An air fryer builds up grease and food residue quickly given how often many households use it, and a dirty basket can affect both cooking results and how long the appliance lasts. This guide covers how to clean an air fryer properly, inside and out.
How Do You Clean an Air Fryer?
To clean an air fryer, let it cool completely, remove the basket and tray, wash them in warm soapy water or the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe, wipe the interior with a damp cloth, and dry everything fully before reassembling. Cleaning after every use, rather than letting grease build up over several sessions, keeps the job quick and simple.
What You Will Need
- Warm water and washing-up liquid
- A soft sponge or cloth, non-abrasive
- An old toothbrush, for tight corners and vents
- Baking soda, for stubborn baked-on residue
- A dry towel
How to Clean an Air Fryer: Step by Step
1. Unplug and Let It Cool
Always allow the air fryer to cool completely and unplug it before cleaning, both for safety and because washing a hot basket can warp certain non-stick coatings.
2. Remove the Basket and Tray
Take out the removable basket and any tray or pan, and check your manufacturer’s guidance on whether these parts are dishwasher-safe.
3. Soak if Needed
For baked-on residue, soak the basket in warm soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen it before washing, rather than scrubbing hard immediately.
4. Wash the Removable Parts
Wash the basket and tray with a soft sponge and warm soapy water, avoiding abrasive scourers, which can damage non-stick coatings. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before reassembling.
5. Wipe the Interior
Wipe the main unit’s interior, including the heating element area, with a damp cloth, taking care not to let water enter the electrical components. Never submerge the main unit itself in water.
6. Clean the Vents
Use an old toothbrush to gently clear any grease or crumbs from air vents, which helps maintain proper airflow and cooking performance.
7. Deal With Stubborn, Baked-On Grease
For grease that will not lift with soap alone, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area, add a small amount of water to form a paste, and leave for 15 to 20 minutes before scrubbing gently and rinsing.
8. Dry Fully Before Reassembling
Make sure every part is completely dry before putting the air fryer back together, since trapped moisture can encourage mould or affect performance over time.
How Often Should You Clean It?
Wiping the basket after every use, and giving the whole unit a more thorough clean weekly with regular use, prevents grease building into a stubborn, harder-to-remove layer and helps the appliance perform consistently.
If you are maintaining several kitchen appliances, our guide to cleaning an oven naturally covers a similar approach for another commonly used appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Many modern air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, but always check your specific manufacturer’s guidance first, since some non-stick coatings are better maintained with hand washing.
Why does my air fryer smell even after cleaning?
A lingering smell often points to grease trapped in the vents or heating element area rather than the basket itself, so cleaning these areas more thoroughly usually resolves it.
Can I use steel wool on an air fryer basket?
No. Abrasive scourers such as steel wool can scratch and damage non-stick coatings. A soft sponge and, for stubborn residue, a baking soda paste are safer options.
How often should I clean my air fryer?
Wiping the basket after each use and giving the whole unit a deeper clean weekly, depending on frequency of use, keeps grease from building up into a harder job later.
Is it safe to get water inside the main air fryer unit?
No. Only wipe the interior with a damp, well-wrung cloth, and never submerge or pour water into the main unit, since this can damage the electrical components.
Always check your specific air fryer’s manufacturer instructions before cleaning, since guidance can vary slightly between models and brands.
About the Author
Spire Homes Editorial Team researches and writes practical, UK focused home improvement guides covering renovation planning, financing, interior design, and home appliances. Our content is reviewed for accuracy and updated as guidance changes.
