Keeping your Instant Pot air fryer clean is essential for producing delicious and healthy meals. A build up of oil and food debris can impact cooking performance and create unwanted odors or even become a haven for bacteria growth.
Fortunately, cleaning your Instant Pot air fryer is a quick and simple process. By dedicating just a few minutes after each use to wipe it down, and doing occasional deeper cleanings, you’ll keep your air fryer in tip-top shape.
Here is a comprehensive guide to cleaning your Instant Pot air fryer so it continues operating at maximum efficiency for years of service.
After Every Use
A quick wipe down after each use prevents buildup and keeps your air fryer clean. Here’s a simple process to follow each time:
- Unplug the air fryer and let it fully cool before cleaning. The heating element can reach over 400°F during cooking so you want it to return to room temperature.
- Remove the basket from the cooking chamber. The non-stick basket is where most food debris collects.
- Wipe the basket with a soft cloth or sponge. Use warm water and mild dish soap if needed to remove any oily residue.
- Clean the cooking chamber with a soft cloth. Pay special attention to the heating element area on the top of the chamber.
- Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth to remove any splatters.
- Dry all parts thoroughly before reassembling. Water entering the heating element area could damage your air fryer.
Following this quick wipe down habit after each use will prevent significant buildup from occurring.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
For optimal performance, your Instant Pot air fryer needs a more thorough cleaning weekly. Here’s how:
- Remove the basket and wash with warm soapy water. Use a nylon brush or sponge to scrub away any stuck on bits.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Clean the cooking chamber by wiping down with a cloth dampened with hot, soapy water. Remove all visible food debris and oil residue.
- For stubborn buildup, fill the chamber with 1 cup warm water and 1 tbsp baking soda. Let soak for 20 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing clean.
- Unplug and wipe down the exterior with a soft damp cloth. Pay special attention around the control panel to remove any oil splatter.
- Dry all parts fully before reassembling.
This weekly deeper clean removes any hidden grease or food bits that can affect performance or create odors.
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer, 6-in-1, Broils, Dehydrates, Crisps, Roasts, Reheats, Bakes for Quick Easy Meals, 100+ In-App Recipes, Dishwasher-Safe, from the Makers of Instant Pot, Black - 6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, broil, roast, dehydrate, bake and reheat
- EvenCrisp TECHNOLOGY: Advanced technology that drives air flow top down for a perfect golden finish and crispy, tender results every time!
- ONE-TOUCH SMART PROGRAMS: Customizable programs for one-touch wings, roasted veggies, garlicky potatoes, cookies, cinnamon buns and more!
- FAST PREHEATING: Little to no preheating time, from frozen to golden in minutes! Create gourmet meals with the versatility of a temperature range of 95 to 400° F.
- EASY CLEAN-UP: Non-stick, dishwasher safe air fry basket and tray.
Monthly Deep Cleaning
For maximum hygiene and performance, do a thorough deep clean of all parts monthly.
- Wash the basket with hot soapy water and scrub with a brush. For stuck-on debris, soak in warm water and baking soda for 20 minutes first.
- Rinse and dry completely.
- Remove heating element – consult manual for proper removal/reinstallation. Soak in warm, soapy water and scrub gently to remove residue. Rinse and dry thoroughly before reinstalling.
- Wipe down interior cooking chamber with hot, soapy water. Remove all debris buildup.
- Rinse and dry completely.
- Unplug and clean exterior with a soft cloth dampened with hot, soapy water. Dry with a clean soft towel.
This start-to-finish monthly cleaning keeps all components fresh and residue free. Your Instant Pot air fryer will operate like new.
Removing Stubborn Stains by Type
Grease Stains
Grease stains can develop inside the cooking chamber or on the exterior. Follow these tips:
- For light grease stains in the cooking chamber, spray with degreasing cleaner and let sit for 10 minutes before wiping clean with a soft cloth.
- For heavier buildup, fill chamber with 1 cup white vinegar and run air fry cycle for 15 minutes then wipe clean. The heated vinegar will cut through greasy residue.
- For exterior stains, mix a solution of warm water, dish soap, and baking soda and use a soft cloth to gently scrub. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
Burnt Sugar Stains
Sugary foods like french fries can leave behind burnt sugar stains. To remove:
- Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply to stained areas. Let sit for 15 minutes to allow baking soda to lift carbon deposits before scrubbing clean.
- For heavier buildup, dissolve 2 denture cleaning tablets in 1 cup hot water. Submerge basket and soak for 1 hour, then scrub with a soft brush.
Oil Stains
- Soak cotton balls in lemon juice concentrate and rub on oily stains. Let sit for 10 minutes before wiping clean. Citric acid cuts grease.
- For exterior oil splatters, rub with a clay bar designed for car detailing. The clay will soak up and remove oil efficiently.
Limescale Buildup
Hard water can leave limescale or calcium deposits. To remove:
- Fill cooking chamber with equal parts white vinegar and water. Heat on high for 10 minutes then scrub clean. Vinegar dissolves mineral deposits.
- For stubborn buildup, soak a soft cloth in vinegar and place inside chamber. Let sit overnight. The extended soak time lets vinegar fully dissolve limescale.
Key Takeaways
- Wipe down the air fryer basket and chamber after every use to prevent buildup.
- Do a thorough deep clean weekly to remove hidden grease and residues.
- Deep clean all parts including removing the heating element monthly for maximum hygiene and performance.
- Always unplug and fully dry all components before use to prevent electric hazards.
