Maintaining a Philips Airfryer: cleaning, accessories, and performance optimization

Did you know that a poorly cleaned Philips Airfryer can lose up to 40% of its efficiency?

Indeed, the grease that accumulates on the heating element causes smoke, unpleasant odors, and drastically reduces the appliance's lifespan. That's a shame, isn't it?

However, a few simple steps are all it takes to regain optimal performance!

In this guide, you will discover proven maintenance techniques as well as accessories that will improve the performance of your kitchen appliance to bring it back to a near-new condition.

Cleaning your Airfryer: the steps that make all the difference!

First of all, you should know that this device works thanks to Rapid Air technology: a high-temperature pulsed air system that circulates around the food.

This principle differs completely from traditional deep fryers that use a bath of oil. Without this oil to absorb splatters, every bit of grease remains visible in the tank.

Whether you own an Essential, XL, or XXL model, the maintenance rules remain the same. If you don't yet own an appliance or wish to change models, you can learn more about the different ranges available.

Regular cleaning will also preserve performance and extend the lifespan by several years.

The basket and the tub: daily maintenance

After each use, allow your appliance to cool for 30 minutes. Remove the basket and the bowl, then immerse them in a basin of hot water with a few drops of dish soap.

Soaking for 5 to 10 minutes will loosen any residue effortlessly. Then, gently rub with a soft sponge using circular motions. The non-stick coating will remain intact if you use this gentle method, as recommended in the official Philips guide.

For stubborn stains (barbecue sauce, melted cheese), extend the soaking time to 15 minutes. Add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the water: the acidity dissolves baked-on grease without damaging surfaces.

Marie J., who has been using an XXL model for 3 years, explained on Facebook: "I wash my basket after each use, it takes me 2 minutes. My appliance is like new."

The only drawback she points out is: "The corners of the basket can sometimes be difficult to reach; I use a soft toothbrush for those areas."

Good to know : never use steel wool or the abrasive green side of your sponge. These materials will permanently scratch the non-stick coating, turning your basket into a sticky surface where food will stick.

Philips explicitly recommends avoiding abrasive accessories (metal scouring pads, hard brushes) to prevent premature wear of the coating. Once damaged, it's impossible to repair!

Cleaning the heating element of your Airfryer: my technique

The heating element of the Airfryer accumulates grease deposits invisible to the naked eye. These deposits, when heated, produce smoke and unpleasant odors.

A monthly cleaning is sufficient for occasional users, but switch to a weekly frequency if you cook daily.

Completely unplug your device and wait until it is cool to the touch.

Remove the basket and the bowl, then carefully turn the Airfryer upside down on a thick cloth. This position reveals the heating element, usually located in the upper part.

With a slightly damp sponge and a few drops of dish soap, gently wipe the surface. Clean hard-to-reach corners toothbrush soft-bristled

For stubborn grease, steam degreasing works wonders. Pour 200 ml of water into the bowl along with the juice of half a lemon or two tablespoons of white vinegar. Place the bowl back in the appliance and heat at 180°C for 10 minutes.

The acidic steam will soften the residue stuck to the heating element. After cooling, a simple wipe with a cloth will be enough to remove everything.

Obviously, never use harsh products on the heating element. Lemon water does the job without damaging the electrical components, and it costs next to nothing!

We obtained the testimony of Thomas, an amateur cook, who shared it on Instagram:

Since I started using this steam cleaning method once a month, I haven't had any more smoke. It's life-changing! However, you really have to wait for it to cool down completely because I almost burned myself the first time out of impatience…

Okay, let's move on to the accessories now!

Essential accessories for your Airfryer

Understanding sizes: Essential, XL or XXL?

Compatibility is the first headache for buyers. Philips markets three main ranges, each with specific basket dimensions.

An accessory for the Philips XXL Airfryer will never fit in an Essential Compact model, and conversely, a small accessory will get lost in a large basket.

Before purchasing, verify the exact model number (HDxxxx series, visible on the bottom of the device or in the instruction manual). The HD9216, HD9217, HD922x, and HD923x models correspond to the Viva and Essential versions. The HD924x models represent the XL range, while the HD963x, HD964x, and HD965x models designate the XXL range.

This information will determine which kit to buy. Also, keep this reference number somewhere, as you will also need it to order replacement parts if necessary!

Philips offers official compatibility guide very detailed

Here is some more information in this summary table

Retailers often offer "universal" kits at attractive prices, but beware! Without a precise indication of the diameter in centimeters AND the capacity in liters, you risk having an unpleasant surprise.

User forums are full of testimonials from people who ordered unusable accessories, so always favor official Philips references or carefully check the dimensions before validating.

The Philips Airfryer silicone mold: maximum versatility

The silicone mold is at the top of searches for accessories, and for good reason. This tool will transform an Airfryer into a true multi-functional oven.

Prepare quiches, gratins, chocolate cakes, lasagnas, or even flans without anything sticking. The food-grade silicone withstands the appliance's 200°C temperature while remaining naturally non-stick.

Laure.V, a mother of two, shared her experience on Reddit: "I made a yogurt cake in just 12 minutes with this mold. The kids were amazed, and so was I. No more preheating the oven for a quick dessert." The mold is dishwasher safe, easy to store, and lasts for years with minimal maintenance.

However, be careful: never fill the mold beyond three-quarters of its height. The batter will rise during baking and could overflow, making a mess in the pan.

Even more critical, be careful not to block airflow around the mold. The system works by convection: hot air must circulate freely around the food. A mold that is too large or poorly positioned creates a barrier, reducing performance by 30 to 40%.

For liquid recipes (custards, creams), place the mold directly on the perforated basket. For dry preparations (cakes, gratins), you can place it in the bowl itself. This flexibility explains why 8 out of 10 users consider the mold their favorite accessory.

Baking paper for Airfryer: yes or no?

The question of parchment paper for air fryers divides owners. Some swear by it, while others ban it entirely. The truth lies somewhere in between.

Baking paper proves quite useful for very liquid foods (marinades, melted cheese), ultra fragile foods (delicate fish) or particularly sticky foods.

Use only special perforated Airfryer paper, never regular baking paper. The perforations allow hot air to circulate, maintaining efficient cooking.

Cut the paper to the exact dimensions of the basket base, without going over the edges. Paper that is too large will blow around in the breeze and block the heating element: this will guarantee uneven cooking and a risk of overheating.

Honestly? For fries, roasted vegetables, or nuggets, a non-stick basket is perfectly adequate. Save the paper for truly problematic situations: marinated fish, melted cheese, that sort of thing. Or, invest directly in a reusable perforated silicone mat; it's much smarter in the long run.

Vincent.R (a heavy user) explained on the "750g" forum: "I only use parchment paper about once every ten times, mainly for marinated salmon. Otherwise, it slows down the cooking and the fries aren't as crispy." His main complaint: "Parchment paper is expensive in the long run, and it's not very environmentally friendly. A silicone mat remains the best option."

The oil sprayer: the secret to crispiness

If you were to buy only one accessory beyond the basic utensils, it would be an oil sprayer for misting your preparations. This little gadget really makes a difference.

Instead of pouring oil haphazardly (too little = dry food, too much = greasy texture), the spray deposits a fine, even mist over your food. A single spray distributes 0.5 ml of oil over 100 g of fries, whereas a spoon would pour 5 ml haphazardly.

Your homemade fries achieve the crispiness of restaurant versions, your chicken wings develop that perfect golden crust, your roasted vegetables caramelize without burning.

Manual pump-type oil dispensers cost between €10 and €20. Fill them with your favorite oil (olive, sunflower, rapeseed, avocado). They can be washed in 30 seconds under the tap and last for years. Electric spray versions exist but remain optional for home use.

Sandrine P., a convert for six months, is enthusiastic: "I don't understand how I ever did without it. My vegetables have never tasted so good, with half the fat they used to contain." She adds, however, that "You have to pump it five or six times before the first use to prime the mechanism; it can seem tedious at first."

Bonus accessories to go further

The double-level grill and the pizza kit

For large families or those who like to cook multiple things at once, the double-level grill multiplies the usable surface area. You can place kebabs on the upper level while potatoes roast below.

This will save you 15 minutes per meal by cooking two dishes at once. This is because the rack attaches securely to the basket and can hold up to 800g of food, depending on the model.

The pizza kit, consisting of a tray and tongs, appeals to fans of tarte flambée and homemade pizzas. The perforated tray ensures a crispy base, while the tongs make handling easy and prevent burns. Less versatile than a silicone mold, this accessory is still a worthwhile option for enthusiasts.

These two options are not suitable for everyone. If you mainly cook for one or two people, the investment will not be justified.

However, for a family of four or more, a double-level grid will quickly become indispensable!

Julie L., a mother of three, confirmed on the "Marmiton" forum: "I cook the fries on one side and the nuggets on the other. One cycle, everything is ready at the same time. It's a huge time saver, especially on weeknights."

Accessories to avoid or use with caution

Online marketplaces are overflowing with universal accessory kits for 25 euros, containing 8 pieces. They sound appealing on paper, but beware of disappointment.

These "one-size-fits-all" kits often come from generic manufacturers who don't take Philips' specific requirements into account. The result: a basket that's too big gets stuck in the bowl, a mold that's too small slips and tips over. Guaranteed trouble.

Always check three criteria before any unofficial purchase: exact diameter (in centimeters), height compatible with your model, food-grade certified material.

User forums report poor quality aluminum accessories that deform at temperatures as low as 180°C or low-grade silicones that give off chemical odors.

Also avoid abrasive cleaning products promising "super-powerful degreasing." These formulas will damage the non-stick coating of the bowls and baskets.

Stick to regular dish soap and white vinegar for stubborn stains. Your wallet and your appliance will thank you!

To summarize all of this, here is a new little summary table.

Essentials vs. Gadgets

This table gives you an overview to help you plan ahead without breaking the bank. It also indicates the two main accessories to get. The following are bonus items, as they will depend on your habits and specific needs.

If you're a beginner, start with the silicone mold and the sprayer: 35 euros well spent!

Your questions about accessories and maintenance

Can I use aluminum foil in my Airfryer?

Philips strongly advises against using aluminum foil or regular parchment paper in its appliances. Why? Because the paper will cover the bottom of the basket and drastically reduce airflow, thus compromising cooking performance.

Even worse, if you place empty paper on it, it could be drawn towards the heating element and burn, causing a fire. The brand clearly explains this in its official documentation

For safety reasons, only use special Airfryer perforated paper with food placed on top to hold it in place.

What types of molds can I use in my Airfryer?

You can use any oven-safe mold : glass (like Pyrex), ceramic, metal, or silicone. Silicone remains the most practical material because it is non-stick, flexible, and dishwasher-safe.

Check three points before buying:

• The diameter must correspond to your model (16 cm for Essential, 19 cm for XL, 24 cm for XXL)
• The height must not exceed 7 cm.
• The mold must allow air to circulate on the sides.

The official kits (HD9925, HD9945, HD9957) are perfectly sized and should do the job well.

How do I clean the dirty heating element of my Airfryer?

method steam degreasing works wonderfully:

Pour 200 ml of water and the juice of half a lemon into the pot. Heat at 180°C for 10 minutes without food. The acidic steam will soften the grease stuck to the heating element.

After it has cooled completely, turn the unplugged device upside down onto a cloth and wipe the heating element with a damp sponge.

For stubborn residue, use a soft toothbrush (never a metal one). Repeat this process once a month with daily use.

Are Philips accessories compatible with other brands?

No, the dimensions vary from one brand to another. An XXL mold (24 cm) won't fit in a Ninja of the same capacity (23 cm). Even a 5-millimeter difference can cause problems: accessories that get stuck, tip over, or block airflow.

Universal accessories sold on generalist platforms present risks: low-grade materials, silicone that gives off odors, or approximate dimensions.

We advise you to buy mostly official accessories with the correct HD99xx part numbers for your model to avoid as many problems as possible.

Do you really need to wash your Airfryer after every use?

Yes, absolutely. The basket and the bowl must be washed after each use, even for simply cooking vegetables.

The grease residue, invisible to the naked eye, accumulates and carbonizes during subsequent cooking, producing smoke and bad odors.

An immediate wash takes 2 minutes (hot water, dish soap, soft sponge). Waiting for several uses turns cleaning into a 20-minute chore with prolonged soaking.

The heating element, however, should be cleaned at least once a month using the steam degreasing technique described above.

Your Philips Airfryer deserves the best!

Regular maintenance and the judicious choice of 2-3 key accessories will radically transform your experience.

A monthly cleaning of the heating element, a systematic washing of the basket after use, and you will maintain the performance of the first day for years.

The silicone mold and the oil sprayer? These are the only investments that are truly profitable for 90% of users.

Three rules to remember: never use abrasives on the non-stick coating, always check size compatibility before buying, and don't block airflow with unsuitable accessories. Basic but so important!

These simple principles will prevent costly mistakes and extend the life of your device by an additional 3 to 5 years.

Your appliance is more than just a simple household item. Treat and maintain it properly, equip it intelligently, and it will repay you a hundredfold in your daily life!

And what was your experience with this Airfryer? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments.

Sylvain Renan

Editor-in-chief of the Simple & Bon website. A writer passionate about cooking and property renovation in general. I also love to travel and discover new cultures.