Clean your when ready Pot air fryer lid and basket right after cooking, while parts are still warm but safe to touch

The air fryer lid and basket need cleaning after every use to prevent oil buildup and food residue from hardening. The good news: most parts come off and wash by hand in under five minutes. The basket and lid are not dishwasher-safe, so hand washing is the only method that will not damage the nonstick coating.

Start while the unit is unplugged and has cooled for about 10 minutes. The parts will still be warm enough that dried food comes off easily, but cool enough that you can handle them without burning yourself. Warm parts are easier to clean than cold ones because the residue has not fully set.

Key Takeaways

  • Remove the basket and lid when ready after cooking and wash them by hand with warm soapy water—never put them in the dishwasher.
  • Use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratching the nonstick surface, and skip steel wool and abrasive scrubbers entirely.
  • The heating element under the lid can be wiped with a damp cloth but should never be submerged in water.
  • Wipe the main pot body and exterior with a damp cloth after each use to prevent oil splatters from baking on.
  • Deep clean the basket and lid once a month by soaking them in warm soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes before scrubbing.

Remove and rinse the basket and lid

Unplug the unit and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Lift the lid straight up and away from the pot—it will come off easily once the unit is cool. Set it on a clean, dry surface. Then lift the basket straight up out of the pot and set it next to the lid.

Rinse both parts under warm running water to loosen loose food particles and excess oil. Use your fingers or a soft sponge to gently rub away any stuck-on food. Do not use a brush with stiff bristles or steel wool at this stage—you are just rinsing, not scrubbing yet.

Wash the basket with warm soapy water

Fill a sink or large bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Place the basket in the soapy water and let it soak for 2 to 3 minutes if food is stuck on. Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub the inside and outside of the basket, paying special attention to the corners and the mesh bottom where oil collects.

Rinse the basket thoroughly under clean running water until all soap is gone. Shake off excess water and set it upside down on a clean towel to air dry. Do not dry it with a cloth yet—let the air do the work for a few minutes while you clean the lid.

Clean the lid and heating element

The lid has a heating element underneath that cannot be submerged in water. Wash the outer surface and the underside of the lid (the part that faces down into the pot) with a soft sponge and warm soapy water, just as you did the basket. Rinse it under running water on both sides.

For the heating element—the metal coil or flat surface on the inside top of the lid—use a damp cloth or soft sponge to wipe away any oil or food residue. Do not pour water directly on it or soak it. A damp cloth is all you need. If stubborn residue is stuck on, dampen the cloth with a little warm water and let it sit on the spot for 30 seconds, then wipe gently.

Set the lid upside down on a clean towel next to the basket to air dry completely before putting it back on the unit. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Wipe down the main pot and exterior

While the basket and lid are drying, wipe the inside of the main pot with a damp cloth to remove any oil splatters or food bits. Pay attention to the bottom and the sides where oil tends to collect. If the pot is very oily, use a cloth with a tiny bit of dish soap on it, then wipe again with a clean damp cloth to rinse.

Wipe the exterior of the unit, the control panel, and the base with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Do not let water drip into any openings or vents. If the exterior is very greasy, a cloth with a drop of dish soap works, but dry it when ready afterward.

Reassemble and store

Once the basket and lid are completely dry to the touch, place the basket back into the main pot. Lower the lid straight down onto the pot until you hear or feel it seat properly. The lid should sit flat and level—if it feels crooked, lift it and try again.

Store the unit with the lid on or off, depending on your preference. Leaving the lid off allows air to circulate inside and prevents any trapped moisture. If you store it with the lid on, make sure all parts are completely dry first.

Monthly deep clean for stubborn oil buildup

Once a month, or whenever you notice oil buildup that regular washing does not remove, do a deeper clean. Fill a sink or bowl with warm water and add a tablespoon of dish soap. Submerge the basket and the lid (remember: only the lid's outer surface and underside, not the heating element) and let them soak for 15 to 20 minutes.

After soaking, scrub the basket and lid with a soft sponge, paying extra attention to seams and textured areas where oil hides. Rinse thoroughly under running water. For the heating element, use a damp cloth to wipe away any loosened residue—the soak will have softened it.

If you see discoloration on the nonstick coating that does not come off with soap and water, that is normal and does not affect performance. Do not use vinegar, baking soda, or any abrasive cleaner on the nonstick surface, as these will damage it over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the basket and lid in the dishwasher?

No. The dishwasher will damage the nonstick coating on both parts. Hand wash only with warm soapy water and a soft sponge. The high heat and harsh detergent in a dishwasher will strip the nonstick surface and shorten the life of the lid and basket.

What should I use to scrub stuck-on food?

Use a soft sponge, cloth, or soft-bristled brush. Avoid steel wool, scouring pads, and stiff brushes—these scratch the nonstick coating. If food is really stuck, soak the basket or lid in warm soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes first, then scrub gently.

Can I clean the heating element with water?

You can wipe it with a damp cloth, but never submerge it or pour water directly on it. A damp cloth is enough to remove oil and residue. If buildup is heavy, dampen the cloth and let it sit on the spot for 30 seconds before wiping.

How do I remove discoloration from the nonstick coating?

Discoloration is normal and does not affect how the air fryer works. Do not use vinegar, baking soda, or abrasive cleaners—these damage the coating. Stick to warm soapy water and a soft sponge. The coating will continue to work even if it looks stained.

How often should I deep clean the basket and lid?

Once a month is usually enough, or whenever you notice oil buildup that regular washing does not remove. Soak the parts in warm soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft sponge. This removes stubborn oil without damaging the nonstick surface.