Clean your air fryer while it's still warm, before grease hardens

The best time to clean an air fryer is right after you finish cooking, when the basket and tray are still warm but cool enough to touch safely. Warm surfaces make grease easier to wipe away, and food residue hasn't had time to stick hard to the metal. Most air fryers take five to ten minutes to clean this way—faster than scrubbing dried-on food later.

Start by unplugging the unit and letting it cool for two to three minutes. The heating element stays hot for several minutes after you turn it off, so don't skip this step. Once it's safe to touch, remove the basket and any removable trays or racks inside the main chamber.

Key Takeaways

  • Clean the basket and tray while warm, within a few minutes of cooking, to prevent grease from hardening onto the surface.
  • Wipe the interior chamber with a damp cloth or paper towel; never pour water directly into the heating element area.
  • Soak stubborn, stuck-on food in warm soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes before scrubbing with a soft brush or sponge.
  • Dry all removable parts completely before reassembling to prevent rust and water spots.
  • Never use steel wool, abrasive scrubbers, or harsh chemicals that can damage the non-stick coating.

Washing the basket and tray with soap and water

The basket and tray are dishwasher-safe in most air fryer models, but hand-washing extends their life. Fill a sink or basin with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Place the basket and tray in the water and let them soak for two to three minutes if food is still soft, or 15 to 20 minutes if it has started to dry.

Use a soft sponge or non-abrasive brush to scrub both sides of the basket and the flat tray. Pay attention to the corners and the underside of the basket, where grease collects. Rinse both pieces under running water until the water runs clear and no soap remains. Dry them completely with a clean cloth or paper towel before putting them back in the unit.

Wiping down the interior chamber and heating element

The main chamber—the space where the basket sits—needs a quick wipe after every use. Unplug the air fryer and wait for it to cool. Take a damp cloth or paper towel and wipe the interior walls and bottom of the chamber to remove any grease splatter or loose crumbs.

Never pour water directly into the chamber or spray it with a hose. Water can damage the heating element and electrical components. If you see stubborn grease buildup on the walls, dampen a cloth with a small amount of warm soapy water, wring it out so it's barely damp, and wipe the affected area. Dry the interior with a dry cloth afterward.

Removing stuck-on food without damaging the non-stick surface

If food has hardened inside the basket or on the tray, soak the piece in warm soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes. This softens the residue so you can remove it without scrubbing hard. After soaking, use a soft-bristled brush, a non-abrasive sponge, or a plastic scraper to gently lift the food away.

Avoid steel wool, scouring pads, metal brushes, and anything abrasive—these scratch the non-stick coating and make the basket less effective over time. If a plastic scraper doesn't work, soak longer rather than scrub harder. For very stubborn spots, a paste of baking soda and water can help lift burnt food without scratching the surface.

Cleaning the exterior and cord

Wipe the outside of the air fryer with a damp cloth to remove dust and any grease that may have splattered during cooking. Pay attention to the vents on the sides and back—these can collect dust and restrict airflow if left dirty. Use a dry cloth to wipe away any moisture.

Check the power cord for any damage or grease buildup. If the cord is dirty, unplug the unit and wipe the cord with a barely damp cloth, then dry it completely. Never submerge the cord or plug in water.

Reassembling and storing your air fryer

Once all parts are completely dry, slide the tray back into the main chamber first, then place the basket on top of it. Make sure both pieces sit flat and level—if they're crooked, they won't heat evenly during the next use. Plug the unit back in and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

If you use your air fryer daily, a quick wipe-down takes just a few minutes and prevents grease from building up over time. If you go a week or more between uses, do a deeper clean—soak the basket and tray for 20 minutes and wipe the interior chamber thoroughly before cooking again.

What to avoid when cleaning

Never use abrasive cleaners, bleach, or harsh chemicals on any part of the air fryer. These can damage the non-stick coating, discolor the exterior, and leave residue that transfers to your food. Don't use a dishwasher for the main unit itself—only the removable basket and tray go in the dishwasher if your model allows it.

Avoid submerging the main unit in water or running it under a faucet. The heating element and electrical components will be damaged. Never use a pressure washer or spray bottle on any part of the air fryer. If you need to clean hard-to-reach spots inside the chamber, use a barely damp cloth or a soft brush, not water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the basket in the dishwasher?

Most air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe, but check your manual first—some models have coatings that dishwashers can damage. Hand-washing with a soft sponge is gentler and extends the life of the non-stick surface. If you do use the dishwasher, place the basket on the top rack away from the heating element.

What should I do if food is burnt onto the basket?

Soak the basket in warm soapy water for 20 to 30 minutes to soften the burnt food. Use a soft brush or plastic scraper to gently lift it away. If soaking doesn't work, make a paste of baking soda and water, explore it to the burnt spot, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub gently. Never use steel wool or metal scrapers.

How often should I deep clean my air fryer?

A quick wipe-down after every use keeps grease from building up. Do a deeper clean—soaking the basket and tray, wiping the interior chamber thoroughly—once a week if you use the air fryer daily, or once a month if you use it less often. This prevents grease from hardening and keeps the unit working efficiently.

Is it safe to use vinegar or baking soda to clean?

Baking soda mixed with water is safe and effective for removing burnt food and grease buildup. Vinegar can work too, but use it sparingly and rinse thoroughly—the smell can linger and transfer to your next meal. Avoid vinegar on the heating element or electrical parts.

Why is my air fryer smoking during cooking after I cleaned it?

Excess moisture left inside the unit or on the basket can cause smoking. Make sure all parts are completely dry before reassembling and cooking. Also check that you didn't leave any cleaning cloth or paper towel inside the chamber. If smoking continues, unplug the unit and let it dry for several hours before using it again.