and it should be clean. Obviously, this will only work if you have the pull-out drawer type of air fryer."
Adding to the discussion with her own technique, Michelle Weeks suggested: "Boiling water and dishwasher tablet left overnight will soak off the grease. It works like magic and on burned pots also."
Gemma Eady explained her approach, stating: "I use really hot water and a dishwasher tablet and leave it to soak, works a treat."
With an important cautionary note on safety, Maggie Callaghan warned: "Whatever you do please do not fill it with water and then switch it on. This can f*** your air fryer altogether, definitely pour boiling water in it with a dishwasher tablet and leave it sitting overnight."
Offering her preference, Sally Walker said: "I find that I always have to scrub the basket when using washing up liquid, but not when I leave it soaking with a dishwasher tablet."
Mrs Hinch enthusiasts are promoting another popular product for combatting grime—Elbow Grease. Wendy Camden endorsed it, advising: "Elbow Grease spray - spray on and leave for a while to work magic and then wash up as usual."
Katherine Fletcher also recommended Elbow Grease, proposing: "Spray the basket in Elbow Grease and leave it for 15 minutes before wiping it away."
Meanwhile, Yvonne Clark shared her family's preferred method: "My husband is in charge of cleaning our air fryer and he swears by Elbow Grease."
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