Clean your air fryer oven while it's cool, using warm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth

The inside of an air fryer oven collects grease, crumbs, and food residue that can affect how it cooks and create smoke or burnt smells. Cleaning it regularly—ideally after every few uses—takes about 10 to 15 minutes and requires only basic kitchen supplies you already have. The key is waiting for the unit to cool completely, then wiping down the interior surfaces, heating element, and removable parts with warm soapy water and a non-abrasive cloth or soft brush.

Air fryer ovens are not waterproof, so you cannot submerge the main unit or spray water directly inside the heating chamber. Instead, you work methodically through each surface with a damp cloth, then dry everything thoroughly before plugging the unit back in. This guide walks you through the exact steps, what to avoid, and how to handle stubborn buildup.

Key Takeaways

  • Always unplug the air fryer oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before you begin cleaning.
  • Remove the basket, tray, and any other removable parts and wash them separately in the sink with warm soapy water.
  • Wipe the interior walls, ceiling, and heating element with a damp cloth or soft brush—never use scouring pads, steel wool, or abrasive cleaners.
  • Dry all surfaces completely with a clean cloth before reassembling and plugging the unit back in.
  • Do not pour water directly into the heating chamber or submerge the main unit in water.

Unplug and cool the unit for at least 30 minutes

Before you touch anything inside, unplug the air fryer oven from the wall outlet. This is the most important safety step—you cannot accidentally turn it on while you are working inside, and you eliminate the risk of electric shock if water comes into contact with electrical parts.

Set a timer for 30 minutes and let the unit sit on your counter. The heating element and interior walls will be extremely hot right after cooking, and touching them will burn your skin. You can use this time to gather your cleaning supplies: a bowl of warm water, a small amount of dish soap, a soft cloth or sponge, a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works well), and paper towels or a clean kitchen towel for drying.

Remove and wash the basket, tray, and accessories

Once the unit is cool, open the door and carefully pull out the basket or tray. Most air fryer ovens have a removable basket that slides out easily, and some models include a secondary tray or divider. Check your manual if you are unsure which parts come out—forcing something that does not move can break it.

Carry these parts to your sink and fill it with warm water and a squirt of dish soap. Soak the basket and tray for 5 to 10 minutes if they have stubborn, baked-on food. Then scrub them gently with a soft sponge or cloth, paying attention to the corners and the underside where grease collects. Rinse thoroughly under running water and set them on a clean towel to air-dry while you clean the main unit. Do not put them back in the oven while they are still wet.

Wipe down the interior walls and ceiling

Look inside the empty oven chamber. You will see the interior walls, the ceiling (where the heating element sits), and the floor of the cooking chamber. Dip your soft cloth into the warm soapy water, wring it out so it is damp but not dripping, and wipe each surface slowly and carefully.

Start at the top and work downward. Wipe the ceiling and heating element area gently—do not scrub hard or poke at the heating element itself. Move to the side walls, then the back wall, and finally the floor of the chamber. If you see stubborn grease or burnt-on food, dampen your soft brush and work at it gently in circular motions. Repeat with a fresh damp cloth to remove soap residue, then wipe once more with a dry cloth to absorb any remaining moisture.

Clean the heating element carefully

The heating element is the coil or rod at the top of the cooking chamber that gets very hot. You can clean around it and gently wipe its surface, but never scrub it hard, spray water directly on it, or use any abrasive tools. A soft damp cloth is all you need—the goal is to remove dust and grease buildup, not to polish it.

If you see heavy buildup on the heating element that will not come off with a damp cloth, leave it alone for now. Run the air fryer empty at 400°F for 5 to 10 minutes (with the door closed) to burn off loose debris, then let it cool and try again with a damp cloth. Never use vinegar, baking soda, or any chemical cleaner on the heating element.

Dry everything completely before reassembling

Once all interior surfaces are wiped clean, use a dry cloth or paper towels to absorb any remaining moisture. Pay special attention to corners, seams, and the floor of the chamber where water can pool. The unit must be completely dry before you plug it back in and use it again.

Check that the basket and tray are also fully dry. If they still feel damp, leave them out for another 10 to 15 minutes. Then slide the basket back into the oven, making sure it sits flat and find. Close the door gently and plug the unit back in. Your air fryer oven is now ready to use.

What to avoid when cleaning your air fryer oven

Never use scouring pads, steel wool, or abrasive cleaners on any interior surface. These scratch the non-stick coating on the basket and tray, and they can damage the interior walls. Stick to soft cloths, soft-bristled brushes, and warm soapy water.

Do not spray water directly into the heating chamber or pour water into the unit. Water can seep into electrical components and cause a short circuit or permanent damage. Always use a damp cloth, not a spray bottle or running water.

Never submerge the main oven unit in water or put it in the dishwasher. Only the removable basket and tray can go in the dishwasher (check your manual to confirm). The main housing contains electrical parts and must stay dry.

Avoid harsh chemicals, vinegar, and bleach. These can corrode the interior surfaces and leave residue that affects the taste of your food. Warm soapy water is all you need for regular cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean the inside of my air fryer oven?

Clean the interior after every 3 to 5 uses, or whenever you notice grease buildup or crumbs on the walls and floor. If you cook fatty foods like bacon or chicken wings frequently, clean it more often. A quick wipe-down takes only 10 minutes and keeps the oven working efficiently.

Can I use the dishwasher to clean the basket and tray?

Most air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe, but check your manual first—some have a non-stick coating that can wear away in the dishwasher. Hand washing with warm soapy water is gentler and extends the life of these parts. If you do use the dishwasher, use the low heat setting and skip the drying cycle.

What should I do if there is burnt-on food stuck to the interior?

Soak a cloth in warm soapy water and hold it against the burnt spot for 2 to 3 minutes to soften the residue, then gently scrub with a soft brush. If it still will not budge, run the oven empty at 400°F for 10 minutes to loosen it further, cool completely, and try again. Never use a scraper or knife on the interior surfaces.

Is it safe to use oven cleaner inside an air fryer oven?

No. Commercial oven cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage the non-stick coating, corrode the heating element, and leave toxic residue on surfaces where food cooks. Stick to warm soapy water and a soft cloth for all interior cleaning.

Why does my air fryer oven smell like smoke or burnt food after cleaning?

This usually means water or soap residue is still inside the unit. Make sure you dried every surface thoroughly before plugging it back in. Run the oven empty at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes with the door closed to evaporate any remaining moisture, then let it cool and smell it again.