Clean your Gourmia air fryer after every use by removing the basket and tray, wiping them with warm soapy water, and letting them air dry before reassembling

The basket and cooking tray are the parts that touch your food, so they need attention after each use. Let the unit cool for at least 30 minutes after cooking. Remove the basket by pressing the release button on the handle and pulling it straight out. Slide the tray out from underneath the basket — it sits in a groove and comes free with a gentle tug.

Wash both pieces with warm water and dish soap using a soft sponge or cloth. The non-stick coating scratches easily, so avoid steel wool and abrasive scrubbers. Rinse thoroughly under running water and stand them upright in a dish rack to air dry completely before you put them back in. Do not put them in the dishwasher unless your model's manual says it is safe — most Gourmia baskets and trays are hand-wash only.

Key Takeaways

  • The basket and tray must be washed after every use with warm soapy water and a soft sponge, never in the dishwasher unless your manual permits it.
  • The main unit body wipes clean with a damp cloth on the outside and needs the heating element checked monthly for stuck-on food particles.
  • Stubborn residue on the basket comes off with a paste of baking soda and water, left to sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing gently.
  • The crumb tray at the bottom of the unit slides out and empties after every few uses to prevent grease buildup and smoke.

Wipe down the main unit body and vents

The outside of your Gourmia air fryer collects dust and grease splatter. Once the unit is cool and unplugged, use a damp cloth to wipe the exterior casing, the handle, and the control panel. Do not spray water directly onto the unit or let water run into the vents — a damp cloth is enough.

The air vents on the back and sides can trap dust and lint. Use a dry cloth or a soft brush to gently wipe around the vent openings. If dust has built up inside the vents, a can of compressed air held at a distance will blow it out safely. Never insert anything into the vents or try to disassemble the unit yourself.

Empty and clean the crumb tray

Most Gourmia models have a removable crumb tray that slides out from the bottom of the unit. This tray catches oil drips and food particles. Slide it out every few uses — more often if you cook fatty foods like bacon or wings. Tip the contents into the trash and wipe the tray with a damp cloth or paper towel.

If grease has hardened on the tray, soak it in warm soapy water for a few minutes, then wipe it clean. Let it dry before sliding it back in. Leaving the crumb tray full or clogged with grease can cause smoke and uneven heating, so this is worth doing regularly even if the basket looks clean.

Remove stuck-on food from the basket with baking soda

If food has baked onto the basket and warm soapy water alone will not budge it, make a paste with baking soda and a little water. Spread the paste over the stuck spots and let it sit for 15 minutes. The baking soda softens the residue without scratching the non-stick surface.

After 15 minutes, use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the paste away. Rinse thoroughly and dry. For very stubborn spots, repeat the process rather than scrubbing harder — aggressive scrubbing will damage the non-stick coating and shorten the basket's life. If the coating is already peeling or flaking, the basket should be replaced.

Check the heating element for buildup

The heating element sits at the top of the cooking chamber. Over time, grease and food particles can splatter onto it and harden. Once a month, look up into the chamber with a flashlight after the unit has cooled and unplugged. If you see brown or black crusty spots on the element, they should be removed.

Do not touch the element directly. Instead, use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to gently brush away loose particles. If buildup is heavy and will not brush off, dampen a cloth slightly and wipe the element carefully — do not soak it. Let the element dry completely before plugging the unit back in. Buildup on the heating element can cause uneven cooking and smoke.

Dry and reassemble the basket and tray

Before putting the basket and tray back into your Gourmia, make sure both are completely dry. Water left inside can drip onto the heating element or crumb tray and cause rust or electrical issues. Stand them in a dish rack for at least an hour, or use a clean cloth to dry them by hand if you are in a hurry.

Slide the tray back into the groove at the bottom of the cooking chamber first. Then lower the basket onto the tray and push it down until you hear or feel it click into place. The basket should sit level and not wobble. If it does not fit snugly, check that the tray is seated all the way in.

Store your air fryer properly between uses

Keep your Gourmia in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Do not store it with the basket and tray inside if they are not completely dry — trapped moisture can cause mold or rust. Leave the basket and tray out to air until you are ready to use the unit again, or store them in a separate cabinet.

If you will not use the air fryer for more than a few weeks, wipe it down once more, make sure all parts are dry, and cover it with a cloth to keep dust out. Do not wrap it tightly in plastic, which can trap moisture. A loose cloth cover or even a paper bag works better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the Gourmia basket and tray in the dishwasher?

Most Gourmia baskets and trays are not dishwasher safe because the heat and detergent can damage the non-stick coating. Check your model's manual to be sure. Hand washing with warm soapy water and a soft sponge is the safest method and keeps the coating in good condition longer.

What should I do if the non-stick coating is peeling?

If the coating is flaking or peeling, the basket should be replaced. Cooking in a basket with damaged coating can leave flakes in your food. Gourmia sells replacement baskets separately, and they are inexpensive. Order the correct model number from the manufacturer or a retailer that carries Gourmia parts.

How often should I clean the heating element?

Check the heating element once a month if you use the air fryer several times a week, or every few months if you use it less often. If you cook greasy foods like bacon or wings regularly, check it more often. A quick visual inspection takes 30 seconds and prevents buildup that can affect cooking quality.

Is it safe to use water to clean the inside of the unit?

The inside of the cooking chamber can be wiped with a barely damp cloth if needed, but avoid getting water into the vents or electrical parts. The basket and tray are the only parts meant to be fully submerged in water. Always unplug the unit and let it cool completely before cleaning any internal parts.

Why is my air fryer smoking during cooking?

Smoke usually comes from grease buildup in the crumb tray or on the heating element. Empty the crumb tray and check the element for stuck-on food. If the basket or tray has old grease on it, wash it again. Make sure you are not overfilling the basket — air needs to circulate around the food to cook it properly without smoking.