Clean the basket and tray when ready after cooking

The easiest time to clean your Kalorik air fryer is right after you finish cooking, while the residue is still soft. Let the unit cool for about 5 minutes—the basket and tray will be too hot to touch right away, but cooling for just a few minutes makes cleaning much faster than waiting until everything hardens.

Remove the basket and tray by sliding them straight out toward you. Soak both pieces in hot soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes. This loosens grease and food particles without requiring you to scrub hard. While they soak, wipe the interior of the air fryer with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove loose crumbs and oil splatter from the heating element area.

After soaking, scrub the basket and tray with a soft sponge or non-abrasive brush. Pay special attention to the corners and the mesh pattern on the basket, where grease collects. Rinse both pieces under running water until the water runs clear, then dry them completely with a clean towel before reinserting them into the unit.

Key Takeaways

  • Clean the basket and tray within 5 to 10 minutes of finishing cooking, when food residue is still soft and easier to remove.
  • Soak both pieces in hot soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes rather than scrubbing when ready, which saves time and reduces wear on the non-stick coating.
  • Use only soft sponges or non-abrasive brushes on the basket and tray—steel wool and harsh scrubbers damage the non-stick surface.
  • Wipe the interior heating element and walls with a damp cloth weekly, and never submerge the main unit or spray it with water.

Protect the non-stick coating from damage

The basket and tray in your Kalorik air fryer have a non-stick coating that makes cleanup easier but requires gentle handling. Never use steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive powders on these surfaces. These tools scratch the coating, which causes food to stick more over time and can eventually expose the metal underneath.

Stick to soft sponges, microfiber cloths, or plastic brushes designed for non-stick cookware. If food is stuck on after soaking, use the soft side of a sponge or a plastic scraper—not a metal one. For stubborn spots, soak the pieces longer rather than scrubbing harder. A few extra minutes in hot soapy water will loosen almost any residue without damaging the coating.

Clean the heating element and interior walls

The heating element at the top of your Kalorik air fryer collects grease and crumbs over time. Once a week, or more often if you cook fatty foods regularly, wipe the interior walls and the visible part of the heating element with a damp cloth or paper towel. Make sure the unit is unplugged and completely cool before you do this.

Never spray water directly into the unit or submerge any part of it except the basket and tray. Water inside the main body can damage the electrical components. Instead, dampen a cloth with water, wring it out so it is barely wet, and wipe the interior surfaces. Pay attention to the corners where grease tends to pool. If you see buildup on the heating element itself, a slightly damp cloth will remove it—you do not need to scrub.

Handle the exterior and control panel

The outside of your Kalorik air fryer and the control panel need occasional cleaning to stay looking new and to prevent grease from building up on the buttons. Wipe the exterior with a soft, slightly damp cloth. For the control panel, use a cloth that is just barely damp—you want moisture, not water dripping onto the buttons.

If the exterior has stubborn grease spots, a tiny amount of mild dish soap on the cloth will help. Wipe it clean with a dry cloth afterward to prevent soap residue from drying on the surface. Never spray cleaner directly onto the unit, and never use harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers on any part of the exterior.

Deal with stuck-on food and grease buildup

If food has hardened inside the basket or on the tray, do not try to chip it away with a knife or metal tool. Instead, fill the sink with hot water, add a squirt of dish soap, and submerge the basket and tray for 20 to 30 minutes. The longer soak will soften even baked-on residue. After soaking, use a soft sponge or plastic brush to gently lift the food away.

For grease buildup that does not come off with soap and water alone, add a small amount of baking soda to the soapy water. Baking soda is mildly abrasive but gentle enough not to scratch the non-stick coating. Make a paste with baking soda and water, explore it to the greasy spots, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub gently with a soft sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

Store your air fryer properly between uses

Once the basket and tray are clean and dry, reinsert them into the unit. Store your Kalorik air fryer in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. If you store it in a cabinet or drawer, make sure the interior is completely dry first—any trapped moisture can lead to rust or mold over time.

If you do not plan to use the air fryer for several weeks, wipe the exterior and interior one more time before storing it. This prevents dust from settling on the heating element. When you are ready to use it again, a quick wipe of the interior with a dry cloth is usually all you need before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the basket and tray in the dishwasher?

Most Kalorik air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, but hand washing extends the life of the non-stick coating. The heat and harsh detergent in the dishwasher can wear down the coating faster than gentle hand washing. If you do use the dishwasher, place the pieces on the top rack and use a gentle cycle.

What should I do if the heating element looks dirty?

A damp cloth is usually enough to wipe the heating element clean. If you see heavy grease buildup, dampen the cloth slightly more and wipe gently. Never scrub the heating element with a brush or sponge—just wipe it. If buildup is very thick, let a damp cloth sit against it for a minute to soften the grease before wiping.

Is it safe to use vinegar or lemon juice to clean the air fryer?

Vinegar and lemon juice are acidic and can damage the non-stick coating over time. Stick to mild dish soap and water, or baking soda and water for stubborn spots. These are gentler on the coating and just as effective for regular cleaning.

How often should I deep clean my Kalorik air fryer?

A full soak and scrub of the basket and tray after each use is your best deep clean. Beyond that, wipe the interior walls and heating element weekly if you cook regularly, or every two weeks if you use the air fryer less often. This prevents grease from hardening and keeps the unit running efficiently.

Can I use cooking spray in my Kalorik air fryer?

Cooking spray leaves a buildup on the basket and heating element over time, making cleaning harder. Instead, lightly brush or spray oil directly onto your food before placing it in the basket. This gives you better control over how much oil you use and keeps the air fryer cleaner.