How to Clean an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide
Regular cleaning keeps your air fryer performing well, prevents smoke during cooking, and helps the non-stick coating last longer. This guide covers every part of the air fryer — basket, tray, interior chamber, heating element, and exterior.
What You Need
You don't need specialized cleaning products. Most air fryers can be cleaned with supplies you already have at home:
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- Non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth
- Soft-bristle brush (a clean toothbrush works well for crevices)
- Baking soda (for stubborn stuck-on residue)
- Microfiber cloth for drying and the exterior
- Paper towels
Always unplug your air fryer and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
How Often Should You Clean It?
| Part | How Often | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Basket and tray | After every use | Food residue bakes on quickly and is much harder to clean if left |
| Interior chamber | Every 5–7 uses | Grease splatters accumulate and can cause smoke |
| Heating element | Every 5–7 uses | Grease on the element causes smoke and burning smells |
| Exterior | Weekly or as needed | Fingerprints and steam condensation build up |
Step 1: Clean the Basket and Tray
The basket and tray are the parts that get the most contact with food. They should be cleaned after every cook.
- Let it cool completely. Never put a hot basket in cold water — rapid temperature changes can warp the basket or damage the non-stick coating.
- Remove loose debris. Shake out crumbs or use a paper towel to wipe out any loose food bits before washing.
- Soak if needed. For stuck-on residue, fill the basket with warm soapy water and let it soak for 10–15 minutes before scrubbing.
- Wash gently. Use a non-abrasive sponge and mild dish soap. Scrub in circular motions, paying attention to the mesh or perforations.
- Rinse thoroughly. Make sure all soap residue is rinsed away — any remaining soap can smoke during the next cook.
- Dry completely. Air-dry or pat dry with a clean cloth before reassembling. Putting a wet basket back can damage the heating element area.
Step 2: Clean the Interior and Heating Element
The inside of the air fryer chamber and the heating coil above it collect grease splatter. Cleaning these prevents smoke and burning smells.
- Unplug and cool completely. This step is essential before touching the heating element area.
- Turn the unit upside down. Flipping the air fryer gives you direct access to the heating element on most models.
- Wipe the interior walls. Use a damp cloth or non-abrasive sponge with a small amount of dish soap to wipe the interior chamber. A soft brush helps reach corners.
- Clean the heating element gently. Use a damp soft-bristle brush (not soaking wet) to gently scrub away any grease buildup on the coil. Never spray water directly onto the heating element.
- Tackle stubborn spots with baking soda. Mix baking soda with just enough water to form a paste. Apply to stuck-on grease, let sit for 5 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush.
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Remove all soap or baking soda residue with a clean damp cloth. Then dry with a clean cloth or let air-dry completely before using.
Step 3: Wipe Down the Exterior
The outside of the air fryer collects fingerprints, steam, and occasional grease from the exhaust vent area.
- Wipe the exterior with a damp microfiber cloth — no harsh cleaners needed.
- Pay attention to the vent area where grease can accumulate from exhaust.
- Wipe the control panel carefully — avoid getting moisture in buttons or the display.
- Dry with a clean cloth.
What to Avoid When Cleaning an Air Fryer
- ✗Steel wool or abrasive scrubbers
These scratch and destroy the non-stick coating on the basket and tray, leading to flaking and reduced performance.
- ✗Submerging the main unit
Only the removable basket and tray (where applicable) should go in water. The main unit contains electrical components — never submerge it.
- ✗Harsh chemical oven cleaners
Strong chemical cleaners can damage non-stick coatings and leave residue that smokes during cooking. Stick to mild dish soap.
- ✗Spraying water directly on the heating element
Saturating the heating element with water can cause damage. Use a damp cloth or brush — not a spray bottle aimed at the element.
- ✗Cleaning while still hot
Always let the air fryer cool completely before cleaning. Hot non-stick surfaces are more easily scratched, and rapid temperature changes can warp parts.
Tips for Easier Maintenance
- Use parchment liners or foil for messy foods. Pre-cut air fryer parchment liners catch drips and crumbs, reducing how often you need a full interior clean. Do not block the air holes in the basket.
- Wipe the basket while still warm (not hot). Food releases more easily from a slightly warm surface than a completely cooled one — a quick wipe right after serving saves scrubbing time.
- Pat food dry before air frying. Excess moisture on food creates more steam and can cause splattering on the interior walls.
- Avoid overfilling the basket. Overcrowding causes steam and dripping, leading to more interior residue buildup and uneven cooking.
- Run a quick clean cycle after greasy cooks. After cooking fatty meats, add a few drops of dish soap and a small amount of water to the basket and run at low heat for 3 minutes, then rinse.
Air Fryer Cleaning FAQ
Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Many air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, but not all. Check your manufacturer's manual before putting any part in the dishwasher. Non-stick coatings on some baskets can degrade faster with repeated dishwasher cycles even if technically dishwasher-safe — hand-washing with mild dish soap tends to extend the coating's life.
How do I get rid of a burnt smell from my air fryer?
A lingering burnt smell usually comes from grease or food residue on the heating element or interior walls. After cleaning thoroughly, try placing a small dish of water with a few drops of dish soap inside the basket and running the air fryer at low heat (around 300°F) for 3–5 minutes, then let it cool and wipe down again. Baking soda paste on stubborn residue inside the chamber can also help neutralize odors.
How often should I clean my air fryer?
Wipe the basket and drawer after every use once cooled — food residue is much easier to clean while still fresh. Give the interior, heating element, and exterior a thorough cleaning every 5–7 uses, or after any cook that produced visible splattering or smoke. Regular cleaning prevents buildup that causes smoke and reduces heating efficiency.
Can I use cooking spray inside an air fryer?
Aerosol cooking sprays can damage non-stick coatings over time due to the propellants and additives they contain. If you need to grease the basket, use a brush or a spritzer bottle with plain oil instead. Always check your manufacturer's guidelines on oil use.
What should I never put in my air fryer?
Avoid wet batters (they drip through the basket and burn on the element), very light foods that can get blown around by the fan, and large amounts of cheese or greasy foods without a liner. Also avoid using steel wool, abrasive scrubbers, or harsh chemical oven cleaners on any part of the air fryer.
How do I clean the heating element?
Turn the air fryer upside down (after unplugging and fully cooling) to access the heating element. Use a damp cloth or soft brush to gently wipe away any grease or debris. For stubborn buildup, a soft-bristle brush dampened with soapy water works well — just avoid saturating the element. Never spray water directly onto the heating element.