Clean the basket and tray right after cooking, while they're still warm

The easiest time to clean your Gourmia air fryer is within 15 minutes of finishing cooking, when food residue hasn't hardened. Unplug the unit and let it cool for five minutes—the basket and tray will still be warm enough to clean easily, but cool enough to handle safely.

Slide the basket out of the main unit by pulling the handle straight toward you. The tray sits underneath the basket; pull it out the same way. Both pieces are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, but hand-washing takes less than two minutes and prevents any coating damage from high heat or harsh detergent cycles.

Rinse both pieces under warm running water and use a soft sponge or cloth with a small amount of dish soap to wipe away oil and food particles. Pay special attention to the corners of the basket where grease collects. Dry them completely with a clean towel before putting them back in the unit.

Key Takeaways

  • Clean the basket and tray within 15 minutes of cooking while they're still warm, which takes less than two minutes and prevents stuck-on food.
  • Both the basket and tray are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing with a soft sponge protects the non-stick coating longer.
  • Wipe the heating element and interior walls with a damp cloth every two weeks to remove grease buildup that can affect cooking performance.
  • Never use metal utensils, abrasive scrubbers, or oven cleaner on any part of your Gourmia air fryer, as these damage the non-stick surface.
  • If food sticks badly, soak the basket in warm soapy water for 10 minutes rather than scrubbing, which preserves the coating.

Wipe the heating element and interior walls every two weeks

The heating element sits at the top of the air fryer chamber and collects grease vapor over time. Every two weeks, unplug the unit and let it cool completely. Dampen a soft cloth or paper towel with water (not soaking wet) and gently wipe the heating element from side to side. Do not scrub or explore pressure—you're removing a light coating of grease, not scrubbing away buildup.

While you're inside, wipe the interior walls and the bottom of the chamber with the same damp cloth. This prevents grease from smoking during your next cook and keeps the air circulation path clear. Let the interior air-dry completely before plugging the unit back in.

Soak stubborn food instead of scrubbing

If food has stuck to the basket or tray and won't rinse away, fill a sink or large bowl with warm water and add one tablespoon of dish soap. Place the basket or tray in the water and let it soak for 10 minutes. The warm water softens the stuck food without any scrubbing needed.

After soaking, use a soft sponge to gently wipe away the loosened food. If anything still clings, soak for another five minutes rather than reaching for a scrub brush or steel wool. Aggressive scrubbing removes the non-stick coating, which will cause food to stick permanently on future cooks.

Clean the exterior and vents monthly

The outside of your Gourmia air fryer collects dust and grease splatter. Once a month, unplug the unit and wipe the exterior with a slightly damp cloth. Pay attention to the vents on the back and sides—dust buildup here restricts airflow and makes the unit work harder.

Use a dry cloth or a soft brush (an old toothbrush works well) to gently brush dust away from the vents. Never spray water directly into the vents or use compressed air, which can push dust deeper into the unit. If the exterior has stubborn grease spots, dampen your cloth slightly and wipe gently, then dry when ready with a clean towel.

What to never use on your Gourmia air fryer

Metal utensils, steel wool, abrasive sponges, and scouring powders will scratch and remove the non-stick coating from the basket and tray. Once the coating is damaged, food will stick and burn on every future cook. Stick to soft sponges, cloth, and plastic or silicone utensils only.

Do not use oven cleaner, bleach, or any harsh chemical on any part of the unit. These can damage the non-stick surface and leave chemical residue that transfers to your food. Warm water and a small amount of dish soap are all you need for regular cleaning.

Reassemble and store correctly

Once the basket and tray are completely dry, slide the tray back into the unit first, then place the basket on top of it. Push both pieces in until they click or seat fully—you should hear a small snap or feel them lock into place. This ensures even heat distribution during cooking.

Store your Gourmia air fryer in a cool, dry place away from water sources. If you store it with the basket and tray inside, make sure both pieces are completely dry first to prevent mold or odors. Keep the unit unplugged when not in use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the basket and tray in the dishwasher?

Yes, both pieces are dishwasher-safe on the top rack. However, hand-washing with a soft sponge extends the life of the non-stick coating. If you use the dishwasher, avoid high-heat drying cycles and remove the pieces when ready when the cycle ends.

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

A plastic smell during the first few uses is normal and fades after two or three cooks. If the smell persists or appears after months of use, unplug the unit and check the heating element and interior for grease buildup. Wipe these areas with a damp cloth and let the unit dry completely before using again.

How often should I deep clean my Gourmia air fryer?

If you use your air fryer three or more times per week, deep clean the interior (heating element and walls) every two weeks. For lighter use, monthly cleaning is sufficient. Regular light cleaning after each use prevents the need for deep cleaning.

Is it safe to line the basket with parchment paper or foil?

Yes, parchment paper is safe and makes cleanup easier—just poke a few small holes so air can circulate underneath. Aluminum foil is also safe but can stick to the non-stick coating if food is very oily. Both should be cut to fit inside the basket without blocking the heating element.

What if water gets inside the main unit?

Unplug the unit when ready and let it sit unplugged for at least 24 hours in a warm, dry place. Do not plug it back in until you are certain the interior is completely dry. If water entered during normal cleaning of the basket and tray, this is unlikely—the main unit is sealed and only the removable pieces should contact water.