Ninja air fryers are among the best in the market. One of my favorites is the Ninja Foodi, which comes with an air-frying lid. It contains a heating element, which can accumulate dirt and food particles over time. As such, you must know how to clean Ninja air fryer lid.
The Ninja air fryer lid is tricky to clean because it is attached to the unit. When you open the lid, it does not disconnect from the side. This is unlike the pressure cooking lid you can take on and off for easy cleaning. As such, the nooks and crannies of the air fryer lid can be difficult to access.
Read on and I’ll share the basics of cleaning the lid in your Ninja air fryer.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Ninja Air Fryer Lid
If you haven’t cleaned your Ninja air fryer lid in a while, chances are, it is already showing signs of oil and grease build-up. The splatters can accumulate and harden over time. They might also affect the performance of the air fryer and can even be a safety issue. Good thing, cleaning the lid is easy. Here are the things to do:
- When cleaning air fryers, the first thing to do is to unplug the appliance. This is crucial for your safety. You might end up electrocuting yourself or damaging the appliance if you don’t unplug it before cleaning.
- In the Ninja air fryer pot, put hot water and lemon juice. Mix and close the lid. This is for the initial cleaning phase. It will create steam once the lid is closed, softening grease, and making it easier to remove. Make sure the water is hot. Otherwise, there will be no steam, and it won’t work.
- Open the lid after a few minutes. Don’t remove the water from the pot yet. Use it to wet a sponge or cloth. Wring to prevent water from getting in the electric components. Then wipe the lid. Focus on scrubbing areas with thick dirt.
- One of the most challenging is getting into the lid’s crevices. It would help if you used a bottle brush. It’s long enough to reach the places you cannot access with the sponge.
- If you still cannot reach places, you might want to use a stick and wrap a napkin. Stick it on the area you want to clean but be careful not to damage any electrical component.
- Now use a paper towel to wipe out any excess grease on the lid. If you notice that there are still residues, repeat the earlier steps.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Ninja Air Fryer Lid
If you’re a new owner of a Ninja air fryer, there are some mistakes you must not commit, including those I will discuss below.
- Removing the Lid
When you open the lid, you will see screws that connect the heating element to the base. I have seen many YouTube videos where people unscrew the heating element, making it easier to clean that part. It might sound easy and practical, but you should not do this.
Removing the heating element can void the warranty. It can also strip the screw heads, so you can no longer return the heating element. Even the manufacturer does not recommend removing the heating element in the manual, so consider it a sign that you should not be doing so.
- Submerging the Unit
If you need to be reminded, the Ninja air fryer lid is not waterproof. You cannot submerge it in water to clean it. It’s also not dishwasher safe. Because it has electrical components, any interaction with excessive water can cause permanent damage.
While you can use cloth or scrub dipped in water, you must wring them out first. Be careful not to get water in any of the electronics.
- Using Harsh Cleaners
Be careful with your choice of household cleaners to use. It’s best to stick to warm water and mild soap. You can also use natural cleaning materials, such as baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon. They’re safe not just for the air fryer lid but also for you.
Some cleaning supplies can release volatile organic compounds. These are chemicals that can cause chronic respiratory problems. Headaches and dizziness are some of the most common side effects. Examples of cleaning materials that can contribute to such include ammonia and bleach, which you should never use when cleaning the Ninja air fryer lid.
Conclusion
Grease from air-fried food is gross! As such, you must know how to clean Ninja air fryer lid to keep the appliance safe and hygienic. It’s easy if you know how to do it right. Be careful, though. Mistakes can be costly. It can cause expensive repairs and can even void the warranty of the air fryer.
Related: How to Clean Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
