Clean the basket and tray after every use

The basket and tray are the parts that touch your food, so they need cleaning right after you cook. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes, then remove them from the unit. Wash both pieces by hand with warm soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth — do not put them in the dishwasher, as the nonstick coating can wear away. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel before putting them back.

If food is stuck on, soak the basket and tray in warm soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush. Never use steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive cleaners, as these scratch the nonstick surface and make it flake into your food over time.

Key Takeaways

  • Wash the basket and tray by hand with warm soapy water after every use, and let them soak if food is stuck.
  • Wipe the interior walls and heating element with a damp cloth once a week to remove grease buildup and prevent smoke.
  • Never submerge the main unit in water or spray it directly — water inside the heating chamber can damage the machine.
  • Clean the exterior with a slightly damp cloth and dry it when ready to prevent water spots and corrosion.
  • Check the crumb tray at the bottom monthly and empty it to stop grease from accumulating and catching fire.

Wipe down the interior walls and heating element weekly

Once a week, look inside the cooking chamber. You will see grease and food particles on the walls and around the heating element at the top. Turn off and unplug the unit, then let it cool completely — at least 30 minutes. Dampen a soft cloth or paper towel with warm water (no soap needed for the interior), and wipe the walls, the sides, and the visible parts of the heating element. Do not soak or spray water directly into the chamber, as moisture inside the heating system can cause electrical damage.

If grease has hardened, dampen the cloth more and let it sit against the spot for a minute before wiping. For stubborn buildup on the heating element itself, use a soft-bristled brush — a toothbrush works — to gently loosen debris without pressing hard. This weekly wipe prevents smoke during cooking and keeps the unit running safely.

Empty the crumb tray monthly

At the bottom of your Gourmia air fryer oven, there is a removable crumb tray that catches grease and food bits. Check it once a month — more often if you cook fatty foods regularly. Unplug the unit, let it cool, and slide the tray out from underneath. Pour the contents into the trash, then wipe the tray with a damp cloth and dry it before sliding it back in.

Grease that sits in the crumb tray can smoke or even ignite if it gets too hot, so do not skip this step. If the tray is very greasy, wash it with warm soapy water, dry it completely, and replace it.

Clean the exterior and vents

Wipe the outside of your Gourmia unit with a slightly damp cloth once a week. Use only water — no harsh cleaners or abrasive scrubbers. Pay attention to the vents on the back and sides, where dust and grease can collect and block airflow. A soft brush or an old toothbrush can help loosen dust from the vent slats without damaging them.

Dry the exterior when ready after wiping to prevent water spots and corrosion on the metal or plastic surfaces. If your unit sits near a stove or in a greasy kitchen, wipe it down more often, as airborne grease settles on the outside and can build up.

Never submerge the main unit or spray it directly

The main body of your Gourmia air fryer oven contains electrical components and the heating chamber. Do not put it in water, run it under a faucet, or spray it with a hose or spray bottle. Water inside the heating system or electrical connections will cause the unit to malfunction or stop working entirely.

The only parts that are safe to submerge are the basket and tray. Everything else — the main unit, the heating element, the interior chamber — should be cleaned with a damp cloth only, never wet.

What to do if your Gourmia smells or smokes during cooking

If you notice a burning smell or smoke coming from your air fryer oven, turn it off when ready and unplug it. Let it cool completely. Check the crumb tray for excess grease or debris, and empty it. Look inside the cooking chamber for food particles stuck to the heating element or walls, and wipe them away with a damp cloth.

Once you have cleaned the interior and crumb tray, plug the unit back in and run it empty at 400°F for 5 to 10 minutes to burn off any remaining residue. If the smell or smoke continues after cleaning, the heating element may be damaged and the unit may need repair or replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the basket and tray in the dishwasher?

No. The dishwasher's heat and harsh detergent damage the nonstick coating. Hand wash with warm soapy water and a soft cloth instead. The coating will last much longer if you avoid the dishwasher.

How often should I deep clean the inside of my Gourmia?

Once a month, do a deeper clean: unplug the unit, let it cool, and wipe the interior walls, heating element, and chamber with a damp cloth. If grease has built up heavily, use a soft brush to loosen it. This prevents smoke and keeps the heating element working efficiently.

What should I do if water gets inside the unit?

Unplug the unit when ready and do not use it. Let it sit unplugged in a warm, dry place for at least 24 hours so any moisture can evaporate. If you are unsure whether water reached the electrical components, contact Gourmia customer service before plugging it back in.

Is it safe to use oven cleaner or degreaser on the inside?

No. Chemical cleaners can damage the nonstick coating, leave toxic residue on surfaces that touch your food, and harm the heating element. Stick to warm water and a soft cloth. For stubborn grease, soak the area with a damp cloth for a few minutes, then wipe gently.

Why does my air fryer smell like plastic when I first use it?

New air fryer ovens often have a plastic or chemical smell the first few times you use them. This is normal and comes from manufacturing residue. Run the unit empty at 400°F for 10 minutes before cooking food. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth afterward. The smell should fade after a few uses.