Last week, I found myself tumbling down internet rabbit holes in search of air fryer cleaning shortcuts. If it promises less scrubbing, I am all in.
One trick that kept coming up was soaking the air fryer basket in hot water with a dishwashing tablet. Supposedly, this means no scrubbing. But does it really work?
So how does this hack actually work?
Dubbed the “easiest air fryer cleaning hack”, TikTok user @carolina.mccauley demonstrates just how effortless it is.
The video shows her popping a dishwashing tablet into the air fryer basket, pouring boiling water over it until it’s covered. She then lets it soak for 10 minutes. Next, she pours the water out, rinses the air fryer basket under a tap, lets it dry, and pops it back into the base, ready to use again.
The idea behind this hack is simple. Dishwasher tablets are packed with concentrated cleaning agents that break down grease, loosen baked-on food, and cut through stubborn oils—the same way they do in a dishwasher, just on a smaller scale.
My results
My air fryer, much like my laundry sink, had definitely seen better days. It was a two-tablet situation.
As the tablets fizzed away, the water turned a murky colour, and I could see the gunk freeing itself from the basket. It was both gross and oddly satisfying. When I poured the water out, most of the baked-on grease and food had loosened up.
After a quick rinse, I still had to wipe the basket, but that took care of most of it.
Was it spotless? Not quite. There were still a few stubborn spots in the corners, but honestly, compared to how grimy it was before, the difference was huge.
Overall, the hack worked with minimal scrubbing. I can’t say there was none, but the hard work was already done for me. The effectiveness probably depends on how dirty your air fryer is to begin with.
Would I try it again?
Yes, but only when my air fryer is in desperate need of a reset. For everyday upkeep, I’ll stick with a quick wash using dish soap—it’s faster and keeps the mess from building up.
Still, I’m keeping this trick in my back pocket for the next time my air fryer looks too scary to tackle.
A better tip
Many TikTok users reported the hack worked well for them, but others chimed in with practical advice.
“A better tip is to use a silicon mat or wax/baking paper inside. Just throw the paper when you’re done, or clean the mat,” wrote one person.
Another added: “I just pop mine in the dishwasher and that’s it; but it’s dishwasher safe.”
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