Small Kitchen Appliances

Air fryers are popular because they cook food quickly with less oil. But like any small appliance, they can have problems. A common issue is when the air fryer stops heating properly. Often, this is simply because the heating element is covered in built-up grease and food crumbs. Unplug the appliance and let it cool completely. Then, use a soft brush or a damp cloth to gently clean the coil you can see inside the cooking chamber. Never use metal scouring pads, as they can damage the element. Making sure the basket and tray are also very clean can improve airflow and heating, fixing many performance problems.

Another frequent complaint is a basket that won’t slide in smoothly or a button that feels stuck. This is almost always due to grease and grime getting into the tracks and seams. For a sticky basket, wash the basket and the inside walls of the fryer with warm, soapy water, paying close attention to the grooves the basket sits in. For stuck buttons, unplug the unit and use a cotton swab dipped in a little rubbing alcohol to clean around the edges of the button. Let it dry fully before plugging it back in. Always remember: safety first. If your air fryer has a damaged cord, makes strange noises, or still doesn’t work after basic cleaning, it’s best to contact the manufacturer instead of trying to take it apart yourself.