An air fryer is not just a trendy kitchen appliance; it’s a game-changer. It has become the staple in modern cookware, and no kitchen is complete without one. The idea of cooking with little or no oil doesn’t only translate to healthier meals but also means you have less grime and grease to clean up afterward. That is why most people don’t feel the same level of urgency to clean their air fryers as they would if they were using a deep fryer. This is completely understandable.
However, if you really want to enjoy your air fryer and extend its useful life, cleaning it is non-negotiable.
The good thing about Emeril Lagasse air fryers is that they are generally easy to clean, unlike some brands. This is because they usually have dishwasher-safe parts. It’s as easy as popping it into the machine and bringing it out.
In the write-up, we will look at how to clean the Emeril Lagasse air fryer properly, so you can enjoy all the perks that come with it!
Table of Contents
Why Should I Clean my Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer?
If you wish to make the most from your air fryer, it’s essential you keep it clean, especially the basic components. This is because if you fail to clean the unit after each use, leftover food can get stuck on the basket or pan or basket and mess up the appliance.
A dirty air fryer can easily transfer the bad smell into your food and affect the taste. And in some cases, it can lead to food-borne illness. The appliance will also take longer to heat up (thus consuming more energy) and require more effort to clean.
Thus cleaning your air fryer will ensure it operates more efficiently and ensure your food doesn’t get contaminated.
How to Clean Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer: Start to Finish
What you need: Get the following supplies ready before you start cleaning.
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Microfiber cloth
- Paper towels
- Hot (or warm) soapy water
- Soft brushed brush or silicon pad
- Baking soda
The steps are given highlighted below:
- Unplug the appliance and allow it to cool down. This might take up to 30 minutes. Once it’s cool, remove all the detachable parts from the machine; these usually include the pan, basket, and tray.
- After removing the basket and tray, use the paper towels to wipe any loose grease on them. Do the same for the exterior (not necessary).
- Now wash the tray and basket in warm/hot soapy water with your sponge. For charred food or hard dried grease that won’t go off, soak the part in soapy water for 10-15 minutes or until the grease breaks down before you start scrubbing with the sponge. You can also clean the heating element of the fryer with a sponge. If the detachable parts are dishwasher safe, then you can save yourself the trouble by simply popping them in the machine.
- If the food residue refuses to come off even after soaking, then create a paste with baking soda and water and scrub it on the area with a soft-bristled brush.
- Clean the interior with a microfiber cloth, or you can use a sponge (but with little soapy water). Wipe off any soapy residue with a clean damp cloth.
- Next, allow all the parts to dry properly before reassembling the air fryer.
How Often Should I Clean my Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer
Ideally, you want to clean the air fryer after every use. This may sound more tasking than it really is.
An air fryer is generally easy to clean because it requires a minimal amount of oil to do its work, so very little grease is left behind after each use. Most times, you just need to give the basket a simple wipe down. The exterior doesn’t need to be cleaned every time – you can clean it after a few uses.
By not cleaning the air fryer basket every time you use it, you are simply allowing gunk and charred food to build up from the leftover grease. This makes the appliance much harder to clean later on.
The parts you should clean every time you use the machine include the pan, tray, and basket. You can either wash them by hand or place them in your dishwasher. It’s also a good practice to wipe down the interior.
More Tips for Cleaning your Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer
Here are more do’s and don’ts that are helpful in maintaining your air fryer.
- Avoid removing leftover food particles and residues with a metal. This includes but is not limited to a steel wire brush, an abrasive sponge, or any metal utensil. These items can ruin the nonstick coating of the air fryer.
- Never submerge the entire unit into the water due to the electrical components. Doing so will likely ruin it.
- Don’t ever clean a hot air fryer. Allow it to cool down first. We recommend leaving it for 30 minutes to completely cool down before you commence cleaning.
- When disconnecting the appliance, don’t pull or twist the cord at an angle as this can damage it.
FAQs
My air fryer has a foul odor. How do I get rid of it?
When you cook something with a strong smell, there’s a huge chance the odor will linger in the air fryer, even after you clean it. One way to get rid of the smell is to soak the basket in soapy water for 30-60 minutes before you clean it again. If this doesn’t work, then cut a lemon and rub each half over the basket. Allow it to stay for 30 mins before releasing.
The nonstick coating on my air fryer is flaking off. What should I do?
Though we haven’t noticed this, few users have complained about it. If you experience this problem, don’t use any metal utensils, steel wool, or other abrasives on the fryer. Instead, stop using the air fryer and contact Emeril Lagasse or the retailer you bought it from for a new basket.
Can I just put my air fryer in the dishwasher?
Yes, you can. But cleaning your air fryer parts in a dishwasher every time is not recommended. Of course, before you put any part in the dishwasher, you have to make sure it’s dishwasher safe. Regular cleaning of the air fryer basket or pan in a dishwasher can ruin the nonstick coating over time. To extend the lifespan of the appliance, it’s best you wash the parts by hand whenever you can.
Final Words
We will draw the curtains here. Now you know how to clean the Emeril Lagasse air fryer. As you can see, the process is pretty straightforward. Cleaning your air fryer will ensure your food smells and tastes better every time.
Like we said earlier, the best time to clean the appliance is every time you finish using it. This will also help to extend its lifespan.
