Cleaning your air fryer regularly is essential for maintaining its performance, extending its lifespan, and ensuring your food always tastes fresh. Grease buildup, food residue, and lingering odors can affect both cooking results and hygiene if left unchecked. Knowing how to clean your air fryer properly helps prevent smoke, uneven cooking, and unwanted flavors while keeping your kitchen appliance safe and efficient.
- Always unplug and let the air fryer cool completely before cleaning to avoid burns and damage.
- Soak removable basket and pan in warm, soapy water 10–30 minutes, then scrub with a nonabrasive brush.
- Use baking soda paste for stubborn, baked-on grease; let sit 15–20 minutes, then gently scrub and rinse.
- Wipe interior and exterior with a damp microfiber cloth; never submerge main unit or spray the heating element.
In this guide, you’ll learn simple, effective ways to clean your air fryer, from daily wipe-downs to deep cleaning stubborn grease. Whether you use it occasionally or every day, proper air fryer cleaning will help you enjoy healthier meals, better airflow, and consistently great results with minimal effort.
Begin by unplugging the unit and allowing it to cool completely. Remove the basket and pan, then fill the interior cavity with warm water and a squirt of dish detergent. Let this mixture soak for 10-15 minutes to loosen baked-on grease and food particles, a crucial degreasing step before manual cleaning.
For the removable basket and pan, create a paste using baking soda and water or use a dedicated cleaner like the Lemi Shine Dishwasher Detergent Booster. Apply it generously and let it sit. After the soak, use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to thoroughly scrub all surfaces. Pay close attention to the mesh of the basket where oil solidifies. A thorough rinse with warm water will wash away all residue and cleaning solution.
Wipe down the machine’s exterior with a damp cloth and a mild all-purpose spray, such as Method All-Purpose Cleaner. Ensure every component, including the heating element, is completely dry before reassembly; proper air drying or using a soft towel prevents moisture buildup and potential odor.
Daily and Post-Use Cleaning Routine
Immediately after each cooking cycle, while the unit is still warm (not hot), remove the basket and pan. This prevents food residues from baking on.
Follow this efficient sequence:
- Empty and disassemble the cooking chamber. Place the removable basket, pan, and any racks into warm, soapy water for a brief 10-15 minute soak to loosen particles.
- While components soak, address the machine’s interior. Wipe the inside walls and heating element (if accessible) with a damp microfiber cloth. For persistent splatter, use a paste of baking soda and water, let it sit for 5 minutes, then gently scrub.
- Thoroughly rinse the soaked basket and pan under running water. Use a non-abrasive brush, like the OXO Good Grips Bottle Brush, to scrub away any stuck-on bits without damaging the non-stick coating.
- Complete the process by wiping the exterior with a damp cloth to remove fingerprints and grease, then ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembly. Air drying on a rack like the simple COSORI Dish Rack is highly effective.
For weekly degreasing, especially after cooking fatty foods, add a drop of dish soap like Dawn Platinum to the soak water. This proactive maintenance prevents stubborn grease buildup, ensuring your machine remains efficient and odor-free.
Cooling Down: The First Safety Step
Always disconnect the power and let the unit cool completely for at least 30 minutes before handling any parts. Attempting to handle a hot cooking chamber or accessories risks severe burns and damage to non-stick surfaces.
Begin by wiping the cooled exterior with a damp cloth; for stubborn grease, a drop of mild dish detergent like Dawn Platinum works well. Never immerse the main housing in water. Remove the basket and tray, then fill them with warm, soapy water to soak for 10-15 minutes–this loosens baked-on residue, minimizing the need for aggressive scrubbing.
After the soak, use a soft sponge or brush, such as the OXO Good Grips Silicone Brush, to gently scrub the interior of the accessories. Thoroughly rinse all components with warm water to remove any soap film. Air drying is essential: place the basket and tray upside-down on a drying rack to ensure no moisture is trapped before reassembly.
Removing and Washing the Basket and Pan
Immediately separate the cooking insert and its perforated holder after the unit has cooled; most models feature a simple release button.
For a thorough degreasing, prepare a sink with hot water, a squirt of dishwashing detergent like Dawn Platinum, and allow the components to soak for 10-15 minutes. This loosens baked-on residue.
Use a non-abrasive nylon brush, such as the OXO Good Grips Brush, to gently scrub the interior of the basket and the surface of the pan. Pay close attention to the mesh and crevices where oil solidifies.
Completely rinse all parts with warm water to eliminate any soap film, which can cause smoking during subsequent heating cycles.
Finalize the process with complete air-drying before reassembly; towel drying can leave lint. Wipe the appliance’s exterior with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any splatters.
Wiping Down the Interior and Exterior
After your basket and pan are removed for a separate soak, address the main unit’s interior cavity. Use a soft, damp cloth or sponge with a drop of mild dish detergent to wipe away any splattered grease or crumbs from the heating element and walls; avoid abrasive scrub pads. For persistent grease, apply a dedicated degreasing spray like the Krud Kutter Kitchen Degreaser, let it sit for two minutes, then wipe.
For the exterior, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints and surface grime from the control panel, handle, and body. Ensure all surfaces are completely dry with a separate cloth before reassembly to prevent moisture damage. Never submerge the main unit in water or use a harsh scrub.
Deep Cleaning: Tackling Stuck-On Grease and Food
Create a powerful degreasing solution by mixing hot water with a few drops of concentrated dish detergent like Dawn Platinum in a sink or large basin.
Submerge the removable basket and pan, ensuring they are fully covered. Allow them to soak for a minimum of 30 minutes; for severe buildup, extend this to several hours or overnight.
After soaking, employ a non-abrasive scrubbing tool. A Dobie Pad or a dedicated nylon brush, such as the OXO Good Grips Fry Clean Brush, works effectively to dislodge particles without damaging non-stick coatings.
For the cooking chamber’s interior, apply your degreasing solution directly onto cooled, stubborn spots. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to break down the grease before wiping with a soft sponge.
Thoroughly rinse all components with warm water until no soapy residue remains. Any leftover detergent can smoke during subsequent use.
Address the unit’s exterior with the same solution, paying special attention to the control panel and vent areas where grease can accumulate. Dry every surface completely with a microfiber cloth before reassembly.
For persistent, carbonized grime that household products cannot remove, consider a specialized appliance cleaner like the Affresh Kitchen Appliance Cleaner, following its specific instructions.
Creating a Baking Soda Paste for Tough Grime
For persistent, baked-on residue that resists standard detergent, a targeted paste is essential. Combine three parts Arm & Hammer Baking Soda with one part water in a small bowl to form a thick, spreadable consistency.
Apply this mixture directly onto the stubborn areas inside the unit’s interior and on the basket. Allow the paste to soak and work on the grime for 15-20 minutes; its gentle abrasion and natural degreasing action will loosen the bond.
Use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad, like the Scotch-Brite Dobie Pad, to gently scrub the treated surfaces. Follow with a thorough rinse using a damp cloth to remove all paste residue, ensuring no baking soda film remains.
Complete the process by drying every component completely with a microfiber towel before reassembly to prevent moisture-related issues.
Using Mild Dish Soap and Warm Water Solution
For routine maintenance, a solution of warm water and a few drops of a gentle dishwashing detergent like Dawn Platinum is highly effective. This mixture provides sufficient degreasing power for weekly upkeep without harsh chemicals.
Fill your sink with warm, soapy water and submerge the removable basket and pan. Allow them to soak for 10-15 minutes to loosen any residual oil and food particles. Use a non-abrasive sponge or brush, such as the OXO Good Grips Dish Brush, to gently scrub all surfaces, paying close attention to the mesh or perforated areas of the basket.
After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse all components under running water to eliminate any soapy residue. A complete rinse is crucial to prevent detergent from baking onto the parts during subsequent use.
| Component | Action | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Basket & Pan | Soak and scrub | Ensure water penetrates all mesh holes. |
| Machine Interior | Wipe with damp cloth | Wring cloth well to avoid excess moisture inside the unit. |
| Exterior Housing | Wipe with same solution | Immediately follow with a dry microfiber cloth. |
For the main compartment’s interior, dampen a soft cloth in the soapy solution, wring it out completely, and wipe the heating element and walls. Avoid spraying liquid directly into the machine. Always conclude with a full air-drying session for the basket and pan before reassembly; towel drying can leave lint.
Question-Answer:
My air fryer basket has stubborn, baked-on grease spots that won’t come off with normal washing. What’s the best way to tackle these?
For stuck-on grease, create a paste using baking soda and a small amount of water or dish soap. Apply this paste directly to the greasy spots on the basket and tray, ensuring they are cool and dry first. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. The baking soda will work to loosen the grease. Then, use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to scrub the area. The paste acts as a gentle, effective abrasive. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. For persistent spots, you can repeat the process or let the paste sit a bit longer before scrubbing.
Is it safe to submerge the entire air fryer unit in water or put the heating element under the faucet?
No, you should never submerge the main body of the air fryer or run water over the heating element. The heating coil and the electronics in the base are not waterproof. Submerging them can cause permanent damage and create a serious electrical hazard. Always unplug the appliance and let it cool completely. Only the removable parts—like the basket, tray, and often the pan—are typically dishwasher safe or suitable for hand washing. Wipe the exterior and the interior of the main unit with a damp cloth or sponge, being careful to avoid any electrical components or the heating element.
I notice a faint, unpleasant smell when I preheat my air fryer. How do I clean it to remove odors?
Odors often linger in the grease and tiny food particles that regular cleaning misses. After cleaning the basket and tray, address the main unit. Mix a tablespoon of white vinegar with a cup of water. Pour this mixture into the air fryer’s drawer or pan (the part that sits at the bottom, if removable). Run the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Turn it off and let it cool completely. The steam from the vinegar water will help break down odor-causing residues. Wipe the interior with a soft cloth. For persistent smells, you can repeat this process or place a bowl of baking soda inside the unplugged, cool appliance for a few hours to absorb odors.
What’s the simplest daily cleaning routine I should follow to prevent big messes later?
The key is to clean the basket and tray after each use, even if it looks clean. Once the appliance is cool, remove the basket and tray. Soak them in warm, soapy water for a few minutes while you finish your meal. This loosens any oil or crumbs. A quick scrub with a soft sponge is usually enough. Dry them fully before putting them back. Wipe the inside of the main unit with a damp cloth to catch any stray grease splatters. This takes only a few minutes but stops grease from hardening and food from burning on during your next cook, making deep cleaning much easier.
Can I use oven cleaner or strong chemical sprays to clean my air fryer?
Using oven cleaner or harsh chemical sprays is not recommended for most air fryers. These products are often too abrasive and can damage the non-stick coating on the basket and tray. They can also leave behind strong chemical fumes that are difficult to remove and may transfer to your food. The interior cavity of the air fryer is also not designed for such aggressive chemicals. Stick to gentler cleaners like dish soap, baking soda paste, or a diluted vinegar solution. Always check your user manual for the manufacturer’s specific cleaning recommendations to avoid voiding any warranty.
My air fryer basket has baked-on grease and food that won’t come off, even with soaking. What’s the best way to handle tough, stuck-on messes?
For stubborn, baked-on residue, create a paste using baking soda and a small amount of water. Spread this paste over the problem areas in the basket and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. The baking soda will work to loosen the grime. Afterward, use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad or a soft-bristled brush (like an old toothbrush) to scrub the area. The paste provides gentle abrasion without scratching the non-stick coating. For the exterior, a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap applied with a soft cloth should be sufficient. Always ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling and storing the appliance.
Is it safe to wash the air fryer’s heating element, and how should I clean it?
You should never submerge or run water directly over the heating element, as this can damage the appliance and create a safety hazard. To clean it, first make sure the air fryer is unplugged and completely cool. Use a dry, soft-bristled brush (a clean paintbrush or a dedicated pastry brush works well) to gently dislodge any loose food particles or crumbs from the coil. You can also use a can of compressed air to blow debris away from the element and out of the interior cavity. For any slight grease film, lightly dampen a cloth with water, wring it out thoroughly so it’s barely moist, and carefully wipe the exterior metal housing around the element, avoiding any electrical components. Let the interior air dry fully before using the air fryer again.
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