Clean the basket and tray while they're still warm

The easiest time to clean an air fryer is right after you finish cooking, while the basket and tray are still warm but cool enough to touch safely. Warm surfaces release stuck-on food much faster than cold ones, and you'll avoid baked-on residue that hardens as the fryer cools.

Remove the basket and tray from the unit and place them in your sink. Use a soft sponge or cloth with warm soapy water and wipe down both surfaces thoroughly. For stubborn spots, let them soak in soapy water for five to ten minutes, then scrub gently. Most baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe, so check your manual — if yours are, you can load them directly into the dishwasher instead of hand-washing.

Dry the basket and tray completely with a clean cloth before putting them back in the fryer. Any moisture left behind can cause rust or electrical issues over time.

Key Takeaways

  • Clean the basket and tray while warm by soaking them in soapy water for five to ten minutes, then wiping with a soft sponge.
  • Wipe the interior walls and heating element area with a damp cloth on a stick or long-handled brush to avoid touching hot surfaces.
  • Never submerge the main unit or spray water directly into the heating element, as this damages the electrical components.
  • Empty the crumb tray at the bottom of the unit after every few uses to prevent grease buildup and smoke.
  • Use a soft cloth or sponge for all cleaning — abrasive scrubbers and steel wool scratch the non-stick coating and void warranties.

Wipe the interior without removing the heating element

The inside walls of your air fryer collect grease splatter and food particles that fall during cooking. You don't need to take the heating element apart to clean these surfaces — you can reach them from the opening at the top.

Unplug the fryer and let it cool completely. Dampen a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and wring it out so it's damp but not dripping. Wipe the interior walls, the ceiling, and the sides of the cooking chamber. For hard-to-reach corners, wrap the damp cloth around a wooden spoon or chopstick and use that to reach into the space.

If grease has built up heavily, dampen the cloth with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. This cuts through grease without damaging the non-stick surface. Never spray water directly into the heating element or the electrical components at the top — water in those areas causes short circuits and permanent damage.

Empty and clean the crumb tray regularly

Most air fryers have a removable crumb tray or drip pan at the very bottom of the unit. This tray catches grease, crumbs, and debris that fall during cooking. If you don't empty it regularly, grease accumulates, can smoke during the next use, and may eventually catch fire.

After every three to five uses, slide the tray out from underneath the fryer. Pour any grease into a container or trash bin — never pour it down the drain, as it hardens and clogs pipes. Wipe the tray with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove crumbs and residue. If grease has hardened, soak the tray in warm soapy water for a few minutes, then wipe it clean. Dry it completely and slide it back in.

Handle the exterior and vents

The outside of your air fryer collects dust and grease splatters. Wipe the exterior with a soft, slightly damp cloth. For the vents on the back or sides, use a dry cloth or a soft brush to remove dust buildup. Blocked vents reduce airflow and make the fryer work harder, which shortens its lifespan.

Never spray cleaner directly onto the fryer body or vents — liquid can seep into electrical components. If you use a cleaning product, spray it onto a cloth first, then wipe the surface. Avoid abrasive cleaners and scouring pads, which scratch the finish.

What not to do when cleaning

The most common mistake is submerging the main unit in water or spraying water into the heating element area. The fryer's heating element, thermostat, and electrical connections are not waterproof. Water in these areas causes short circuits, electrical fires, or permanent failure.

Do not use steel wool, abrasive scouring pads, or harsh chemicals like oven cleaner on any part of the fryer. These scratch the non-stick coating on the basket and tray, which voids the warranty and makes food stick during cooking. Stick to soft sponges, cloths, and mild dish soap or vinegar solutions.

Never attempt to clean the heating coils or element directly. They are delicate and easily damaged. If they become visibly caked with buildup that you cannot reach with a damp cloth on a stick, contact the manufacturer — attempting to scrape or pick at them yourself will break them.

How often to deep clean

Beyond the regular wipe-downs after each use, do a deeper clean once a month or every 20 to 30 uses, whichever comes first. This means soaking the basket and tray for longer if needed, wiping down all interior surfaces thoroughly, and cleaning the crumb tray completely.

If you cook greasy foods frequently — like frozen fries, chicken wings, or bacon — increase the frequency to every two weeks. Grease buildup accelerates faster with these foods, and regular cleaning prevents smoke and unpleasant odors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use vinegar to clean the inside of my air fryer?

Yes. A mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water is safe for the interior surfaces and cuts through grease effectively. Dampen a cloth with the mixture and wipe the walls and ceiling. Do not spray it directly into the heating element or electrical areas. Vinegar smell will dissipate once the fryer dries.

What if food is stuck to the basket and won't come off?

Soak the basket in warm soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft sponge. If it still won't budge, soak it longer — up to 30 minutes. Never use a knife, fork, or scraper to pry food off, as this damages the non-stick coating. Patience with soaking works better than force.

Is it safe to put the basket in the dishwasher?

Most air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe, but check your manual first — some manufacturers recommend hand-washing only. If your manual says dishwasher-safe, use the top rack and a gentle cycle. Hand-washing with a soft sponge extends the life of the non-stick coating regardless.

Why does my air fryer smell bad even after cleaning?

Smell usually comes from grease buildup in the crumb tray or on the interior walls. Empty the crumb tray and wipe the interior thoroughly with a damp cloth. If the smell persists, run the fryer empty at 350°F for 10 minutes with the door open — this burns off residual grease. may support the crumb tray is empty first.

Can I use cooking spray inside my air fryer?

Avoid aerosol cooking sprays, as they leave a sticky residue that builds up on the basket and heating element. If you need to prevent sticking, use a small amount of oil applied with a brush or cloth, or line the basket with parchment paper. Check your manual — some manufacturers warn against any oil inside the fryer.