Air fryer—often simply called an air fryer in English—has flipped kitchens worldwide. The question many home cooks ask is how to clean an air fryer properly. Here is a straightforward, homemade method that keeps the appliance in peak condition without fuss.
The secret behind how to clean an air fryer
As the air fryer grows in popularity, people wonder about maintenance. A simple cleaning trick, described here as a self-cleaning approach, can restore a unit to near-new condition in about 15 minutes.
To perform it, a small amount of liquid detergent is added to a bucket of water and placed inside the air fryer. Set the device to 180 degrees and run for roughly 15 minutes. After the cycle, remove the liquid and rinse the interior. The process helps loosen and remove oil buildup, making cleaning faster and more effective. This practical technique answers the common question: how to clean an air fryer with minimal effort.
Origin of the air fryer
The device traces its roots to a Dutch inventor, Fred van der Weij, who sought a crispy fry without excess oil. His exploration produced an innovative solution, and a collaboration with Philips led to the first air fryer reaching the market in 2010, unveiled at a major electronics fair in Berlin. Since then, big appliance brands have released their own versions as the technology gained traction. Today, many ovens even include an air fryer function, underscoring the device’s impact on modern cooking.
From home kitchens to professional households, the air fryer has demonstrated its value by delivering crisp textures with less oil. The growing interest in easy cleaning methods mirrors the device’s practical appeal and broad adoption across North America.
In the years that followed, consumer surveys highlighted rising ownership. By the mid-2020s, the air fryer had become a staple in households across the United States and Canada, with cooks citing convenience, speed, and cleaner results as key benefits. The phenomenon isn’t just about speed; it’s about a shift toward healthier, home-cooked meals that still deliver satisfying crunch. [citation: Market data reported by a consumer research firm, 2020–2024]
When the pandemic amplified interest
The air fryer hit new heights during the health crisis, with sales milestones turning into sustained popularity. Industry estimates indicate that a substantial share of U.S. homes now owns an air fryer, reflecting its appeal for easy, quick meals that can be prepared with less oil and less mess. The combination of convenience, crisp textures, and simple cleaning guidance helped the appliance stand out among kitchen gadgets, surpassing many other popular devices. [citation: Industry analytics, 2020–2023]
You may be interested in:
Decor
How to clean an air fryer: it will be like new
Gastronomy
5 tips for your air fryer that no one will tell you
Society
Your air fryer could cause cancer: Be careful what you cook in it
Decor
What you need to know before buying an air fryer (not all the benefits)
Gastronomy
Air fryer recipe that will be a success when you have guests over
Gastronomy
Potato and egg volcanoes in the air fryer: a guaranteed crowd-pleaser
Social media, especially TikTok, showcases the air fryer’s versatility with clips that have drawn hundreds of millions of views, confirming the device’s enduring culinary appeal. The trend signals that clean, simple maintenance remains an important part of the experience for many users.
In short, the air fryer enables healthier and delicious meals, and a simple cleaning method can keep the device performing well for years. With regular care and the right approach, it remains a reliable companion in the kitchen. Bon appétit and happy cleaning!