# Anyone use an air fryer? And try to get it clean? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [May 2, 2023, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473 "2023-05-02T15:21:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Airbeck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/airbeck/32/6574_2.png) [@Airbeck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airbeck)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2023, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473/21 "2023-05-02T19:40:07Z")
One of the cool things he pointed out (the YouTube guy), was you can roast chicken in the air fryer (even a whole cut up one), and all the fat drains through to the bottom tray. Then when it’s done you have beautifully roasted chicken, but you also have the chicken fat or schmaltz you can pour into a container for cooking something else later. ---
**Author:** ![WellHelloThere](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/9dc877/32.png) [@WellHelloThere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WellHelloThere)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2023, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473/22 "2023-05-02T19:40:44Z")
Are these meats that you cooked all breaded when you put them in there? ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2023, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473/23 "2023-05-02T19:41:44Z")
> [@WellHelloThere](#): > > I am sorry are people shoving raw bacon, or any meat into their air fryers regularly? Don’t do that. Its not for cooking meat at all really. Im sure you could but the convenience aspect of the thing would be totally lost. And the meat wouldnt be very good. > [@Airbeck](#): > > I’ve cooked raw chicken, salmon, and cod in my air fryer and they’ve all turned out amazing. I’ve cooked steak in ours, with the liner insert. Turned out great but made the place really smoky! ---
**Author:** ![WellHelloThere](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/9dc877/32.png) [@WellHelloThere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WellHelloThere)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2023, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473/24 "2023-05-02T19:48:12Z")
Lol. I will have to try. ---
**Author:** ![Airbeck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/airbeck/32/6574_2.png) [@Airbeck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airbeck)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2023, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473/25 "2023-05-02T19:50:31Z")
I’ve done breaded cod, which turned out delicious. Marinated/glazed salmon was great, and for chicken wings/legs I usually just toss with olive oil and seasonings. ---
**Author:** ![WellHelloThere](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/9dc877/32.png) [@WellHelloThere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WellHelloThere)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2023, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473/26 "2023-05-02T19:56:23Z")
My main point was, any meat will make your machine very dirty. Bacon will make it extremely dirty. You will want to clean the parts that are not detachable as well. I can’t really testify as to the taste, but it is apparently very good, I will have to try it some time. ---
**Author:** ![WellHelloThere](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/9dc877/32.png) [@WellHelloThere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WellHelloThere)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2023, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473/27 "2023-05-02T19:57:20Z")
Ok thanks, I will try ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2023, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473/28 "2023-05-02T20:30:14Z")
> [@slicedalone](#): > > But this is the worst of both worlds. I tried one for a week or two. Crappy (or at best Underwhelming) results, impossible to clean and took up half the counter (right next to the perfectly good stove/oven I’ve used for 22 years). Boxed it up and took it back for a refund. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2023, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473/29 "2023-05-02T20:43:18Z")
There are several types of air fryers. Mine is a toaster oven. It works incredibly well and I occasionally cook some fatty meats in it. It has a basket, drip tray, second bottom tray, door and internal surfaces. All respond well to oven cleaner and removable parts to an additional soak in dish detergent. After years of heavy use, the trays and parts look clean, but not new. ---
**Author:** ![phs3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8491ac/32.png) [@phs3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phs3)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2023, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473/30 "2023-05-02T21:22:37Z")
Eh? Our [Cosori](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085W3GN5J) is definitely dishwasher-safe. I wouldn’t have bought it if not–I have enough nasty \*\*\*\* to clean! So…“You bought the wrong one” ☹ ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2023, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473/31 "2023-05-02T22:28:10Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > They have manuals? According to the OP. My tip: massage a tilapia filet with Duke’s Mayonnaise. Then pat on some breadcrumbs (wear nitrile gloves, you born in a barn?). Spritz both sides with a tiny bit of aerosolized oil. Air-fry. Turn once if you wanna show off. ETA: for reasons of transparency, I should mention that I receive renumeration in exchange for this post from the fine folks at Duke’s. ---
**Author:** ![Airbeck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/airbeck/32/6574_2.png) [@Airbeck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airbeck)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2023, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473/32 "2023-05-02T22:30:10Z")
I have the same exact one. I love it. Use it all the time. I didn’t realize it was dishwasher safe. Both baskets? ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2023, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473/33 "2023-05-02T23:02:38Z")
Get a worthy piece of lamb or salmon. Spray it with oil, than cover it with a thick layer of grainy old-fashioned mustard. Easy and awesome when air cooked. Still looking for the perfect quick potato recipe though. ---
**Author:** ![phs3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8491ac/32.png) [@phs3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phs3)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2023, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473/34 "2023-05-02T23:07:57Z")
Yes! Note that the Amazon listing even says ‘Dishwasher safe’ in the title. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2023, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473/35 "2023-05-03T01:25:42Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > My tip: massage a tilapia filet That is as far as I will go. Folks who raise fish put tilapia into dirty pools to eat the poop of previous fish who dirtied the pool. Besides, fish are friends and pets, not food. ---
**Author:** ![Tibby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tibby/32/17030_2.png) [@Tibby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tibby)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2023, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473/36 "2023-05-03T01:53:18Z")
I use my air fryer at least once a day. Today I used it to air-fry coconut shrimp for lunch and cornbread to accompany my Instant Pot chili for dinner. I haven’t fired up my regular oven in months. I typically put the food in a tin pie pan or on an air-fryer [liner](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=deep+fryer+liners&crid=1JP35N9CEKJ5M&sprefix=deep+frier+liner%2Caps%2C127&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_16) to keep the basket relatively clean. A quick soap and hot water rinse every once in a while is all it needs. ---
**Author:** ![salinqmind1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/958977/32.png) [@salinqmind1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind1)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2023, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473/37 "2023-05-03T15:16:03Z")
Cut up small potatoes in half, or larger ones in 1" cubes. Toss with olive oil, Lawrys seasoned salt, and any other things you like: rosemary, garlic, onion. Cook, 400 degrees 8-10 minutes, flip, and cook another 8-10 minutes till nicely roasted. Better than any fries or tots…Hot dogs cook like a dream - just cook in the basket to your preferred state - barely warmed or charred - remove them, insert into buns with a strip of cheese and put these back for a minute or two. Buns get toasted, cheese gets melted, the only thing to wash is the basket. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2023, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473/38 "2023-05-03T15:26:19Z")
> [@salinqmind1](#): > > Cut up small potatoes in half, or larger ones in 1" cubes. Toss with olive oil, Lawrys seasoned salt, and any other things you like: rosemary, garlic, onion. Cook, 400 degrees 8-10 minutes, flip, and cook another 8-10 minutes till nicely roasted. Better than any fries or tots Agree. This is the way we do it, but we are lazier and just shake the basket a little at the halfway point rather than flip the taters (unless flip=shake). > [@salinqmind1](#): > > …a strip of cheese… Uhh, you lost me there. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![salinqmind1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/958977/32.png) [@salinqmind1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind1)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2023, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473/39 "2023-05-03T15:52:35Z")
It was only a suggestion! 😁 ---
**Author:** ![medstar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@medstar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/medstar)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2023, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473/40 "2023-05-03T16:21:08Z")
I’ve read a tip that says to pour a 1/4 cup of water in the bottom of the basket, then place the bacon, chicken, etc. on a stand which holds it above the bottom so that the grease doesn’t smoke when it drips from the meat. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-an-air-fryer-and-try-to-get-it-clean/983473.md?page=3)