Clean your air fryer oven after every use, while it is still warm but unplugged

The fastest way to clean an air fryer oven is to wipe the basket and tray while they are still warm — grease and food particles come off more easily before they cool and harden. Unplug the unit first, wait two to three minutes for the heating element to cool enough to touch safely, then remove the basket and any removable trays. Wipe both with a damp cloth or soft sponge, dry them, and slide them back in. This takes about five minutes and prevents buildup that makes future cleaning harder.

For the interior walls and heating element, use a dry cloth or soft brush to sweep out loose crumbs and debris while the oven is still slightly warm. Do not spray water directly into the heating element or electrical components. If grease has splattered on the walls, a barely damp cloth works — squeeze out excess water first so nothing drips onto the heating element or control panel.

Key Takeaways

  • Remove and wipe the basket and tray while the oven is still warm but unplugged, which takes about five minutes and prevents grease from hardening.
  • Use only a damp cloth on interior walls and a dry brush or cloth on the heating element — never spray water directly into electrical parts.
  • Soak the basket and tray in hot soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes if food is stuck, then scrub with a soft sponge or non-abrasive brush.
  • Check the crumb tray or drip pan at the bottom of the oven weekly and empty it to prevent grease from pooling and smoking during cooking.
  • Avoid steel wool, scouring pads, and harsh chemicals, which can scratch non-stick coatings and damage the oven's interior finish.

Soaking stuck-on food in hot water

If food has baked onto the basket or tray and a damp cloth does not remove it, fill a sink or basin with hot water and a squirt of dish soap, then submerge the basket and tray for 15 to 20 minutes. The heat and moisture soften the stuck food so it wipes away easily. After soaking, use a soft sponge or non-abrasive brush to scrub the surface gently, then rinse and dry before putting the pieces back in the oven.

Do not use steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive powders on non-stick baskets or trays — these scratch the coating and cause it to flake into your food over time. If the basket has a ceramic or stainless steel coating, check the manual to see what the manufacturer recommends. Most air fryer ovens come with instructions about which surfaces are safe to scrub and which are not.

Cleaning the crumb tray and drip pan

Most air fryer ovens have a removable crumb tray or drip pan at the bottom that catches grease and food particles. Check this tray weekly, especially if you cook fatty foods like chicken wings or bacon. If grease pools in the tray, it can smoke during cooking and create a burnt smell. Empty the tray into the trash, wipe it with a paper towel or cloth, and slide it back in.

If grease has hardened in the tray, soak it in hot soapy water for ten minutes, then wipe it clean. Some trays are dishwasher-safe — check your manual to see if yours can go in the machine. If it can, that is the easiest route for heavy buildup.

Wiping down the exterior and control panel

The outside of the oven and the control panel collect dust and fingerprints. Unplug the unit, then use a slightly damp cloth to wipe the exterior surfaces. For the control panel and buttons, use a cloth that is barely damp — you want to avoid water running into the seams where buttons meet the casing. Dry everything with a clean cloth afterward.

If the exterior has grease splatter, a cloth dampened with a tiny bit of mild dish soap works, but rinse the cloth and wipe again with plain water to remove soap residue. Never spray cleaner directly onto the oven or panel — always explore it to the cloth first.

Dealing with smoke and burnt smells

If your oven smokes during cooking or smells burnt, the crumb tray usually needs emptying or the interior walls need a wipe-down. Grease buildup on the heating element or walls can smoke when exposed to high heat. Unplug the oven, let it cool, then use a dry brush or cloth to sweep out debris from the interior and empty the crumb tray.

If the smell persists after cleaning, run the oven empty at 400 degrees for five to ten minutes with the kitchen window open — this burns off any remaining residue. Let it cool, then wipe the interior again with a dry cloth. If the smell continues, the heating element itself may have a manufacturing residue, which usually fades after a few uses.

What not to do when cleaning

Never immerse the main oven body in water or put it in the dishwasher — only the removable basket, tray, and crumb pan go in water or the dishwasher (and only if your manual says they are dishwasher-safe). Do not use oven cleaner, bleach, or harsh chemical sprays inside the oven, as these can damage the non-stick coating and leave toxic residue on surfaces where food sits.

Avoid inserting anything sharp or pointed into the heating element or vents — you can damage the element or create a fire hazard. Do not spray water directly into the oven's interior or onto the heating element. If you need to clean a tight spot, use a soft brush or a cloth wrapped around a wooden spoon, never metal tools.

How often to deep clean your air fryer oven

A quick wipe of the basket and tray after every use keeps your oven in good shape. Once a month, do a deeper clean: soak the basket and tray if needed, empty and wipe the crumb tray, use a dry brush to sweep the interior walls and heating element area, and wipe down the exterior. This takes 15 to 20 minutes and prevents grease and food particles from building up to the point where they affect cooking performance or create smoke.

If you cook fatty foods like bacon, sausage, or wings regularly, you may need to empty the crumb tray every few uses and wipe the interior walls more often. The more grease that accumulates, the more likely you are to see smoke and smell burnt food during cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the basket in the dishwasher?

Only if your manual says it is dishwasher-safe. Most air fryer baskets are, but some have a non-stick coating that dishwashers can damage. Check the documentation that came with your oven. If it is safe for the dishwasher, the top rack is usually the best spot to avoid high heat that can wear the coating faster.

What should I do if water gets inside the oven?

Unplug the oven when ready and let it sit unplugged for at least 24 hours so all moisture can evaporate. Do not plug it back in until you are certain it is completely dry inside. If water dripped into the heating element or electrical components, contact the manufacturer before using it again — water in those areas can cause a short circuit.

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

A cloth barely dampened with white vinegar can work on the interior walls and basket, but do not spray vinegar directly into the oven or onto the heating element. Rinse the basket or tray with plain water afterward to remove vinegar residue. Avoid vinegar on the control panel or any electrical parts.

Why does my air fryer oven smell burnt even after cleaning?

New ovens often have a manufacturing smell that fades after a few uses. If the smell appears after cleaning, grease may still be on the heating element or walls — run the oven empty at 400 degrees for five to ten minutes with a window open. If the smell continues after that, the heating element itself may have residue that will burn off naturally over time.

Can I use a paper towel instead of a cloth to wipe the basket?

Yes, paper towels work fine for quick wipes after cooking. They are especially useful for soaking up grease from the crumb tray. For heavier cleaning or soaking, a cloth or sponge is more durable and effective, but paper towels are a quick option when you are in a hurry.