Air fryers have become incredibly popular in recent years as a healthy way to cook crispy favorites like french fries, chicken wings, and more using little to no oil. The Breville line of air fryers is a top choice for many home chefs. But with all that air frying, how easy are these appliances to clean?
The Benefits of Air Frying
First, let’s look at why air frying has become so popular. Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to cook food. The high-speed fan and heating element produces a convection effect that gives food a light, crispy texture while using minimal oil. This makes air frying a healthier alternative to deep frying.
Some key benefits of air frying include:
- Uses up to 75% less fat than deep frying
- Produces crispy “fried” foods with fewer calories
- Does not require oil changes like deep fryers
- Preheats more quickly than ovens
- Cooks food evenly and thoroughly
- Easy to use with preset programs
Air frying makes it simple to enjoy traditionally unhealthy fried favorites in a healthier way. The circulating hot air crisps up the outside to a golden brown without the grease of deep frying. It’s no wonder so many people have embraced this cooking method.
Introducing the Breville Air Fryers
Within the air fryer market, Breville is one of the most trusted and recommended brands. Breville air fryers come in a variety of sizes and designs to fit different needs and kitchens.
Here is an overview of some of Breville’s top air fryer models:
The Smart Oven Air Fryer
This large-capacity air fryer (up to 6 slices of toast or a 14-inch pizza) pulls double duty as a regular toaster oven. It has an LCD screen and preset cooking functions. The dual convection fans provide super quick cooking times.
The Compact Air Fryer
With 1.8 liter basket capacity, this is a good choice for smaller households. It still fits up to 850g of fries or a whole chicken. The digital touch screen has 8 presets and 180 to 400°F temperature range.
The Fast Slow Pro Air Fryer
Breville’s highest-end air fryer has a 6 quart capacity and an LCD display with 11 preset functions. It can both air fry and slow cook or pressure cook. The combination of technologies allows for super versatile cooking.
No matter which model you choose, Breville air fryers are designed to deliver fast, crispy, evenly cooked results. The powerful heating elements, optimized airflow, and digital precision make these top-rated appliances.
Factors That Affect Air Fryer Cleaning
Now that we know the advantages of air frying and the features of Breville air fryers, how easy are these appliances to clean? There are several factors that impact how much effort it takes to clean an air fryer.
Cooking Oils
While air frying uses minimal oil, a small amount of cooking oil is still needed for most recipes. Leftover oil residue will need to be cleaned out of the fryer basket and possibly other components.
Breading and Batter
Many air fryer recipes call for a light coating or breading on foods. Fryer baskets with lots of nooks and crannies can allow leftover crumbs to accumulate.
Grease and Drippings
Foods like chicken wings, French fries, and roasts will release grease and juices during cooking. These drippings spread throughout the interior and must be cleaned out.
Air Fryer Design
The design of the appliance itself impacts cleaning difficulty. Models with more detachable parts allow for easier cleaning. Nonstick coatings also cut down on stuck-on residue.
Keep these factors in mind as we look at how easy it is to clean the various Breville air fryer components.
Cleaning the Fryer Basket
The fryer basket takes the most abuse during air frying. It’s subjected to oil drippings, food particles, and high heat. Thorough cleaning keeps it in top frying condition.
The Breville Basket Design
Breville air fryer baskets are made from stainless steel and feature a nonstick coating. The heavy duty metal construction allows the baskets to withstand high heat. The nonstick interior prevents food and oil residue from sticking on.
Breville baskets are also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The combination of nonstick and dishwasher safe makes cleaning the fryer basket quite simple.
Tips for Cleaning Breville Baskets
To clean Breville fryer baskets:
- Remove large debris with paper towels after cooking.
- Wash with hot soapy water using a sponge or dish brush.
- For stuck-on residue, fill with hot water and let soak for 10 minutes before scrubbing.
- Use baking soda and a scrub brush to remove odors and stains.
- Run through the dishwasher for wet or dry cycles.
- Avoid abrasive scouring pads that can damage the coating.
The combination of nonstick coating and stainless steel construction makes Breville’s fry baskets quite simple to clean by hand or dishwasher.
Cleaning the Fryer Basket Holder
The basket holder is the component that slots into the air fryer and holds the basket in place during cooking. It takes less direct heat and splatter than the basket, but still benefits from regular cleaning.
Design of Breville Basket Holders
Breville basket holders are made from plastic and are detachable from the air fryer. The plastic material won’t corrode or degrade like metal over time. Being able to remove the holder makes cleaning much more convenient.
Cleaning Tips
Follow these tips for cleaning a Breville basket holder:
- Remove large food debris with a spatula after cooking.
- Wash with hot water and mild detergent using a soft sponge.
- For tough grease stains, degrease with baking soda and scrub lightly.
- If dishwasher-safe, wash on top rack on low heat dry cycle.
- Avoid metal scouring pads or brushes that can scratch the plastic.
The smooth plastic design prevents major buildup inside the holder. And being detachable makes it much easier to access all areas and thoroughly clean.
Cleaning the Fryer Pan
The bottom pan or cooking pot is where excess grease, drippings, and crumbs collect during the air fryer cooking process. Thorough cleaning prevents any burnt on residue.
Breville Fryer Pan Design
Breville air fryer pans are made from aluminum and coated with a durable nonstick layer. This allows for even heat conductivity and easy release of foods. The pans are located under the heating element for direct heat transfer.
Cleaning Tips
Here are some recommendations for cleaning the fryer pan:
- Carefully dispose of hot grease after cooking and wipe with paper towels.
- Allow pan to cool fully before scrubbing to avoid burning hands.
- Wash with hot soapy water and a soft brush or sponge.
- For tough baked-on residue, fill pan with warm water and let soak before scrubbing.
- Use baking soda or a degreaser for residue that won’t come off.
- Avoid using metal scrubbers or scouring pads to protect the coating.
The Breville fry pans clean up nicely with warm soapy water and a sponge in most cases. Degreasers help tackle any stubborn grease or food buildup.
Cleaning the Interior Fryer Walls
In addition to the removable parts, the interior cavity and walls of the fryer will need occasional cleaning. This prevents grease splatter buildup over time.
Breville Air Fryer Interiors
The inside of Breville air fryers is made from stainless steel just like the baskets. This allows it to withstand high heat from the heating element. The metal interior makes the inside cavity very durable.
Cleaning Tips
To clean the interior walls and cavity:
- Wipe down walls with paper towel after cooking to remove splatter.
- Wash walls with warm soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth.
- Avoid using metal scrubbers or scouring pads to prevent scratching.
- For stubborn grease, spray with degreaser and let sit before scrubbing.
- If needed, detach heating element and clean the ceiling of the fryer.
Regular wiping and washing of the interior prevents major buildup over time. taking the heating element out allows access to clean the upper cavity if needed.
Cleaning the Exterior
Finally, the exterior housing of the air fryer needs to be kept clean. This includes the outside walls and control panels.
Breville Exterior Design
Breville air fryers feature a sleek exterior design with stainless steel, black plastic, or a combination. The control panels have LCD/LED displays and touch buttons.
Cleaning Tips
Here are some tips for cleaning the outside of a Breville air fryer:
- Wipe down the exterior with a soft damp cloth after each use.
- Use a stainless steel cleaner and soft cloth on stainless steel housings.
- Clean control panels with a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching.
- Never spray cleaner directly on the controls – spray onto cloth instead.
- Check manual for whether panels can be detached before cleaning.
With regular gentle cleaning, the exterior housing of the fryer will maintain its sleek appearance. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbers.
Pro Tips for Easy Air Fryer Cleaning
To make cleaning any air fryer (including Breville models) even easier, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Line the basket with parchment paper or a silicone mat for less mess.
- Remove and empty the grease tray after each use when it’s easier to clean.
- Take apart components and clean after every few uses to prevent buildup.
- Run the empty fryer for a few minutes at 400°F to burn off residue every month.
- Use degreasers like baking soda and lemon juice to dissolve grime.
- Let stuck-on food soak in water before scrubbing for quick removal.
Implementing these tips will minimize the mess during cooking for quicker and easier cleanup afterwards.
Conclusion
Here are the key takeaways on cleaning Breville air fryers:
- Breville air fryer baskets have nonstick coatings and are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- Plastic basket holders are smooth and detachable to access any residue.
- Nonstick aluminum fry pans wipe clean with warm soapy water and sponges.
- Stainless steel interiors are durable but need grease wiped out after cooking.
- Control panels and exteriors clean up nicely with soft damp cloths. Avoid abrasives.
- Regular cleaning and using liners prevents major buildup.
While no kitchen appliance remains spotless forever, Breville air fryers are designed for simple cleaning. Following basic cleaning tips after each use prevents excessive buildup or grease residue over time. With the right methods, keeping a Breville air fryer sparkling clean is quick and hassle-free.