The Power Air Fryer Elite is an amazing kitchen appliance that allows you to make delicious fried foods with little to no oil. It uses super heated air to circulate around food, cooking it to crispy perfection. However, like any appliance, the Power Air Fryer Elite needs to be cleaned regularly to keep it performing at optimal levels. Cleaning also helps prevent any baked on residue or grease from accumulating and becoming difficult to remove.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through all the steps needed to thoroughly clean both the interior and exterior of the Power Air Fryer Elite. Properly cleaning this air fryer is quick and easy when you follow these simple instructions.
Why It’s Important to Clean the Power Air Fryer Elite
Here are some of the top reasons why cleaning the Power Air Fryer Elite regularly is recommended:
- Prevents Grease Build Up – Grease, oil, and food debris can easily accumulate in the air fryer basket, heating element, and other interior surfaces. Regular cleaning prevents buildup that can become harder to remove over time.
- Eliminates Odors – The high heat of the air fryer can bake on cooking smells over time. Cleaning helps keep odors from lingering in the appliance.
- Improves Cooking – Built up grease and food residue can prevent optimal hot air circulation. Cleaning improves air flow for tastier results.
- Extends Life of Appliance – Letting debris and grime build up can lead to corrosion and damage over time. Keeping the unit clean improves its longevity.
- Avoids Messes – Burnt on grease and food bits that accumulate can start to smoke, burn, or even catch fire. Cleaning helps avoid messy or dangerous situations.
- Keeps Exterior Looking New – Wiping down the outside keeps stainless steel, plastic, and other surfaces looking their best.
As you can see, taking time to properly clean the Power Air Fryer Elite is worth the effort for optimal function and safety.
How Often to Clean the Power Air Fryer Elite
We recommend cleaning the Power Air Fryer Elite after every 5 to 10 uses. This helps prevent any significant buildup of residue or debris over time.
Here are some other instances when cleaning is recommended:
- After cooking extra greasy foods like bacon, sausages, or fatty meats
- When the air fryer begins to emit odors while preheating
- If crumbs, grease or food is visibly built up inside
- Before storing the air fryer for an extended period of time
For quick cleanups between complete washes, simply wiping food remnants out of the basket after each use can help. But a thorough cleaning of all parts should still be done every 5-10 uses as mentioned.
Supplies Needed
Cleaning the Power Air Fryer Elite is simple with just some basic supplies. Here is what you’ll need:
- Paper towels or clean soft cloth
- Mild dish soap
- Soft brush or sponge
- Baking soda
- Hot water
- Non-abrasive plastic safe cleaner (optional)
Avoid any abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals when cleaning the air fryer, as they can damage the non-stick coating on the basket and other surfaces.
Instructions for Cleaning the Power Air Fryer Elite
Follow these steps to thoroughly clean all interior and exterior components:
Disassembly
Before cleaning, unplug the air fryer and allow it cool completely. The Power Air Fryer Elite basket and other parts become very hot during use, so never clean immediately after cooking.
Once cooled, disassemble the various components for easy cleaning access:
- Remove the basket from the air fryer by pulling straight up and out.
- Take out the crisper plate, which sits on top of the heating element.
- If needed, the heating element can also be removed by unscrewing the two Phillips head screws and pulling up.
With these parts removed, the interior of the appliance can be easily accessed and cleaned.
Cleaning the Fry Basket
The fry basket tends to take the most abuse with grease, oil, and food build up. Follow these steps to clean it thoroughly:
- Use a soft brush or sponge to wipe away any loose food debris from the basket’s surface and mesh sides.
- Fill the basket with hot water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Let soak for 10-15 minutes to loosen any baked on grease or residue.
- Use a soft brush or sponge along with the hot soapy water to scrub inside and outside the basket, including the mesh sides, bottom, and any nooks and crevices.
- Rinse the basket thoroughly with hot water to remove all soap residue.
- Allow to air dry fully before replacing in the air fryer.
For stubborn grease stains in the basket, create a paste of 2 tablespoons baking soda with 1 tablespoon water. Gently scrub the stained areas with the paste using a soft brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly before drying.
Cleaning the Crisper Plate and Heating Element
The crisper plate and heating element are smaller parts that still require regular cleaning.
For these components:
- Wipe away any food debris with a paper towel or soft brush.
- Allow to soak for 10 minutes in hot water and a couple drops of dish soap to loosen residue.
- Scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge or soft brush.
- Rinse thoroughly and let air dry fully before replacing in the air fryer.
Avoid using metal scouring pads or abrasive cleaners on these parts, as they can damage the protective coatings. A soft brush is ideal for cleaning around the heating coils.
Cleaning the Fryer Interior
For the inside of the air fryer:
- Wipe away any easy to remove grease or food debris with a paper towel.
- Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the inside of the appliance, including the walls and any interior crevices.
- Spray down the interior with a hot water and dish soap mixture. Let soak briefly.
- Scrub vigorously with a non-abrasive sponge or soft brush.
- Rinse thoroughly with hot water, removing all soap residue.
- Allow interior to completely air dry before replacing components.
Cleaning the Exterior
Don’t forget to regularly clean the outside surfaces as well:
- Wipe down the exterior of the fryer with a soft, damp cloth.
- If needed, apply a small amount of non-abrasive cleaner designed for stainless steel, plastic, or electronics.
- Buff dry using a clean soft cloth.
Take care not to allow moisture into the interior when cleaning the outside of the appliance.
Cleaning Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to make cleaning the Power Air Fryer Elite even easier:
- Line the basket with parchment paper or a baking liner when cooking especially greasy foods. Then toss the liner after use for easier cleanup.
- Use cooking sprays rather than oils when possible, as excess oil splatters lead to more residue buildup.
- Wipe out loose crumbs and food debris from the basket after each use before washing to prevent sticking.
- Soak baked on grease stains overnight in hot soapy water to better loosen before scrubbing.
- Use a toothpick or soft brush to gently clean between the heating coils.
- Let all parts fully air dry before storage to prevent moisture damage.
- Schedule a deep clean after every 25 uses or so for optimal maintenance.
Implementing these quick tips will make keeping the Power Air Fryer Elite looking like new much simpler.
When to Use Cleaning Solutions
For routine cleaning, simply using hot water, mild soap, and a soft brush or sponge is usually sufficient. However, for occasional deep cleaning, liquid solutions can help tackle stubborn buildup.
Here are instances when using cleaning solutions is recommended:
- Grease or oil residue that soap and water alone cannot remove
- Odors or smoke due to significant food residue buildup
- Noticeable dirtiness around hard to reach crevices and corners
- White mineral deposits on interior surfaces from tap water
- Cloudy appearancing basket mesh that needs rejuvenating
When using cleaning solutions, always select ones specifically designed to be safe for non-stick coatings and electrical kitchen appliances. Avoid harsh chemical or abrasive cleaners.
Some good options are degreasing air fryer cleaner sprays or liquid solutions made for electric cookware. Baking soda pastes also work well for stubborn grease stains. Apply the cleaner according to package directions, then rinse thoroughly.
What Not to Do When Cleaning
There are also some important don’ts to keep in mind when cleaning the Power Air Fryer Elite:
- Don’t spray liquid cleaners directly on the heating element – wipe on instead.
- Don’t use abrasive scouring pads or brushes that can damage surfaces.
- Don’t put the basket or other components in the dishwasher – hand wash only.
- Don’t use harsh bleach solutions or caustic chemical cleaners.
- Don’t wash any parts before fully cooling after use – they will be extremely hot!
Following these guidelines avoids damage and makes the cleaning process easy and safe.
Resetting the Power Air Fryer Elite
After thoroughly cleaning all components, they can be replaced and the appliance reset:
- Allow all parts to fully air dry before replacing in the air fryer.
- Position the crisper plate evenly back on top of the heating element.
- Slide the basket back into place, ensuring it sits securely in position.
- Wipe down the outside of the appliance.
- The Power Air Fryer Elite is now reset and ready for more delicious air frying!
Be sure everything is dry before reassembling to prevent any issues. Take a quick look to make sure debris is removed before starting up the appliance again.
Storing the Power Air Fryer Elite
If storing the Power Air Fryer Elite for an extended period of time:
- Clean the appliance thoroughly first – dry all parts fully.
- Place back in box or cabinet where it will be protected.
- Avoid storage in hot, humid areas prone to allowing moisture damage.
- Upon taking out of storage, clean the appliance fully once again before use.
Proper storage care will help keep the Power Air Fryer Elite in optimal shape when not in regular use.
Troubleshooting Cleaning Issues
While cleaning the Power Air Fryer Elite is usually straightforward, here are some troubleshooting tips for possible issues that may arise:
Burnt On Grease Not Loosening
- Soak problem areas in hot, soapy water for 30 minutes up to overnight.
- Use a baking soda paste, degreasing spray or liquid cleaner made for cookware.
- Gently scrape with a plastic scraper or soft bristled brush.
White Residue Remains After Cleaning
- This is likely mineral deposits from tap water. Wipe down with vinegar or lemon juice.
- Avoid soaking the crisper plate or heating element in water when possible to prevent mineral buildup.
- Thoroughly dry all components after rinsing before replacing.
Discoloration or Cloudy Basket Mesh
- Soak in warm water with denture cleaning tablets to help remove stains.
- Use a powder cleanser made for stainless steel.
- For stubborn buildup, may need to replace basket.
Odor Persists After Cleaning
- Wash all parts again using hot soapy water, rinsing thoroughly.
- Wipe down interior with equal parts water and white vinegar.
- Sprinkle baking soda in the empty basket and run the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F to freshen.
With some persistence, you can get even the dirtiest air fryer super clean!
Conclusion
While it may seem intimidating, cleaning the Power Air Fryer Elite is easy when following the steps outlined. Be sure to fully disassemble all parts and use only non-abrasive cleaners and soft scrubbers. Soak any stubborn residue before scrubbing.
Aim to clean the appliance thoroughly every 5-10 uses. This prevents any significant grease or food build up that becomes more difficult to remove over time. A well-maintained Power Air Fryer Elite will provide you with delicious fried favorites for years to come.