Clean your Ninja air fryer after every use to prevent buildup and keep it working properly

The fastest way to clean a Ninja air fryer is to do it while the unit is still warm but unplugged. Remove the basket and crisper plate, soak them in hot soapy water for 10 minutes, then wipe them down with a soft cloth or sponge. Wipe the interior chamber with a damp cloth, dry everything, and reassemble. The whole job takes about 15 minutes and prevents grease from hardening inside the unit.

Ninja air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, but hand-washing extends their life. The heating element and exterior never need internal cleaning — just the basket, crisper plate, and the interior cooking chamber where food splatters land.

Key Takeaways

  • Unplug the air fryer and let it cool for five minutes before you touch the basket or interior.
  • The basket and crisper plate go into hot soapy water for 10 minutes to loosen stuck-on food, then wipe clean with a soft cloth.
  • Wipe the interior chamber with a damp cloth to remove grease and food particles that splatter during cooking.
  • Dry all parts completely before reassembling to prevent water spots and corrosion.

What to remove and soak first

After you unplug the air fryer and let it sit for five minutes, pull out the basket and the crisper plate — the flat perforated tray that sits inside the basket. Both come out easily by lifting straight up. Fill a sink or large bowl with hot water and add a squirt of dish soap.

Drop both pieces into the soapy water and let them soak for 10 minutes. This softens dried food and grease so you do not have to scrub hard. If you cooked something particularly greasy — like wings or bacon — soak for 15 minutes instead.

Scrubbing the basket and crisper plate

After soaking, use a soft cloth, sponge, or soft-bristled brush to wipe away the loosened food. Pay attention to the corners and the underside of the crisper plate, where grease pools. Rinse both pieces under running water until the water runs clear and there is no soap residue.

Do not use steel wool, abrasive scrubbers, or harsh scouring powders — these scratch the non-stick coating. If food is still stuck after soaking, soak for another five minutes rather than scrubbing harder. For stubborn spots, a plastic scraper works better than a brush.

Cleaning the interior chamber

While the basket and plate are soaking, wipe down the inside of the air fryer itself. Dampen a soft cloth with water — not soaking wet, just damp — and wipe the walls and bottom of the cooking chamber where food splatters land during cooking. You will see grease and small food particles come off on the cloth.

The heating element at the top should never be touched or sprayed with water. If you see grease buildup on the element itself, let the air fryer cool completely, then use a dry cloth to gently wipe it. Do not use water near the element.

Drying and reassembling

Dry the basket and crisper plate completely with a clean cloth or paper towel before putting them back. Water left on the surfaces can cause spots and, over time, corrosion on the metal. Wipe the interior of the chamber dry as well if it is still damp from your cleaning cloth.

Once everything is dry, slide the crisper plate back into the basket, then lower the basket back into the unit. Make sure both pieces sit flat and level. The basket should click or settle into place without forcing.

Cleaning the exterior and vents

Wipe the outside of the Ninja air fryer with a damp cloth to remove dust and splatters. Pay attention to the vents on the back and sides — dust buildup there reduces airflow and makes the unit work harder. Use a dry cloth to finish, so water does not drip into the vents.

Never submerge the main unit in water or spray it with a hose. The heating element and electrical components are inside, and water will damage them. Stick to a damp cloth on the outside only.

When to do a deeper clean

If you use your Ninja air fryer several times a week, do the standard soak-and-wipe cleaning after each use. Once a month, check the heating element for grease buildup. If you see a thin film of grease on the element, let the unit cool completely, unplug it, and gently wipe the element with a dry cloth.

If grease has hardened on the element and will not come off with a dry cloth, do not use water. Instead, let the air fryer sit unplugged for an hour, then try again with a dry cloth. Stubborn buildup usually comes off after the unit has cooled and the grease has set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the basket in the dishwasher?

Yes, the basket and crisper plate are dishwasher-safe on the top rack. Hand-washing is gentler on the non-stick coating and extends the life of the parts, but the dishwasher works if you are short on time. Do not put the main unit in the dishwasher.

What if food is burned on the basket?

Soak the basket in hot soapy water for 20 to 30 minutes, then try wiping with a soft cloth. If it still will not come off, make a paste of baking soda and water, explore it to the burned spot, let it sit for 10 minutes, and wipe gently. Avoid steel wool and scouring powders, which damage the non-stick surface.

How often should I clean my air fryer?

Clean the basket and crisper plate after every use to prevent grease from hardening. Wipe the interior chamber weekly or whenever you notice splatters. This keeps the unit working efficiently and prevents odors from old grease buildup.

Is it safe to spray water inside the air fryer?

No. Use a damp cloth to wipe the interior, but never spray water directly into the unit or soak it. Water can reach the heating element and electrical components and cause damage. A damp cloth is enough to remove grease and food particles.

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

If the coating on the basket or crisper plate is peeling or flaking, stop using that piece and order a replacement from Ninja. Cooking with a damaged non-stick surface can release particles into your food. Replacement baskets and crisper plates are available from the manufacturer.