Owning an air fryer can be a game-changer for whipping up quick dinners when you’re pressed for time or feeling low on energy.

Yet, keeping this handy appliance clean can be quite a task, especially after cooking foods that are high in grease or oil that get stuck to the bottom of the tray.

One item that people tend to forget about when scrubbing their air-fryer is the heating element – although it requires maintenance just as much as the other parts.

Although it doesn’t need cleaning after every use, it’s wise to inspect it regularly to prevent grime buildup.

Experts at Studio told the Irish Examiner that residue on the heating element can lead to burning, potentially damaging the appliance and producing unpleasant odours during use.

To keep the element in good condition, gently clean it with a cloth or a toothbrush to remove any grease.

Meanwhile, TikTok user @cleaningwithdanielled took to the site to show how she cleans her air fryer with dishwasher tablets.

Danielle explained that you need to “pop one dishwasher tablet in each drawer”, and then “leave them to soak in boiling water for around half an hour”.

If you don’t already have dishwasher tablets handy, then you can purchase them cheaply from Morrisons at £1.99 for 40, making each one just 5p.

When you’ve done that you need to “empty and rinse”, and in the video, lots of grime can be seen getting poured down the drain.

“The dishwasher tablets will actually break down all the fats and oils”, she explained, “so it can go down your drain.” She described the method as her “favourite” as it’s “so quick and easy to do.”

In the comments, someone said that they put theirs “in the dishwasher,” but Danielle warned: “It actually breaks them quicker if put in the dishwasher, so hand washing will longer [sic] the lifespan.”

Someone else suggested: “Kitchen paper folded twice straight in after food is out move it round using silicone spatula wipe with dishcloth once cool cheaper and easier.”