The air fryer has become a kitchen essential in recent years, but there are some important safety tips to remember
Airfryers have become a staple of UK kitchens(Image: Getty)
UK households who use air fryers are being issued a 30-minute warning when it comes to cleaning.
The air fryer has rapidly become a kitchen essential throughout homes across the UK in recent years.
No only do they offer a quicker and more convenient cooking method, they provide a quick and healthier option for preparing meals.
But anyone who uses an air fryer regularly will know that they can be difficult to clean, with a build up of burnt-on grease that is hard to remove.
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An electrical expert has now issued a 30-minute warning to anyone who owns an air fryer, saying it is crucial to adhere to the advice before cleaning to prevent any safety hazards.
Like any domestic appliance, air fryers come with particular instructions for safe operation.
Electrical Safety First, a charity dedicated to reducing the number of injuries and deaths caused by electricity across the UK, has warned that one specific cleaning method could present dangers when handling air fryers.
On its website, Electrical Safety First emphasised that people should “never” immerse the fryer in water.
This approach could prove extremely hazardous due to the potential mixing of water and electricity, and it could also result in damage to the appliance itself.
Experts have advised 30 minutes waiting before cleaning your air fryer(Image: Getty)
Electrical Safety First also advises waiting “at least” 30 minutes before cleaning your air fryer after use, reports the Mirror.
It noted: “Never immerse the fryer in water, and always wait at least 30 minutes to clean it after use.”
Thankfully, there are ways to safely clean the device. BBC Good Food recommends the following steps:
After using your air fryer, ensure it’s unplugged and cooled down completelyRemove all detachable parts and disassemble the componentsEach part should be cleaned with a solution of warm water and washing-up liquid. Use the softer side of a sponge or cloth to prevent damage to the non-stick coatingPay special attention to the crevices of the basket for thorough cleaningFor stubborn, burned-on food that can’t be shifted with just the sponge, create a paste from baking soda and water and apply it to the tough spots. Let this sit for 20 minutes, or if you’re pressed for time, gently scrub the solution with an old toothbrushRinse the components and leave them to dryWhen conducting a deep clean, remember that the main unit of the air fryer must not be submerged; it will need to be hand-cleaned as well
You should take out all the removable parts and detach the component parts to clean(Image: Getty)
This isn’t the only safety advice to keep in mind when operating your air fryer. Electrical Safety First has provided these guidelines to follow:
If you detect a burning odour (other than food) or any unusual sounds, immediately switch off the fryer and get in touch with the retailer and/or manufacturerNever pour oil into your air fryerBe cautious of hot steam emanating from the fryerEnsure power cords are kept away from heated surfacesAlways switch off the fryer at the socket when it’s not in useNever leave the fryer unattendedAvoid overfilling your fryer – check the manufacturer’s guidelines but typically it should be no more than two-thirds fullPosition the handles away from the front of the cooker to minimise the risk of knocking it off the counter
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