Air fryers have become all the rage in recent months as people explore alternative ways of cooking in a bid to cut down their energy bills.
However, while air fryers can make a great addition to the kitchen, they can prove tricky to clean. The basket can quickly end up coated in grease, crumbs and dried bits of food, and might need a thorough scrubbing after cooking - but what's the best way to get it sparkling again?
The Express tried one popular hack that has been doing the rounds among air fryer owners - and it uses a common household item that is renowned for its cleaning abilities without resorting to chemicals or expensive brands. Reporter Angela Patrone saw that fans of cleaning expert Mrs Hinch on social media had suggested using baking soda to do the job, and put this tip to the test at home.
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Angela picked up a pack of Dri-Pak Bicarbonate of Soda from Home Bargains for just £1, a brand which can also be found at Robert Dyas and Ocado for a pricier £2.50. Most supermarkets stock baking soda, and any type can be used for cleaning - Tesco and Asda sell the stuff for only 65p.
She started off by covering the bottom layer of the air fryer basket liberally with the baking soda, before pouring boiling water from the kettle into the basket to help soften the grease and lift stains. The mixture was then left to sit for five minutes - after which the water had turned brown and the food debris had come loose.
After emptying out the water, Angela used a microfibre cloth to wipe off the remaining stains. "I was surprised that it came off so easily and that I didn’t need to scrub," she observed.
She then used the leftover baking soda in the drawer of the air fryer to wipe down the sides of the basket and get rid of any remaining grease - and after giving it a quick rinse and drying it off with a towel, the appliance looked good as new. "Using baking soda not only made cleaning my air fryer so much easier but it also helped to get rid of the food odours left in the basket," was the overall verdict.
If you're planning to try this hack at home, make sure you read your air fryer manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning first. You should also ensure that you unplug your air fryer and allow it to cool down before attempting any cleaning.
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