Clean your Chefman air fryer after every use by hand-washing the basket and tray, wiping the interior with a damp cloth, and leaving the heating element alone

The basket and tray are the only parts that need washing after each use. Remove them when the air fryer has cooled for at least 10 minutes, then wash both in hot soapy water with a soft sponge or cloth. Dry them completely before putting them back. The interior gets wiped down with a barely damp cloth—no water should drip inside the heating chamber. Never submerge the main unit or spray water directly into it. The heating element at the top does not need cleaning and will damage if you try to scrub it.

Built-up grease and food bits inside the basket reduce air circulation and can cause uneven cooking or smoking. A quick wash takes two minutes and prevents the basket from becoming hard to clean later. If you let grease sit for days, it hardens and requires soaking or scrubbing, which wears the non-stick coating faster.

Key Takeaways

  • Wash the basket and tray in hot soapy water by hand after every use, then dry them completely before reinserting.
  • Wipe the interior chamber with a damp cloth only—never pour water inside or spray the heating element.
  • For stubborn grease buildup, soak the basket in hot soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft sponge.
  • Do not use the dishwasher, abrasive scrubbers, or oven cleaner on any Chefman air fryer part.
  • Check the heating element and vents monthly for dust or debris and wipe them gently with a dry cloth if needed.

Washing the basket and tray after each use

The basket and tray are the parts that touch your food, so they need the most attention. Let the air fryer cool for at least 10 minutes after cooking—the basket will be too hot to handle safely before that. Slide both out of the unit and place them in your sink.

Fill the sink with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub both sides of the basket and the tray, paying attention to corners and the mesh where grease collects. Rinse both under running water until the soap is gone. Dry them completely with a clean towel or paper towel before putting them back in the air fryer. Any water left on them can drip onto the heating element or interior surfaces when you insert them.

If food is stuck on and won't come off with a sponge, soak the basket and tray together in hot soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes, then try scrubbing again. A soft-bristled brush can help, but avoid steel wool, scouring pads, or anything abrasive—these scratch the non-stick coating and shorten the basket's life.

Wiping down the interior without damaging the heating element

Once the basket and tray are out, look inside the cooking chamber. You will see the heating element at the top (it looks like a metal coil or grid) and the interior walls. Any grease splatter or crumbs should be wiped away, but water is the enemy here.

Wring out a cloth or sponge so it is barely damp—it should feel cool and wet to the touch but not dripping. Wipe the interior walls, the bottom, and the sides. Do not aim the cloth at the heating element or try to clean it. The heating element is sealed and will short out or fail if water gets inside it. If you see grease on the element itself, let it sit until it cools completely, then gently wipe it with a dry cloth only. Never use water on the element.

If the interior has stubborn grease buildup, you can place a damp cloth inside for a few minutes to soften it, then wipe it away. Do not pour water in or spray anything. Once you are done wiping, leave the air fryer open for a minute or two so any moisture can evaporate before you close it up.

What not to do: materials and methods that damage your air fryer

The dishwasher will damage the basket and tray. The high heat and harsh detergent break down the non-stick coating, and the spray jets can force water into seams where it gets trapped. Always wash by hand in the sink.

Do not use steel wool, scouring pads, abrasive brushes, or oven cleaner on any part of the air fryer. These scratch the non-stick surface and can leave chemical residue that leaches into your food. Soft sponges and cloths are all you need. Do not submerge the main unit or pour water directly into the heating chamber. Do not use vinegar or other liquids to clean the interior—stick to a damp cloth with plain water.

Dealing with stubborn grease and burnt-on food

If you cook fatty foods regularly, grease can build up on the basket and inside the chamber. The longer it sits, the harder it becomes. The best fix is to soak the basket in hot soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes, which softens the grease so it wipes away easily. After soaking, scrub gently with a soft sponge and rinse well.

For burnt-on food stuck to the basket, the same soaking method works. If a spot still won't budge after soaking, use a soft-bristled brush or the rough side of a sponge, but do not scrub hard enough to scratch the coating. Patience and soaking beat force every time—aggressive scrubbing wears out the non-stick surface faster than anything else.

For grease inside the chamber, wipe it with a damp cloth while it is still warm (but cool enough to touch safely). Warm grease is easier to wipe than cold grease. If it has hardened, dampen the cloth and let it sit on the spot for a minute to soften it, then wipe.

Monthly maintenance to keep vents and the heating element clear

Once a month, check the vents and heating element for dust or debris. The vents are usually on the sides or back of the unit. If you see dust buildup, wipe it away gently with a dry cloth. Dust blocks airflow and makes the air fryer work harder and heat unevenly.

Look at the heating element from the side—you should see it clearly without obstruction. If dust or grease has settled on it, let the air fryer cool completely, then wipe the element very gently with a dry cloth only. Do not use water or any liquid on the element. If you cannot reach it safely or if it looks damaged, do not force it. Contact Chefman customer service for guidance.

Check the power cord and plug for any damage or fraying. If you see damage, do not use the air fryer and contact Chefman. These monthly checks take five minutes and catch small problems before they become big ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the basket in the dishwasher?

No. The dishwasher's heat and harsh detergent damage the non-stick coating, and water can get trapped in seams and cause rust or electrical problems. Hand-wash in the sink with hot soapy water and a soft sponge.

What should I do if water gets inside the heating chamber?

Let the air fryer sit unplugged and open for at least an hour so any moisture can evaporate completely. Do not plug it in or use it until you are sure it is dry. If you accidentally poured a lot of water in, contact Chefman before using it again.

Is it safe to use oven cleaner on the interior?

No. Oven cleaner is toxic and can leave residue that leaches into your food. Use only a damp cloth with plain water for the interior. For stubborn grease, soak the basket in hot soapy water instead.

How often should I clean my Chefman air fryer?

Wash the basket and tray after every use. Wipe the interior after every use if you see grease or crumbs. Check vents and the heating element for dust once a month. Regular cleaning prevents buildup and keeps the air fryer working evenly.

What if the non-stick coating is peeling off the basket?

Stop using that basket—peeling coating can flake into your food. Contact Chefman to order a replacement basket. Most Chefman models have replacement baskets available for under $30. Do not try to repair or re-coat the basket yourself.