Air fryer enthusiasts have been left horrified after learning about a hidden part of the machine that can get filthy without you ever realizing.
Every new device comes with instructions on how to properly care for and clean it, and pretty much every new device owner treats this information the same way: as merely an obstacle to actually getting to use it.
Don’t let the thought of food distract you from cleaning! (TikTok/@justcleanit)
You might give the booklet a quick flick through and take note of how to properly cook chicken wings, but chances are a lot of the information is overlooked. Now one video has shown why that’s a problem.
The shocking revelation came in a clip posted by Just Clean It, which showed the TikToker opening up a compartment at the bottom of their air fryer.
The section appeared to house a heating element, but that wasn’t the only thing it was hiding.
Around the edges of the machine was a thick layer of dirt and grease, presumably having built up over multiple uses.
The TikToker showed their attempt at cleaning the hidden section as they sprayed a bit of cleaning product and tried to scrub it away, but while the towel came away filthy, it appeared to have little affect on the grease itself.
Desperate for advice on the best way to clean the machine, they wrote: “Is there a proper way to clean this or should I just pretend I didn’t notice?”
How do you clean the top of an airfryer? #cleantok #cleanwithme #cleaningtiktok #helpme #justcleanit
♬ original sound – Just Clean It
Viewers were left horrified after realizing their own machines could be just as filthy, with one person responding: “I choose [to] ignore this video and continue with my life. Thank you very much.”
Another joked: “The underside of my air fryer is none of my business.”
While a third promoted the approach of blissful ignorance, saying: “i’m gonna just pretend my air fryer doesn’t have this part and never lift mine up.”
There were some people offering useful tips for cleaning the fryer, including the use of boiling water, lemon juice, and a bristle brush.
The grease had built up on the inside of the fryer (TikTok/@justcleanit)
One person even shared a tip from the elusive instruction manual, saying: “A new air fryer my work got in the instruction manual said to run it for 15 mins at 350 to run off any remaining grease residue.”
If you’re concerned about the cleanliness of your own air fryer, it’s best to look in the manual to find tips for the specific make and model.
However, there is also general advice for air fryers, which include washing removable parts in warm, soapy water, and using a damp cloth to wipe down the heating element once the fryer is unplugged.
And, if you’re thinking about ignoring the dirt altogether, just keep in mind that it’s definitely better to clean the machine than let all that grease and grime build up!