Clean your air fryer after every use, while it's still warm but unplugged

The fastest way to keep your air fryer clean is to wipe the basket and tray right after cooking, before grease hardens. Unplug the unit first, then let it cool for five to ten minutes—warm enough to handle, not hot enough to burn you. Most air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe, so you can remove them and run them through the machine, or wash them by hand with hot soapy water and a soft sponge. For the main unit itself, wipe the interior walls and heating element area with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove loose crumbs and splatters.

If you clean regularly after each use, you'll rarely need a deep clean. But if grease or food buildup has hardened inside, soak the basket and tray in hot soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes before scrubbing. Never use abrasive scouring pads or steel wool on nonstick surfaces—they scratch the coating and shorten the basket's life. A soft brush or plastic scraper works better for stubborn spots.

Key Takeaways

  • Wipe your air fryer basket and tray while they're still warm after cooking, before grease sets.
  • Most baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe, but hand washing with a soft sponge protects the nonstick coating longer.
  • Never use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers on the nonstick surface—use a soft brush or plastic scraper instead.
  • Soak hardened buildup in hot soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes before scrubbing to avoid damaging the basket.
  • Wipe the interior walls and around the heating element with a damp cloth to remove crumbs and splatters.

Cleaning the basket and tray after every use

The basket and tray are where most of the mess collects, so cleaning them right away stops grease from baking on. After you unplug the unit and let it cool slightly, pull out both pieces. If they're not too dirty, a quick rinse under hot running water and a wipe with a soft cloth is enough. For heavier buildup, use a soft sponge with a little dish soap and warm water, scrubbing gently in circular motions.

If your air fryer manual says the basket and tray are dishwasher-safe, you can load them on the top rack of your dishwasher. The top rack is gentler than the bottom and keeps them away from the heating element. Check your manual first, though—some brands recommend hand washing to preserve the nonstick coating longer. Either way, dry them completely before putting them back in the unit to prevent rust or water spots.

Removing stuck-on food and grease buildup

When food or grease hardens inside the basket, soaking softens it so you don't have to scrub hard and risk scratching the nonstick surface. Fill a sink or basin with hot water and add a squirt of dish soap, then submerge the basket and tray for 15 to 20 minutes. The heat and soap break down the buildup without any scrubbing.

After soaking, use a soft sponge or a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away the loosened food. For stubborn spots, a plastic scraper or an old toothbrush works well. Avoid anything metal or abrasive—even a rough cloth can wear away the nonstick coating over time. Rinse thoroughly under running water and dry completely before reinserting.

Cleaning the interior walls and heating element area

Crumbs and grease splatters collect on the interior walls and around the heating element, where they can smoke or burn during your next use. With the unit unplugged and cool, use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe down the inside walls, paying special attention to corners and crevices. You don't need soap for this—just water is enough to loosen and remove loose debris.

Be gentle around the heating element at the top of the unit. You don't need to scrub it, and you shouldn't spray water directly on it. A damp cloth wiped carefully around it is sufficient. If you see stubborn buildup, let a damp cloth sit against it for a minute to soften the debris, then wipe gently. Never use a brush or scraper on the heating element itself.

What not to do when cleaning your air fryer

Steel wool, scouring pads, and abrasive cleaners will scratch and damage the nonstick coating on your basket and tray. Once the coating is compromised, food sticks more easily and the basket becomes harder to clean. Stick to soft sponges, soft brushes, and plastic scrapers instead.

Don't submerge the main unit in water or spray water directly into it—the heating element and electrical components can be damaged. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth only, and never pour liquid inside. Also avoid oven cleaner and harsh chemical cleaners, which can leave residue that gets into your food. Warm soapy water and a damp cloth are all you need for safe, effective cleaning.

How often to do a deep clean

If you wipe out your air fryer after every use, you probably won't need a deep clean more than once a month. A deep clean means soaking the basket and tray longer (30 to 45 minutes instead of 15), scrubbing more thoroughly, and wiping down all interior surfaces including the heating element area. Do this when you notice grease buildup that regular cleaning isn't removing, or if the unit starts to smell or smoke during cooking.

For a monthly deep clean, soak the basket and tray in hot soapy water for 30 to 45 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush. Wipe the entire interior with a damp cloth, including the heating element area and the bottom of the unit. Dry everything completely before reassembling. This keeps your air fryer running smoothly and prevents grease from accumulating to the point where it affects cooking performance or creates smoke.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?

Most modern air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, but check your manual first—some brands recommend hand washing to extend the nonstick coating's life. If it is dishwasher-safe, place it on the top rack away from the heating element. Hand washing with a soft sponge is gentler and often preserves the coating longer.

What should I do if my air fryer smells like burning during cooking?

A burning smell usually means grease or food debris has built up inside. Unplug the unit, let it cool, and do a deep clean of the interior, basket, and tray. Soak the basket in hot soapy water for 30 to 45 minutes, then scrub gently and wipe down all interior surfaces. If the smell persists after cleaning, contact the manufacturer.

Is it safe to use vinegar or baking soda to clean my air fryer?

Vinegar and baking soda are safe for the basket and tray—mix baking soda with a little water to make a paste and scrub gently, or soak in a vinegar-and-water solution. Avoid using these on the heating element or inside the main unit, where residue can be hard to rinse away completely.

Can I use cooking spray in my air fryer, and does it make cleaning harder?

Cooking spray can build up on the basket and heating element over time, making cleaning harder. If you use it, clean your air fryer more frequently—after every use rather than every few uses. Hand washing instead of the dishwasher also helps remove spray residue more effectively.