Unplug and let it cool completely before you start

The safest way to clean an air fryer is to turn it off, unplug it from the wall, and wait at least 30 minutes for the heating element and basket to cool. Even if the outside feels cool to the touch, the interior can retain heat. Once it is cool enough to touch comfortably inside, you can begin cleaning.

Never submerge the main unit or heating element in water. The heating element and electrical components will be damaged if water reaches them. You are only cleaning the removable parts and the interior chamber—not the machine itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Always unplug the air fryer and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before cleaning any part of it.
  • The basket and tray are dishwasher-safe on most models, but hand-washing with warm soapy water works just as well and lasts longer.
  • Wipe the interior chamber with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove loose crumbs and grease buildup.
  • Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to gently scrub the heating element coils if food has stuck to them, being careful not to bend or damage the wires.
  • Clean your air fryer after every use to prevent grease from hardening and becoming difficult to remove later.

Remove and wash the basket and tray

The basket (the perforated metal part where food sits) and the tray underneath it are the parts that get the dirtiest. Both are removable on all standard models. Lift them straight up and out of the main unit.

Most baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing extends their life. Soak them in warm soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes if food has stuck on. Use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe away grease and crumbs. A soft brush can reach into the perforations of the basket. Rinse thoroughly under running water and dry completely before putting them back.

Do not use steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive cleaners on the basket or tray. These scratch the non-stick coating and make it peel faster. If something is stuck hard, soak longer rather than scrub harder.

Wipe down the interior chamber

The chamber is the empty space inside the main unit where the basket sits. Crumbs and grease splatter fall to the bottom and sides. Once the unit is cool and the basket is removed, use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe the interior walls and floor.

For stubborn grease buildup, dampen the cloth with a little warm water and a drop of dish soap. Wipe in circular motions, paying attention to the corners where grease pools. Use a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe away any moisture before you reassemble the air fryer.

If your air fryer has a removable crumb tray at the very bottom (some models do), pull it out and empty it into the trash, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

Clean the heating element carefully

The heating element is the coil of wires at the top of the chamber. Food particles and grease can stick to it, especially if you cook fatty foods or forget to clean after a few uses. A dirty heating element can smoke or affect how evenly your food cooks.

Once the unit is cool, look up into the chamber and inspect the coils. If you see stuck-on food, use a soft brush—an old toothbrush works well—to gently brush away the debris. Brush downward so particles fall into the chamber rather than deeper into the machine. Do not poke or bend the coils. If something is very stuck, dampen the brush slightly and try again rather than forcing it.

If you cannot reach something safely or the coils look damaged, stop and leave it alone. Forcing a stuck particle or bending a coil can break the heating element, and that repair is expensive.

Reassemble and test before cooking

Once everything is clean and dry, slide the tray back into the unit first, then place the basket on top of it. Make sure both sit flat and level. If the basket sits crooked or loose, remove it and try again—it should click or seat firmly into place.

Plug the air fryer back in and run it at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes with nothing inside. This dries out any remaining moisture and lets you check that everything is working normally. You should hear the fan and feel warm air coming out. If you smell anything unusual or see smoke, unplug it when ready and check that no cloth or debris is stuck inside.

Prevent buildup by cleaning after every use

The easiest way to keep your air fryer clean is to wipe it out while it is still warm (but unplugged and cooling). Grease and food are easier to remove before they harden. A quick wipe of the basket and a swipe of the interior takes two minutes and saves you from scrubbing later.

If you cook fatty foods regularly—bacon, sausage, chicken thighs—grease will accumulate faster. Wipe the interior more often, and check the heating element every few weeks. Lining the bottom of the basket with parchment paper or an air fryer liner catches some grease and crumbs, which you can throw away instead of washing.

When to call for help or replace parts

If the heating element is visibly damaged, cracked, or bent, or if the basket coating is peeling off in large pieces, those parts may need to be replaced. Contact the manufacturer with your model number—most sell replacement baskets and trays directly, and they are usually less than $30.

If the air fryer smokes during the test run after cleaning, or if it will not heat up, unplug it and do not use it. Water may have reached the heating element or electrical components. Let it sit unplugged in a warm, dry place for 24 hours, then test again. If the problem persists, the unit may need professional service or replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use vinegar or lemon juice to clean the inside?

Yes. A mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water works well for cutting grease. Dampen a cloth with the mixture and wipe the interior and heating element. Rinse with a clean damp cloth afterward to remove the vinegar smell. Avoid spraying liquid directly into the machine—always explore it to a cloth first.

What if I see rust on the basket or tray?

Light surface rust can be scrubbed gently with a soft brush and a little baking soda mixed with water. If rust is deep or the coating is peeling, the basket or tray should be replaced. Rust can flake into your food and the damaged coating will not protect the metal underneath.

How often should I clean the heating element?

Inspect it every two to four weeks if you use the air fryer regularly. If you cook fatty foods often, check it monthly. You only need to brush it if you see stuck-on food. If it looks clean, you can skip it and just wipe the chamber.

Is it okay to use cooking spray in an air fryer?

Most manufacturers recommend against aerosol cooking spray because it can build up on the basket and heating element faster than oil applied by brush or cloth. If you use spray, clean more frequently. Oil applied with a pastry brush or cloth gives better results and is easier to clean.

What should I do if water accidentally gets inside the main unit?

Unplug it when ready and do not use it. Leave it unplugged in a warm, dry place for at least 24 hours so any moisture can evaporate. Do not try to dry it with a cloth or heat gun. After 24 hours, plug it in and run the test cycle at 350°F for 5 minutes with nothing inside. If it works normally and smells fine, it is safe to use. If it smokes or smells burnt, do not use it.