What You Need to Do Before You Start

Deep cleaning an air fryer means taking apart the removable parts, scrubbing the heating element area, and clearing buildup from the basket and tray. Most air fryers can be fully cleaned in 20 to 30 minutes using items you already have at home. The key is doing this while the unit is unplugged and completely cool — never clean a hot air fryer, and never submerge the main housing in water.

Check your air fryer's manual first. Some models have nonstick coatings that scratch easily, and a few have parts that should not go in the dishwasher even though they look like they could. Most modern air fryers have a basket and tray that are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing with a soft sponge is gentler and extends their life.

Key Takeaways

  • Unplug the air fryer and let it cool completely before you touch any part of it.
  • Remove the basket and tray, soak them in hot soapy water for 10 minutes, then scrub with a soft sponge to avoid scratching the nonstick surface.
  • Wipe the heating element and interior walls with a damp cloth or soft brush to remove grease and food particles that fall during cooking.
  • Clean the exterior with a slightly damp cloth, and dry all parts thoroughly before reassembling.
  • Deep clean every two to four weeks depending on how often you use the air fryer.

Remove and Soak the Basket and Tray

Pull out the basket and the tray underneath it — these are the parts that touch your food and collect the most debris. Fill your sink or a large bowl with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Place both parts in the water and let them soak for 10 minutes. This loosens stuck-on food and grease without you having to scrub hard.

After soaking, use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe down both sides of the basket and the flat tray. Pay special attention to the corners and the underside of the basket, where grease pools. If food is still stuck, let it soak another 5 minutes rather than scrubbing harder — aggressive scrubbing can damage the nonstick coating. Rinse both parts under running water until the water runs clear, then set them on a clean towel to dry.

Clean the Heating Element and Interior Walls

The heating element is the coil or flat surface at the top of the air fryer where heat comes from. Food particles and grease splatter onto it during cooking and can create smoke or burnt smells on your next use. Let the air fryer cool for at least 30 minutes after unplugging it, then use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to gently brush away loose debris from the heating element. Do not use water directly on the heating element itself.

Wipe the interior walls and bottom with a damp cloth or paper towel. You can dampen the cloth with plain water or a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water if there is stubborn grease buildup. Wring out the cloth so it is barely wet — you want moisture to clean, not pool inside the unit. Wipe all four interior walls, the bottom, and around the edges where the basket sits. Let the interior air-dry completely before you put the basket back in.

Address Stubborn Grease and Burnt Spots

If grease has hardened on the basket or tray, soak those parts for 15 to 20 minutes instead of 10. You can also add a tablespoon of baking soda to the soaking water — it helps break down grease without scratching. After soaking longer, use a soft sponge and gentle circular motions to lift the buildup. For burnt spots on the interior walls, dampen a cloth with the vinegar-and-water mixture and let it sit on the spot for a minute or two before wiping.

Never use steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive cleaners on any part of an air fryer. These damage the nonstick coating and can expose the metal underneath, which then rusts or flakes into your food. If something is truly stuck, soak it longer rather than scrub harder.

Dry and Reassemble

Before you put the air fryer back together, make sure every part is completely dry. Use a clean cloth to wipe down the basket, tray, and interior one more time. Any moisture left inside can cause rust or electrical problems. Slide the tray back into the bottom of the unit first, then place the basket on top of it. Make sure both parts sit flat and click or lock into place if your model has a locking mechanism.

Wipe the exterior housing with a slightly damp cloth to remove dust and fingerprints, then dry it with a clean towel. Plug the air fryer back in only after everything is dry and reassembled.

How Often to Deep Clean

If you use your air fryer several times a week, deep clean it every two weeks. If you use it once a week or less, every four weeks is fine. Between deep cleans, wipe out the basket and tray after each use while they are still warm — this prevents grease from hardening and makes the next deep clean faster.

You will know it is time for a deep clean when you see grease buildup on the interior walls, smell burnt food when you turn it on, or notice the basket is no longer shiny. Regular deep cleaning also keeps your air fryer running at full power and prevents the heating element from working harder than it needs to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the basket and tray in the dishwasher?

Most modern air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, but hand-washing with a soft sponge is gentler on the nonstick coating and makes them last longer. Check your manual to be sure — some older models or specialty coatings should only be hand-washed.

What should I do if water gets inside the main housing?

Unplug the air fryer when ready and let it sit unplugged for at least 24 hours to dry completely. Do not plug it back in until you are certain the interior is dry. If water got in during normal cleaning, it usually evaporates on its own, but waiting is safer than risking electrical damage.

Is it safe to use vinegar inside the air fryer?

Yes, a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water is safe for wiping interior walls and helps cut through grease. Do not pour vinegar directly into the unit or let it pool — use a damp cloth instead. Vinegar smell will fade once the air fryer dries.

Why does my air fryer smell burnt even after cleaning?

Burnt smell usually means grease or food particles are stuck to the heating element. Brush the heating element gently with a soft-bristled brush after the unit cools, and make sure you wipe the interior walls thoroughly. If the smell persists after a full deep clean, run the air fryer empty at 400°F for 5 minutes to burn off any remaining residue.

Can I use cooking spray inside my air fryer?

Cooking spray builds up on the basket and heating element over time and is harder to clean than oil brushed directly on food. If you do use spray, clean the basket and interior more often — every week instead of every two weeks — to prevent heavy buildup.