Clean your air fryer after every use, while it's still warm but unplugged

The fastest way to keep an air fryer clean is to wipe the basket and tray right after cooking, before grease hardens. Unplug the unit first, then let it cool for five minutes — warm (not hot) parts are easier to clean and less likely to warp. Most baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe, so you can remove them and run them through the machine, or wash them by hand with hot soapy water and a soft sponge. The heating element and interior walls rarely need scrubbing if you catch spills while they're fresh.

If you skip a day and grease hardens on the basket, soak it in hot soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid steel wool or harsh scouring pads — they can scratch the non-stick coating. For stubborn spots inside the cooking chamber, use a damp cloth or soft brush to wipe the walls and heating element once the unit is cool and unplugged.

Key Takeaways

  • Unplug the air fryer and let it cool for five minutes before cleaning any removable parts.
  • Most baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing with a soft sponge works just as well and extends their life.
  • Wipe spills from the cooking chamber with a damp cloth once the unit is cool; do not pour water into the heating element.
  • Never use steel wool, abrasive scrubbers, or harsh chemicals that can damage the non-stick coating or the unit itself.
  • A quick wipe after every use prevents grease buildup and keeps your air fryer working efficiently for years.

Removing and washing the basket and tray

The basket and tray are the parts that touch food, so they need the most attention. After the air fryer cools slightly, pull them straight out — they usually slide out without tools. Check your manual to confirm they're dishwasher-safe; most modern models are, but some older or budget models have coatings that don't survive the dishwasher.

If you use the dishwasher, place them on the top rack away from the heating element. Hand-washing is gentler: soak them in hot soapy water for a few minutes, then scrub with a soft sponge, paying attention to the corners and the underside of the basket where grease collects. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth before putting them back. Never let them air-dry while still in the unit, because moisture can drip onto the heating element.

Cleaning the interior walls and heating element

The interior of the air fryer — the walls and the heating element above — rarely gets dirty if you wipe spills promptly. Once the unit is unplugged and completely cool, use a damp cloth or soft-bristled brush to wipe the interior walls. You can reach most of the space with a cloth wrapped around your finger or a soft bottle brush.

The heating element itself should never be submerged or sprayed with water. Instead, use a dry soft brush or a barely damp cloth to remove any debris or buildup. If you see stubborn grease stuck to the element, let the unit sit unplugged for a few hours, then try again with a damp cloth — do not use force, which can damage the element. If grease has hardened badly, you may need to run the air fryer empty at a high temperature (around 400°F) for 10 minutes to loosen it, then wipe once it cools.

Dealing with stuck-on food and grease buildup

If food has burned onto the basket or tray, soak it in hot soapy water with a little baking soda for 15 to 20 minutes. The baking soda helps break down burnt residue without scratching the surface. After soaking, scrub gently with a soft sponge — if the spot still won't budge, soak longer rather than scrubbing harder.

For grease buildup inside the cooking chamber, a damp cloth usually handles it. If the buildup is heavy, you can place a small bowl of water in the basket and run the air fryer at 350°F for three to five minutes — the steam helps loosen grease. Once it cools, wipe the interior with a damp cloth. Never use vinegar or other liquids directly on the heating element, and avoid any abrasive powders or pastes.

What not to do when cleaning your air fryer

Do not submerge the main unit in water or spray it with a hose. The heating element, wiring, and control panel are not waterproof. Do not use steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive cleaners on the basket or interior, because they scratch the non-stick coating and can expose the metal underneath, which then rusts or flakes into food.

Avoid harsh chemicals like oven cleaner or bleach — they can damage the non-stick surface and leave toxic residue. Do not pour water directly into the cooking chamber or onto the heating element. Do not use metal utensils to scrape the basket; use plastic or silicone tools instead. If your manual says a part is not dishwasher-safe, hand-wash it only — the heat and water jets of the dishwasher can warp or peel the coating.

How often to do a deep clean

A quick wipe after every use keeps your air fryer in good shape for daily cooking. Once a month, do a slightly deeper clean: remove the basket and tray, wipe down the entire interior with a damp cloth, and check the heating element for any buildup. If you cook greasy foods often — like bacon, sausage, or frozen fries — you may want to do this monthly clean every two weeks instead.

You do not need to take the air fryer apart or remove the heating element unless your manual specifically says you can. Most home users never need to go deeper than wiping the interior and soaking the removable parts. If you notice smoke or a burning smell during cooking, unplug the unit, let it cool completely, and inspect the heating element and interior for debris or grease — this is usually a sign that a deep clean is overdue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the basket in the dishwasher?

Most modern air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe and can go on the top rack. Check your manual to be sure — some budget or older models have coatings that peel in the dishwasher. Hand-washing with a soft sponge is always safe and actually extends the life of the non-stick coating.

What should I do if grease is stuck to the heating element?

Let the unit cool and unplug it, then use a barely damp soft cloth to wipe the element gently. If grease is stubborn, run the air fryer empty at 400°F for 10 minutes to loosen it, then wipe once it cools. Never scrub the element hard or use water directly on it.

Is it safe to use vinegar or baking soda inside the air fryer?

Baking soda is safe for soaking the basket or tray to remove burnt food. Do not use vinegar or other liquids directly on the heating element or interior walls — stick to a damp cloth for those areas. Vinegar can corrode metal parts over time.

Why does my air fryer smell like burning even after I clean it?

A burning smell usually means grease or food debris is stuck to the heating element. Unplug the unit, let it cool, and inspect the element and interior carefully. Wipe with a damp cloth or run the unit empty at high heat for a few minutes to burn off the residue. If the smell persists, the heating element may be damaged and the unit may need repair.

How do I prevent grease from building up in the first place?

Wipe the basket and tray right after cooking, while they're still warm. Pat food dry before putting it in the basket — excess moisture creates more splatter. Avoid overfilling the basket, which traps steam and causes grease to stick to the walls. A quick daily wipe takes two minutes and saves you from heavy cleaning later.