Expert settles debate on exactly how often you should clean your air fryer

An expert has finally cleared the air when it comes to an ongoing kitchen debate. A recent study revealed how often Brits clean their air fryers, and it offered up some shocking results. Opinions differ on how often people should clean their air fryers. Debates regularly happen on social media sites like TikTok when people see other people's air fryers, commenting on how unclean it is. An expert has finally weighed in as a survey revealed how often Brits actually clean these handy devices.

The study, conducted by HelloFresh, found that 47% of Brits don't clean their air fryers after every use. Air fryers are revolutionary appliances that make life incredibly easy for many families across the country when it comes to cooking dinner. It's so easy to throw something in the air fryer and let it cook while you do other things. However, 37% of respondents in this survey said that they clean their air fryer after every use.

Meanwhile, 37% said that they clean it every few times they use it, and 9% said they rarely clean it. 16% of people who were asked said they didn't own an air fryer, while 1% said they never clean it.

Mimi Morley, Senior Recipe Development Manager at food box delivery service HelloFresh, said: "It's a little surprising that so many people aren't cleaning their air fryer after every use. There's a general misconception that the heat in your air fryer will kill any bacteria, but this isn't always the case.

"The likes of Salmonella, E. coli might actually be able to grow and can be a hazard to your health. That's why cleaning your air fryer after every use is recommended."

They added: "Also, not cleaning your air fryer can impact the flavour and taste of your food. When cleaning is quick and easy, why would you risk impacting the flavour of your delicious meal?"

More specifically, the study revealed that 19% of Gen Zs rarely or never clean their air fryers, marking a stark contrast to older people, with only 8% of people over 55 admitting the same.

To clean your air fryer, you should unplug it, remove and wash the basket and tray, wipe down the interior and heating element and make sure all grease is cleared, clean exterior and controls with a cloth and a non-abrasive antibacterial spray, and reassemble when all of the elements have dried.