Learning to clean an air fryer well and often extends the life of the appliance, prevents odours and smoke, and makes your food come out better. It isn't complicated: there are few parts and most wash in a minute. Before you start, one rule: your manual rules. Each manufacturer states which parts are dishwasher-safe and which products you can use, and this guide is a general guideline.

1. Unplug the air fryer and wait for it to cool completely.
2. Remove the basket and tray or the drawer, depending on the model.
3. Have on hand hot water, mild dish soap, a non-abrasive sponge and a microfibre cloth.

1. Basket and tray. If the manufacturer says they're dishwasher-safe, you can use the dishwasher. If not, wash them by hand with hot water and mild soap. If there's stuck-on residue, let them soak for a few minutes before scrubbing.
2. Inside of the appliance. Wipe the walls with a damp, well-wrung-out cloth. Never submerge the body of the appliance in water: it contains the electrical parts.
3. Heating element. With the appliance cold, carefully clean the area around the heating element with a soft brush or a damp cloth, especially if grease has splattered. Grease buildup on the element is a common cause of smoke.
4. Exterior and control. A slightly damp cloth is enough. Dry afterward.
5. Dry everything completely before reassembling; moisture can cause odours.

• Metal scouring pads and abrasive products, which damage the nonstick coating of the basket.
• Aerosol cooking sprays in the basket, which some manufacturers advise against because of their effect on the coating; check your manual.
• Submerging the body of the appliance or wetting the control and the electrical area.
• Leaving the grease for another day. The longer it sits, the harder it is to remove.

• Basket and tray: after every use, especially with meat or marinades.
• Interior and heating element: after a certain number of uses or when you see grease splatters. If you often cook fatty foods, do it more frequently.
• Exterior: whenever needed, with a cloth.

Using perforated air fryer liners or silicone moulds makes cleaning easier. Make sure the paper is held down by the food: loose and empty, it can be lifted by the fan's airflow. And if your model splatters a lot, don't overload the basket and dry the food well before cooking.

It depends on the model. Many manufacturers allow it for the basket and tray, but not all. Check your manual.

Soak the removable parts in hot water with mild soap, scrub without abrasives and clean the heating element while the appliance is cold. For the body, use a damp cloth.

A common cause is grease built up on the bottom or on the heating element, or cooking very fatty foods at high temperature. Clean thoroughly and, if it persists, contact the manufacturer's service department.

• Air Fryer Guides: How to Choose, Use and Maintain Yours
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• What to Cook in an Air Fryer on Your First Day
• Air Fryer Recipes: Easy, Quick and with Approximate Times