Clean the basket and tray after every use

The basket and tray are where grease and food particles collect, and they need attention right after cooking while the oven is still warm but unplugged. Let the unit cool for about 5 to 10 minutes — warm enough that stuck-on food releases easily, cool enough that you won't burn yourself.

Remove the basket and tray by sliding them straight out. Soak them in hot soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes. Use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe away food and grease; avoid steel wool or abrasive scrubbers, which can scratch the non-stick coating. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before putting them back.

If food is stuck hard, let the soapy water soak longer rather than scrubbing harder. A plastic brush or soft-bristled dish brush works well for stubborn spots without damaging the surface.

Key Takeaways

  • Remove and soak the basket and tray in hot soapy water within 10 minutes of cooking, while food releases easily but the oven is cool enough to touch.
  • Wipe the interior walls and heating elements with a damp cloth once a month to prevent grease buildup that can smoke or affect cooking.
  • Never submerge the main unit or pour water inside; the heating elements and electrical components will be damaged.
  • Check the exterior vents and fan opening monthly and clear any dust with a dry cloth or soft brush to keep air flowing freely.
  • Replace or clean the crumb tray at the bottom of the unit every two to four weeks, depending on how often you cook.

Wipe down the interior walls monthly

The inside walls of your air fryer toaster oven collect grease spray and food particles over time. Once a month, unplug the unit and let it cool completely, then use a damp cloth or soft sponge to wipe the interior surfaces. Pay attention to the top and sides where grease tends to accumulate.

Do not spray water directly inside the oven or pour liquid into it. The heating elements and electrical parts will short out. Instead, dampen your cloth with water and wring it out so it is barely wet, then wipe gently. If you see stubborn grease, let a damp cloth sit against it for a minute to soften it, then wipe again.

For the heating elements themselves, a light wipe with a barely damp cloth is fine, but do not scrub or explore pressure. If grease has hardened on an element, leave it alone — it will burn off harmlessly during the next few uses.

Clean the exterior vents and fan opening

Air fryer toaster ovens pull air through vents on the back and sides to circulate heat. Dust and grease can block these openings, which makes the unit work harder and cook unevenly. Check the vents every month and wipe them with a dry cloth or soft brush.

If you see dust caked on, use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to gently loosen it, then wipe with a dry cloth. Do not use water on the exterior vents — moisture can seep into the electrical housing. The fan opening at the back should also be clear; if you see dust buildup there, a dry cloth or brush will clear it.

Empty and clean the crumb tray

Most air fryer toaster ovens have a removable crumb tray at the very bottom that catches drippings and crumbs. This tray fills up faster than you might expect, especially if you cook fatty foods or anything breaded. Check it every two to four weeks and empty it when it is half full.

Slide the tray out from the bottom front of the unit. Pour the crumbs and grease into the trash, then wash the tray in hot soapy water just like the basket. Dry it completely and slide it back in. If you forget to empty it, grease can pool and smoke during cooking, and the smell will linger in your kitchen.

What not to do when cleaning

Never submerge the main housing of the oven in water or run it through a dishwasher. The heating elements, thermostat, and electrical components will be ruined. Only the removable basket and tray are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, and even then, hand washing extends their life.

Do not use oven cleaner, vinegar spray, or harsh chemical cleaners inside the unit. These can damage the non-stick coating and leave residue that will smoke when heated. Stick to warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Do not use steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive powders on any surface — they scratch the non-stick coating and create spots where food will stick.

Avoid poking at the heating elements or fan with utensils or brushes. If something is stuck to an element, let it burn off on its own during the next use rather than trying to scrape it.

Deep clean the glass door and exterior

If your air fryer toaster oven has a glass door, wipe it monthly with a damp cloth to keep it clear so you can see your food cooking. Grease and condensation can build up and make it hard to see inside. A barely damp cloth works best; if the glass is very greasy, dampen the cloth with a tiny bit of dish soap, wipe, then wipe again with plain water to rinse.

The exterior housing can be wiped with a damp cloth as well. Dry it when ready so water does not sit on the surface. If the exterior is stainless steel, you can use a stainless steel cloth or a tiny amount of mineral oil on a cloth to restore shine, but this is optional and not necessary for the oven to work.

How often to replace parts

The basket and tray will eventually develop worn spots in the non-stick coating, especially if you use metal utensils or abrasive scrubbers. Most manufacturers sell replacement baskets and trays separately, which cost between $15 and $40 depending on the model. When the coating starts to peel or flake, it is time to replace rather than repair.

The heating elements themselves rarely fail, but if one stops working or heats unevenly, the unit will need professional repair or replacement. This is not a homeowner fix. If your oven is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer. If not, weigh the cost of repair against the cost of a new unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the basket and tray in the dishwasher?

Most manufacturers say the basket and tray are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, but hand washing in hot soapy water extends their life and keeps the non-stick coating in better condition. If you use the dishwasher, skip the heat-dry cycle and air-dry instead.

What should I do if food is burned onto the heating element?

Do not scrape or scrub it. Unplug the oven, let it cool, and leave the burned food alone. It will burn off harmlessly during your next few cooking sessions. If it bothers you, you can wipe around it gently with a barely damp cloth, but do not explore pressure or use tools.

Why does my air fryer toaster oven smell like burning plastic?

New units often smell this way during the first few uses as the heating elements cure. Run the oven empty at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes in a well-ventilated space. If the smell persists after three or four uses, or if it smells like burning food or grease, the crumb tray may be full or grease may be on a heating element — empty the tray and wipe the interior.

How do I clean the fan if it is dusty?

Use a dry cloth or soft brush to wipe the fan opening from the outside. Do not try to reach inside or spin the fan by hand. If dust is deep inside where you cannot reach, the unit may need professional cleaning, but this is rarely necessary with monthly exterior vent maintenance.

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

Yes, parchment paper is safe and helps catch drippings so the basket stays cleaner. Foil is also safe but can reflect heat unevenly in some spots. Both should be cut to fit loosely inside the basket without blocking air vents. This reduces cleaning time and extends the life of the non-stick coating.