Clean your air fryer after every use, while it's still warm but unplugged

The fastest way to keep an air fryer clean is to wipe the basket and tray right after cooking, before grease hardens. Unplug the unit first, then let it cool for five minutes—warm enough to handle, not hot enough to burn you. Most air fryer baskets and trays are removable and dishwasher-safe, though hand-washing with hot soapy water works just as well and takes about two minutes.

If food is stuck on, soak the basket in warm soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub with a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid steel wool or abrasive scrubbers, which can scratch the non-stick coating. Dry everything completely before putting it back in the unit—moisture left inside can cause rust or electrical problems.

The heating element and interior walls don't need to be scrubbed after every use. A quick look inside is enough: if you see loose crumbs or grease splatter, wipe them out with a damp cloth while the unit is unplugged and cool. This takes 30 seconds and prevents buildup that can smoke or smell.

Key Takeaways

  • Remove and wash the basket and tray after every use while they're still warm, before grease sets.
  • Most baskets are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing with a soft sponge takes only a few minutes and is gentler on the non-stick coating.
  • Wipe the interior walls and heating element monthly or whenever you see grease splatter, using a damp cloth on an unplugged, cool unit.
  • Never use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers on any part of the air fryer, as they damage the non-stick surface.
  • Dry all removable parts completely before reassembling to prevent rust and electrical damage.

Deep cleaning the interior and heating element

Once a month, or more often if you cook fatty foods regularly, clean the inside of the air fryer more thoroughly. Unplug the unit and let it cool completely. Use a damp cloth or soft brush to wipe down the heating element, the walls, and the bottom of the cooking chamber. If grease has built up, dampen the cloth with a little white vinegar—it cuts through grease without leaving residue.

Never spray cleaner directly into the air fryer or soak the interior. Water or liquid that pools inside can damage the heating element or electrical components. Wring out your cloth so it's barely damp, not dripping. If you see stubborn spots, let the vinegar sit for a minute before wiping.

The exterior casing can be wiped down with a slightly damp cloth as well. If the outside is greasy from splatter, a tiny bit of dish soap on the cloth works fine. Wipe it dry when ready so water doesn't seep into any seams or vents.

Dealing with stuck-on food and burnt spots

Burnt or stuck food on the basket usually comes off with soaking and a soft sponge. If it's really stubborn, make a paste of baking soda and water, spread it on the stuck spot, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub gently. Rinse thoroughly and dry.

For burnt spots on the interior walls or heating element, do not scrape with metal tools. Instead, dampen a cloth with white vinegar and let it sit against the burnt area for a few minutes to soften it, then wipe. If the spot won't budge, leave it—burnt residue on the heating element won't affect cooking and will eventually flake off on its own as you use the fryer.

Never use oven cleaner, bleach, or harsh chemicals inside an air fryer. These can damage the non-stick coating, corrode metal parts, or leave toxic fumes that contaminate your food on the next use.

Preventing buildup so cleaning stays straightforward

The less grease that splatters inside, the less you have to clean. Line the bottom of the basket with parchment paper or an air fryer liner before cooking fatty foods like bacon, sausage, or breaded items. These liners are reusable and catch most of the drippings. You can find them online or at kitchen supply stores—they're inexpensive and save a lot of cleanup time.

Pat food dry before putting it in the basket. Excess moisture turns to steam and carries grease up onto the heating element and walls. A paper towel takes 10 seconds and reduces splatter significantly.

Don't overcrowd the basket. When food is packed too tightly, hot air can't circulate evenly, and grease pools instead of dripping down. Leaving space between pieces also means fewer spots where grease can stick to the walls.

What to do if your air fryer smells bad

A burnt or smoky smell usually means grease or food debris is burning on the heating element. Unplug the unit, let it cool, and wipe the heating element and interior walls with a damp cloth. If the smell lingers, run the air fryer empty at 400°F for 10 minutes with the window or door open—this burns off any remaining residue.

A plastic or chemical smell when the unit is brand new is normal and will fade after a few uses. Run it empty at high heat for 10 to 15 minutes the first time to off-gas. If the smell persists after several uses or gets worse, the unit may have a defect and should be checked or replaced.

If you notice a burning smell that doesn't go away after cleaning, stop using the unit and unplug it. This can signal an electrical problem, and you should contact the manufacturer or a repair service.

Cleaning the exterior vents and cord

Air fryers pull in air through vents on the sides or back. Dust and grease can build up there and reduce airflow, which makes the unit work harder and cook less evenly. Once a month, use a soft brush or old toothbrush to gently brush away dust from the vents. You can also use a can of compressed air, holding it upright and using short bursts—never shake the can or hold it upside down.

Wipe the power cord with a dry cloth if it's dusty. Never immerse the cord in water or use a wet cloth on it. If the cord is damaged, frayed, or has cracks in the insulation, stop using the air fryer and contact the manufacturer about a replacement cord or unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the basket in the dishwasher?

Most air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe and can go on the top rack. Check your manual to be sure. Hand-washing is gentler on the non-stick coating and takes only a few minutes, so many people prefer it. Never put the main unit or heating element in the dishwasher.

What should I use to scrub stuck-on food?

Use a soft sponge, cloth, or soft-bristled brush. Soak stubborn spots in warm soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes first. For very stuck food, make a paste of baking soda and water and let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing. Avoid steel wool, scouring pads, and metal scrapers, which scratch the non-stick surface.

Is it safe to use vinegar inside the air fryer?

Yes, white vinegar is safe and effective for cutting through grease. Dampen a cloth with vinegar and wipe the interior walls or heating element. Never pour vinegar directly into the unit or let it pool inside. Wring out your cloth so it's barely damp, and wipe the area dry when you're done.

How often should I deep clean my air fryer?

Once a month is a good baseline if you use your air fryer several times a week. If you cook fatty foods like bacon or fried chicken regularly, clean more often—every two weeks. If you use it occasionally, monthly cleaning is enough. Always wipe the basket and tray after every use, regardless of how often you deep clean.

Why does my air fryer smell burnt even after I clean it?

Burnt smell usually means grease or food is still burning on the heating element. Wipe the element and interior walls with a damp cloth, then run the unit empty at 400°F for 10 minutes with a window open to burn off remaining residue. If the smell doesn't go away after cleaning and running empty, stop using it and contact the manufacturer—it may have an electrical issue.