Learning how to clean an air fryer properly keeps food tasting fresh, prevents stubborn grease buildup, and helps protect the appliance's nonstick coating. Use this simple cleaning method for the basket, tray, interior, heating element, and exterior without damaging your air fryer.
Air fryers make it easy to create crispy food with less oil and mess than traditional frying. However, crumbs, grease, and food residue can still collect in the basket and inside the appliance.
Fortunately, cleaning an air fryer does not need to involve aggressive scrubbing. A little dish soap, warm water, and patience will usually do most of the work for you.
Why You Should Clean Your Air Fryer Regularly
- Better Flavor. Old grease and food residue can affect the taste and smell of freshly cooked food.
- Less Smoke. Removing grease and crumbs can reduce smoking during cooking.
- Easier Cleanup. Washing the basket after each use prevents food from hardening.
- Protects The Coating. Gentle cleaning helps preserve the basket's nonstick surface.
- Consistent Cooking. A clean basket and interior allow hot air to circulate more effectively.
- Longer Appliance Life. Regular maintenance helps keep your air fryer in good condition.
If you are curious about the appliance's cooking process, read how an air fryer works and why unrestricted airflow matters.
How Often Should You Clean An Air Fryer?
The air fryer basket, removable tray, and any accessories that touched food should be cleaned after every use.
The interior, heating element, vents, and exterior do not necessarily need a complete cleaning every time you cook. Inspect them regularly and clean them whenever you notice grease, crumbs, splatter, or unpleasant odors.
| Air Fryer Part | How Often To Clean |
|---|---|
| Basket and crisper plate | After every use |
| Removable racks and pans | After every use |
| Interior cooking chamber | Every few uses or when visibly dirty |
| Heating element | Monthly or when residue appears |
| Exterior and control panel | As needed |
| Air intake and exhaust vents | Monthly or when dusty |
| Toaster oven crumb tray | After every use |
Air fryers vary considerably by brand and model. Always check the manufacturer's manual before cleaning removable parts in a dishwasher or turning the appliance over to reach the heating element.
What You Need To Clean An Air Fryer
You do not need a collection of specialty cleaners. Gather these basic supplies:
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap
- A soft sponge or dishcloth
- A soft-bristled cleaning brush or toothbrush
- Microfiber cloths
- Paper towels
- Baking soda, optional
- Wooden toothpick or soft brush for small crevices
Avoid steel wool, abrasive scrubbers, harsh degreasers, oven cleaner, bleach, and metal tools. These products can scratch the basket, damage the nonstick coating, or leave chemical residue inside the appliance.
How To Clean An Air Fryer After Every Use
1. Unplug The Air Fryer
Turn off the appliance and unplug it from the outlet. Allow the air fryer to cool completely before removing parts or wiping the interior.
Do not pour water into a hot basket. A sudden temperature change may damage or warp some materials.
2. Remove The Basket And Accessories
Take out the basket, crisper plate, rack, drip tray, or any other removable accessories.
Dump loose crumbs and food pieces into the trash. Removing dry debris first keeps it from spreading throughout the sink.
3. Soak The Removable Parts
Fill the air fryer basket with warm water and add a small amount of mild dish soap. Allow the basket and crisper plate to soak for approximately 10 to 20 minutes.
Soaking loosens cooked-on food and grease so you do not need to scrub aggressively.
Do not soak the electrical base of the air fryer or place it in water.
4. Wash With A Soft Sponge
Use a nonabrasive sponge or soft dishcloth to clean the basket, tray, and accessories.
Pay attention to the edges, corners, ventilation holes, and areas around the basket handle. A soft-bristled toothbrush can reach small spaces without scratching the surface.
5. Rinse And Dry
Rinse away all soap and food residue. Dry each component completely with a clean towel or allow the parts to air dry.
Moisture left inside the air fryer can cause odors and may affect metal components over time.
6. Wipe The Interior
Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the inside of the cooled, unplugged air fryer. Remove grease splatter and crumbs from the walls and bottom of the cooking chamber.
Do not pour water directly into the appliance or spray cleaning products inside it.
7. Clean The Exterior
Wipe the exterior and control panel with a lightly dampened cloth. Dry the surface immediately.
Avoid spraying cleaner directly onto the display, buttons, seams, or vents. Apply water or cleaner to the cloth instead.
8. Reassemble The Air Fryer
Once every component is completely dry, return the crisper plate, basket, and other accessories to the appliance.
Leave the basket slightly open for a little while if any moisture remains.
How To Deep Clean An Air Fryer
If your air fryer has stubborn grease, a lingering odor, or cooked-on food, it may need a more thorough cleaning.
- Unplug and cool the appliance. Never clean an air fryer while it is connected to electricity.
- Remove all detachable components. Take out the basket, rack, crisper tray, and crumb tray.
- Soak removable parts. Let them sit in warm, soapy water for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Clean difficult areas. Use a soft brush to loosen residue from holes, corners, and seams.
- Wipe the cooking chamber. Use a damp cloth with a small amount of mild dish soap, followed by a clean damp cloth.
- Inspect the heating element. Remove visible food and grease using the method below.
- Clean the vents. Wipe dust from the exterior air intake and exhaust vents without pushing debris into the appliance.
- Dry everything completely. Do not operate or reassemble the air fryer until all surfaces are dry.
Regular cleaning is one factor to consider when buying a new appliance. My guide on how to choose an air fryer explains how basket shape, appliance size, and design can affect cleanup.
How To Clean An Air Fryer Basket
The basket collects most of the oil, crumbs, and food residue, so it usually needs the most attention.
For the easiest cleanup:
- Soak the basket instead of immediately scrubbing it.
- Use warm water and grease-cutting dish soap.
- Clean basket holes with a soft toothbrush.
- Use a wooden toothpick to dislodge food carefully.
- Avoid metal utensils and scouring pads.
- Rinse thoroughly so no soap remains.
- Dry the basket before returning it to the appliance.
Aggressive scrubbing may remove or scratch the nonstick coating. Once that surface is damaged, food may stick more easily and cleaning can become increasingly difficult.
How To Remove Baked-On Grease From An Air Fryer
Start by soaking the removable basket and tray in warm, soapy water for at least 20 minutes. In many cases, the grease will soften enough to wipe away with a sponge.
For residue that remains, make a gentle paste using baking soda and a small amount of water. Apply it only to the affected removable surface, let it sit briefly, and wipe it away with a soft sponge.
Test the paste in an inconspicuous area first and consult your owner's manual. Baking soda can be mildly abrasive, so do not grind it into a delicate nonstick coating.
Never use oven cleaner inside an air fryer.
How To Clean An Air Fryer Heating Element
The heating element sits above the basket and can collect oil splatter and small food particles.
To clean it safely:
- Unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool completely.
- Remove the basket and all detachable accessories.
- Consult the manual before turning or repositioning the appliance.
- Use a soft, dry brush to remove loose crumbs.
- Wipe reachable areas gently with a barely damp cloth.
- Do not spray cleaner or water directly onto the heating element.
- Allow the appliance to dry completely before plugging it back in.
Do not bend, scrape, or force anything between the heating coils. If grease is inaccessible or the element appears damaged, contact the manufacturer instead of disassembling the appliance.
Can You Put An Air Fryer Basket In The Dishwasher?
Some air fryer baskets, trays, racks, and accessories are dishwasher safe, but others must be washed by hand.
Check the manufacturer's manual or the markings on the removable part before loading it into the dishwasher. Even when a basket is listed as dishwasher safe, hand washing may help preserve its nonstick coating.
The electrical air fryer base should never go into the dishwasher or sink.
If easy cleaning is an important feature for you, compare appliance styles in my air fryer reviews and Kitchen Gadget Reviews.
How To Clean A Toaster Oven Air Fryer
Toaster oven-style air fryers have a larger interior and more removable parts than basket models.
Remove the racks, air frying basket, baking pan, and crumb tray. Wash the removable pieces according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Wipe the walls, ceiling, door, and glass with a soft damp cloth. Clean around the heating elements carefully without spraying liquid directly into the appliance.
Empty the crumb tray after each use. Crumbs and grease left near the bottom heating elements can create smoke and unpleasant odors.
Avoid covering vents or heating elements with foil. If your manufacturer permits using foil on a tray, make sure it is secured and does not interfere with airflow.
How To Get Rid Of Air Fryer Odors
If your air fryer smells like yesterday's dinner, grease or food residue is probably hiding somewhere.
Clean these areas carefully:
- The underside of the crisper plate
- Basket corners and ventilation holes
- The space around the handle
- The bottom of the cooking chamber
- The crumb tray
- The area near the heating element
- Air intake and exhaust vents
Wash removable components with warm water and dish soap, then rinse and dry them thoroughly. Wipe the interior and leave the basket open until the appliance is completely dry.
Do not use strong fragrances to cover the smell. Removing the source is more effective than masking it.
Why Is My Air Fryer Smoking?
An air fryer may smoke because grease, crumbs, or food residue has collected inside the appliance. High-fat foods can also release oil that drips beneath the basket.
If your air fryer begins smoking:
- Stop the appliance.
- Unplug it if it is safe to do so.
- Allow it to cool completely.
- Remove grease and food debris.
- Clean the basket, tray, cooking chamber, and heating element.
- Check the manual before using the appliance again.
Some steam is normal when cooking moisture-rich food. Thick, dark, or acrid smoke is not.
Once your appliance is clean, use my Air Fryer Cooking Times Chart to avoid unnecessarily long cooking times that can contribute to burnt food and smoke.
Common Air Fryer Cleaning Mistakes
Scrubbing The Nonstick Coating
Steel wool, abrasive scrubbers, and metal utensils can scratch or remove the coating. Soak the basket and use a soft sponge instead.
Immersing The Appliance
Only removable, manufacturer-approved components should be submerged. Never immerse the electrical base, cord, plug, display, or heating unit.
Cleaning It While Hot
Allow the air fryer to cool before adding water or handling greasy parts.
Spraying Cleaner Inside
Cleaning liquid can reach the fan, heating element, wiring, or other electrical components. Apply a small amount of cleaner to a cloth instead.
Leaving Soap Residue
Rinse removable parts thoroughly. Remaining soap can create odors or affect the flavor of your next recipe.
Reassembling Damp Parts
Dry the basket, crisper plate, racks, and interior before putting the appliance back together.
Forgetting The Heating Element
The basket may look spotless while grease remains above it. Inspect the heating element regularly without attempting to disassemble the appliance.
How To Keep An Air Fryer Clean
A few simple habits make cleaning much easier:
- Wash the basket soon after each use.
- Allow stuck food to soak instead of scrubbing.
- Shake loose crumbs into the trash before washing.
- Avoid using more oil than the recipe requires.
- Clean grease splatter before it hardens.
- Use air fryer-safe pans or silicone accessories when appropriate.
- Do not block the basket's ventilation holes.
- Avoid overfilling the basket.
- Inspect the heating element and vents regularly.
Good airflow does more than improve cooking. It also helps prevent food from becoming trapped in overcrowded layers. Read my collection of air fryer recipes for tested recipes and practical cooking tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Clean An Air Fryer After Every Use?
Clean the basket, crisper plate, and any accessories that touched food after every use. The interior and heating element can be inspected and cleaned as needed.
Can You Put Water In An Air Fryer?
You can place warm, soapy water in a removable basket while it is outside the unplugged appliance. Do not pour water into the electrical air fryer base or operate the appliance while it contains cleaning water.
Can You Use Dawn Dish Soap In An Air Fryer?
A small amount of mild dish soap can be used to hand wash removable components. Rinse the parts thoroughly and check the appliance manual for product-specific instructions.
Can You Use Baking Soda To Clean An Air Fryer?
A gentle paste of baking soda and water may help loosen stubborn residue on some removable components. Test it first, avoid aggressive scrubbing, and check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.
Can You Use Vinegar To Clean An Air Fryer?
Diluted vinegar may be appropriate for certain removable, nonporous parts, but it is not necessary for routine cleaning. Never pour or spray vinegar into the electrical appliance. Check the owner's manual before using anything other than mild dish soap and water.
How Do You Clean Sticky Grease From An Air Fryer?
Soak removable parts in warm water with dish soap for 20 to 30 minutes. Use a soft sponge or brush to remove the softened grease, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
How Do You Clean An Air Fryer Without Damaging It?
Unplug and cool the appliance, soak removable parts, use nonabrasive cleaning tools, avoid harsh chemicals, and keep water away from electrical components.
Can Air Fryer Grease Cause Smoke?
Yes. Accumulated grease, crumbs, and food residue may smoke when exposed to high temperatures. Clean the basket and cooking chamber regularly and inspect the heating element for splatter.
How Do You Clean An Air Fryer Before Reheating Leftovers?
Remove crumbs and grease from the basket, wipe away visible residue, and make sure the basket is dry. Then follow my guide for reheating food in an air fryer to restore a crisp texture without overcooking your leftovers.
More Helpful Air Fryer Guides
- How Does An Air Fryer Work?
- Air Fryer Cooking Times
- How To Choose An Air Fryer
- Best Air Fryer Reviews
- Best Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
- Air Fryer Appetizers
- How To Reheat Food In An Air Fryer
Learning how to clean an air fryer properly can keep cleanup simple and help every recipe taste its best. Wash food-contact parts after each use, soak instead of scrubbing, and deep clean the interior whenever grease or crumbs begin to accumulate.
Once your air fryer is sparkling clean, choose something delicious from my collection of easy air fryer recipes and start cooking.
If you found this guide helpful, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest so they can keep their air fryers clean too.
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