How to Clean an Air Fryer: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
The easiest way to clean an air fryer is to deal with grease and crumbs before they turn into baked-on residue.
For most routine cleaning, you need only warm water, mild dish soap, a soft sponge or cloth, and a little patience. The important part is knowing which pieces can be washed and which parts contain electrical components.
Before cleaning, always check the instructions for your particular model. Air fryers differ in their removable parts, coatings, dishwasher instructions, and recommended cleaning methods.
If you are new to air frying, you may also want to start with What Is an Air Fryer? to understand the basic parts of the appliance before cleaning it.
What You Need to Clean an Air Fryer
You usually do not need specialized cleaning products.
Gather:
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap
- Soft sponge
- Microfiber or soft cloth
- Soft-bristled brush
- Clean towel
Avoid reaching for steel wool, metal scrapers, knives, or harsh abrasive cleaners unless the manufacturer specifically says they are suitable.
Abrasive tools can damage cooking surfaces or coatings, turning a small cleaning problem into a much bigger one.
Before You Start Cleaning
There are three things to do before washing anything:
- Turn off and unplug the air fryer.
- Allow it to cool completely.
- Remove the basket, tray, crisper plate, or other removable cooking parts.
Do not rush this step. Some components can remain hot after the cooking cycle ends.
Electrical Safety First also recommends waiting for the appliance to cool before cleaning and warns against putting the electrical appliance itself into water.
How to Clean an Air Fryer Step by Step
The basic process is straightforward:
Remove food debris → wash removable parts → wipe the interior → check the heating area → clean the exterior → dry everything.
1. Empty the Basket and Remove Loose Crumbs
Start by removing leftover food and crumbs from the basket or tray.
Shake loose crumbs into the trash or remove them with a soft brush. Getting rid of dry debris first makes the washing stage easier.
Pay attention to corners and perforations where small pieces of food can collect.
2. Wash the Basket and Tray
Wash the removable cooking parts with warm water and mild dish soap unless your manufacturer’s instructions specify another method.
Use a soft sponge rather than an abrasive scrubber.
For ordinary grease, this should be enough.
If food is stuck to the surface, don’t immediately scrape it with a knife. Move to the soaking method below.
3. Clean the Inside of the Air Fryer
With the basket removed, inspect the cooking chamber.
Look for:
- Grease splashes
- Crumbs
- Burnt food particles
- Food residue around corners
Use a slightly damp cloth or soft sponge to wipe accessible surfaces.
For loose crumbs in narrow areas, a soft brush can help.
Do not pour water into the main appliance. The electrical body should be wiped rather than submerged or treated like a normal dish.
4. Check the Heating Area
Once the air fryer is unplugged and completely cool, look toward the heating element.
If you see loose crumbs, gently remove them with a soft, dry brush or another method permitted by the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not aggressively scrub the heating element.
Do not spray cleaner directly into the heating area.
If there is heavy grease or baked-on residue that you cannot safely remove, stop and check the manual for model-specific instructions.
5. Wipe the Outside
The exterior usually needs only a quick wipe.
Use a damp cloth to remove:
- Grease
- Fingerprints
- Food splashes
- Dust
Be careful around controls, openings, and electrical connections. Do not saturate these areas with water.
6. Dry Everything Before Reassembly
Dry the basket, tray, and other washable parts completely before putting them back into the appliance.
You can use a clean towel or allow the parts to air-dry.
Once everything is dry, reassemble the air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
How to Clean an Air Fryer Basket With Stuck-On Food
Burnt or dried food usually needs softening before scrubbing.
Place the removable basket or tray in warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap, provided your manufacturer’s instructions allow soaking.
Let the residue soften, then use a soft sponge or brush.
If the first attempt does not work, repeat the process rather than increasing the force.
Avoid these shortcuts
Do not use:
- Knives
- Forks
- Metal scrapers
- Steel wool
- Aggressive abrasive pads
The goal is to remove the food without damaging the cooking surface.
How to Remove Grease From an Air Fryer
Grease is much easier to remove while it is still relatively fresh.
For removable cooking parts:
- Remove excess grease and food residue.
- Soak or wash with warm water and mild dish soap if permitted.
- Work over greasy areas with a soft sponge.
- Rinse according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Dry completely.
For the main air fryer body, use a damp cloth instead of pouring water into the appliance.
If grease keeps collecting around the cooking chamber, check whether the basket is being overloaded or whether food with a high fat content is producing more splatter than usual.
How to Clean the Inside of an Air Fryer
The inside deserves attention because cleaning only the basket does not remove residue from the rest of the cooking chamber.
After unplugging and cooling the appliance, inspect:
- The bottom of the cooking chamber
- Side walls
- Corners
- Areas around the basket
- Accessible areas near the heating element
Wipe away grease and crumbs with an appropriate cloth or sponge.
Do not dismantle the appliance unless the manufacturer specifically provides instructions for doing so.
If you are curious about why airflow matters so much inside the appliance, How Does an Air Fryer Work? is a useful companion guide.
How to Deep Clean an Air Fryer
A deep clean is useful when normal washing is no longer enough.
You do not need to perform a full deep clean after every meal. Instead, use the condition of the appliance as your guide.
A deeper cleaning is worth considering when you notice:
- Heavy grease buildup
- Burnt residue
- Persistent food smells
- Crumbs accumulating around the cooking chamber
- Smoke caused by old food or grease
A simple deep-cleaning routine
1. Unplug and cool the appliance.
2. Remove all washable parts.
3. Clean the basket and tray thoroughly.
4. Wipe the cooking chamber.
5. Check the heating area for loose debris.
6. Clean the exterior and accessible ventilation areas.
7. Dry all removable parts completely.
8. Reassemble the appliance.
If your model has special cleaning instructions, those instructions take priority over a general cleaning routine.
How Often Should You Clean an Air Fryer?
The food-contact parts should generally be cleaned after use.
How often the rest of the appliance needs deeper attention depends on how frequently you cook and what you make.
After Every Use
Clean the basket, tray, or other food-contact components after cooking.
This is especially important after foods that leave behind:
- Grease
- Sauce
- Breadcrumbs
- Melted cheese
- Fatty residue
Cleaning these parts while residue is still fresh is usually much easier than waiting for it to harden.
Deep Clean When Buildup Appears
There is no single schedule that works for every air fryer.
Inspect the appliance regularly and clean beyond the basket when you notice visible buildup, persistent odors, or residue around the cooking chamber.
Can You Put an Air Fryer Basket in the Dishwasher?
Sometimes, yes.
But dishwasher safety is model-specific.
Some manufacturers allow certain removable parts to go in the dishwasher, while others recommend hand washing.
Check the manual for your exact air fryer before using the dishwasher.
Do not assume that because one model has a dishwasher-safe basket, another model from the same brand has exactly the same instructions.
Can You Wash an Air Fryer With Soap and Water?
You can generally use warm water and mild dish soap on removable cooking parts when the manufacturer’s instructions permit it.
The important distinction is between the washable cooking components and the electrical main unit.
Do not put the entire air fryer body in water.
For the main unit, use an appropriate damp cloth and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Can You Soak an Air Fryer Basket?
It depends on the basket and the manufacturer’s instructions.
If soaking is permitted, warm soapy water can help loosen dried food before cleaning.
If the manufacturer does not recommend soaking, do not assume that it is safe simply because the basket looks waterproof.
When in doubt, use a damp cleaning method rather than prolonged soaking.
Is Vinegar Safe for Cleaning an Air Fryer?
Do not automatically assume that vinegar is safe for every air fryer surface.
Online cleaning recipes often recommend vinegar, baking soda, or homemade mixtures, but different air fryers use different materials and coatings.
Unless your manufacturer’s instructions specifically permit a cleaning product or method, mild dish soap and water for the appropriate removable parts is the safer starting point.
Common Air Fryer Cleaning Mistakes
Using Steel Wool
Steel wool can be too abrasive for cooking surfaces and coatings.
Use a soft sponge or brush instead.
Scraping With a Knife
A knife may remove stubborn food quickly, but it can scratch the cooking surface.
Soften the residue first.
Submerging the Main Unit
The electrical body should never be treated like a normal kitchen container.
Keep it away from standing water.
Cleaning While the Appliance Is Hot
Hot surfaces and steam can cause burns.
Turn off, unplug, and allow the appliance to cool before cleaning.
Spraying Cleaner Into the Appliance
Avoid spraying liquids directly into electrical or heating components.
Apply an appropriate cleaning solution to a cloth or follow the manufacturer’s specified method instead.
Ignoring the Heating Area
A clean basket does not necessarily mean the entire air fryer is clean.
Check the accessible cooking chamber and heating area for crumbs and grease.
Putting Wet Parts Back
Dry removable components before returning them to the appliance.
This also gives you a chance to notice whether food residue remains.
How to Keep Your Air Fryer Cleaner for Longer
A few simple habits can reduce the amount of scrubbing later.
Clean Grease Before It Hardens
Fresh residue is easier to remove than old, baked-on grease.
Remove Crumbs Regularly
Loose crumbs can accumulate underneath or around the cooking basket.
Avoid Overloading the Basket
Overcrowding can interfere with air circulation and may contribute to uneven cooking. USDA specifically recommends cooking in batches when necessary rather than overcrowding an air fryer.
Follow Accessory Instructions
If you use foil, parchment, or other liners, check whether they are approved for your particular appliance.
For foil specifically, see Can You Put Aluminum Foil in an Air Fryer? before using it.
What If Your Air Fryer Still Smells After Cleaning?
A persistent smell does not always mean the basket needs another aggressive scrub.
Check the entire cooking area for:
- Old grease
- Burnt crumbs
- Food residue
- Buildup around accessible heating areas
If the smell is unusual, electrical, or accompanied by strange noises, stop using the appliance and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions. Electrical Safety First advises stopping use when unusual smells or noises occur and contacting the retailer or manufacturer.
When Should You Stop Using an Air Fryer?
Cleaning cannot fix every problem.
Stop using the appliance if you notice signs such as:
- A damaged power cord
- Burn or scorch marks around the plug or socket
- Unusual electrical smells
- Strange noises
- Repeated electrical trips
- Visible damage to important components
Electrical Safety First recommends checking plugs and sockets for overheating or damage and contacting the retailer, manufacturer, or qualified repair technician when problems are found.
Do not try to repair an electrical appliance yourself unless you are qualified to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my air fryer?
Clean the basket and other food-contact parts after use. Inspect the interior and heating area regularly and perform deeper cleaning whenever grease, crumbs, odors, or residue begin to accumulate.
Can I use dish soap on an air fryer basket?
Mild dish soap and warm water are commonly used for removable cooking parts, but always follow the cleaning instructions for your particular model.
How do I get burnt food off an air fryer basket?
Soften the residue with warm, soapy water if the manufacturer’s instructions permit soaking. Then use a soft sponge or brush. Avoid knives, steel wool, and metal scrapers.
Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
It depends on the model. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before putting the basket, crisper plate, or tray in a dishwasher.
How do I clean the heating element?
Unplug the appliance, let it cool completely, and gently remove accessible loose debris using a method approved by the manufacturer. Avoid aggressive scrubbing or spraying liquids into the heating area.
Can I soak an air fryer basket?
Only if the manufacturer allows it. If you are unsure, use a less aggressive cleaning method.
Why does my air fryer smell even after cleaning?
Check for grease, crumbs, burnt food, and residue around the cooking chamber and accessible heating area. If the smell is unusual or electrical, stop using the appliance and contact the manufacturer.
Is vinegar safe for cleaning an air fryer?
Not necessarily for every model or surface. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before using vinegar or other homemade cleaning mixtures.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to clean an air fryer does not require a complicated routine.
Clean the removable cooking parts after use, wipe away crumbs and grease before they build up, and periodically inspect the cooking chamber and accessible heating area. Use gentle cleaning tools and keep water away from the electrical body.
Most importantly, treat your air fryer according to its own manufacturer’s instructions. Dishwasher compatibility, coatings, removable parts, and cleaning methods can vary between models.
A few minutes of routine cleaning is usually much easier than dealing with weeks of hardened grease and burnt food.
