Clean the basket and crisper plate right after cooking

The basket and crisper plate are the parts that touch your food, so they need attention first. Let the air fryer cool for at least 5 minutes after you finish cooking—the basket will be too hot to handle safely. Once it is cool enough to touch, slide the basket out by the handle and set it on your counter.

Wipe both the inside of the basket and the crisper plate (the flat metal piece that sits on top of the heating element) with a damp cloth or soft sponge. For stuck-on food, use warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Do not use steel wool or harsh scrubbers—they scratch the non-stick coating. Rinse both pieces under running water and dry them completely with a clean towel before putting them back.

If food is really stuck, fill the basket with warm soapy water and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. The moisture softens the residue so you can wipe it away without scrubbing hard. This step saves time and protects the coating.

Key Takeaways

  • Empty and wipe the basket and crisper plate while the air fryer is still warm but cool enough to touch safely, within 5 to 10 minutes of finishing.
  • Use only soft sponges and warm soapy water on non-stick surfaces; steel wool and abrasive scrubbers damage the coating permanently.
  • Soak stuck-on food in warm soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes instead of scrubbing, which prevents scratches.
  • Wipe the heating element and interior walls with a damp cloth every few uses to prevent grease buildup and smoke.
  • The basket and crisper plate are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, but hand-washing extends their lifespan.

Wipe down the heating element and interior walls

Grease and food particles collect on the heating element and the walls inside the cooking chamber. This buildup causes smoke, uneven cooking, and eventually affects how well the air fryer works. After you remove the basket, look inside with a flashlight if needed.

Dampen a cloth or soft sponge with warm water and carefully wipe the heating element from the sides—do not poke it directly. Wipe the interior walls and the bottom of the chamber as well. Let everything air-dry for a minute or two before you put the basket back in. If you see heavy grease buildup, repeat this step every few uses rather than waiting until it hardens.

Clean the exterior and control panel

The outside of the Ninja 5-in-1 collects dust, fingerprints, and splashes. Unplug the unit first, then use a slightly damp cloth to wipe the exterior surfaces. For the control panel and buttons, use a cloth that is barely damp—you want moisture to evaporate quickly so water does not seep into the electronics.

If the exterior has stubborn stains, dampen the cloth with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Wipe the stain, then go over it again with a cloth dampened only with plain water to remove any vinegar residue. Dry everything with a clean, dry cloth.

Handle the removable parts correctly

The Ninja 5-in-1 comes with several removable accessories depending on which functions you use—a dehydrator tray, a rotisserie spit, or a baking pan, for example. Check your manual to see which parts are dishwasher-safe and which need hand-washing.

Most removable trays and pans are safe on the top rack of the dishwasher, but hand-washing in warm soapy water with a soft sponge keeps them in better condition longer. Dry them completely before storing them or putting them back in the unit. Never leave wet parts inside the air fryer, as moisture can damage the heating element or electrical components.

Prevent grease from building up inside

The best way to avoid heavy cleaning later is to stop grease from accumulating in the first place. Line the bottom of the basket with a small piece of parchment paper or an air fryer liner before cooking fatty foods like bacon, sausage, or chicken wings. The liner catches drippings so they do not coat the interior.

If you do not use a liner, empty any grease or liquid from the basket when ready after cooking. Grease hardens as it cools and becomes much harder to remove. Wipe the interior walls and heating element more often if you cook greasy foods regularly—every two or three uses instead of weekly.

Store the air fryer properly when not in use

Before you put the Ninja away, make sure every part is completely dry. Moisture left inside can cause rust on metal parts or mold growth. Store the basket and accessories in a dry cabinet or drawer, not stacked tightly where air cannot circulate.

Keep the main unit unplugged and in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you store it for more than a few weeks, wipe the exterior and interior one more time before you use it again to remove any dust that settled inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the basket in the dishwasher?

Yes, the basket and crisper plate are dishwasher-safe on the top rack. However, hand-washing with a soft sponge and warm soapy water extends the non-stick coating's lifespan. If you use the dishwasher, skip the heated dry cycle and air-dry instead.

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

Soak the basket in warm soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft sponge. If that does not work, make a paste of baking soda and water, explore it to the burned spot, let it sit for 10 minutes, and scrub gently. Never use steel wool or abrasive powders.

Is it safe to spray cooking oil inside the air fryer?

Cooking spray can build up on the heating element and interior walls over time, causing smoke and uneven cooking. Instead, toss your food with oil before placing it in the basket, or use parchment liners to catch drippings. This keeps the interior cleaner and prevents buildup.

How often should I deep clean the heating element?

If you cook regularly and wipe the heating element every few uses, you should only need a deeper clean once a month. If you notice smoke or smell burning, clean it right away. Unplug the unit, let it cool completely, and use a damp cloth to gently wipe the element and surrounding surfaces.

What if water gets inside the main unit?

Unplug the air fryer when ready and do not use it. Leave it unplugged for at least 24 hours in a warm, dry place so any moisture can evaporate. If water entered through the control panel or vents, contact Ninja customer service before plugging it back in, as internal damage may have occurred.