How to Clean an Air Fryer: Daily and Deep Cleaning Guide

An air fryer makes cooking fast and easy, but it only stays that way if you keep it clean. Grease and crumbs build up quickly, and a dirty basket can cause smoke, odd smells, and food that tastes slightly burnt. The good news is that learning how to clean an air fryer takes just a few minutes once you have a routine. This guide covers everyday cleaning, deep cleaning, stubborn grease, and the mistakes that can damage your appliance.

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Why Regular Cleaning Matters

Every time you cook, small amounts of oil and food particles drip into the basket and drawer. Over time, that residue can:

• Smoke when the air fryer heats up.
• Transfer old flavours to new food.
• Make the non-stick coating wear out faster.
• Reduce airflow, which leads to uneven cooking.
• Attract pests if crumbs are left for days.

A quick clean after each use prevents most of these problems and makes deep cleaning much easier.

What You Need

• Warm water and mild dish soap.
• A soft sponge or non-abrasive cloth.
• A soft-bristled brush or an old soft toothbrush.
• Baking soda.
• Paper towels or a dry microfibre cloth.
• Optional: white vinegar and a wooden skewer for tight corners.

Avoid steel wool, metal scrapers, and harsh scouring powders. They scratch non-stick coatings and can shorten the life of your basket.

Everyday Cleaning in Five Minutes

Do this after each use, once the air fryer has cooled down.

1. Unplug and cool: always unplug the air fryer and let it cool for at least twenty to thirty minutes.
2. Empty the drawer: tip out crumbs and pour excess grease into a container for disposal, not down the sink.
3. Wash the basket and drawer: use warm soapy water and a soft sponge. If your manual says the parts are dishwasher safe, you can use the dishwasher, though hand washing usually protects the coating longer.
4. Wipe the outside: use a damp cloth to wipe the exterior and control panel.
5. Dry completely: dry all parts before putting them back to prevent water spots and rust on any exposed metal.

Deep Cleaning Once a Week or After Greasy Cooking

Step 1: Soak the basket

Fill the drawer with hot water and a few drops of dish soap, place the basket inside, and soak for fifteen to thirty minutes. This loosens baked-on grease without scrubbing.

Step 2: Use a baking soda paste on stubborn spots

Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of water to form a paste. Spread it on sticky or brown areas, wait ten to fifteen minutes, and then scrub gently with a soft brush. Rinse well.

Step 3: Clean the basket mesh

Many baskets have a mesh or perforated base where food gets stuck. Use a soft toothbrush to clean the holes from both sides. A wooden skewer helps with tight spots.

Step 4: Clean inside the main unit

With the air fryer unplugged and cool, turn it upside down if your model allows it and look at the heating element. If you see grease or food stuck on it, wipe it gently with a damp, not wet, cloth or soft brush. Never pour water into the main unit or submerge it.

Step 5: Wipe the interior walls

Wipe the inside walls with a damp soapy cloth, then with a clean damp cloth to remove soap. Dry with a paper towel.

Step 6: Let everything air dry

Leave the parts out to dry fully before reassembling. Moisture trapped inside can create odours.

How to Remove Stubborn Grease and Smells

• Baked-on grease: repeat the soak and baking soda paste. Patience works better than force.
• Lingering smells: place a small bowl with water and a splash of lemon juice or white vinegar in the basket and run the air fryer at about 180°C / 350°F for three to five minutes. Let it cool, then wipe dry.
• White smoke during cooking: this usually means grease is pooling in the drawer. Empty and clean it, and add a little water to the drawer when cooking very fatty foods if your manual allows.
• Sticky exterior: wipe with a cloth dampened with warm soapy water, then buff with a dry cloth.

Mistakes That Can Damage Your Air Fryer

• Using metal utensils or abrasive pads on non-stick surfaces.
• Submerging the main unit in water.
• Spraying aerosol cooking spray directly on the basket, which can build a sticky layer that is hard to remove. Use oil on the food instead.
• Cleaning while the air fryer is still hot.
• Ignoring the manufacturer’s instructions about dishwasher use.

Some of these overlap with general cooking habits. Our list of air fryer mistakes to avoid covers more.

Cleaning Different Air Fryer Styles

Not every air fryer is built the same way, so adjust your routine to your model. Basket-style air fryers are the simplest: most of the mess collects in the drawer and basket, which you can remove and wash. Oven-style air fryers with racks and a door need a little more attention. Wipe the glass door with warm soapy water, wash the racks and drip tray after each use, and check the corners of the cavity for crumbs. Dual-basket models need both drawers cleaned separately, even if you only used one for something greasy. Whatever the style, the user manual is the best source for which parts are dishwasher safe and how to reach the heating element safely.

Ways to Keep It Cleaner While You Cook

Prevention saves time. A few habits keep mess to a minimum:

• Use perforated parchment liners made for air fryers, placed under food so they do not fly into the heating element.
• Pat fatty foods dry and trim excess fat where possible.
• Avoid very wet batters, which drip through the basket.
• Add sauces at the end rather than at the start.
• Empty the drawer right after it cools rather than leaving grease overnight.

Foods like crispy vegetables or potatoes create less mess than fatty meats. If you want more low-mess ideas, see our guide to crispy air fryer vegetables.

Food Safety Note

Cleaning is part of food safety. Wash the basket after cooking raw meat, poultry, or fish before using it for ready-to-eat foods. Use a thermometer to check doneness: chicken should reach 165°F (74°C), and fish should reach 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part. A clean basket also makes it easier to see whether food is cooking evenly.

A Simple Cleaning Schedule

• After every use: empty crumbs and grease, wash the basket and drawer, wipe the exterior.
• Weekly, or after greasy meals: soak, use baking soda paste, clean the mesh, and wipe the interior.
• Monthly: check the heating element, wipe the vents, and inspect the coating for wear.

Get More From a Clean Air Fryer

A clean air fryer cooks better, and that makes it easier to try new recipes. If you want a beginner-friendly collection of meals and techniques, Air Fryer Made Easy is a practical ebook with simple step-by-step recipes for everyday breakfasts, dinners, snacks, and sides. It suits people who want to use their air fryer more often without complicated instructions.

For a full overview, read our Air Fryer Made Easy review.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to clean an air fryer properly takes the stress out of using it every day. Empty and wash the basket after each use, deep clean once a week, avoid harsh tools, and dry everything well. Your air fryer will last longer, smell better, and cook more evenly. When it is sparkling and ready, find new recipes in Air Fryer Made Easy and put it to work.