It's almost taken the place of the microwave and oven in some kitchens - and the air fryer is here to stay. But regular use means regular cleaning. And while washing the basket and shelves with hot, soapy water is easy enough, there's actually a part of the fryer that gets dirty quickly and needs frequent attention.

The heating element is the dirtiest part of an air fryer , but before attempting to clean it you must first locate where it is. This part of your kitchen appliance gets covered in grime quicker and usually sits unseen above the cooking basket. The first step is to consult the manual.

And manufacturer Ninja says waiting for it to cool once switched off is essential. They recommend turning the appliance upside down and cleaning any residue with a slightly damp cloth or a paper towel. This part of the air fryer is the thing that you don't want to damage, and it needs to be handled gently.

Ryan Calvert, product expert at Hiatt Hardware says: "As it contains the heating coil and fan, the body of your air fryer should never be placed in water. "The safest way to tackle the inside of your unit, is to slightly dampen a cloth with some food-safe antibacterial and grease-busting solution, working from the outside inwards. Pay close attention to any splatters as these can harbour bacteria for long periods of time.

"Your air fryer’s coil will be located inside the unit, and this area can also be cleaned with a damp cloth." He added: 'If you find that grease is stubborn insi.