Clean the basket and tray when ready after cooking
The easiest time to clean an air fryer is right after you finish cooking, while the residue is still soft. Let the unit cool for five to ten minutes — the basket and tray will be too hot to touch right away, but cooling them slightly makes the job faster and safer than waiting until they are completely cold and stuck on.
Remove the basket and tray from the main unit. Rinse both under warm running water and wipe away loose food and grease with a soft cloth or sponge. For stuck-on food, soak the basket and tray in warm soapy water for ten to fifteen minutes, then scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid steel wool or hard brushes, which can scratch the non-stick coating and shorten the life of the parts.
Dry the basket and tray completely with a clean cloth before putting them back in the air fryer. Water left inside can drip onto the heating element and cause damage or create a safety hazard.
Key Takeaways
- Clean the basket and tray within five to ten minutes of cooking, while food residue is still soft and straightforward to remove.
- Use warm soapy water and a soft sponge; avoid steel wool or abrasive scrubbers that damage the non-stick surface.
- Wipe down the interior walls and heating element with a damp cloth once a month to prevent grease buildup and smoke.
- Never submerge the main unit in water, and always dry all parts completely before reassembling.
- A buildup of grease inside the unit reduces air circulation and can cause uneven cooking or burning smells.
Wipe the interior walls and heating element monthly
The inside of the air fryer collects grease and food particles that fall from the basket during cooking. Once a month, or more often if you cook fatty foods regularly, wipe down the interior walls and the heating element at the top of the unit.
Unplug the air fryer and let it cool completely. Dampen a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge with warm water and a small amount of dish soap. Gently wipe the interior walls, being careful around the heating element. Do not spray water directly into the unit or use a wet cloth that drips. If grease has hardened, let a damp cloth sit against it for a minute or two to soften it before wiping.
For the heating element itself, use a dry cloth or a soft brush to remove loose debris. Do not use water on the heating element directly. Once you have finished, leave the door open and let the interior air-dry for several minutes before plugging the unit back in.
Handle the main unit carefully — never submerge it
The main body of the air fryer contains the heating element, fan, and electrical components. It should never go in water or the dishwasher. Submerging it can damage the motor, create electrical hazards, or cause the unit to stop working.
If the outside casing gets splattered with food or grease, unplug the unit and wipe it down with a damp cloth. For stubborn spots, dampen the cloth with a small amount of warm soapy water, wipe the area, then follow up with a cloth dampened in plain water to rinse. Dry the outside completely with a clean cloth.
Check the air vents on the sides and back of the unit regularly. If dust or grease buildup blocks the vents, the unit cannot cool properly and may overheat. Use a dry cloth or soft brush to clear the vents every few weeks, especially if you cook frequently.
Know which parts are dishwasher-safe
Most air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe, but check your manual first — some brands recommend hand-washing to extend the life of the non-stick coating. If your manual says the basket and tray are dishwasher-safe, place them on the top rack of the dishwasher and run a normal cycle.
Even if the parts are dishwasher-safe, hand-washing them when ready after cooking is faster and often gentler on the non-stick surface. The dishwasher works well for a deeper clean once a week or when you have time to let them soak and run a full load.
Never put the main unit, heating element, or any electrical components in the dishwasher. Only the removable basket and tray should ever go in the dishwasher, and only if your specific model's manual says they can.
Remove and prevent grease buildup at the bottom
Grease and oil drip to the bottom of the air fryer during cooking. Most units have a removable drip tray or crumb tray that catches this debris. Empty this tray after every few uses, or whenever you notice it is getting full.
To empty the tray, unplug the unit and let it cool. Slide out the drip tray from the bottom or side of the unit — the exact location depends on your model. Pour the grease into a container or trash can. Wipe the tray with a paper towel or cloth to remove any remaining residue, then rinse it under warm water and dry it completely before sliding it back in.
If your air fryer does not have a removable drip tray, wipe the bottom interior of the unit with a damp cloth once a month. Grease that sits at the bottom can smoke, create odors, and eventually affect the taste of your food.
Deal with smoke and odors
If your air fryer smokes or smells during cooking, grease buildup is usually the cause. Clean the interior walls, heating element, and drip tray as described above. After cleaning, run the air fryer empty at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for three to five minutes to dry out any moisture and clear the unit.
Smoke can also happen if you are cooking food that is too oily or if you have not patted food dry before cooking. Excess moisture and oil create steam and smoke inside the basket. Pat chicken, fish, and vegetables dry with paper towels before cooking, and avoid cooking foods that are already very wet or heavily oiled.
If the smell persists after cleaning, leave the air fryer unplugged and open for a few hours to air out. Some new units have a plastic smell that fades after the first few uses and a thorough cleaning.
Store your air fryer properly between uses
After the unit is completely clean and dry, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Do not store it while it is still damp, as moisture can damage the electrical components or create mold inside.
If you store the air fryer in a cabinet or drawer, make sure the basket and tray are completely dry and stacked neatly so they do not shift during storage. Keep the power cord coiled loosely and not wrapped tightly around the unit, which can damage the cord over time.
Before using the air fryer again after storage, wipe down the interior with a dry cloth to remove any dust that may have settled inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vinegar or lemon juice to clean my air fryer?
Yes, vinegar and lemon juice are safe for cleaning the basket, tray, and interior walls. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, or use lemon juice diluted with water. Dampen a cloth with the mixture and wipe down the surfaces. Vinegar can help cut through grease and remove odors. Rinse with plain water and dry completely afterward.
What should I do if food is stuck to the basket and won't come off?
Soak the basket in warm soapy water for fifteen to twenty minutes to soften the stuck food. If it still will not budge, make a paste of baking soda and water, explore it to the stuck area, and let it sit for another ten minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft sponge. Never use a metal scraper or steel wool, as these will damage the non-stick coating.
How often should I deep-clean my air fryer?
Deep-clean the interior walls, heating element, and drip tray once a month if you use the air fryer several times a week. If you use it less often, deep-clean it every two to three months. Regular quick cleanings after each use will reduce how much buildup occurs and make deep cleaning easier.
Is it safe to use cooking spray in an air fryer?
Most cooking sprays are safe to use in air fryers, but they can leave a residue that builds up over time and affects the non-stick coating. If you do use spray, clean the basket and tray more frequently. Some manufacturers recommend using an oil mister or brush to explore oil instead of spray, which gives you better control and creates less buildup.
What if water drips onto the heating element during cleaning?
Unplug the unit when ready and let it dry completely before using it again. Leave the door open and let it air-dry for at least two hours. Do not plug it back in until you are certain the interior is completely dry. This is why it is important to use a damp cloth rather than pouring or spraying water directly into the unit.