Empty the crumb tray and let the unit cool completely before you start

The fastest way to keep your toaster oven air fryer clean is to remove the crumb tray after every use. Most models have a tray that slides out from the bottom front — pull it straight toward you, dump the crumbs into a trash can, and slide it back in. This single step prevents buildup that hardens and becomes difficult to scrub later.

Before you clean the interior, unplug the unit and wait at least 30 minutes for it to cool. The heating element and metal surfaces stay hot long enough to burn your hands or damage cleaning cloths. If you've just finished cooking, set a timer so you don't forget and start cleaning too early.

Key Takeaways

  • Empty the crumb tray after every use and wipe it with a damp cloth to prevent grease and food particles from baking on.
  • Use a soft brush or damp cloth on the interior walls and heating elements — never use abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals that can damage the nonstick coating.
  • The glass door cleans best with a paste of baking soda and water applied for 15 to 20 minutes, then wiped with a damp cloth.
  • Remove and wash the basket and tray in warm soapy water after each use, or soak them for 10 minutes if food is stuck on.

Wipe down the interior walls with a soft, damp cloth

Once the unit is cool, use a soft cloth slightly dampened with water to wipe the interior walls and ceiling. Work in small sections, moving the cloth in gentle circular motions. Pay attention to corners and crevices where grease and crumbs collect. If you see stubborn spots, dampen the cloth a bit more and let it sit on the spot for 30 seconds before wiping.

Do not use paper towels alone — they can leave lint behind. A microfiber cloth or soft cotton cloth works best. If you have a soft-bristled brush (like an old toothbrush), you can use it gently on textured surfaces, but avoid any brush with stiff or wire bristles, as these can scratch the interior coating.

Clean the heating elements carefully with a soft brush

The heating elements at the top and sometimes the sides of your toaster oven air fryer can accumulate grease and food particles. Once the unit is completely cool, use a soft-bristled brush — a clean paintbrush or soft toothbrush works well — to gently brush away loose debris. Brush in the direction of the coils, not against them, to avoid pushing crumbs deeper into the element.

Never spray water directly on the heating elements or soak them. If grease has hardened on the element, use a slightly damp cloth to wipe it gently. If the element is very dirty and you cannot clean it safely, leave it alone — a dirty element still works, and forcing it can damage the unit. The element will burn off some buildup the next time you use the toaster oven.

Soak and wash the basket and tray separately

Remove the air fryer basket and any removable trays after the unit cools. Fill a sink or large bowl with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Place the basket and tray in the water and let them soak for 10 minutes if food is stuck on, or 5 minutes for light cleaning.

Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub both sides of the basket and the tray. Pay special attention to the corners and the underside of the basket, where grease pools. Rinse thoroughly under running water until no soap remains, then dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not put the basket or tray in the dishwasher unless the manufacturer's manual says it is safe — most are hand-wash only because the dishwasher can damage the nonstick coating.

Clean the glass door with baking soda paste

A cloudy or greasy glass door is common in toaster oven air fryers because steam and oil splatter during cooking. Mix three parts baking soda with one part water to make a thick paste. Spread this paste over the glass door and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes — the longer it sits, the more effective it is on stubborn grease.

After the paste has dried slightly, use a damp cloth to wipe it away in circular motions. You may need to wipe several times to remove all the paste. Rinse the cloth frequently and wipe again until the glass is clear. If some cloudiness remains, repeat the process. Avoid using vinegar or commercial glass cleaners on the door seal, as these can damage the gasket that keeps heat inside the unit.

Prevent buildup by lining the bottom with parchment or foil

One of the easiest ways to reduce cleaning time is to line the bottom of the toaster oven air fryer with parchment paper or aluminum foil before you cook. This catches grease and crumbs so they do not stick to the interior. After cooking, straightforward remove the liner and throw it away — the interior stays clean underneath.

Make sure the liner does not cover the heating elements or block airflow. Leave at least one inch of space around all sides. If you use foil, do not let it touch the heating elements, as this can cause a fire. Parchment paper is safer because it does not conduct heat the way foil does.

Clean the exterior and vents monthly

While the interior is your priority, the exterior and air vents also need attention. Wipe the outside with a slightly damp cloth to remove dust and grease splatter. Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to gently clean the vents on the sides and back of the unit — dust buildup here reduces airflow and makes the unit work harder.

Never spray water into the vents or submerge the unit. If dust is stuck in the vents, use a dry brush first, then a barely damp cloth. Allow the exterior to dry completely before plugging the unit back in. Cleaning the vents once a month keeps your toaster oven air fryer running efficiently and prevents overheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use vinegar or commercial oven cleaner inside my toaster oven air fryer?

Avoid commercial oven cleaners — they are too harsh and can damage the nonstick coating and heating elements. Vinegar can work on glass, but it may damage the door seal. Stick with baking soda paste, warm soapy water, and a soft cloth for safe, effective cleaning.

What should I do if food is burned onto the interior?

Let the unit cool, then soak a cloth in warm water and place it over the burned spot for 10 minutes to soften the buildup. Gently scrape with a plastic scraper or soft cloth — never use a metal scraper, which will scratch the coating. If it does not come off, leave it; it will not affect how the toaster oven works.

How often should I deep clean the inside?

Empty the crumb tray after every use and wipe the interior with a damp cloth once a week if you use the toaster oven daily. A full deep clean of the basket, tray, and glass door once a month keeps grease from building up and makes future cleaning easier.

Is it safe to spray water inside the toaster oven air fryer?

No. Never spray water directly inside the unit, especially near the heating elements or electrical components. Use a damp cloth instead — squeeze out excess water so the cloth is moist but not dripping. This gives you control and prevents water from reaching areas that could damage the unit.

Can I use a steel wool pad to scrub stubborn spots?

No. Steel wool and other abrasive scrubbers will scratch and damage the nonstick coating inside the toaster oven. Use a soft cloth, soft-bristled brush, or plastic scraper instead. If a spot is very stubborn, soak it longer with a damp cloth rather than scrubbing harder.