When I think of rust I think of old cars, not air fryers. That’s why I was kind of shocked when I was brought in to our neighbors to see that their air fryer had started rusting. Well, I just hadn’t made the connection yet because none of my air fryers were showing even the slightest sign of rusting.
Rust starts to form when iron particles are exposed to oxygen and moisture. While the air fryer’s exterior is made of plastic, the cooking cavity and its components, such as the cooking basket, are made of metal. These components are often exposed to liquids, both when they’re used to cook in (because heat releases water from food) but also when the air fryer’s components are being washed.
The longer the components are exposed to it, the greater the risk of forming rust. The air fryer’s ability to withstand rust also depends a lot on the make of the model. Top-quality air fryers from renowned brands will, generally, have a hard time forming rust if they’re maintained properly.
This isn’t always the case with no-brand budget versions. That’s because the materials used for the air fryer are oftentimes cheaper and of lesser quality.
If your air fryer has started to rust just a little and on an area that isn’t in proximity to the food, then it’s alright to continue using the air fryer. If your air fryer has started to rust all over, then it’s time you either look for a replacement basket or get in contact with the manufacturer. You can try removing rust spots by rinsing the metal component in water, then adding baking soda to the rust spots and let it sit for over an hour. When an hour has passed, proceed to scrub the rust off using a soft scouring pad and finish it off by drying the component.
Studies have shown that rust doesn’t spread by contact, which I used to think. This article showed that rust spots that were left in contact with other metals didn’t transmit simply by contact. So, while you can isolate rust to certain areas of your air fryer, I believe it’s still very important to keep track of the rust to make sure it doesn’t continue to appear in new areas. You should also make sure to remove flakes of rust, as the air blasted through the air fryer will pick them up sooner or later and throw them in your food, which you don’t want.
With that said, the best thing is always to get replacement components – especially if the rust has appeared on any of the air fryer’s cooking surfaces. That’s certainly not where you want to see rust.
Let’s look at what you can do if your air fryer is rusting but in greater detail.
What Can You Do If Your Air Fryer is Rusting?
- Placing aluminum foil or parchment paper on the cooking surface: By placing an addtional layer of cooking surface on your metal component, you will ensure that there’s even more space between your food and the rust.
- Remove the rust with baking soda: Rinse the component in water, add baking soda to the rust and let it sit for an hour, scrub the rust off, rinse the component again and let it dry.
- Remove the rust with vinegar: Rinse the component in water and clean it with a cloth, 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 using a light sponge or something that isn’t rough enough to scrape the component, then wash the component with soap and water, finish by using a towel to dry it.
- Get replacement components: If your air fryer basket or tray have started rusting you need to get them replaced asap. I would also advise you to stop using them during the time. These components provide the cooking surface where food is placed. That’s why it’s a bad idea to continue using it if there’s rust on it. Contact the manufactrurers to find out if they sell replacement baskets or if they can guide you to someone who does. They may provide you with a new one if your warranty is active.
- Get a new air fryer: If a good portion of the air fryer’s interior has started rusting, then it’s time for you to get a new air fryer. Personally, I use the Philips HD 9220 and I haven’t had any problems with rust.
Why Is Your Air Fryer Rusting?
Now that we’ve talked about how to take care of an air fryer that’s started to rust, I believe it’s the perfect time to talk about the source of the rust, 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 this so you can prevent it from happening again, I advise you to stay for a couple of minutes as this will save you both time and money.
You’re scrubbing the components with abrasives when washing them
Scrubbing metal with a rough sponge or dish brush can scrape the metal off the surface. Doing so will remove the protective non-stick coating. Damaged components may rust easier, have inferior non-stick properties, and release toxins when used. Take care of your air fryer and make sure to be gentle when you clean it. Never ever use metal utensils when cleaning your air fryer. Soft sponges and cloth should do the job.
You’re not drying the components when cleaning them
Not drying the air fryer basket, the tray, or the air fryer’s interior is likely the most common reason for rust formation in air fryers. Cleaning the air fryer without drying it leaves the components wet for longer than recommended. Placing the components in a dish rack to dry or placing them in the air fryer and running a 5-minute program is more than enough to keep them dry, but placing them in the air fryer when they’re wet and then leaving them there to dry is a bad idea. This is where the rust begins.
I live in an area that’s very hot during the summer and very cold during the winter. So, during the winter I make sure to place my basket in the dish rack to dry, and in the summer I just place them on the balcony.
You shouldn’t wipe the inside of your air fryer without wiping it with a paper towel afterward. You shouldn’t wash the basket or the tray without drying them using either a towel, a drying rack, the sun, or by running a short cooking program with the components placed inside the air fryer.
Because the air fryer blasts heated air throughout the entire cavity, anything moisture inside it will evaporate.
You’re not seasoning the air fryer basket or using parchment paper
Seasoning the air fryer’s basket or tray with oil and/or using parchment paper will give the air fryer’s surface an extra layer of protection. This can be beneficial if you’re willing to go the extra step to maintain your air fryer in pristine condition for a long period of time.
You’re using a “low-quality” air fryer
Some low-quality brands that I’ve tried have started rusting much quicker. I’m guessing they have selected cheaper materials to cut production costs to allow them to sell them at a cheaper price. Sadly, this may reduce the quality of the product. The air fryer may function well and do everything that any other air fryer does, but the quality of the production just won’t be as good.
Conclusion
Your air fryer will start rusting if its metal components are exposed to water for a long period of time. You can either use a piece of cloth or a towel to dry the air fryer, or you could simply place the basket or tray back in the air fryer and run a 5-minute program. The heat should cause the moisture to evaporate. Don’t use the air fryer if the cooking surface has started rusting as your food will be in direct contact with the rust.