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 much easier 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 trays or racks inside. A damp cloth or soft sponge with warm soapy water removes most residue in under a minute. For stuck-on food, soak the basket in hot soapy water for 15 minutes, then scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge.

The interior walls and heating element need attention too, but they require a different approach. Once the unit has cooled completely (at least 30 minutes), use a dry cloth or soft brush to wipe down the inside surfaces. Never spray water directly into the heating element or electrical components. If grease has splattered on the walls, a barely damp cloth—wrung out so it is almost dry—will remove it without risking water damage to the heating coil.

Key Takeaways

  • Remove and wash the basket and trays while warm, using warm soapy water and a soft sponge, which takes less than five minutes.
  • Soak stuck-on food in hot soapy water for 15 minutes before scrubbing, rather than forcing it off and risking scratches.
  • Wipe the interior walls and heating element only after the unit has cooled completely, using a dry cloth or barely damp cloth—never spray water inside.
  • Avoid abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, and harsh chemicals, which can damage the non-stick coating on the basket and scratch the interior.
  • Check the crumb tray at the bottom of the unit weekly and empty it to prevent grease buildup and smoke during cooking.

Removing and washing the basket and trays

The basket and any removable trays are the easiest parts to clean and should come out first. Let the air fryer cool for two to three minutes after unplugging—the basket will still be warm enough that grease wipes away easily, but cool enough to handle safely. Slide the basket straight out and set it on a clean counter or sink.

Fill a sink or large bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Place the basket in the water and let it soak for five minutes if food is stuck on, or skip the soak if it is mostly clean. Use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe all surfaces—the bottom, sides, and the mesh or perforated surface where food sits. Pay special attention to the corners and edges where grease pools. Rinse under running water until the water runs clear, then dry with a clean cloth or paper towel before setting it aside.

If your air fryer has removable trays or racks, wash them the same way. Some models have a crumb tray that slides out from underneath—remove this too and empty any loose crumbs into the trash, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

Dealing with stuck-on food and stubborn grease

Stuck-on food is the most common cleaning problem, and the solution is patience rather than force. Never use a metal scraper, steel wool, or abrasive scouring pad, because these will scratch the non-stick coating on the basket and make future cleanup harder. Instead, soak the basket in hot soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes. The heat and moisture soften the food, and it usually wipes away with a soft sponge.

For grease that has hardened on the basket or interior walls, a soft cloth dampened with a small amount of white vinegar can help break it down. Wipe gently and rinse thoroughly with plain water afterward. If vinegar is not available, a barely damp cloth with a tiny drop of dish soap works just as well. The key is to use very little water and to avoid letting moisture sit on the heating element or electrical connections.

Some air fryer ovens have a glass door or viewing window. If grease has splattered on the glass, wipe it with a damp cloth while the unit is cool. For stubborn spots, a small amount of vinegar on the cloth will cut through the film without leaving streaks.

Cleaning the interior walls and heating element

The interior of the air fryer oven needs cleaning too, but it requires care because of the heating element and electrical components. Wait at least 30 minutes after unplugging before you touch the inside. Once it is cool, use a dry cloth or a soft-bristled brush to wipe down the walls and ceiling. Loose crumbs and light grease dust come off easily this way.

If grease has splattered on the walls, use a cloth that is barely damp—wring it out thoroughly so it is almost dry. Wipe gently and do not let water drip onto the heating element or into any openings. Never spray water or cleaning solution directly into the unit. If you need to clean around the heating coil, use only a dry cloth or a very slightly damp cloth, and avoid touching the coil itself.

For the heating element itself, do not attempt to clean it unless the manual specifically says it is safe to do so. Most modern air fryer ovens have sealed heating elements that do not need cleaning. If you notice a burning smell or smoke during cooking, it is usually because of grease or food particles on the interior walls or in the crumb tray, not the element itself.

Emptying and cleaning the crumb tray

Most air fryer ovens have a removable crumb tray or drip pan at the bottom of the unit. This tray catches grease, crumbs, and moisture that drips from the basket during cooking. If you do not empty it regularly, grease will accumulate and may smoke or burn the next time you cook. Check it weekly, or after every few uses if you cook fatty foods like bacon or sausage.

To empty the tray, unplug the unit and let it cool for at least 15 minutes. Slide the tray out from the bottom or side of the unit—the exact location depends on your model, so check the manual if you are not sure where it is. Tip the contents into the trash, then wipe the tray with a damp cloth or paper towel. If grease has hardened, soak the tray in hot soapy water for 10 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft sponge. Rinse and dry before sliding it back into place.

What to avoid when cleaning an air fryer oven

Several common cleaning mistakes can damage your air fryer oven or shorten its lifespan. Never use abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, or harsh scouring powders on the basket or interior, because these scratch the non-stick coating and can expose the metal underneath. Do not use oven cleaner, bleach, or other harsh chemicals inside the unit—they can damage the coating and leave toxic residue on surfaces where food will sit.

Avoid submerging the entire unit in water or spraying water directly into the heating element or electrical components. Do not put the basket or trays in the dishwasher unless the manual specifically says they are dishwasher-safe—most air fryer baskets are not, and the high heat and harsh detergent will damage the non-stick coating faster than hand washing.

Never attempt to clean the heating element with water or a brush unless the manual says it is safe. Do not use metal utensils or sharp objects inside the unit, and do not try to scrape buildup off the walls or ceiling with anything harder than a soft cloth or plastic brush.

Keeping your air fryer oven clean between uses

Regular light cleaning prevents heavy buildup and makes deep cleaning much faster. After every use, wipe the basket and tray with a damp cloth while they are still warm. Once a week, empty the crumb tray and wipe the interior walls with a dry cloth. This routine takes less than five minutes and keeps grease and food particles from accumulating.

If you cook the same foods regularly—such as frozen fries or chicken wings—you may notice that certain spots in the basket or on the walls get dirtier faster. These are usually the spots where grease drips or where food sits during cooking. Pay extra attention to these areas during your weekly wipe-down. Using parchment paper or a silicone mat in the basket can also reduce cleanup time, though it may slightly affect air circulation and cooking results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the air fryer basket in the dishwasher?

Most air fryer baskets are not dishwasher-safe because the high heat and harsh detergent damage the non-stick coating. Check your manual to be sure, but hand washing with warm soapy water and a soft sponge is the safest method for nearly all models. Wash it when ready after use while it is still warm, and it will take less than a minute.

What should I do if there is a burning smell coming from my air fryer?

A burning smell usually means grease or food particles have accumulated in the crumb tray or on the interior walls and are burning during cooking. Unplug the unit, let it cool, and empty the crumb tray completely. Wipe the interior walls with a barely damp cloth, then run the air fryer empty at 350°F for five minutes to dry it out. If the smell persists, check the manual or contact the manufacturer.

How often should I clean the crumb tray?

Empty the crumb tray weekly, or after every few uses if you cook fatty foods like bacon, sausage, or chicken thighs. Grease accumulates quickly in the tray, and if you let it build up, it may smoke or burn during cooking. A quick check and wipe takes less than a minute and prevents most cleaning problems.

Is it safe to use vinegar or lemon juice to clean the inside of my air fryer?

White vinegar is safe to use on the basket and interior walls, but use it sparingly and only on a damp cloth—never spray it directly into the unit. Wipe gently and rinse thoroughly with plain water afterward. Avoid getting vinegar on the heating element or electrical components. Lemon juice works similarly but may leave a stronger smell.

Can I clean the heating element?

Most modern air fryer ovens have sealed heating elements that do not need cleaning and should not be touched with water or brushes. If your manual says the element is accessible and cleanable, use only a dry cloth or soft brush—never water. If you suspect the element is dirty, contact the manufacturer or a repair service rather than attempting to clean it yourself.