Air fryers are the true heroes of modern cooking, with more and more people discovering their benefits every day.

Often serving as a quicker, healthier and more energy-efficient way of cooking food, it's no surprise that they have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years.

They've got people ditching their ovens, something that is even more evident at Christmas time, when there's often a lot of food prep to be done.

So whether you're cooking roast potatoes, pigs in blankets or even a Christmas dessert in your air fryer, there's one thing that you should not forget to do with your appliance before the festive period.

That's according to Nancy Emery, cleaning expert at Tap Warehouse, who has lifted the lid on the tasks that households shouldn't overlook in the run-up to Christmas.

It's one of the most procrastinated household tasks, but before the madness of Christmas sets in, it's worth giving your air fryer a really good clean - especially if you're hosting dinner guests.

This is essential to keep it working efficiently and ensure your food doesn’t come out tasting bad.

Air fryer baskets are supposed to be washed after every use, and this is even more important at Christmas when more meals are being cooked and there's more chance of contamination.

How to clean your air fryer 

Before washing, turn your air fryer off at the plug. Then, wipe around the basket with a kitchen towel to prevent grease from being washed straight down the drain and blocking it.

Fill your kitchen sink with hot, soapy water and place the removable basket and tray in to soak.

Then, using a soft dish sponge, wash both parts, making sure to remove all remaining grime.

Once both parts are clean, rinse them off and pop them on the dish rack to dry.

Finally, take a clean microfibre cloth and soak it in just warm water.

Ring it out and wipe around the inside of the air fryer where the basket sits, and gently wipe the heating element after making sure it is completely cool. Then your air fryer will be fully clean and ready to use throughout the festive period.