Clean the basket and tray after every use

The basket and tray are the parts that touch your food, so they need cleaning right after cooking. Let them cool for five minutes, then slide them out of the unit. Most Ninja Flip models have a non-stick coating, so avoid steel wool and harsh scrubbers — they scratch the surface and shorten the life of the basket.

Wash both pieces with warm soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. Pay attention to the corners and the mesh holes in the basket, where grease and crumbs collect. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel before putting them back. If food is stuck on, soak the basket and tray in warm soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes first, then scrub gently.

Most Ninja Flip baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, but hand washing extends their life. Check your manual to confirm — some older models or special coatings may not be dishwasher-safe.

Key Takeaways

  • Clean the basket and tray with warm soapy water and a soft sponge after every use, never with steel wool or abrasive scrubbers.
  • Wipe the heating element and interior walls monthly with a damp cloth to prevent grease buildup that can affect cooking performance.
  • Empty the crumb tray at the bottom of the unit weekly, or more often if you cook frequently.
  • Never submerge the main unit in water — it contains electrical parts that will be damaged.
  • Soak stuck-on food in warm soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes before scrubbing to avoid scratching the non-stick coating.

Wipe the heating element and interior walls monthly

The heating element is the coil at the top of the air fryer that gets very hot. Grease and food particles can build up on it over time, which reduces cooking performance and can create smoke. Once a month, unplug the unit and let it cool completely — at least 30 minutes after the last use.

Use a damp cloth or soft brush to gently wipe the heating element. Do not use water directly on it; dampen the cloth first and squeeze out excess water so it is barely wet. Wipe the interior walls and the top of the basket area as well. If grease is caked on, dampen the cloth with a little white vinegar to help break it down.

Let everything air-dry for a few minutes before plugging the unit back in. Never use a metal brush or anything sharp on the heating element — you can damage it and create a safety hazard.

Empty the crumb tray weekly

At the bottom of your Ninja Flip, there is a crumb tray that catches oil, crumbs, and debris. This tray slides out from underneath the unit. If you do not empty it regularly, grease can pool and create smoke during cooking, and it can also attract pests if the unit sits on a kitchen counter.

Pull the tray out once a week, or more often if you cook frequently. Wipe it clean with a paper towel or cloth, then wash it with warm soapy water. Dry it completely before sliding it back in. If grease has hardened, soak the tray in warm soapy water for a few minutes first.

Never submerge the main unit in water

The main body of the air fryer — the part that plugs in and contains the heating element and controls — must never go in water. It has electrical components inside that will short out and break the unit permanently. The basket and tray are removable and dishwasher-safe (or hand-washable), but the unit itself is not.

If the exterior gets dirty, wipe it down with a damp cloth. If something spills inside the unit, unplug it when ready, let it dry for at least an hour, and then wipe the interior with a barely damp cloth. Do not try to speed up drying with heat or a hair dryer.

Deal with stuck-on food without scratching the coating

Non-stick coatings scratch easily, and once they do, food sticks more and the basket becomes harder to clean. If food is baked on, do not scrub hard or use a metal utensil. Instead, fill the basket with warm soapy water and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. The water softens the stuck food so you can wipe it away with a soft cloth or sponge.

For stubborn spots, add a tablespoon of baking soda to the warm water and soak again. You can also use a soft silicone brush or a non-abrasive scrubbing pad made for non-stick cookware. Avoid anything that says "scouring" or "abrasive" on the label.

Store your air fryer properly when not in use

If you store your Ninja Flip in a cabinet or closet, make sure the basket and tray are completely dry before putting them back in the unit. Moisture trapped inside can cause rust or mold. Leave the unit unplugged and make sure the crumb tray is empty.

If you store it for more than a few weeks, wipe down the exterior and interior one more time before putting it away. When you take it out again, run it empty at 350°F for three to five minutes to clear out any dust that may have settled inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the basket in the dishwasher?

Most Ninja Flip baskets are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, but hand washing is gentler on the non-stick coating and makes it last longer. Check your manual to confirm your model is dishwasher-safe. If it is, use a gentle cycle and avoid high heat drying.

What should I do if the heating element has a lot of grease on it?

Unplug the unit and let it cool completely. Dampen a cloth with white vinegar and gently wipe the heating element. If grease is very thick, let the vinegar sit on it for a minute or two before wiping. Never scrub hard or use a brush with stiff bristles.

Is it normal for the air fryer to smoke during cooking?

Light smoke is normal when cooking fatty foods, but heavy smoke usually means the crumb tray is full or the heating element has grease buildup. Empty the crumb tray and wipe the heating element. If smoke continues, the basket or tray may need a deeper clean.

How often should I deep clean the entire unit?

Clean the basket and tray after every use, empty the crumb tray weekly, and wipe the heating element and interior walls monthly. A full deep clean of all removable parts once every three months keeps the unit in top condition.

What if water gets inside the main unit by accident?

Unplug it when ready and do not use it. Let it sit unplugged for at least two hours to dry. Wipe the interior gently with a barely damp cloth and leave it unplugged for another hour. If water got near the electrical components, it is safer to contact Ninja customer service before plugging it back in.