Clean the basket and tray after every use, while the unit is unplugged and cool
The basket and crisper tray are the parts that touch your food, so they need washing after each use. Let the air fryer cool for at least 30 minutes after you finish cooking. Once it is cool to the touch, unplug the unit from the wall.
Slide the basket straight out toward you — it sits on a rail and comes free easily. The crisper tray sits underneath and pulls out the same way. Both pieces are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, or you can wash them by hand in hot soapy water with a soft sponge. Scrub any stuck-on food with a plastic brush or non-abrasive sponge; avoid steel wool or harsh scrubbers that can damage the non-stick coating.
Dry both pieces completely before putting them back. Water left inside can drip onto the heating element and cause rust or electrical problems. A clean kitchen towel works well for this.
Key Takeaways
- Always unplug the air fryer and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before removing the basket and tray.
- The basket and crisper tray are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, or wash them by hand with a soft sponge and hot soapy water.
- Wipe the interior walls and heating element with a damp cloth while the unit is unplugged and cool, never while it is plugged in.
- Empty the crumb tray at the bottom of the unit every few uses to prevent buildup and smoke.
- Never submerge the main unit in water or spray it with a hose, as this can damage the electrical components.
Wipe down the interior walls and heating element
Food splatters and grease can build up on the inside walls and around the heating element at the top of the oven. Once the unit is cool and unplugged, use a damp cloth or soft sponge to wipe these surfaces. A microfiber cloth works well because it picks up grease without scratching.
For stubborn spots, dampen the cloth with a little warm water and a drop of dish soap. Wring it out well so it is barely damp — you do not want water dripping into the unit. Wipe gently around the heating element coils; do not scrub hard or poke at them. If food is stuck on, let a damp cloth sit on the spot for a minute to soften it, then wipe again.
Never spray water directly into the oven or use a hose. Water inside the electrical housing can cause rust, corrosion, or a short circuit. Stick to a wrung-out cloth only.
Empty and clean the crumb tray regularly
At the bottom front of the Ninja air fryer oven, there is a removable crumb tray that catches grease and food particles. Pull this tray straight out toward you. Over time, grease and crumbs build up here, and if you ignore it, the unit can start to smoke or smell.
Empty the tray into the trash, then wash it with hot soapy water and a sponge. Dry it completely and slide it back in until it clicks or sits flush. Check this tray every few uses, especially if you are cooking fatty foods like chicken wings or bacon. If you cook daily, empty it weekly.
Clean the exterior and glass door
The outside of the unit and the glass door can collect dust, fingerprints, and steam marks. Wipe the exterior with a soft, damp cloth. For the glass door, use a cloth dampened with a little white vinegar or a glass cleaner — spray the cleaner on the cloth first, never directly on the unit.
Wipe in circular motions to avoid streaks. If the glass has baked-on splatters, let a damp cloth sit on the spot for a minute, then wipe gently. Do not use abrasive scrubbers or steel wool on the glass, as these can scratch it and make it harder to see inside.
The control panel and buttons can be wiped with a barely damp cloth. Avoid getting water into the button seams. If liquid does get in, unplug the unit and let it dry for several hours before plugging it back in.
What to do about grease buildup and discoloration
If the interior walls look dark or stained after several months of use, this is normal discoloration from heat and cooking oils — it does not mean the unit is dirty or unsafe. You can lighten it by wiping with a damp cloth and a tiny amount of baking soda on the cloth. Rub gently in circular motions, then wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove the baking soda residue.
For heavy grease buildup, soak a cloth in warm water with a drop of dish soap, wring it out well, and let it sit on the spot for two to three minutes. Then wipe and rinse with a clean damp cloth. Never use oven cleaner, bleach, or harsh chemicals inside the unit — these can damage the non-stick coating and leave toxic residue.
If you notice smoke during cooking, the crumb tray is usually the culprit. Empty it first. If smoke continues, the heating element may have grease on it; a gentle wipe with a damp cloth should help.
How often to deep clean your Ninja air fryer oven
A quick wipe of the basket, tray, and crumb tray after each use keeps the unit in good shape. Once a month, do a deeper clean: remove the basket and tray, wipe all interior surfaces with a damp cloth, clean the glass door, and check the heating element for grease.
If you use the air fryer several times a week, a monthly deep clean is enough. If you use it daily or cook greasy foods often, do a deeper clean every two weeks. This prevents grease from hardening and becoming harder to remove later.
The unit itself does not need to be taken apart or serviced at home. If something stops working or the heating element looks damaged, contact Ninja customer service rather than trying to repair it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put the basket and tray in the dishwasher?
Yes, both the basket and crisper tray are dishwasher-safe on the top rack. Hand washing with a soft sponge also works and may extend their life. Avoid steel wool or abrasive scrubbers, which can damage the non-stick coating.
What should I do if water gets inside the main unit?
Unplug the air fryer when ready and let it sit unplugged for several hours or overnight to dry completely. Do not plug it back in until you are sure the interior is dry. If water got into the electrical housing, contact Ninja support before using it again.
Is it safe to use oven cleaner or vinegar inside the air fryer?
Avoid commercial oven cleaner and bleach — these can damage the non-stick coating and leave harmful residue. A small amount of white vinegar on a damp cloth is safe for the glass door and exterior, but do not use it inside the cooking chamber. Baking soda and water work well for stubborn interior stains.
Why does my air fryer smell like burning plastic when I first turn it on?
A slight plastic smell during the first few uses is normal as the unit heats up. If the smell is strong or continues after the first week, unplug the unit and check the interior for food debris or grease on the heating element. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth and try again.
How do I prevent grease from splattering inside the oven?
Pat food dry before cooking, especially chicken and bacon. Do not overcrowd the basket — air needs to circulate around the food. If you are cooking very fatty items, place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom of the basket to catch drips, but make sure it does not block airflow.