🧹 Quick Clean (After Every Use)
A quick clean after each use takes about 5 minutes and prevents grease from building up into a harder-to-remove mess. This should become part of your routine every time you use the air fryer.
Step 1: Unplug and Cool
Unplug the air fryer and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. The basket and tray are extremely hot after cooking and can cause burns. They also clean better when warm (not hot) because grease is still soft and easy to wipe away.
Step 2: Remove and Wash the Basket
Remove the basket and any removable tray or rack. Wash with warm soapy water and a soft sponge or brush. Most air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe, but hand washing with a non-abrasive sponge extends the life of the non-stick coating. Avoid steel wool or abrasive scrubbers that scratch the coating.
Step 3: Wipe the Interior
Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe the inside of the air fryer body. Grease splatters and food particles can accumulate on the walls and bottom. A little dish soap on the cloth helps cut through grease. Do not submerge the main unit in water — it contains electrical components.
Step 4: Dry Everything
Dry the basket, tray, and interior thoroughly before reassembling. Trapped moisture can cause rust on exposed metal parts or create a musty smell. Let parts air dry or wipe with a clean towel.
🔧 Deep Clean (Monthly)
Once a month (or whenever you notice a lingering smell or visible grease buildup), do a deeper clean that covers the areas the quick clean misses.
Soak the Basket
Fill the basket with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Let it soak for 15-30 minutes to loosen baked-on food and grease. After soaking, scrub gently with a soft brush or non-abrasive sponge. For stubborn spots, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it directly to the stuck-on area. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
Clean the Heating Element
The heating element is the coil at the top of the air fryer (in most models). Over time, grease splatters and food particles stick to it. With the air fryer unplugged and fully cooled, turn it upside down so the element is accessible. Use a damp cloth or soft brush to gently wipe the element clean. Never use sharp objects that could damage the element. If grease is baked on, a toothbrush dampened with a baking soda paste works well.
Clean the Exterior
Wipe down the outside of the air fryer with a damp cloth. The exterior collects kitchen grease, fingerprints, and dust over time. A spray of kitchen cleaner or diluted vinegar on a cloth handles most buildup. Dry completely afterward.
💡 Removing Stubborn Grease
Baking Soda Paste
Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water to form a thick paste. Apply to stubborn grease spots and let sit for 15-20 minutes. The baking soda is mildly abrasive and cuts through grease without scratching non-stick surfaces. Scrub gently with a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly.
Vinegar Steam Clean
Place a small oven-safe bowl of diluted vinegar (half water, half white vinegar) in the air fryer basket. Run the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. The vinegar steam loosens baked-on grease and deodorizes the interior. Unplug, let cool slightly, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Lemon Trick
Cut a lemon in half and rub the cut side on greasy spots in the basket. The citric acid breaks down grease naturally and leaves a fresh scent. Rinse with warm water after scrubbing. This also works great for eliminating lingering food odors from previous cooks.
🚫 What NOT to Do
Never Submerge the Base Unit
The main body of the air fryer contains electrical components, the heating element, and the motor. Submerging it in water will damage it permanently and is a serious safety hazard. Only the removable basket and tray should be submerged.
Avoid Abrasive Materials
Steel wool, metal scrubbers, and harsh scouring pads scratch the non-stick coating on the basket. Once the coating is damaged, food sticks more, the basket becomes harder to clean, and the coating can flake off into your food. Stick to soft sponges, microfiber cloths, and non-abrasive brushes.
Don’t Use Aerosol Cooking Sprays
Aerosol cooking sprays (like PAM) contain propellants and additives that build up on the non-stick coating over time, creating a sticky residue that is nearly impossible to remove. Use a refillable oil mister or brush oil on instead.
💡 Cleaning Tips
- Clean after every use while the basket is still warm — grease wipes off easily
- Baking soda paste removes stubborn stuck-on food without scratching
- Use parchment liners or foil to catch drips and reduce cleanup
- Never submerge the main unit — only removable parts go in water
- Replace the basket if the non-stick coating is peeling or flaking
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you clean an air fryer?
Wipe down the basket and tray after every use — this takes about 5 minutes and prevents grease buildup. Do a deeper clean including the heating element and interior once a month or whenever you notice lingering odors or visible grease accumulation. Regular quick cleaning after each use means the monthly deep clean is fast and easy.
Can you put air fryer parts in the dishwasher?
Most air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher safe, but check your model’s manual to confirm. Hand washing with a soft sponge is gentler on the non-stick coating and extends its lifespan. If you do use the dishwasher, place parts on the top rack and use a gentle cycle. The main body unit should never go in the dishwasher.
Why does my air fryer smell bad?
Lingering odors are usually caused by grease and food particles baked onto the heating element or interior walls. Run the vinegar steam cleaning method: place a small bowl of half water, half white vinegar in the basket and run at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. This deodorizes the interior. If the smell persists, check the heating element for baked-on grease and clean it with a baking soda paste.