Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Health, Food and Drink, Air Fryer
Britt Jones
The air fryer trend is probably one of the best food gadgets to come around for a long time, but one thing you could be doing is putting your health at risk.
This is all thanks to the fact that users don’t need to put oil in the fryers - it’s been a hit with those who are trying to be healthier, those who want a quick meal and those who have no time to slave over a hob for hours every evening (me).
But what air fryer-users might not know is that they really need to be putting in the effort to maintain them if they want to keep their health.
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Okay, so scrubbing an air fryer is a pain in the ass, especially if it’s covered in grease, but if you don’t, you could become pretty sick.
That’s because of the way a layer of grime can transform over the days. So, if you don’t wash it after each use, here’s what you need to know.
Martin Senders, a Philips in-house air fryer expert explained that it’s all about what could ‘grow’ in it.
He shared: “The combination of leftover food, moisture, and grease in your Airfryer creates the perfect environment for mould to grow - and since air fryers are used so often in the household, it can often go unnoticed.”
But don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s only the basket you need to be soaking in fairy liquid.
He explained: “Mould can grow in more areas than just the air fryer basket. For instance, if your air fryer has a crisper plate at the bottom of the basket - these can usually be removed for cleaning.
"It’s essential to not neglect this step as the space underneath and around the crisper plate can trap fat and moisture.”
Louise Allen, co-founder of Fountain Filters, told LeicestershireLive: "Exposure to mould can lead to a range of health issues, from minor allergic reactions like sneezing and skin rashes to more severe respiratory problems, particularly for those with asthma or weakened immune systems.
"As we prepare for the colder months, when mould tends to thrive in the damp and poorly ventilated areas of our homes, it’s more important than ever to be vigilant."
So, your chicky nuggies could create an environment which makes you poorly if you’re not careful.
Another disaster zone could be the element itself, which Martin says is ‘overlooked’.
He added: “Don’t forget the heating element at the top of your air fryer, which is often overlooked. It can easily trap grease from splattering oily foods, creating a hidden spot where mould can develop.
“Many manufacturers will caution you against cleaning this element - as introducing water and soap to the internal workings of your air fryer is a big no no. However, still check the unit regularly for buildups of grease and moisture, to ensure mould is not forming.”
Because ‘certain foods - particularly those with high liquid’ - can make your fryer easy to mould, such as fish, vegetables or meats.
He said: “One of the worst things you can do is leave your Airfryer basket in the unit when dirty. After you’ve cooked, even if you’re not cleaning it straight away, remove the basket so the food is not in contact with the rest of your air fryer - doing so will only encourage bacteria to grow.”
So, let’s be honest, that’s all of us who’ve been doing that… right?