The fastest way to clean an air fryer basket and heating element
Let the air fryer cool completely, then soak the basket in hot soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes. This loosens the grease so you can wipe it away instead of scrubbing hard. For the heating element and interior walls, use a damp cloth or soft brush once the unit is unplugged and cool — never submerge the main body or spray water directly into the heating coil.
The basket itself is usually dishwasher-safe, so check your manual. If it is, place it on the top rack. If you hand-wash, a non-abrasive sponge works better than steel wool, which can scratch the non-stick coating. For stubborn grease stuck to the basket or tray, a paste of baking soda and water left for a few minutes will break it down without damaging the surface.
Wipe the interior walls and around the heating element with a cloth dampened in a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water. This cuts through oil residue and prevents buildup that can cause smoking or uneven cooking. Do this every 5 to 10 uses, depending on how often you cook fatty foods.
Key Takeaways
- Always unplug the air fryer and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before cleaning any part of it.
- Soak the basket in hot soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen grease, then wipe with a soft sponge rather than scrubbing hard.
- Clean the interior walls and heating element with a damp cloth or a vinegar-and-water solution, never by spraying water directly into the coil.
- A paste of baking soda and water removes stubborn grease without scratching the non-stick coating.
- Regular cleaning every 5 to 10 uses prevents grease buildup that causes smoking and uneven heat distribution.
Why grease buildup happens and what it does to your air fryer
Grease accumulates because air fryers work by circulating very hot air around food. Moisture and fat from meat, frozen fries, and other foods evaporate and settle on the basket, tray, and interior walls. Unlike a traditional oven, the air fryer's compact space and high-speed circulation mean grease clings to surfaces faster and in higher concentrations.
Left uncleaned, this buildup does three things: it smokes during cooking (which means the grease is burning), it transfers old flavors to new food, and it reduces how efficiently heat circulates. A basket caked with grease will cook food unevenly because the hot air cannot reach all surfaces. Over time, grease can also harden on the heating element, making it harder to clean and potentially shortening the unit's lifespan.
Step-by-step cleaning for the basket and tray
Start by unplugging the air fryer and waiting at least 30 minutes for it to cool. Remove the basket and any removable tray or rack inside. Hold the basket under warm running water and use your fingers or a soft sponge to loosen any loose debris — bits of food, crumbs, or flaking grease.
Fill a sink or large bowl with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Submerge the basket and tray for 10 to 15 minutes. The heat and soap will soften the grease. After soaking, use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe all surfaces — the bottom, sides, and any mesh or perforated areas. Pay extra attention to corners and seams where grease pools.
For grease that does not come off with soap and water, make a paste of baking soda and water (roughly 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water). Spread it on the greasy spots and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft sponge. Rinse thoroughly under running water until no baking soda residue remains. Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel before returning the basket to the air fryer.
Cleaning the interior walls and heating element safely
The interior of the air fryer body cannot be submerged or sprayed with water. Instead, dampen a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge with plain warm water and wipe the interior walls, the bottom, and the sides. Work around the heating element at the top — do not spray water directly onto the coil or try to clean it with a wet cloth. A dry soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush can gently brush away loose debris around the element without introducing moisture.
For stubborn grease on the interior walls, use a cloth dampened with a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water. Vinegar cuts through oil and evaporates quickly, reducing the risk of water damage. Wipe in one direction rather than scrubbing in circles, and avoid getting liquid near any electrical components or vents. If you see grease on the heating element itself, let it cool completely and use a dry brush to gently remove it — never use water or vinegar on the coil.
After wiping, use a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture from the interior. Leave the basket out and the door open for a few minutes to allow any dampness to evaporate before reassembling the unit.
How often to clean and what to do between deep cleans
Wipe the interior walls and basket with a dry cloth after every use to remove loose grease and crumbs. This takes 30 seconds and prevents buildup. A full soak-and-wash of the basket should happen every 5 to 10 uses, depending on what you cook. If you regularly cook bacon, sausage, or frozen fries, clean every 5 uses. If you mostly cook chicken breast or vegetables, every 10 uses is usually enough.
The interior walls need a vinegar-and-water wipe every 10 to 15 uses, or sooner if you notice smoke during cooking. If your air fryer starts smoking even with fresh food, grease has built up on the heating element or walls — clean when ready before using it again.
Products and tools that help without damaging the coating
A soft silicone sponge or cloth is gentler on the non-stick coating than a traditional scrubbing sponge. Bamboo or wooden brushes work well for the interior because they will not scratch. Avoid steel wool, scouring pads, and abrasive cleaners — these remove the non-stick layer and expose the metal underneath, which then rusts and flakes into food.
Baking soda is safe and effective for stubborn grease. White vinegar is also safe and actually helps protect the non-stick coating by cutting through oil. Dish soap and warm water are all you need for routine cleaning. Do not use oven cleaner, degreasers, or any product labeled for heavy-duty kitchen cleaning — these are too harsh for air fryer materials.
What to do if grease has hardened or the basket is discolored
Hardened grease usually means the basket has been used many times without cleaning. Soak it longer — 20 to 30 minutes in hot soapy water — then explore the baking soda paste and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before scrubbing. If it still will not come off, soak again and repeat. Patience works better than force, which can damage the coating.
Discoloration (browning or darkening of the non-stick surface) is normal and does not affect performance or safety. It happens because the coating oxidizes over time and from repeated heating. It cannot be removed without damaging the basket, so do not try. Focus on keeping the basket clean and dry to slow further discoloration.
If the non-stick coating is peeling or flaking, the basket has reached the end of its life and should be replaced. Flaking coating can end up in your food, and the exposed metal underneath will rust. Most manufacturers sell replacement baskets separately, which is cheaper than buying a new air fryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put the air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Check your manual — many baskets are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, but some are not. If yours is not, hand-washing with a soft sponge is safer. Even if the basket is dishwasher-safe, hand-washing with baking soda paste works faster for heavy grease and is gentler on the coating over time.
Is it safe to use vinegar inside the air fryer?
Yes, a cloth dampened with vinegar and water is safe for the interior walls. Vinegar evaporates quickly and does not damage electrical components. Never spray vinegar directly into the heating element or vents, and always use a cloth rather than pouring liquid into the unit.
Why does my air fryer still smell like old grease after cleaning?
Grease residue on the heating element or in the vents can cause lingering smell. Run the air fryer empty at 400°F for 5 to 10 minutes to burn off any remaining oil. Make sure the interior walls and element are fully clean by wiping with a vinegar-and-water cloth, and check that the basket is completely dry before use.
What if water got inside the main body of the air fryer?
Unplug it when ready and leave it unplugged for at least 24 hours to dry completely. Do not use it until you are certain all moisture has evaporated. If water reached the heating element or electrical components, the unit may need professional repair or replacement. This is why wiping with a damp cloth is safer than spraying.
Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar to clean the interior?
Yes, lemon juice works the same way as vinegar — it cuts through grease and evaporates quickly. Mix it 1:1 with water, dampen a cloth, and wipe the interior walls. The smell is also more pleasant than vinegar for some people.