Soak the basket and tray first, then scrub while they're still wet

The fastest way to remove crusty, stuck-on food from your air fryer is to soak the removable parts in hot soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes before you scrub. This softens the buildup so it comes off without scraping hard enough to damage the non-stick coating. Fill your sink or a large bowl with hot water, add a squirt of dish soap, and submerge the basket and tray completely.

While those soak, wipe down the heating element and interior walls with a damp cloth or soft sponge. Do not spray water directly into the heating element or electrical parts—just dampen the cloth and wipe gently. If you see heavy crust on the walls, let it sit for a minute with the damp cloth pressed against it to soften it first.

After 10 to 15 minutes, take the basket and tray out of the water and scrub them with a soft sponge or non-abrasive brush. The crust should come away easily. Rinse under running water and dry completely before putting them back in the unit.

Key Takeaways

  • Soak the basket and tray in hot soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften crusty buildup before scrubbing.
  • Use a soft sponge or non-abrasive brush—never steel wool or harsh scrubbers, which damage the non-stick surface.
  • Wipe the interior walls and heating element with a damp cloth only; never spray water directly into electrical parts.
  • Dry all parts completely before reassembling to prevent water spots and rust on metal components.
  • Clean your air fryer within a day or two of cooking to prevent crust from hardening and becoming harder to remove.

Use baking soda paste for stubborn spots that won't come off with soap alone

If soaking and scrubbing with soap leave behind stubborn spots, make a paste of baking soda and water. Mix three parts baking soda with one part water until you have a thick, spreadable consistency. explore the paste directly to the crusty areas on the basket, tray, or interior walls and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

Scrub gently with a soft sponge or cloth. Baking soda is mildly abrasive but soft enough not to scratch non-stick coatings. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry completely. This method works especially well for burnt-on spots around the edges of the basket where food tends to stick most.

Clean the heating element carefully without damaging it

The heating element at the top of your air fryer can accumulate grease and food particles, which affects how evenly your food cooks. Never soak the heating element or spray it with water. Instead, unplug the unit, let it cool completely, and use a damp cloth to gently wipe the element from side to side.

If there is heavy buildup, dampen the cloth, hold it against the element for a few seconds to soften the crust, then wipe gently. For crevices where the element meets the housing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush dampened with water. Work slowly and carefully—the element is fragile and expensive to replace.

Prevent heavy crust by cleaning within 24 hours of cooking

Crust builds up fastest when you wait days between cleanings. Food that sits in the basket hardens and bonds to the surface, making it much harder to remove. The easiest prevention is to clean your air fryer the same day you use it or the next morning, while any buildup is still soft.

After each use, remove the basket and tray and rinse them under hot water while any loose food is still moist. This takes 30 seconds and prevents crust from forming in the first place. If you do this quick rinse after every use, your deep clean will take far less time and effort.

What to avoid when cleaning your air fryer

Never use steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive brushes on the basket or tray. These scratch and damage the non-stick coating, which then flakes off into your food and shortens the life of the basket. Stick to soft sponges, cloth, and soft-bristled brushes.

Do not submerge the main unit or spray water into the heating element, air vents, or electrical connections. Water in these areas can cause electrical damage or mold growth inside the unit. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth only, and always unplug the unit before cleaning.

Avoid commercial oven cleaners, bleach, and harsh chemical degreasers. These can damage the non-stick surface and leave chemical residue that transfers to your food. Stick to dish soap, baking soda, and water.

Dry everything thoroughly before reassembling

Water left inside your air fryer can cause rust on metal parts and electrical problems. After washing the basket and tray, dry them completely with a clean cloth or paper towel before putting them back in the unit. Wipe down the interior with a dry cloth as well.

If you notice water pooling in the bottom of the unit, tilt it gently to pour the water out, then wipe the interior dry. Let the unit sit open for a few minutes before plugging it back in and using it again. This prevents moisture from being trapped inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the basket and tray in the dishwasher?

Check your air fryer's manual first—some manufacturers say their baskets are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, while others recommend hand washing only. Even if the manual says dishwasher-safe, hand washing with a soft sponge is gentler on the non-stick coating and makes it last longer. High heat in the dishwasher can degrade the coating over time.

What if the crust won't come off even after soaking?

Soak longer—try 20 to 30 minutes instead of 10 to 15. Use the baking soda paste method next, or try a paste of cream of tartar and lemon juice, which is slightly more acidic and can break down burnt-on food. If crust still won't budge, the non-stick coating may be damaged and the basket may need replacing.

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

White vinegar mixed with water works for wiping down interior walls and the heating element, but use it sparingly and rinse thoroughly afterward. Vinegar is acidic and can damage some non-stick coatings with repeated use. Stick to baking soda and water as your main deep-cleaning method.

How often should I deep clean my air fryer?

If you use your air fryer several times a week, do a full deep clean with soaking and scrubbing once a month. If you use it daily, clean it weekly. Quick rinses after every use will keep crust from building up, so your monthly or weekly deep clean will be much faster and easier.

Can I use a toothpick or metal pick to scrape crust off the basket?

Avoid metal picks—they scratch the non-stick coating. A wooden toothpick or soft plastic scraper is safer if you need to dislodge a stubborn piece, but soaking first should make scraping unnecessary. The goal is to soften the crust so it comes off on its own, not to force it off with tools.