After learning my microwave has a filter I should be replacing regularly, I got to thinking about what other kitchen appliances I might be neglecting. I instantly thought of my air fryer and discovered that some air fryers have filters that need to be checked and cleaned regularly.
Have you changed the filter of your air fryer lately? Did you even know that your air fryer may contain a filter? As it turns out, if the filter is clogged or dirty, it can impact the air circulation, ultimately reducing the efficiency of the air fryer. As one of the most popular kitchen appliances in homes today, there are probably more than a few people (myself included) whose beloved air fryer may be long overdue for a deep cleaning. Here’s how to show your air fryer some necessary TLC!
Why Cleaning and Maintaining Your Air Fryer Is Important
Over time, air fryers can accumulate food residue, grease, and oils from cooking, which will ultimately affect performance, lifespan, and food safety. Some air fryer filters need to be checked and cleaned regularly, because they may be dirty or even clogged. Here are some of the issues that can arise when you don’t regularly clean and change your air fryer filter:
- Foodborne illness is no joke! Leaving food residue in your air fryer between uses can allow bacteria and viruses to grow and spread inside the machine—so you don’t want to mess around when it comes to cleaning kitchen appliances and tools properly between uses.
- One of the air fryer filter’s function is to remove odors during cooking, helping to reduce stubborn, lingering cooking smells after you’re done in the kitchen.
- Like many kitchen appliances, the trusty air fryer can become a fire hazard if you don’t clean it regularly and allow build-up from small burnt bits of food and grease to accumulate.
How To Clean Air Fryer Filters
Luckily, neither cleaning nor replacing your air fryer filter is hard. If you’ve misplaced or discarded the manufacturer’s instructions, you can likely search online for the care instructions for your air fryer.
To clean your air fryer filter, remove it from the appliance, and then scrub the filter with warm, soapy water before setting it out to air dry. The filter must be completely dry before you put it back in the air fryer for use. Home cooks and air fryer connoisseurs highly recommend Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray, calling it a “secret weapon” for getting build-up off of air fryer materials. The most efficient and practical way to keep your filter clean is to set a few minutes aside to wash both the appliance and the filter after every few uses.
How To Replace Air Fryer Filters
Many air fryer manufacturers recommend replacing your air fryer filter every 3-6 months, depending on how often you use it. To replace your air fryer filter, first make sure the air fryer is turned off and unplugged. Remove the filter casing, opening it until the old filter is exposed. Then, replace the air fryer with a new filter, and you’re ready to cook! If you’re in the market for new filters, search for your model’s filter online, Amazon offers many different types.
The great news is, many air fryers have a sensor light that will alert you that it’s time to change the filter. So, if you’ve been wondering what that random little light is, now you know!
