Air Fryer Pans! Cleaning Nightmare?

If you're an avid air fryer, you have probably already realized that cleaning the tray and basket is not a fun job. Lining the pan helps, but lining the basket reduces air flow and really prevents you from getting the full "air fry" effect. 

There are lots of solutions out there, from silicone tray liners to parchment paper sheets that are supposed to make cleanup a snap. The truth is, if you want it clean, you're going to have to clean it often and put in some elbow grease (for the grease, you know). 

My air frying caught up with me, and after over a year of air frying EVERYTHING, I decided I need to put in the time and cleanup the tray and pan. The replacements aren't cheap either! I used oven cleaner and soaked overnight. It took some additional cleaning paste and a stiff brush to start chipping away at the fried on crud, but it's in much better shape than when I started.

From here on out, I plan to try a few things to keep this basket in a little better shape, because I have a lot more air frying to do! I will keep the foil in the bottom and replace that more often, and use it over the lip of the pan when I know I am air frying something with a lot of liquid drippings. 

One new thing that I am going to try out is the parchment paper sheets with holes. I am hoping this provides some protection for the basket, but still provides the air flow that is absolutely necessary for proper air frying! This will definitely need a review in the future after a few uses. 

How do you keep your basket and try clean? I really don't think there's an easy way out and regular cleaning is a must, even if it's a regular soak now and again!

Cleaned, lined and ready to go!