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

The fastest way to clean an air fryer is to do it right after cooking, before grease and food bits dry on. Unplug the unit and let it cool for five minutes — warm enough to handle, cool enough not to burn yourself. Remove the basket and tray (the two removable parts that hold food), rinse them under hot water, scrub with a soft sponge or cloth, and dry them. The heating element and interior walls rarely need scrubbing if you wipe them down while warm.

Most air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe, though checking your manual first saves a ruined part. Hand-washing in hot soapy water takes three minutes and is gentler on the non-stick coating. Never use steel wool, abrasive scouring pads, or harsh chemicals — these scratch the non-stick surface and shorten the basket's life.

Key Takeaways

  • Unplug the air fryer and let it cool for five minutes, then remove and rinse the basket and tray under hot water while they are still warm.
  • Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub the basket and tray; most are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing protects the non-stick coating longer.
  • Wipe the interior walls and heating element with a damp cloth while the unit is warm; dried-on food comes off more easily than after it cools.
  • Never use steel wool, scouring pads, or oven cleaner inside an air fryer, as these damage the non-stick surface and can release harmful fumes.
  • If food is stuck to the basket, soak it in hot soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes rather than scrubbing hard.

Wipe the interior while the unit is still warm

The inside of the air fryer — the walls, the heating element above, and the bottom — collects grease and crumbs. While the unit is unplugged and cooling, dampen a soft cloth or paper towel and wipe the interior surfaces. Warm surfaces release stuck-on food much more easily than cold ones, so this five-minute step saves scrubbing later.

Pay attention to the heating element at the top, but do not poke or scrub it hard. A gentle wipe with a damp cloth removes most buildup. If you see heavy grease splatter, a second pass with a fresh cloth usually clears it. Let the interior air-dry before plugging the unit back in.

Soak stubborn food instead of scrubbing hard

If food has baked onto the basket or tray and will not rinse away, fill your sink with hot water and a squirt of dish soap, drop the basket in, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. The warm water softens the stuck food so you can wipe it away with a soft sponge. This method protects the non-stick coating far better than aggressive scrubbing.

For really stubborn spots, a soft-bristled brush (like an old toothbrush) works better than a scouring pad. Scrub gently in circular motions. If the food still will not budge after soaking, a second soak usually does the job — patience beats force when protecting a non-stick surface.

Clean the exterior and vents

The outside of the air fryer collects dust and grease splatter. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and dry it. Pay special attention to the vents on the back and sides — these are where hot air exits, and dust buildup can reduce airflow and make the unit work harder.

Use a dry cloth or a soft brush to clear dust from the vents. If vents are clogged, the air fryer has to run longer to reach temperature, which wastes energy and can shorten the unit's life. A quick weekly vent check takes 30 seconds and keeps the unit running efficiently.

What not to use inside an air fryer

Never use steel wool, abrasive scouring pads, or harsh chemicals like oven cleaner inside an air fryer. These scratch the non-stick coating, which can flake off into your food. Once the non-stick surface is damaged, food sticks more easily and the basket becomes harder to clean.

Do not use vinegar or bleach inside the unit either. Vinegar can corrode metal parts, and bleach leaves toxic residue. Stick to warm soapy water and soft cloths. If you need extra cleaning power, a paste of baking soda and water is safe and gentle — explore it, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away.

How often to do a deep clean

A quick rinse and wipe after every use keeps your air fryer in good shape. Once a month, do a slightly deeper clean: soak the basket and tray for 15 minutes, scrub them thoroughly with a soft sponge, and wipe down the interior walls and heating element more carefully. This removes grease buildup that a quick rinse might miss.

If you use your air fryer several times a week, a monthly deep clean is enough. If you use it daily, every two weeks is better. The goal is to prevent grease from building up so thick that it becomes hard to remove and starts to smoke during cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the basket in the dishwasher?

Most air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, but check your manual first — some brands recommend hand-washing to extend the non-stick coating's life. Hand-washing in hot soapy water takes just a few minutes and is gentler on the surface.

What if smoke comes from the air fryer during cooking?

Smoke usually means grease has built up inside. Unplug the unit, let it cool, and wipe the interior walls and heating element with a damp cloth. If you see black or brown residue, soak a cloth in warm soapy water and wipe it away. Clean the basket and tray too, as grease there can drip and burn.

Is it safe to use oven cleaner in an air fryer?

No. Oven cleaner is toxic and can leave residue that contaminates your food. Stick to warm soapy water, soft cloths, and a baking soda paste if you need extra scrubbing power. These are safe and work well on air fryer surfaces.

How do I clean the heating element?

Wipe it gently with a damp cloth while the unit is unplugged and cool. Do not scrub hard or use any tools that could damage it. If grease is stuck on, a second gentle pass with a fresh damp cloth usually removes it. Never spray water directly on the element.

What should I do if the non-stick coating is peeling?

Stop using that basket or tray and replace it. Flaking non-stick coating can end up in your food. Most manufacturers sell replacement baskets and trays separately, and they are usually inexpensive. Check your air fryer's brand and model number to order the right part.