How to Clean an Air Fryer (Without Ruining It)
I’ll be honest. I didn’t clean my air fryer for the first three months.
Big mistake.
The food started tasting weird. Smoke came out during cooking. And the basket? Let’s not talk about the basket.
I learned the hard way so you don’t have to. Here’s exactly how to clean an air fryer – the right way, without damaging the nonstick coating or heating element.
Quick Answer: How to Clean an Air Fryer in 3 Steps
If you’re in a hurry, here’s the short version:
- Unplug and cool completely (30-60 minutes)
- Wash basket and tray in hot soapy water or dishwasher
- Wipe interior and heating element with damp cloth
For baked-on grease, make a paste with baking soda and water. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft sponge.
Now let’s dive into the details.
What You’ll Need
Gather these supplies before you start:
| Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Soft sponge or non-scratch scrubber | Metal scrubbers ruin nonstick coating |
| Dish soap | Cuts grease without harsh chemicals |
| Baking soda | For stubborn, baked-on messes |
| White vinegar | Helps with odors and mineral buildup |
| Microfiber cloth | Leaves no lint or scratches |
| Cotton swabs | For tight spots around heating element |
| Old toothbrush | Gentle scrubbing in corners |
What NOT to use:
- ❌ Steel wool or metal scrubbers
- ❌ Harsh chemical cleaners
- ❌ Aerosol oven cleaners
- ❌ Anything abrasive
Step 1: Unplug and Let It Cool Completely
This is the most important step. And the one people skip most often.
Wait 30-60 minutes after cooking. The heating element stays hot for a long time. Cleaning while hot can:
- Burn your hands
- Warp the basket
- Damage the nonstick coating
- Make cleaning harder (heat bakes grease on)
Safety first. Unplug it. Walk away. Come back when it’s cool to touch.
Step 2: Remove and Wash Removable Parts
Most air fryers have these removable parts:
- Basket
- Crisper tray or rack
- Pan (if your model has one)
Check your manual to see what’s dishwasher safe. Many are, but not all.
If Dishwasher Safe:
- Place parts on top rack only
- Avoid high heat drying cycles
- Run normally
If Hand Washing:
- Fill sink with hot water and dish soap
- Let parts soak for 10-15 minutes
- Scrub gently with soft sponge
- Rinse thoroughly
- Dry completely before reassembling
For stuck-on food: Soak longer. Add baking soda to the water for extra cleaning power.
Step 3: Clean the Heating Element (Carefully!)
The heating element is at the top of the air fryer. It’s delicate. Be gentle.
Never scrub the heating element. You can damage it or break the wires.
Instead:
- Dip a soft cloth or sponge in warm soapy water
- Wring it out well (you don’t want water dripping into electronics)
- Gently wipe the element
- For tough spots, use a cotton swab dipped in soapy water
- Let it air dry completely before using
Pro tip: If food is stuck to the heating element, run the air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes to loosen it. Then wipe gently once cool.
Step 4: Wipe Down the Interior
The inside walls and bottom of your air fryer collect grease splatter over time.
- Dip soft cloth in warm soapy water
- Wring out well
- Wipe all interior surfaces
- For stubborn spots, make baking soda paste
- Rinse with clean damp cloth
- Dry thoroughly
Never submerge the main unit in water. It has electrical components that will be destroyed.
Step 5: Clean the Exterior
The outside gets greasy from hands and kitchen splatter.
- Stainless steel: Use stainless steel cleaner and wipe with grain
- Plastic: Warm soapy water works fine
- Control panel: Damp cloth only, no excess moisture
- Display screen: Microfiber cloth to avoid scratches
Step 6: Tackle Tough Problems
Problem: Baked-on grease that won’t come off
Solution: Make a paste with 3 parts baking soda, 1 part water. Apply to stuck areas. Let sit 15-20 minutes. Gently scrub with soft sponge. Rinse well.
Problem: Air fryer smells bad
Solution: Wipe interior with vinegar-dampened cloth. Let air dry completely. For persistent smells, put a bowl of vinegar in the basket and run at 250°F for 5 minutes.
Problem: Smoke coming out during use
Solution: This means grease buildup on the heating element. Clean thoroughly following Step 3. If smoke continues, you may have electrical issues – contact manufacturer.
Problem: Nonstick coating peeling
Solution: Stop using immediately. Peeling coating can get in your food. Contact manufacturer for warranty replacement.
How Often Should You Clean Your Air Fryer?
| Frequency | What to Clean |
|---|---|
| After every use | Basket and tray (hand wash or dishwasher) |
| Weekly | Wipe interior and exterior |
| Monthly | Deep clean heating element and all surfaces |
| As needed | When you notice smoke, smells, or buildup |
The golden rule: If you see grease buildup, clean it. Don’t wait.
What NOT to Do (Seriously)
I made these mistakes so you don’t have to:
❌ Don’t put the main unit in water
This will destroy it. Void warranty. Possibly dangerous.
❌ Don’t use metal utensils
They scratch nonstick coating. Use silicone, wood, or plastic.
❌ Don’t use aerosol cleaners
They leave residue that can burn and smoke during cooking.
❌ Don’t soak the basket too long
Prolonged soaking can damage nonstick coating. 15-20 minutes max.
❌ Don’t put cold water on hot basket
Thermal shock can warp metal. Always cool completely first.
❌ Don’t ignore smoke
If it smokes, it needs cleaning. Don’t just keep cooking.
Air Fryer Cleaning FAQs
Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Check your manual. Many are dishwasher safe, but some aren’t. When in doubt, hand wash.
How do I get the smell out of my air fryer?
Wipe with vinegar-water solution. Let air dry completely. Run empty at 350°F for 5 minutes with a lemon wedge inside.
Why does my air fryer smoke?
Grease buildup on the heating element. Clean thoroughly. If it still smokes, stop using and contact manufacturer.
Can I use oven cleaner on my air fryer?
Never. Oven cleaner is too harsh and will damage nonstick coating. Stick to dish soap and baking soda.
How do I clean the air fryer heating element?
Very gently with damp cloth or cotton swab. Never scrub. Never spray water directly.
When to Replace Your Air Fryer
Even with perfect cleaning, air fryers don’t last forever. Replace if:
- Nonstick coating is peeling or flaking
- Heating element doesn’t get hot
- Timer or controls stop working
- Smoke continues after thorough cleaning
- It’s over 3-5 years old (typical lifespan)
If you’re in the market for a new one, check out our best compact air fryers guide for current recommendations.
Final Take
Cleaning your air fryer takes 10-15 minutes. Doing it regularly keeps it working well and your food tasting good.
The basket gets washed after every use. The interior gets wiped weekly. The heating element gets checked monthly.
Follow these steps and your air fryer will last years longer. Your food will taste better. And you won’t get that embarrassing smoke alarm moment when friends are over.
Now go clean that air fryer. Your future self will thank you.
