Air fryers tend to be made of non-stick materials, this means you need to look after them really well so let me walk you through how to look after your air fryer's non-stick coating.
Here are the GOLDEN RULES (I haven't typed those words in a while!), shall we just say the feisty rules? Or shall we just call them tips.
1. Do NOT use metallic utensils
Silicone is ideal and great for getting out every last bit in fact.
Get a set of silicone spatulas + a set of silicone kitchen tongs and remove anything metallic out of sight if you live with careless people (also known as people in general 😂 )
2. Do NOT wash until it has cooled down
Do not plunge in cold water while hot (nor run it under cold water!).
Wait for the drawer, basket, grill, tray, etc to cool down before cleaning or washing it.
Avoid the shock of having to replace your non-stick.
Avoid thermoshock.
3. Use a soft sponge to wash it, nothing abrasive, no harsh chemicals
I repeat, nothing abrasive: no scourers!! No scotch-brite, no nanas, no green scratchy part of a sponge scourer.
In fact, follow the let it cool down rule and the non-stick works it's magic when cleaning with just some warm, soapy water.
Will you sometimes have to soak? Of course, but a squirt of washing up liquid and a bit of warm soapy water and a soft sponge and it will all come off.
All my air fryer recipes have tried and tested this theory, even the Air Fryer Whole Roast Chicken & Gravy.
4. Do not clean in the dishwasher even if the instructions say you can
This is a big DON'T! Whatever it is about the process and, most probably, dishwasher salts means your non-stick will suffer, massively!
Let it cool down, a bit of hot soapy water and a soft sponge (nothing abrasive and you're done!). Sometimes, yes, it will need a bit more elbow grease (the physical type, not the one you can buy) but always with a soft sponge and you're done!.
If clumsy me can do it, so can you, trust me!
And, as you've learned in rule number 2, never ever wash while hot, let it cool down
5. Do not use oil sprays like fry-light
This applies to all your non-stick. In fact, all these rules apply to all your non-stick.
In fact, did you know you don't even need an oil sprayer you fill with your own oil. Yep, zero need for that. It's an oven, don't forget! Treat it as such.
Want to add oil to non-stick? Use a drop of oil and a silicone brush to spread it all around. It works a treat.
6. Do not drop the drawer, shelves, etc
Why? Because Any bumps will mangle the non-stick on the inside too. They tend to be quite thin, it warps on the inside too, the non-stick comes off
If clumsy, disabled, me can do it, so can you!
7. Wear rings or jewellery? Careful, they can scratch the non-stick
Yes, I've been caught by this one myself! Gloves or take them off. Or, you know, get someone with no rings to do it...
8. Make sure EVERYONE knows the rules
Educate everyone in your household under threat of removing: the wifi, food, tablets, etc.
Give them stick for messing up with your non-stick!
9. Common sense
Last but not least, use your common sense.
Metal: no.
Anything that looks likely to take the non-stick off: no!
Thermal shock: no!!
Dishwasher: no!!! I know it's convenient but: no!
10. Join my Air Fryer Magic with Feisty Tapas group
As well as my Kitchen Gadgetry with Feisty Tapas group, if you dare!
And check out my Air Fryer Recipes.
In particular I recommend the Paxo Stuffing in the Air Fryer and Air Fryer Baked Camembert, above all if you're a beginner as they are so easy to get you started.
And, if you're after a treat or two, Air Fryer Sausage, Bacon and Egg McMuffins (choose your own combination and add a hash brown!)
And make sure you also check out How to use an AirFryer and a few recipe ideas.
To make sure it lasts you a long time, you need to know how to look after your air fryer.
Now, I want to know: what would YOU add to these "rules"?
Leave a Reply