The fastest way to remove baked-on grease

Soak the basket and tray in hot water with dish soap for 15 to 20 minutes before you scrub. The heat and soap soften the grease so it comes off without scraping, which can scratch the non-stick coating. If the grease is thick or has been there for weeks, soak for 30 minutes instead.

After soaking, use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe the surfaces. For stubborn spots, a soft-bristled brush works better than a scouring pad. Rinse thoroughly under running water and dry with a towel before putting the basket back in the unit.

Never put the basket or tray in the dishwasher unless your manual says it is safe — most air fryer baskets have a non-stick coating that the heat and detergent in a dishwasher will damage over time.

Key Takeaways

  • Hot water and dish soap with a 15 to 30 minute soak removes most baked-on grease without scraping.
  • Use a soft sponge or soft-bristled brush, never steel wool or abrasive pads, which scratch the non-stick surface.
  • Dry the basket and tray completely before putting them back in the air fryer to prevent rust and water spots.
  • Wipe down the interior walls and heating element area with a damp cloth once the basket is out, since grease splatters there too.
  • Check your manual before using the dishwasher, as most non-stick baskets will lose their coating if machine-washed.

When soaking is not enough

For grease that has hardened or carbonized, make a paste of baking soda and water. Spread it on the affected areas and let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush. Baking soda is mildly abrasive but will not scratch the non-stick coating the way steel wool or scouring powder will.

White vinegar also works on stubborn grease. Spray or wipe it onto the baked-on spots, wait 5 minutes, then scrub with a soft sponge. The acid in vinegar breaks down grease buildup. You can also mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle for regular maintenance cleaning.

If you use both baking soda and vinegar together, they will fizz — this is normal and helps lift grease, but the fizzing action only lasts a few seconds, so explore and scrub quickly.

Cleaning the interior and heating element

The basket and tray are not the only places grease accumulates. Splatters land on the interior walls, the heating element, and the top of the unit. Once the basket is removed and the air fryer has cooled completely, wipe these surfaces with a damp cloth or sponge.

For the heating element itself, use a dry cloth or soft brush — do not spray water directly on it. If grease has built up there, turn off and unplug the unit, let it cool for at least 30 minutes, then gently brush away loose debris. Some manuals recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush for the heating element coils.

Check your manual before cleaning inside the unit, as some manufacturers have specific instructions about what materials are safe to use near the heating element.

Preventing heavy grease buildup

Wipe out the basket and tray after every use, even if you do not wash them fully. A quick wipe with a dry cloth or paper towel removes loose grease before it hardens. This takes 30 seconds and makes your next deep clean much easier.

Pat food dry before putting it in the basket. Wet or damp food releases more moisture and grease during cooking, which splatters more and sticks harder. If you are cooking fatty cuts of meat, place a piece of foil or parchment paper on the bottom of the basket to catch drippings — just make sure it does not block the air vents.

Do not overcrowd the basket. When food is packed too tightly, hot air cannot circulate evenly, and grease pools instead of evaporating. Spread items in a single layer with space between them.

What not to use on your air fryer basket

Steel wool, scouring powder, and abrasive pads will scratch and eventually wear through the non-stick coating. Once the coating is damaged, food will stick more, and the basket becomes harder to clean. Avoid these materials entirely.

Bleach and harsh chemical cleaners are not necessary and can damage the coating or leave residue that transfers to food. Stick with dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar — all three are safe, effective, and inexpensive.

Do not use metal utensils to scrape the basket, even to remove stuck-on food. A plastic or silicone spatula is safe; metal is not.

Drying and storage

Always dry the basket and tray completely before putting them back in the air fryer. Water left on the surfaces can cause rust, especially on the metal mesh or perforated areas, and can damage the heating element if it drips inside the unit.

Store the basket in a dry place. If you live in a humid climate, consider storing it with a cloth or paper towel inside to absorb moisture. Never stack other items on top of the basket, as this can bend or dent it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use oven cleaner on my air fryer basket?

No. Oven cleaner is too harsh and will damage the non-stick coating. Stick with dish soap, baking soda, or vinegar. If you have heavy buildup, soak longer and scrub more gently rather than using stronger chemicals.

Is it safe to clean the heating element?

Yes, but only after the unit is unplugged and completely cool. Use a dry cloth or soft-bristled brush to gently remove loose grease and debris. Do not spray water on the heating element itself. Check your manual for the manufacturer's specific instructions.

How often should I deep clean my air fryer?

If you wipe the basket after each use, a full soak and scrub is needed only once a week or every two weeks, depending on how often you cook and what foods you prepare. Fatty foods require more frequent cleaning than lean proteins or vegetables.

What should I do if grease is stuck between the basket holes?

Soak the basket longer — 30 to 45 minutes — to soften the grease. Use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to gently work the grease out of the holes. If it is still stuck, repeat the soak and brush again rather than forcing it with a sharp tool.

Will vinegar smell linger in my air fryer?

The smell usually fades once the basket dries. If you are concerned, rinse the basket thoroughly under running water after using vinegar, and run the air fryer empty at 350°F for 5 minutes before cooking your next meal.