Air fryer grease will wipe away in 3 minutes if you ditch vinegar for 1 household item

Cleaning air fryers is a relatively straightforward process, despite some difficulties with the basket. With most being a simple combination of a heating element, plastic casing, wiring, and a cooking basket, households usually resort to soaking baskets in hot soapy water or using baking soda and white vinegar.

However, one Mrs Hinch fan struggled with both methods and sought alternative solutions.

Vanessa Martin posted on the Mrs Hinch Army Cleaning Tips page: "What's the best thing to clean the basket of my air fryer with? Without damaging the non-stick, obviously."

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She had already tried various methods, including Fairy washing up liquid, boiling water with vinegar and baking soda, Elbow Grease spray, and scrubbing with a Scrub Daddy, but was unable to remove stubborn grease, reports .

Some group members suggested adding water and dish soap to the baskets and turning the air fryer on for several minutes.

Nevertheless, food hygiene expert Dr. Richard Anderson strongly advises against this method: "Despite being a popular internet trend, never fill a running air fryer with water to clean it, as this can damage the appliance. Always ensure your air fryer is completely dry before using it again, as moisture in the wrong places can cause your air fryer to malfunction.",

Air fryers, with their exposed electrical elements, are at risk of damage from splashes and spills, which can spell disaster for the appliance.

Some air fryer enthusiasts recommend popping the baskets into the dishwasher for a "thorough clean" but Dr Anderson warned that despite some air fryers being marketed as dishwasher-safe, "dishwashers can strip the non-stick coating" on the components.

For those looking to safely and effectively spruce up their air fryer baskets, one popular tip involves using a dishwasher tablet in boiling water.

Christie Wilson advised: "I soak mine in hot water and a dishwasher tablet. Works great, just wipes away."

Suzie Deeney shared her method: "Platinum Dishwasher tablet to soak for a few minutes. Depending on the buildup of grease, you may need to do this two or three times."

Zoe Mitchell also chimed in with her cleaning hack: "I pop a dishwasher tablet into mine! Leave for three minutes then wipe it away, comes off straight away."

The reason dishwasher tablets are so effective for cleaning air fryers is due to their enzymes and surfactants, which are adept at tackling tough, baked-on food remnants and grease.