These days, air fryers seem to have become a kitchen must-have. These nifty appliances offer a healthier way to cook, using very little to no oil.
But less oil doesn’t mean less mess. And if you’ve had an air fryer for a while, you know they’re not exactly fun to clean.
Crumbs and natural oils from food can collect in the basket, tray, and inside the unit itself.
Luckily, all you need to keep your air fryer fresh is warm, soapy water and a little elbow grease.
And seriously, please promise you won’t let the grime sit next time!
Below, we’ll share the best hacks on how to clean an air fryer — from regular maintenance to tackling stubborn grease.
How Often to Clean | Before Cleaning | Materials for Cleaning | Deep Cleaning Steps | Tackling Grease | Removing Odours
Why Should You Clean Your Air Fryer?
Just like your microwave, air fryers get messy over time with grease and splatters.
A lot of foods have natural fats that might melt, drip down, and coat the basket, pans, and interior surfaces. Food particles can also get stuck inside.
If you don’t clean your air fryer regularly, all that grime can lead to bacteria and mould, which may compromise food safety.
Grease buildup can also cause your air fryer to overheat and increase the risk of fire.
Regular cleaning keeps your meals and home safe, and your air fryer in great condition!
How Often to Clean an Air Fryer
Cleaning your air fryer should be part of your regular kitchen upkeep!
To help maintain food hygiene and prevent grease buildup, clean the air fryer after each use.
Wash the basket and tray, then give the interior a quick clean.
Then, try to do a deeper clean at least once a month. Check the interior and heating element for any stuck-on food and grime.
While you’re at it, it’s also a good idea to clean other kitchen appliances like the fridge, stovetop, and toaster.
Before Cleaning Your Air Fryer
Before starting the cleaning process, unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool so you don’t risk burning yourself.
When deep cleaning, never submerge the entire air fryer in water, even if you’ve removed the power cord. Too much moisture can harm the electrical components!
Only the removable parts (like the basket and pans) can be soaked. For the interior, a damp cloth is usually enough.
Also, do not use abrasive tools, like steel wool or rough sponges. These can scratch the air fryer’s non-stick coating.
Skip harsh chemicals like ammonia and chlorine bleach, too. They can be corrosive and may leave behind residues that aren’t safe for cooking.
What You Need to Clean an Air Fryer
Here’s a list of everything you need to clean your air fryer:
- Soft sponge or microfibre cloth
- Grease-cutting dish soap
- Soft-bristle brush
- Paper towels
- Warm water
- Baking soda
- Toothpick
How to Deep Clean an Air Fryer
The air fryer basket and tray are the ones that get the dirtiest, so tackle those first.
And don’t forget the interior, heating element, and exterior. They need a good wipe-down, too!
When you’re done, make sure everything is completely dry before reassembling and using your appliance again.
How to clean the air fryer basket and tray
How often to clean: After each use
To start, remove the basket and tray from the air fryer and put them in the sink. Brush away any food residue, then use a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Drizzle some grease-cutting dish soap into the basket (with the tray inside), and pour in hot water. You can also add a spoonful of baking soda if there’s a lot of buildup.
Wait about 10–15 minutes, then gently scrub all surfaces with a soft sponge or brush. Focus on any grooves and tough spots.
Once clean, give the air fryer basket and tray a good rinse under running water, then wipe them dry with a soft cloth.
How to clean the inside of an air fryer
How often to clean: After each use
Remove any loose crumbs from inside your air fryer (where the basket goes). If there’s any stuck-on debris, carefully dislodge it with a toothpick.
To remove oil buildup, the best cleaner for the inside of an air fryer is warm water with a small amount of dish soap.
Dampen a microfibre cloth with your cleaning solution, then wring it out so it’s not dripping. Use that to wipe down the interior surfaces.
If there are any remaining stains, apply a thick baking soda paste, then gently scrub the surface.
Afterwards, rinse off all residue with a damp cloth, then follow up with a dry towel.
How to clean the air fryer heating element
How often to clean: At least once a month
The air fryer heating element is usually tucked into the top of the unit, so it’s easy to miss.
But just like the basket and tray, it can collect grease splatters if neglected!
To clean the heating element, unplug the air fryer and turn it upside down to get better access.
Gently wipe the coils with a cloth dampened with warm, soapy water — but be careful not to get them too wet.
For stubborn stains, apply a thick baking soda paste, then scrub lightly with an old, soft toothbrush.
Once the stains are gone, rinse off any residue with a damp cloth, then wipe everything dry.
How to clean the outside of the air fryer
How often to clean: At least once a week
The exterior of your air fryer can get sticky with oil or smudged with fingerprints!
To keep it spotless, give it a quick wipe once you see it becoming grimy.
Dip the cloth into warm, soapy water, or spray it with a multi-purpose cleaner. Make sure it’s just slightly damp — you don’t want to soak the control panel.
Wipe the surface, focusing on any stained parts.
Once done, mop up any residue from the cleaning solution with a separate damp cloth. Dry thoroughly with another towel to prevent streaks.
How to Get Baked-on Grease Off an Air Fryer
If you haven’t kept up with regular cleaning and you use your air fryer often, it’s probably built up some serious grime.
To deal with baked-on grease, try this air fryer cleaning hack!
Sprinkle 2–3 tbsp of baking soda into the basket while the tray is still inside. Add a squirt or two of dish soap, and pour in boiling water.
Let it sit for 20–30 minutes to loosen the gunk, then gently scrub with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse well under running water.
For the interior (including the heating element), use 1:1 baking soda and dish soap. Add a little water if the paste is too clumpy.
Dip an old toothbrush into the mixture, and use that to scrub any stubborn buildup.
When you’re done, rinse off any residue with a damp cloth, then dry everything thoroughly.
How to Remove Smells From an Air Fryer
If the air fryer still smells after a deep clean, mix 1:1 white vinegar and warm water in a bowl, then add some lemon juice.
This acidic mixture can help get rid of lingering odours!
Dip a sponge or cloth into the solution, and wipe down the air fryer basket, tray, and interior.
Wait for a few minutes, then wipe the surfaces again with a damp cloth. Dry all parts thoroughly before using the air fryer again.
FAQs About Air Fryer Cleaning
Not sure what you can and can’t do when cleaning your air fryer? We’ve got the answers below!
What is the best way to clean air fryers?
The best way to clean an air fryer is with a grease-cutting detergent (like Dawn dish soap) and hot water.
For tough grease, use a paste of 1:1 baking soda and dish soap.
A silicone scraper or a toothpick (for tiny corners) also comes in handy for dislodging stuck-on grime.
Can you wash an air fryer in the dishwasher?
Some air fryer parts — like the basket and tray — might be dishwasher safe, but it’s still best to wash them by hand. This helps protect the non-stick coating from damage.
Never put the entire air fryer in the dishwasher or under running water to avoid damaging any internal components.
The interior and heating coils should only be wiped down with a damp cloth.
Can you boil water in the air fryer?
This is not advisable!
You might’ve seen this cleaning hack online, where people fill the basket with water and baking soda, then run the air fryer to create steam.
While that method can loosen tough buildup, it can also get the electrical parts too wet. Only try it if your manual specifically says it’s safe.
Can you put baking paper in an air fryer?
Before lining the air fryer basket with baking paper (or even aluminium foil), it’s a good idea to read the manual first.
Many people do this to make cleanups easier, and it usually works fine.
However, some air fryer brands advise against it, as the paper can block air flow and cause overheating.
How to clean silicone air fryer liners
You should clean your silicone air fryer liner right after use.
Soak it in warm, soapy water for 5–10 minutes, then gently clean it with a non-abrasive sponge.
If there are stubborn stains, apply a baking soda paste directly onto the spot and rub gently. Once clean, rinse and dry the liner thoroughly.
IMPORTANT: Before using silicone liners, check the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm if they’re safe for your air fryer!
