Easy off is widely popular as an oven and grill cleaner, and its use even extends over to surfaces such as countertops, cabinets, stovetop and even the sink.
But can you actually use it in certain appliances in the kitchen for instance, the air fryer?
Can Easy Off go in the air fryer?
While air fryer and air fryer components are made using materials that can withstand the application of Easy Off on them, it’s still not recommended to clean them using the product for fear that it may persist on their surface and migrate onto food. Easy Off contains really harsh chemicals that can burn the skin, eyes, cause problems in the nasal passage when inhaled and even pose a threat to the health when ingested even at small dosage.
Is Easy Off safe?
Depending on the variety of Easy Off we’re talking of, safety may or may not be a serious concern.
The Easy Off products like the “professional and heavy duty” ones are typically made using harsh chemicals to offer that rugged cleaning action, but at the same time they can give off toxic fumes and also irritate the skin and the eyes when they get on them.
These products, also, when they get into the body through residues that remain on items cleaned using them, for example grill racks and oven racks, can pose serious health risks.
With that said however, there are definitely techniques outlined by Easy Off themselves on how you can actually protect yourself from the harmful effect of their cleaners, which include using protective rubber gloves, spraying at a distance of no less than 10 feet, using protective eyewear and also using a nose mask.
If you’re already scared of using Easy Off in the oven or grill, just know that there isn’t a cleaner out that is particularly “safe” especially when ingested.
If you should get a cleaner onto your plate or food and consume it accidentally, it can cause problems, but the degree of problems it can cause is where the difference lies between Easy Off and the rest of the cleaners.
So always make sure to heed to the instructions on the product label to keep yourself safe and also to protect the surfaces and finishes of your items.
Why you shouldn’t use Easy Off Cleaner in an air fryer?
As you might have guessed by now, the reason why it’s not recommended to use easy off in an air fryer is because of its toxicity, in addition to the fact that Easy Off themselves do not recommend using it inside an air fryer.
We’re talking about a compact appliance that prepares the food, and while Easy Off will do a great job at releasing any stuck on bits of grease, grime and gunk, putting it in the appliance is really not worth the risk. You just might not be able to get rid of the residue completely and that can be a source of health concern.
Besides, an air fryer is one of those appliances that is quite easy to clean.
You can actually put the basket in the dishwasher alongside other accessories to clean, if you don’t want to wash them by hand.
Put the air fryer basket on the top rack of the dishwasher (after manually removing any stuck bits on it using a soft brush) and the other accessories such as the outer basket holder, food separator insert, rotating mesh basket, air flow racks, drip tray and skewers on the top or bottom part of the dishwasher, depending on how they fit. Run a normal cycle and dry cycle and you’re good to go.
If you do choose to wash them by hand, then it’s not that complicated too. Make a solution of dishwasher detergent and warm water and soak the items in the solution, making sure to remove any solid bits on them first.
Let them sit for about 15 to 30 minutes to loosen up the soiling on them, then gently go over them using a soft sponge to wipe them clean. Rinse thoroughly and let dry.
Can you clean air fryer accessories using Easy Off?
When it comes to the air fryer accessories like the food separator insert, skewer, air flow racks, drip tray, rotating mesh basket and the outer basket holder, you can actually use Easy Off to remove stubborn stains on them, although the safest and least costly option is to use warm soapy water and some elbow grease.
For the Easy Off product to use, opt for the Easy Off Fume Free Oven Cleaner or the Easy Off Degreaser, as these are the less harsh options from Easy Off.
When you apply these on the accessories, make sure you thoroughly wash any residue with water to really make sure no chemical persists on them.
Here’s how to actually apply the Easy Off Fume Free Oven Cleaner.
While wearing rubber gloves, place the accessory on a newspaper lined over a pavement or a utility sink.
From a distance of 8 inches away, spray the solution generously on the accessory. Let it sit for about 30 to 40 minutes then use a sponge to thoroughly go over the accessory. Rinse thoroughly with water and you’re good to go.
If you’re using the Easy Off Cleaner Degreaser, then you don’t have to wait, you can just simply apply it on the accessory, then go over it with a sponge and rinse thoroughly with water.
What product can you use to clean an air fryer?
When it comes to cleaning an air fryer, you really don’t have to go fancy with cleaning products. Your simple dishwasher detergent should do the trick, and if you need to get onto those really tough grease and gunk, you can make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it in a gentle and circular motion to the specific area that requires soft abrasion.
The key to maintaining an air fryer is basically regular maintenance. If you’re able to keep up with the regular maintenance of your air fryer, then you shouldn’t have any problems with the appliance.
