With air fryers surging in popularity, many owners are looking for tips and tricks on how to make the most of their new appliance.
But there is one hack that is currently doing rounds on TikTok that poses "serious" electrical risks and could damage the fryer permanently. This tip claims to be an easy way to clean the device, recommending users add washing up liquid and water to the fryer basket and then put on a cooking setting for three minutes.
While this is an effective way to get remove burnt on food remnants and grease, it is also extremely dangerous - as fire safety experts have warned that water and electricity "do not mix".
What's more concerning is this hack has gone viral on social media, as one search of "air fryer cleaning hack" will pull up hundreds of videos of people trying it at home.
Giuseppe Capanna, Product Safety Engineer at Electrical Safety First, explained: "We're noticing videos on TikTok claiming to help air-fryer owners to clean their devices. Thankfully, an eagle-eyed user spotted this 'hack' and has shown people why this is a very bad idea.
"To put it simply, water and electricity don't mix. Cleaning your air fryer with water is similar to washing it whilst it's still plugged in and could pose a serious risk of electric shock once you turn it on."
Concerned social media user Cathy Pedras noticed the hack and was quick to point out why you should never put water into an air fryer.
Also known as The Mom Friend, she explained to her 2.5 million followers: "Air fryers circulate hot air, which means if you fill it with water, you risk it getting into the circuitry.
"Plus it could overheat cause it's literally trying to cook water."
When it comes to air fryer safety, Electrical Safety First have a list of tips as well as maintenance guidelines to get the most out of your fryer. When it comes to cleaning, they recommend waiting to do so least 30 minutes after use - and to never add water.
Many of Cathy's followers have requested a tutorial on how to properly clean the fryer. But she told them that sometimes there is no hack and you should clean it "just like normal dishes" - by removing the basket only and washing it in the sink or dishwasher.
To remove food from any other part of the fryer, wait at least 30 minutes and wipe over with a dry cloth.
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