Clean the basket and tray right after cooking, while they're still warm

The easiest time to clean your when ready Pot air fryer is within 30 minutes of cooking, when food residue hasn't hardened. Let the unit cool for five minutes, then remove the basket and tray. Rinse both under warm running water and scrub with a soft sponge or cloth to loosen stuck-on food. For stubborn spots, soak them in warm soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub again.

Both the basket and tray are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, though hand washing extends their life. If you use the dishwasher, place them away from the heating element. Dry them completely with a towel before reinserting them into the unit.

Key Takeaways

  • Clean the basket and tray within 30 minutes of cooking while food is still soft, not after it hardens.
  • The heating element and interior walls need only a quick wipe with a damp cloth after the unit cools—do not submerge the main body.
  • Baked-on grease inside the basket responds to a paste of baking soda and water left for 15 minutes before scrubbing.
  • Never use steel wool, scouring powder, or abrasive cleaners, as they scratch the non-stick coating.

Wipe down the heating element and interior walls

Once the basket and tray are out, let the main unit cool for at least 10 minutes. Then dampen a soft cloth with warm water and wipe the interior walls and the heating element on top. You are removing grease spray and food particles that landed during cooking. A single pass with a damp cloth is usually enough.

Do not pour water into the unit or submerge any part of the main body. The heating element and electrical components are inside, and water will damage them. If grease has splattered heavily, wipe twice—once with a damp cloth, once with a dry one.

Remove baked-on grease with baking soda

If grease has hardened inside the basket after several uses without cleaning, make a paste of baking soda and water. Spread it over the affected areas and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then scrub with a soft sponge. The paste loosens the bond between the grease and the non-stick surface without scratching it.

Rinse thoroughly under warm water and dry completely. Baking soda is safe for the non-stick coating and leaves no chemical residue. Avoid vinegar or lemon juice on the non-stick surface, as the acidity can degrade it over time.

Clean the exterior and control panel

Wipe the outside of the unit and the control panel with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Use only water—no cleaners or solvents. The panel contains electronics, and liquid can seep into the buttons and damage the circuitry.

If the exterior is greasy, dampen the cloth a bit more and wipe again. Dry it when ready with a clean towel. Never spray cleaner directly onto the unit or the panel.

What not to use on your air fryer

Steel wool, scouring pads, and abrasive powders will scratch the non-stick coating on the basket and tray, making them less effective and shortening their life. Once the coating is damaged, food sticks more easily and cleaning becomes harder. Stick to soft sponges, cloths, and plastic brushes.

Bleach, oven cleaner, and harsh chemical degreasers are also off-limits. They can damage the non-stick surface and leave toxic residue on surfaces that touch your food. Baking soda and warm soapy water handle nearly every cleaning job without risk.

Dry and store properly to prevent rust and odor

After washing, dry the basket and tray completely with a towel before putting them back in the unit. Any moisture left behind can cause rust spots on the metal mesh or tray, especially if the air fryer sits unused for a few days. Moisture also traps odors inside the unit.

Store the air fryer in a cool, dry place with the basket and tray fully inserted. If you live in a humid climate, wipe the interior with a dry cloth once a week even if you haven't used it, to prevent moisture buildup. Keep the unit unplugged when not in use.

Monthly deep clean for heavy users

If you use your air fryer several times a week, do a deeper clean once a month. Remove the basket and tray and soak them in warm soapy water for 30 minutes. While they soak, wipe the interior walls and heating element more thoroughly with a damp cloth, paying attention to corners where grease collects.

After soaking, scrub the basket and tray with a soft brush to remove any buildup. Rinse well, dry completely, and reinstall. This prevents grease from accumulating and keeps the unit heating evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the basket and tray in the dishwasher?

Yes, both are dishwasher-safe on the top rack. Hand washing is gentler on the non-stick coating and extends their life, but the dishwasher works fine if you prefer it. Avoid the bottom rack, where the heating element's heat can damage the coating faster.

What should I do if food is stuck and won't come off?

Soak the basket or tray in warm soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft sponge. If that doesn't work, make a paste of baking soda and water, explore it to the stuck food, wait 15 minutes, and scrub again. Never use steel wool or scrape with a knife.

Is it safe to use vinegar to clean the air fryer?

Avoid vinegar on the non-stick coating—the acidity can degrade it over time. Vinegar is fine for the exterior and stainless steel parts, but stick to baking soda and warm water for the basket and tray.

How often should I clean my air fryer?

Wipe the interior and clean the basket and tray after every use. A deeper soak-and-scrub is only needed once a month if you use it frequently, or less often if you use it occasionally.

Can I leave the basket in the unit while I wipe the interior?

You can, but it's easier to remove it first so you can reach all the interior walls and the heating element. Removing it takes 10 seconds and gives you better access to spots where grease collects.