An air fryer can make everything from crispy chicken and French fries to roasted vegetables surprisingly easy. But after a few meals, grease, crumbs, and food residue can build up inside the basket and cooking chamber.
The good news? Cleaning an air fryer doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming. With the right routine, you can usually clean it in just a few minutes after cooking.
This guide explains how to clean an air fryer properly, including the basket, tray, heating element, and exterior, plus common mistakes you should avoid.
Why Cleaning Your Air Fryer Matters
Regular cleaning isn't just about making your appliance look nice.
Food residue and grease can accumulate over time, especially around the basket and heating area. A dirty air fryer may also develop unpleasant odors and produce smoke when leftover grease gets hot.
Regular cleaning can help:
- Reduce grease and food buildup
- Prevent lingering food odors
- Keep the cooking basket looking cleaner
- Reduce smoke caused by old food residue
- Maintain better cooking performance
- Make your air fryer easier to use over time
You don't need to deep-clean the entire appliance after every meal. The key is knowing which parts need regular cleaning and which parts only need occasional attention.
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What You Need to Clean an Air Fryer
You probably already have most of what you need at home.
Basic cleaning supplies
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap
- Soft sponge or microfiber cloth
- Soft-bristled brush
- Paper towel or clean kitchen towel
- Small bowl or container
For stubborn residue, a soft nylon brush can be useful.
Avoid abrasive scouring pads, steel wool, or harsh cleaning products because they can damage surfaces and coatings.
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How to Clean an Air Fryer Step by Step
Step 1: Unplug the Air Fryer and Let It Cool
Before cleaning, turn off the air fryer, unplug it, and allow it to cool completely.
This is especially important because the cooking basket and internal components can remain very hot after cooking.
Don't start cleaning immediately after removing your food.
Give the appliance enough time to cool to a safe temperature.
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Step 2: Remove the Basket and Tray
Take out the removable basket, crisper plate, or cooking tray.
Shake out loose crumbs over the trash or sink.
If there is a significant amount of grease or food residue, wipe away the excess with a paper towel before washing.
This makes the washing process easier and prevents unnecessary grease from going down your drain.
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Step 3: Soak Stubborn Food Residue
If food is stuck to the basket or tray, don't immediately start scrubbing aggressively.
Instead, place the removable parts in warm, soapy water and let them soak for several minutes.
The warm water helps soften dried food and grease.
After soaking, gently loosen the residue with a soft sponge or brush.
Quick tip
Don't use a knife, fork, or other sharp object to scrape food from the basket. Scratching the surface can make future cleaning more difficult.
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Step 4: Wash the Basket and Tray
Wash the removable components with warm water and mild dish soap.
Pay particular attention to:
- The bottom of the basket
- Corners and edges
- Small holes in the crisper plate
- Areas around the handle
- Places where grease tends to collect
Rinse thoroughly after washing.
If your specific air fryer manufacturer says that the removable parts are dishwasher-safe, you can use the dishwasher according to the manufacturer's instructions.
However, dishwasher compatibility varies between models, so check your air fryer's manual before putting components in the dishwasher.
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Step 5: Clean the Inside of the Air Fryer
Now focus on the cooking chamber.
Do not immerse the main air fryer unit in water.
Instead, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth or soft sponge to wipe the interior.
Remove:
- Grease splashes
- Food particles
- Crumbs
- Visible residue
For areas that are difficult to reach, use a soft-bristled brush.
Avoid soaking the interior or pouring water into the appliance.
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Step 6: Clean Around the Heating Element
The heating element is one of the areas people often forget.
Turn the appliance upside down only if your model's design and manufacturer's instructions allow you to do so safely.
Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove visible grease or residue around the heating area.
For loose crumbs, a soft brush can help.
Important
Never use excessive water around the heating element.
You should also avoid spraying cleaning products directly into the appliance.
The goal is to wipe away residue, not saturate the internal components.
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Step 7: Clean the Exterior
The outside of your air fryer usually needs only a quick wipe.
Use a damp microfiber cloth to clean:
- The front panel
- Handle
- Sides
- Top surface
- Control area
For electronic controls, avoid getting excess moisture around buttons, displays, or openings.
Dry the exterior with a clean towel when finished.
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Step 8: Dry Everything Completely
This step is easy to overlook.
After washing the basket and tray, dry them completely with a clean kitchen towel or allow them to air-dry fully.
Make sure removable parts are completely dry before putting them back into the appliance.
Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble the air fryer.
How Often Should You Clean an Air Fryer?
The cleaning frequency depends on what you're cooking and how often you use the appliance.
After every use
It's a good idea to:
- Remove crumbs
- Clean the basket
- Clean the tray or crisper plate
- Wipe visible grease
- Wipe obvious food residue
This only takes a few minutes when done regularly.
Every few uses
Give the cooking chamber and surrounding areas a more thorough inspection.
Look for grease or food buildup that may not be obvious during everyday cleaning.
Occasional deep cleaning
If you use your air fryer frequently, periodically inspect the heating element and other hard-to-reach areas for buildup.
Your manufacturer's cleaning instructions should take priority, especially for specific maintenance requirements.
How to Remove Stubborn Grease From an Air Fryer
Old grease can be harder to remove than fresh residue.
Here's a simple approach:
1. Remove the basket and tray.
2. Soak them in warm, soapy water.
3. Allow the residue to soften.
4. Gently scrub with a soft sponge.
5. Use a soft brush for corners and small openings.
6. Rinse thoroughly.
7. Dry completely.
For the main unit, use a damp cloth rather than soaking or rinsing it under running water.
Don't use harsh abrasives
Abrasive cleaners and aggressive scrubbing can damage surfaces, particularly if your air fryer's removable parts have a nonstick coating.
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How to Get Rid of a Bad Smell in an Air Fryer
If your air fryer smells unpleasant, leftover grease or food residue may be the reason.
Start by thoroughly cleaning:
- The basket
- Cooking tray
- Interior walls
- Areas around the heating element
- Exterior and handle
Also check for small food particles that may have become trapped in corners.
If the smell continues after cleaning, consult your air fryer's manual for model-specific cleaning and odor-removal instructions.
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Can You Put an Air Fryer Basket in the Dishwasher?
It depends on the model.
Some air fryer baskets and removable components are dishwasher-safe, while others are not.
Before using a dishwasher, check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model.
Even when dishwasher use is allowed, hand washing may be preferable for some nonstick-coated components because repeated exposure to harsh dishwasher detergents and high heat can affect certain finishes over time.
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Can You Use Oven Cleaner on an Air Fryer?
It's generally best to avoid oven cleaner or other harsh chemical cleaners unless your manufacturer specifically recommends them.
Air fryers contain electrical components, coatings, and materials that may not be compatible with aggressive cleaning chemicals.
For routine cleaning, stick with:
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap
- Soft cloths
- Soft sponges
- Soft brushes
Always follow the cleaning instructions supplied with your particular air fryer.
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7 Air Fryer Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
1. Cleaning It While It's Still Hot
Hot components can cause burns and make cleaning unnecessarily difficult.
Let the appliance cool first.
2. Submerging the Main Unit
The electrical base should never be treated like a regular cooking pot.
Keep it away from standing water.
3. Using Steel Wool
Steel wool and abrasive scrubbers can scratch surfaces and damage coatings.
Use a soft sponge instead.
4. Scraping With a Knife
Sharp utensils can scratch the cooking surface.
Soak stubborn residue and remove it gently.
5. Ignoring the Heating Element
Food particles and grease can accumulate around the heating area.
Inspect it periodically and clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
6. Using Too Much Water
More water doesn't mean better cleaning.
A damp cloth is usually sufficient for the main appliance.
7. Putting Parts in the Dishwasher Without Checking
Never assume that every air fryer basket is dishwasher-safe.
Check the manufacturer's instructions first.
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How to Keep Your Air Fryer Cleaner for Longer
A few simple habits can reduce cleaning time significantly.
Clean it soon after cooking
Fresh residue is much easier to remove than dried-on grease.
Don't overfill the basket
Overfilling can cause food and grease to spread around the cooking chamber.
Follow the manufacturer's recommended capacity.
Remove loose crumbs
Crumbs left inside can burn during your next cooking cycle.
Wipe grease regularly
A quick wipe after cooking can prevent layers of grease from building up.
Use appropriate accessories
If you use liners, parchment, or other accessories, make sure they're specifically suitable for your air fryer and used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my air fryer?
Clean the removable cooking components after regular use and wipe away visible residue from the main unit. Periodically inspect the interior and heating area for buildup.
Can I wash the entire air fryer with water?
No. The main electrical unit should not be submerged or washed under running water. Use a damp cloth or sponge for the exterior and interior surfaces that can be safely wiped.
What is the easiest way to clean an air fryer basket?
Soak the basket in warm, soapy water for several minutes, then gently clean it with a soft sponge or brush. This is usually easier than aggressive scrubbing.
How do I clean burnt food from an air fryer?
Allow the basket or tray to soak in warm, soapy water to loosen the residue. Then gently scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or soft brush.
Can I use baking soda to clean my air fryer?
Some people use baking soda for stubborn household grease, but compatibility can vary by material and coating. Check your manufacturer's cleaning recommendations before applying additional cleaning agents.
Why does my air fryer smoke?
Smoke can be caused by excess grease, food residue, or fatty foods. Turn off the appliance if you see unexpected smoke, allow it to cool, and inspect and clean the cooking components and interior according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Final Thoughts
Cleaning an air fryer doesn't need to become another major kitchen chore.
The easiest approach is to clean the basket and cooking tray after use, wipe away visible residue, and periodically inspect the interior and heating area. A few minutes of routine maintenance can prevent stubborn buildup from becoming a much bigger cleaning job.
Most importantly, always follow the cleaning and maintenance instructions for your specific air fryer model. Different brands and models can use different coatings and removable components, so the manufacturer's guidance should take priority.
A clean air fryer is simply easier to use—and keeping it clean from the beginning is much easier than trying to remove months of accumulated grease later.