How to clean an airfryer? Dangers of Not Cleaning Your Air Fryer

An air fryer is a tool that allows you to significantly reduce oil in products, because it uses hot air to fry, bake or cook food, which reduces calorie intake for each meal. However, not properly cleaning this vessel can have negative health consequences.

Increases the risk of food poisoning

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 600 million people around the world get sick every year from eating contaminated food and around 420,000 people may die as a result of the disease.

Food poisoning is caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, chemicals or prions living in food. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), in the case of air fryers, the most common bacteria are salmonella and Campylobacter spp.

Both bacteria can be present in raw chicken and survive on surfaces for between four and 32 hours. In the case of Air fryerThe juices that drip from chicken feet contain any of these bacteria and, if left unwashed, can contaminate other food.

Increases the risk of cross contamination

Center for Food Allergy Research and Education (Charge) Explains that cross-contamination between foods occurs when an allergen or substance is transferred from one food to another through contact.

For example, cooking some shrimp at dinner and not cleaning the fryer properly the next day, some shrimp were overcooked. Cakes, the latter may be contaminated with shellfish or its taste or aroma may be altered. This increases the risk that people who are allergic to one food will have adverse reactions when consuming other products.

According to Fair, even a small dose of an allergen can cause an adverse reaction that, depending on the severity of the allergy, can be fatal.

May reduce the performance of the air fryer

Grease and food particles accumulate in the fryer if it is not cleaned properly. In the long term, this may damage the device or interfere with its operation and, As a result, food is not cooked properly, increasing the risk of food poisoning.

On the other hand, accumulated dirt can change the taste of the products and even cause the fryer to burn.

When and how to clean an air fryer?

The Foundation for Health and Social Care Studies (FESS) recommends deep cleaning the air fryer between products after each use.

First you need to let the pan cool to remove the removable parts (grills, baskets and other containers) and soak them in soap and water for easy removal of excess fat or other substances. It is advised to mix one teaspoon of bleach for every three liters of water to soak the parts.

Then, you should wash each part in hot water or put them in the dishwasher at high temperature. The interior of the fryer should be cleaned with a clean, damp cloth. A drop of vinegar can be used to clean, and wipe again with a damp cloth to disinfect.