Air fryer users given concerning warning if they use it more than a traditional oven

If getting home from work and chucking your dinner straight into the air fryer sounds like something you'd do then listen up, as you'll want to be doing this to keep your machine in top condition.

Air fryers have absolutely exploded in popularity over the past couple of years as more and more Brits ditch their traditional ovens in favour of the smaller and generally more affordable alternative.

However, air fryer aficionados need to be clued up when it comes to getting the most out of their machine, which includes being aware of key cleaning rules.

Unless you enjoy marinating your dinner in the left over juices and burnt bits of last week's meal.

What is the best way to clean an air fryer?

But how often is enough I hear you ask? Well, that's all down to how much you use the machine.

Here to save us from hours of painful chiseling away grease from our air fryers is Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at High Speed Training, who explained that a light clean after every use is best along side a less frequent deep clean.

"It’s recommended that you give your air fryer a light clean after every use and a deeper clean every month, or every few uses if you regularly cook greasy foods," he told The Daily Express.

Going on to reveal the best tips for getting your air fryer looking brand new, he continued: "For a monthly deep clean, you’ll need to clean all the accessories and inside the appliance more thoroughly to remove burnt-on food, grease and odours.

It's recommended to give your air fryer a light clean after every use (Getty Stock Image)

"For stubborn, baked-on grease, try filling the tray or drawer with water, drop in a dishwasher tablet and leave to soak overnight. Then, simply rinse clean the next day."

Dr Anderson also warned against chucking your air fryer tray in the dishwasher, as this can 'strip the non-stick coating on the air fryer components' from your machine.

It's also important not to submerge the appliance's heating element, as this could see you needing a costly replacement.

And don't even think about trying out those viral cleaning hacks you've seen on social media, unless you'd like a visit from your local fire service.

With a deeper clean depending on how often you use your model (Getty Stock Image)

Why is it important to clean your air fryer?

If the idea of nice tasting food doesn't appeal to you then maybe you'd like to know that cleaning your air fryer is also important for your health, especially if your appliance is a non-stick one.

Like non-stick pans and other cookware, certain air fryers may be covered in a 'forever chemical' known as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which are associated with an increased risk of certain cancers.

However, this is only a problem if the air fryer's lining is damaged, which gives you all the more incentive to follow the manufacturer's cleaning guidelines.