Air fryer users warned against common cleaning method that could actually 'burn down your house'

Experts have said you're putting your home at risk of 'burning down' if you clean your air fryer with a common hack that has been posted to and viewed on TikTok countless times.

By this stage, I know more people with an air fryer than without, with the kitchen appliance booming in popularity over the last decade or so.

They've been around for a lot longer than that, being invented back in 2006, but have seen a recent boom when it comes to cooking food efficiently, saving pennies on your electricity bill and cutting down the cooking time on a wide range of foods.

Making sure you're using it properly is essential, though, to avoid having significant problems in your home.

Doctors have also issued guidance when it comes to maintenance of the kitchen device, saying there is a toxic consequence if you don't do things properly.

And then there's bacon and why you should avoid it at all costs when it comes to air fryer cooking.

One of the worst things when it comes to the air fryer is cleaning it. The drawers are clunky and if you don't tackle them quickly after cooking, you can be left with some stubborn grease, fat and gunk in the bottom of it.

Over on TikTok, one cleaning method has gone viral and become a somewhat common method for many air fryer owners.

But doing it this way could set your home on fire, so says experts from consumer advice website Which?.

We're talking about the viral trend of filling the base of your air fryer with soapy water and turning the machine on for a short period of time.

Andrew Laughlin knows what's what (Instagram / Which?)

"This right here, it's the dumbest way to clean your air fryer and burn down your house," says Andrew Laughlin, a tech expert at Which?.

"That TikTok hack where you try to air fry half a jug of soapy water is a surefire shortcut to a broken air fryer."

The science behind this says that you're at a big risk of short-circuiting and overheating the device once the water starts to get incredibly warm.

On the right way to go about it, he said that sadly it's 'not as lazy as that hack', explaining: "But cleaning is sometimes boring and takes a bit of effort.

"Like with salted caramel, little and often is best.

Washing your drawer in the sink is the way to go (Instagram / Which?)

"Cleaning after every use might seem like a bit of a chore but it actually uses the least effort in the long run.

"Unplug it first and let the whole thing cool down, but don't let it stand too long.

"This gives oils a chance to solidify, bonds to form with the basket, and starches start dehydrating - getting locked into the nooks and crannies of the surfaces.

"Mop up any oil with a paper towel so it doesn't end up clogging your pipes. Then dunk the basket in warm, soapy water.

"Don't forget to check the inside of the appliance, as grease and food might be sticking to the walls. Use a damp cloth or a gentle sponge to wipe it away."

"Every month or so, you should give your air fryer a deeper clean. Go at the heating element with an old toothbrush and a damp cloth. Don't be too rough and don't use too much water. Don't use scourers or scrapers, you're just going to break something.

"And don't waste a dishwasher tablet on it either; washing up liquid will do just fine."

Commenting, one person said: "The reason why I don't have an air fryer is that it's another thing to clean."

A second wrote: "I put mine in the dishwasher."

On the 'hack' to fill your air fryer with soapy water, some weren't convinced. One wrote: "Disagree. Have been using the washing up liquid method for ages and not had an issue. Use it like a pre-rinse to get any stubborn crap out."