Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to cook food quickly while reducing the amount of oil used. However, like any appliance, air fryers require regular maintenance to function properly and safely. According to most manufacturers, the air fryer filter should be cleaned after every 3-5 uses and replaced once a year or so to prevent overheating and ensure optimal performance.

I’ve had my air fryer for about three years now and have used it at least once a week in that time to make french fries, chicken wings, egg rolls, and more. But I have to admit, I’ve never once thought about changing the filter. It wasn’t until I started noticing a strange smell coming from the air fryer and my food not getting as crispy as usual that I decided to consult the owner’s manual. To my surprise, it said the filter should be replaced every 6-12 months. I had clearly neglected this important maintenance task and had no idea if my air fryer was even safe to use at this point.

After doing some research online, I discovered that a dirty or old filter can be a fire hazard since it prevents proper airflow and allows grease and grime to build up. It can also lead to the air fryer overheating, resulting in uneven cooking. Not wanting to risk a fire, I immediately unplugged my air fryer and set out to purchase a replacement filter. Thankfully, most air fryer filters are inexpensive and easy to find online or at stores that sell the appliances.

Once I received the new filter, I opened up my air fryer, took out the old, filthy filter and installed the fresh one. The difference was instantly noticeable. The strange smells were gone and my first batch of french fries came out light and crispy, just like when the air fryer was new. I was relieved to have my air fryer back in working order, but also felt guilty for neglecting such an important step for so long. From now on, I’ll be sure to check my air fryer filter regularly and replace it once a year to keep it running safely and efficiently.