On our website, we hear a lot of different air fryer issues. The most common is the air fryer rusting. What should I do if my air fryer is rusting?
The craze isn’t far behind! We will write an article to assist people who are experiencing rusting in their air fryers. Rusting is all too common with air fryers, so here’s what you should do!
Table of Contents
What is rust?
When iron particles are exposed to oxygen and moisture, rust begins to form. While the exterior of the air fryer is plastic, the cooking cavity and its components, such as the cooking basket, are metal.
These components are frequently exposed to liquids, both when used to cook in (because heat releases water from food) and when the air fryer’s components are washed.
The longer the components are exposed to it, the more likely it is that rust will form. The ability of an air fryer to withstand rust is also heavily dependent on the model. If properly maintained, high-quality air fryers from well-known brands will have a difficult time rusting.
This isn’t always the case with low-cost no-name brands. This is because the materials used in air fryers are frequently cheaper and of lower quality.
If your air fryer has begun to rust slightly and in an area that is not in close proximity to the food, it is safe to continue using the air fryer. If your air fryer has begun to rust all over, it’s time to look for a replacement basket or contact the manufacturer.
Remove rust spots by rinsing the metal component in water, then applying baking soda to the rust spots and letting it sit for at least an hour. After an hour, proceed to scrub the rust away with a soft scouring pad and finish by drying the component.
Rust, contrary to popular belief, does not spread through contact, as I once believed. This study demonstrated that rust spots left in contact with other metals did not transmit simply by contact.
So, while you can isolate rust to specific areas of your air fryer, I believe it’s still critical to keep track of the rust to ensure it doesn’t spread to new areas.
You should also remove any rust flakes, as the air blasted through the air fryer will pick them up and throw them in your food, which you don’t want.
That being said, it’s always a good idea to get replacement parts, especially if rust has formed on any of the air fryer’s cooking surfaces. Rust is not something you want to see in that location.
But let’s take a closer look at what you can do if your air fryer is rusting.
***Read More: How To Clean Air Fryer Oven: Useful Kitchen Tricks For Housewives
What Should You Do If Your Air Fryer Rusts?
- Using aluminum foil or parchment paper to cover the cooking surface: By adding another layer of the cooking surface to your metal component, you will create even more space between your food and the rust.
- Baking soda can be used to remove rust: Rinse the component in water, apply baking soda to the rust, and let it sit for an hour before scrubbing the rust off, rinsing the component again, and allowing it to dry.
- Remove the rust with vinegar: Rinse the component in water and clean it with a cloth, then apply a mixture of water and vinegar to the rusty component (one-half water, the other half vinegar), let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes, scrub the component with a light sponge or something that isn’t rough enough to scrape the component, then wash the component with soap and water, and finally dry it with a towel.
- Purchase replacement components: If your air fryer basket or tray has begun to rust, you should replace them as soon as possible. I would also advise you to refrain from using them during this period. These components form the cooking surface on which food is cooked. That’s why it’s a bad idea to keep using it if it’s rusted. Contact the manufacturers to see if they sell replacement baskets or if they can point you in the right direction. If your warranty is still valid, they may replace it for you.
- Purchase a new air fryer: If a significant portion of the interior of your air fryer has begun to rust, it is time to replace it. Personally, I use the Philips HD 9220 and have had no rust issues.
***Read More: Why Are My Air Fryer Chips Not Crispy? Useful Tip for Cooker
What Is the Cause of Rusting in Your Air Fryer?
Now that we’ve discussed how to care for an air fryer that has begun to rust, we believe it’s time to discuss the source of the rust or the things that can cause it to appear.
If having your components partially covered in rust hasn’t scared you enough to want to know so you can prevent it from happening again, we recommend staying for a few minutes because it will save you both time and money.
#1. When you wash the components, you scuff them with abrasives
Metal can be scraped off the surface by scrubbing it with a rough sponge or dish brush. The protective nonstick coating will be removed as a result.
When damaged components are used, they may rust more easily, have poor non-stick properties, and emit toxins. Take good care of your air fryer and be gentle when cleaning it. When cleaning your air fryer, never use metal utensils. Soft sponges and clothes should suffice.
#2. When cleaning the components, you do not dry them
The most common cause of rust formation in air fryers is failure to dry the air fryer basket, tray, or interior. When you clean the air fryer without drying it, the components remain wet for longer than is recommended.
Placing the components on a dish rack to dry or in the air fryer for a 5-minute program is more than enough to keep them dry, but putting them in the air fryer when they’re wet and then leaving them there to dry is not a good idea. This is the point at which the rust appears.
You should always wipe the inside of your air fryer with a paper towel after wiping it down. You should never wash the basket or tray without first drying it with a towel, a drying rack, the sun, or by running a short cooking program with the components inside the air fryer.
Because the air fryer circulates heated air throughout the cavity, any moisture that accumulates inside will evaporate.
***Read More: Can I Use An Air Fryer As A Microwave? – The Expert’s Answer?
#3. You’re not seasoning or using parchment paper in the air fryer basket
Seasoning the air fryer’s basket or tray with oil and/or using parchment paper will add an extra layer of protection to the air fryer’s surface. This can be advantageous if you’re willing to go the extra mile to keep your air fryer in pristine condition for an extended period of time.
#4. You’re cooking with a “low-quality” air fryer
Some of the lower-quality brands I’ve tried rusted much faster. I’m guessing they chose lower-cost materials to reduce production costs and thus sell them at a lower price.
Regrettably, this may reduce the product’s quality. The air fryer may function properly and perform all of the functions of any other air fryer, but the quality of the output will be inferior.
Frequently Asked Questions:
#1. Is it safe to use a rusted air fryer?
If you look after the surface of your air fryer, you should be able to avoid rust for a long time. The only exception is if you purchased a cheap air fryer. These are frequently made of low-quality materials that rust easily.
#2. Is it necessary to clean the air fryer after each use?
In order to avoid charred food and gunk buildup, your air fryer should be cleaned after each use. However, there are some areas where a quick clean will suffice. The tray, pan, and basket of your air fryer must be cleaned after each use.
#3. How can I keep my air fryer pan safe?
Scoop some Coconut Oil onto a paper towel and rub it all over the Air Fryer basket. All that is required is a thin layer. Don’t overdo it with the coating. Place the drawer and basket back into the Air Fryer, which will remain on for another two minutes.
***Read More: Why Is It Better To Add Salt To A Steak After It Has Been Cooked?
Conclusion
Now that we’ve discussed how to care for an air fryer rusting, we believe it’s time to discuss the source of the rust or the things that can cause it to appear.
If having your components partially covered in rust hasn’t scared you enough to want to know so you can prevent it from happening again, we recommend staying for a few minutes because it will save you both time and money.
