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

The basket and tray are the only parts that need regular cleaning after cooking. Remove them while the unit is unplugged and cooled to room temperature—usually 30 minutes after your last use. Wash both pieces with warm soapy water and a soft sponge, dry them completely, and slide them back in. The interior gets a quick wipe with a barely damp cloth to catch any grease splatter. The heating element at the top never needs cleaning; any buildup will burn off harmlessly on the next use.

Deep cleaning happens once a month or when you notice grease buildup on the interior walls. This takes about 15 minutes and requires only water, dish soap, and a soft cloth—no special products needed.

Key Takeaways

  • Wash the basket and tray with warm soapy water and a soft sponge after every use, then dry them completely before reinserting.
  • Wipe the interior chamber with a damp cloth to remove grease splatter, but never spray water directly into the unit or submerge it.
  • Never clean the heating element or heating coils; any residue will burn off safely during normal cooking.
  • For stubborn grease buildup on interior walls, use a paste of baking soda and water applied with a soft cloth, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
  • Unplug the unit and let it cool completely before cleaning any part of it.

Removing and washing the basket and tray

The basket and tray come out as one unit in most Emeril models. Wait until the air fryer has cooled for at least 30 minutes after cooking. Unplug the unit from the wall outlet. Open the drawer and grip the basket handle, then pull straight out toward you. It should slide out smoothly without resistance.

Fill your sink or a large bowl with warm water and add a squirt of dish soap. Place the basket and tray in the soapy water and let them soak for 3 to 5 minutes if there is stuck-on food. Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub both the inside and outside surfaces. Pay attention to the corners and the underside of the tray where grease pools. Rinse both pieces under running water until the water runs clear and no soap remains. Dry them completely with a clean towel before putting them back—any water left inside can drip onto the heating element when you reinsert them.

Wiping the interior chamber

The interior walls and floor of the cooking chamber collect grease splatter during cooking. With the unit unplugged and cooled, open the drawer fully. Take a soft cloth—microfiber works well—and dampen it with plain water. Wring it out so it is barely wet, not dripping. Wipe the interior walls, the floor, and the back wall in gentle circular motions. Pay special attention to the corners where grease tends to collect.

Do not spray water directly into the unit or pour water inside. Do not use paper towels, which can leave fibers behind. If you see grease on the heating element coils at the top, leave it alone—it will burn off harmlessly the next time you cook. After wiping, leave the drawer open for a few minutes to let any moisture evaporate before reinserting the basket.

Removing stubborn grease buildup

If grease has hardened on the interior walls and regular wiping does not remove it, make a paste of baking soda and water. Mix three parts baking soda with one part water to form a thick paste. Dip a soft cloth into the paste and explore it directly to the greasy spots. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then gently scrub in circular motions. The mild abrasive action of baking soda lifts the grease without scratching the nonstick coating.

Rinse the area thoroughly with a damp cloth to remove all baking soda residue. Wipe again with a clean, barely damp cloth to dry the interior. Baking soda is safe for nonstick surfaces and leaves no chemical smell. Avoid scouring pads, steel wool, or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the nonstick coating and void your warranty.

What never to clean on your Emeril air fryer

The heating element and heating coils at the top of the unit should never be cleaned or touched. These parts get extremely hot during cooking and any food residue or grease on them will burn off completely on the next use, producing no smoke or odor. Attempting to clean them risks damaging the electrical components or burning yourself.

The exterior housing should only be wiped with a dry cloth. Do not spray cleaner on the outside or submerge any part of the unit in water. The main body contains electrical components that can be damaged by moisture. If the exterior is sticky from grease splatter, a dry cloth usually removes it; if not, a barely damp cloth works, but dry it when ready afterward.

Drying and storing your air fryer

After cleaning, make sure both the basket and tray are completely dry before reinserting them. Any standing water can drip onto the heating element or electrical contacts when you slide the basket back in. Use a clean towel and dry every surface, including the underside of the tray and the inside of the basket.

Store your Emeril air fryer in a cool, dry place away from water sources. If you store it with the basket inside, leave the drawer slightly open to allow air circulation and prevent moisture from trapping inside. If you live in a humid climate, wipe the interior with a dry cloth once a week even if you have not used the unit, to prevent mold or mildew from forming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the basket and tray in the dishwasher?

Check your specific Emeril model's manual, as some baskets are dishwasher-safe on the top rack while others are not. Hand-washing with warm soapy water is always safe and takes only a few minutes. If your manual does not specify, hand-wash to avoid damaging the nonstick coating.

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 instead of 3 to 5. The longer soak softens stuck-on food. Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub; avoid steel wool or hard brushes. If food still clings, soak again rather than scrubbing harder, which can scratch the nonstick surface.

Is it okay to use cooking spray in my Emeril air fryer?

Yes, but use only cooking sprays labeled safe for nonstick surfaces. Avoid aerosol sprays with propellants, which can build up on the basket and heating element. Brush or spray oil directly onto food instead of the basket when possible. If you do spray the basket, wipe it clean when ready after cooking before grease hardens.

Why does my air fryer smell like burning plastic when I first turn it on?

New air fryers often have a plastic smell during the first few uses as the heating element burns off manufacturing residue. This is normal and harmless. Run the unit empty at 400°F for 10 minutes before your first use to speed up this process. If the smell persists after five uses, unplug the unit and contact Emeril customer service.

How often should I deep clean my air fryer?

Deep cleaning with baking soda paste is needed once a month for regular use, or whenever you notice grease buildup on the interior walls. If you use your air fryer several times a week, monthly cleaning keeps it in top condition. Light daily wiping with a damp cloth prevents heavy buildup from forming.