Have I destroyed my air fryer? Advice needed please

Have you tried gently cleaning the element with some ordinary washing up liquid put onto a well rung out dishcloth? It might help to soften and remove any residue. It might need several applications before everything comes ff.
You can also buy, from Lakeland, cleaning spray for air fryers. I’ve never used it, but it might do the trick - might be more cost effective than buying a new air fryers.

I’ve had a quick Google, typing in “removing plastic residue from air fryers” and one method is the one I’ve suggested (unplugging air fryers of course). The other method advises moving the air fryer to a well ventilated spot, away from smoke detectors, even outdoors, then remove all the baskets and turn on fryer to 200 degrees C for about 20 minutes which should burn off any plastic residue. It will smoke. Then, once cooled, clean with washing up liquid on a well wrung out cloth.
I hope you have success 🤞

Something similar happened to me although I did catch it really quickly. I think it was a Good Housekeeping article that recommended using a soft toothbrush or cleaning brush to gently brush the element - it did loosen some stuck on bits and I've had no trouble since then. I just bought a soft bristle toothbrush.

Panic over. I let it cool down, picked the little bits of burnt plastic off the element, wiped it over with a damp cloth and bingo! It's okay again.

Thanks everybody for your advice.

That’s good news Supernana1. I’m pleased you’ve been able to clean it off.

Useful to know as I'm planning on buying one...

I bought one but haven't dared use it.
Think I'll stick with microwave and kettle.
And sandwiches. And milk.
Peace of mind.

welbeck I haven't used the oven for years. I love my air fryer and am now on the 3rd. I am careful about what I cook in it. I am no cook, but the only disaster was a huge leg of turkey.

There’s nothing to fear using an air fryer welbeck. Just think of it as a small oven. Obviously, there are some things you can’t cook in it because you can’t, for example heat up a large amount of fat or oil to roast potatoes like you can in the larger cavity oven which has more space for the roasting dish you’d cook them in.

However, you can use oil, just small amounts coated on the food you wish to cook, if the recipe calls for oil, and you can have roast style potatoes which you coat in a small amount of oil after par boiling which makes them crispy.

Do give yours a try - it will probably have come with a few recipes to get you started, but you can find plenty on line. I find it cooks salmon fillets and chicken breast beautifully, for example.

I'd agree with Ziplock - there's nothing to fear. Since I got my airfryer I haven't used the oven at all, apart from heating plates for hot food and that only takes a few minutes.

Try it - you'll be surprised at how quick, handy and easy it is.

I also love my AF - the only thing I will add is that I’ve also had it happen (more than once) e.g. that baking paper that I’ve cut too big (for lining) touches the element and I discover it when I smell burning. The fan is very strong. I’m careful now never to put anything in there that can ‘fly up’.

I regularly clean the element when it is cool, using kitchen towel.

Have any of you got a magical way of cleaning the airfryer basket? I wash mine after every use using hot washing up water (fairy liquid) and pan brush but it doesn’t come up as clean as I would like. I have tried soaking overnight with a dishwasher tablet but still not happy. Am I too fussy. Tefal have been useless with their ‘advice’.

I'm not sure about the idea of an AF. Bit stuck in my ways perhaps.

StripeyGran

I'm not sure about the idea of an AF. Bit stuck in my ways perhaps.

I'm wary of them too.

I was going to buy one because we have a new oven and I didn't want to dirty it but there are a few scare stories about air fryers in the news every now and then.

So far, no.

gransruleok

Have any of you got a magical way of cleaning the airfryer basket? I wash mine after every use using hot washing up water (fairy liquid) and pan brush but it doesn’t come up as clean as I would like. I have tried soaking overnight with a dishwasher tablet but still not happy. Am I too fussy. Tefal have been useless with their ‘advice’.

There was a warning on the news the other day about filling them with water and washing up liquid then turning them on.
It's a fire hazard apparently.

For stubborn, burned-on food, you can create a paste of baking soda and water, apply it, let it sit for 20 minutes, then gently scrub with an old toothbrush, or let the parts soak in hot soapy water for a few minutes.

I'm not afraid from a safety angle, more afraid that it will sit on the side and gather dust!

😁

Another nice gadget to admire!

My air fryer basket fits in my dishwasher. I now put a liner in the air fryer each time I use it, and I may buy a cheap silicone one from Amazon. I don't have to wash the basket each time it is used.

I think the plasticbag had probably mellted on the element.It will eventially burn off.You could try cleaning it.with a brillo pad..good luck

Pomgirl, the OP kindly informed us a while ago that she had solved her problem, if you read the thread.

Dont be afraid of the Airfryer Allira I haven’t used an oven once since having my AF, 2 and a half years ago, would not be without it.
What I do is cut the greaseproof paper bigger than the removable bottom piece snd tuck it firmly under it so the paper can’t fly up and the shelf stays clean
I use it for everything including my morning toast as I no longer have a toaster and it works fine as a toaster too.

I'm not sure what 'the bottom piece' is, but using liners and greaseproof paper/foil can defeat the point of an air fryer, which doesn't fry, but uses circulating air to cook the food. Liners prevent air from circulating, and paper or foil can fly onto elements and burn.

I'm not trying to be a know-all, and realise that AFs come in many different designs so the above may not apply in all cases, but do make sure that air can circulate all around the food, and don't block ventilation holes with anything.

I have a Cosori AF which is a single bucket that goes in the dishwasher, as does the tray so I've stopped using liners in mine. I just wipe both pieces down with kitchen towel and stick them in the dishwasher.

My removable bottom piece is like a thin shelf half an inch off the bottom Doodledog so the paper doesn’t stop any air circulating and it’s tucked under so can’t fly I ve never had any problems in 2 and a half years using it