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 and let it cool for five to ten minutes — warm enough to handle, cool enough not to burn yourself. Most air fryer baskets and trays are removable and dishwasher-safe, though hand-washing with hot soapy water works just as well and takes about two minutes.

The heating element and interior walls collect grease and food particles over time, but they don't need cleaning after every use. A quick visual check is enough: if you see buildup, wipe the interior with a damp cloth or paper towel while the unit is unplugged and cool. Never spray water directly into the heating element or use a pressure washer inside the chamber.

Key Takeaways

  • Remove and wash the basket and tray after every use while they are still warm, which takes less time than waiting for them to cool and harden.
  • The interior walls and heating element need attention only when you see visible grease or food buildup, not after every meal.
  • Use a damp cloth or soft brush for the interior; never spray water directly at the heating element or electrical components.
  • Soak stubborn, stuck-on food in warm soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes before scrubbing, rather than forcing it off dry.
  • Check your air fryer's manual for any parts that are not dishwasher-safe, since some models have non-removable or hand-wash-only components.

Removing and washing the basket and tray

Most air fryer baskets slide or pop out from the main unit. Check your manual if you are unsure, but usually a gentle tug or a small release button on the side does it. Once removed, run warm water over the basket and tray to rinse away loose crumbs and grease.

For everyday cleaning, a soft sponge or cloth with dish soap works fine. Scrub the mesh or perforated surface gently — you are not trying to remove the seasoning that builds up over time, just the loose food and excess oil. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel or let air-dry before putting the basket back in.

If food is stuck on and won't come off easily, fill your sink with warm water and a squirt of dish soap, then soak the basket for 15 to 20 minutes. The warm water softens the stuck-on bits, and a soft brush or sponge will usually lift them away without scratching the nonstick coating. Avoid steel wool or abrasive scrubbers, which can damage the surface.

Cleaning the interior walls and heating element

The inside of your air fryer will eventually show a thin layer of grease and sometimes burnt-on spots. You do not need to clean this after every use — once a week or when you notice buildup is enough for most home cooks. Unplug the unit and let it cool completely before you start.

Use a damp cloth, soft sponge, or soft-bristled brush to wipe the interior walls. A little dish soap on the cloth is fine. Wipe gently and avoid pressing hard on the heating element itself. If there are stubborn burnt spots, dampen the cloth with a little white vinegar, which helps cut through grease without scratching the surface.

Never spray water directly into the heating element, the fan, or any electrical parts. Never use a pressure washer or submerge the main unit in water. If you need to clean around the heating element, use a cloth or soft brush — no liquids sprayed directly at it.

Dealing with grease buildup and burnt spots

Over time, grease can build up on the interior walls and create a dark, sticky coating. This is normal and does not mean your air fryer is broken, but heavy buildup can affect air circulation and cooking performance. If you notice thick grease or burnt spots, a deeper clean is worth doing.

Let the unit cool and unplug it. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to make a paste, then explore it to the burnt or greasy spots with a soft cloth or sponge. Let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub and wipe away with a damp cloth. Baking soda is mild enough not to scratch the interior but abrasive enough to lift stubborn spots.

White vinegar also works well for grease. Dampen a cloth with vinegar, wipe the affected areas, and let it sit for a minute or two before wiping clean with a damp cloth. Vinegar cuts through grease and evaporates quickly, leaving no residue.

Cleaning the exterior and vents

The outside of your air fryer collects dust and grease splatter. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and a little dish soap, then dry it with a clean towel. Pay attention to the vents on the back and sides — dust buildup there can reduce airflow and make the unit work harder.

Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to gently brush dust out of the vents. If the vents are clogged, the air fryer has to work harder to circulate hot air, which can shorten its lifespan. A quick brush-out once a month keeps them clear.

What not to do when cleaning your air fryer

Do not use steel wool, scouring pads, or harsh abrasive cleaners on any part of the air fryer. These scratch the nonstick coating on the basket and interior, which can cause food to stick and make the unit harder to clean over time. Soft sponges, cloths, and soft-bristled brushes are all you need.

Do not submerge the main unit in water or spray water directly into the heating element, fan, or any electrical component. Water in the wrong place can damage the heating element or create an electrical hazard. If your manual says the basket is not dishwasher-safe, hand-wash it instead — some coatings break down in the dishwasher.

Do not use oven cleaner, bleach, or other harsh chemicals inside the air fryer. These can leave residue that transfers to your food. Dish soap, baking soda, and white vinegar are all you need for any cleaning job an air fryer will throw at you.

How often to do a deep clean

If you use your air fryer several times a week, a deep clean of the interior — scrubbing the walls and heating element area — is worth doing once a month. If you use it less often, every two months is fine. The basket and tray should be washed after every use, but the interior does not need that level of attention.

A deep clean takes about 15 minutes and keeps your air fryer running efficiently. It also helps you spot any damage early — a crack in the basket, a loose component, or a heating element that is not working evenly. Catching these things early means you can call a repair person or replace the unit before it fails completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the air fryer basket in the dishwasher?

Most air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, but check your manual first — some have coatings that break down in the dishwasher. If yours is safe for the dishwasher, the top rack is usually the best spot. Hand-washing takes about the same time and is gentler on the nonstick surface.

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

Soak the basket in warm soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft sponge. If that does not work, make a paste of baking soda and water, explore it to the burnt spot, let it sit for a few minutes, and scrub again. Avoid steel wool or hard scrubbing, which damages the nonstick coating.

Is it okay to spray water inside the air fryer to clean it?

No. Never spray water directly into the heating element, fan, or electrical parts. Use a damp cloth or soft brush instead. Water in the wrong place can damage the heating element or create a safety hazard. The main unit should never be submerged in water.

How do I clean the heating element without damaging it?

Let the unit cool and unplug it first. Use a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush to gently wipe around the heating element — do not press hard or scrub. If there is buildup, dampen the cloth with a little white vinegar or a baking soda paste, let it sit for a minute, then wipe clean. Never spray water directly at it.

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

A lingering smell usually means grease or food particles are stuck in the interior or on the heating element. Do a deep clean with baking soda or white vinegar, paying special attention to the walls and the area around the heating element. If the smell persists after a thorough cleaning, the heating element may be damaged and you should contact the manufacturer.