Clean the basket and tray right after cooking

The easiest time to clean your PowerXL air fryer is within 15 minutes of finishing cooking, while the basket and tray are still warm but cool enough to touch safely. Warm surfaces release stuck-on food much more easily than cold ones.

Unplug the unit and let it sit for 5 minutes. Remove the basket by pressing the release button on the side and pulling straight out. Slide the tray out from underneath. Soak both pieces in hot soapy water for 5 to 10 minutes while you wipe down the main unit.

After soaking, scrub the basket and tray with a soft sponge or non-abrasive brush. Pay special attention to the corners and the mesh bottom of the basket, where grease pools. Rinse under running water until all soap is gone, then dry with a clean cloth or paper towel before putting them back.

Key Takeaways

  • Clean the basket and tray within 15 minutes of cooking while they are still warm, which makes stuck food release much faster.
  • The basket and tray are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, but hand-washing with a soft sponge prevents damage to the non-stick coating.
  • Wipe the heating element and interior walls with a damp cloth only—never spray water directly into the unit or submerge the main body.
  • A buildup of grease inside the cooking chamber reduces air circulation and can cause uneven cooking or smoke on your next use.

Wipe the interior without getting water inside the heating element

While the basket and tray soak, clean the inside of the main unit. Unplug the air fryer and make sure it is completely cool. Dampen a soft cloth or sponge with water—do not use a spray bottle, which can send water into the heating element or electrical components.

Wipe the interior walls, the bottom, and the sides where grease tends to collect. If you see stubborn spots, let the damp cloth sit on them for 30 seconds to loosen the buildup, then wipe again. Never submerge the main body or pour water into it.

For the heating element itself (the coil at the top), a light wipe with a barely damp cloth is fine, but do not scrub it or let water drip into it. If grease has hardened on the element, leave it alone for now—it will burn off harmlessly during your next cooking session.

Clean the exterior and vents

Wipe the outside of the unit with a damp cloth to remove dust and any splatter. Pay attention to the air vents on the back and sides, which can clog with dust and reduce airflow. Use a dry cloth or a soft brush to clear any debris from the vent openings.

If the power cord has grease on it, wipe it with a barely damp cloth and dry it when ready. Never submerge the cord or let water pool on it.

Reassemble and store

Once the basket and tray are completely dry, slide the tray back into the unit first, then insert the basket and press until you hear or feel it click into place. Make sure both pieces sit flat and level before you close the unit.

Store the air fryer in a cool, dry place away from water sources. If you live in a humid climate, wipe the exterior occasionally to prevent moisture buildup on the vents.

What to do if grease has hardened inside

If you skip a cleaning and grease hardens on the interior walls or basket, soak the basket in hot soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes instead of 5 to 10. For the interior of the main unit, place a heat-safe bowl of water inside, close the lid, and run the unit at 350°F for 5 minutes—the steam will loosen the buildup. Let it cool, then wipe as usual.

Do not use a metal scraper or abrasive pad on the basket or tray, as these will damage the non-stick coating and cause food to stick permanently in the future.

Dishwasher versus hand-washing

The basket and tray are dishwasher-safe on the top rack of most PowerXL models, but hand-washing with a soft sponge extends the life of the non-stick coating. If you use the dishwasher, use a gentle cycle and avoid high heat drying, which can warp the plastic handles.

Never put the main unit body, heating element, or power cord in the dishwasher. These parts must be wiped by hand only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cooking spray in my PowerXL air fryer?

Yes, but use it sparingly. Cooking spray builds up on the basket and heating element over time, which makes cleaning harder and can create smoke. If you use spray, clean the basket and interior more thoroughly after cooking.

What if water dripped into the heating element?

Unplug the unit when ready and let it sit unplugged for at least 2 hours to dry completely. Do not plug it back in until you are certain the interior is dry. If the unit does not turn on after drying, contact PowerXL customer service.

How often should I deep-clean the air fryer?

A quick wipe after each use prevents buildup, so a full deep clean is only needed once a month or if you notice grease accumulating inside. If you cook fatty foods often, clean more frequently.

Is it safe to use vinegar or lemon juice to clean the interior?

Vinegar and lemon juice are acidic and can damage the non-stick coating and interior surfaces over time. Stick to plain water and mild dish soap for all cleaning.

Why does my air fryer smoke even after I cleaned it?

Leftover grease on the heating element or interior walls will burn and create smoke. Make sure you wiped the heating element and all interior surfaces, not just the basket. If smoke continues, let the unit run empty at 400°F for 5 minutes to burn off any remaining residue.