Close-up of hands using a soft sponge to gently scrub an air fryer basket under warm running water, with soap suds visible and steam rising

How to Clean an Air Fryer: Expert Tips for Maximum Performance and Longevity

Air fryers have become the darling of modern kitchens, and for good reason. They promise crispy, delicious food with minimal oil and maximum convenience. But here’s the thing nobody talks about enough: keeping your air fryer clean is just as important as learning how to use it. A well-maintained air fryer not only performs better but also lasts significantly longer and produces consistently better results.

If you’ve been using your air fryer for a while, you might have noticed that greasy buildup or stubborn food residue can accumulate faster than you’d expect. The good news? Cleaning your air fryer doesn’t require expensive commercial cleaners or complicated techniques. With the right approach and a little elbow grease, you can keep your appliance in pristine condition.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about maintaining your air fryer, from daily cleaning routines to deep-cleaning methods that’ll make your appliance look brand new.

Why Regular Cleaning Matters

You might be wondering whether your air fryer really needs that much attention. The answer is a resounding yes. When grease and food particles accumulate inside your air fryer, they don’t just sit there looking unsightly—they actively compromise the appliance’s performance. Buildup can interfere with heat circulation, leading to uneven cooking and less crispy results. Over time, this residue can also create smoke, affect the appliance’s lifespan, and potentially pose a fire hazard.

Think of it like maintaining your car or your home’s HVAC system. Regular upkeep prevents costly repairs down the road. The same principle applies to your air fryer. A few minutes of cleaning after each use can save you from having to replace the appliance entirely or deal with inconsistent cooking results.

Beyond functionality, a clean air fryer is simply more hygienic. Food particles left behind can harbor bacteria, and nobody wants that affecting their next meal. Plus, there’s something satisfying about working with a pristine kitchen appliance—it makes cooking more enjoyable.

Essential Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need

Before you dive into cleaning, gather these supplies. You probably have most of them already:

Soft sponge or non-abrasive cloth: Essential for wiping down surfaces without scratching non-stick coatings
Warm water: Your first line of defense for most cleaning tasks
Dish soap: A mild, gentle formula works best
Baking soda: A natural degreaser and deodorizer that works wonders on stubborn spots
White vinegar: Cuts through grease and disinfects naturally
Soft-bristled brush: Helps reach tight spaces without causing damage
Paper towels or microfiber cloths: For drying and polishing
Rubber gloves: Protects your hands during the cleaning process

Avoid using steel wool, abrasive scouring pads, or harsh chemical cleaners. These can damage the non-stick coating on your basket and heating elements, rendering your air fryer less effective and potentially unsafe.

Overhead view of a disassembled air fryer showing the basket, drip tray, and heating coil components laid out on a clean kitchen counter with cleaning supplies nearby

Daily Cleaning Routine

The key to keeping your air fryer in top condition is establishing a simple daily cleaning habit. This doesn’t require much time, and it prevents buildup from becoming a major problem later.

Step 1: Let It Cool Down

Never attempt to clean your air fryer while it’s still hot. Unplug the unit and allow it to cool completely—usually about 15 to 20 minutes. This protects your hands and helps you work more safely.

Step 2: Remove and Empty the Basket

Take out the cooking basket and tap it gently over the trash can to dislodge any loose food particles or crumbs. Don’t skip this step; it makes the actual cleaning much easier.

Step 3: Wash the Basket and Tray

Fill your sink with warm soapy water. Submerge the basket and drip tray, then scrub gently with a soft sponge. Pay special attention to corners and crevices where grease tends to accumulate. Rinse thoroughly under running water and dry completely with a clean cloth before reinserting.

Step 4: Wipe the Interior

Using a damp cloth or soft sponge, gently wipe the inside of the air fryer chamber. Focus on the heating element area, but avoid spraying water directly on electrical components. A slightly damp cloth is your friend here—not dripping wet.

Step 5: Polish the Exterior

Wipe down the outside of your air fryer with a slightly damp cloth to keep it looking fresh. If your model has a stainless steel exterior, you might want to check out our guide on how to clean stainless steel pans for tips on maintaining that polished look.

Deep Cleaning Your Air Fryer

Once a week or every two weeks, depending on how frequently you use your air fryer, it’s worth doing a more thorough deep clean. This removes accumulated grease and keeps everything functioning optimally.

The Baking Soda Method

Baking soda is your secret weapon for deep cleaning. Mix three tablespoons of baking soda with a little water to create a paste. Apply this paste to problem areas inside your air fryer, particularly around the heating coil and any spots with stubborn grease. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

The Vinegar Soak

For the basket and tray, fill a basin with equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Submerge these components for 20 to 30 minutes. The vinegar cuts through grease naturally and disinfects at the same time. After soaking, scrub any remaining residue and rinse well.

Detailed shot of baking soda paste being applied with a soft brush to the interior heating coil area of an air fryer, with the paste clearly visible on the bristles

If you’re familiar with how to clean oven surfaces, you’ll recognize that baking soda and vinegar are powerhouse combinations for kitchen appliances in general. The same principles apply to your air fryer.

Cleaning the Basket and Heating Coil

The basket and heating coil are the hardest-working parts of your air fryer, which means they need special attention.

Basket Maintenance

The basket is where all the action happens, so it accumulates the most grease and food particles. After each use, make sure to clean it thoroughly. For stubborn, baked-on food, try soaking the basket in warm soapy water for 30 minutes before scrubbing. If your basket is dishwasher-safe (check your manual), you can save yourself some effort by tossing it in there.

Heating Coil Care

The heating coil is delicate and requires gentle handling. Never spray water directly on it, as you could damage electrical components. Instead, use a slightly damp soft cloth to carefully wipe around it. If you notice stubborn grease buildup on the coil, create a baking soda paste and apply it carefully with a soft brush, then wipe away with a damp cloth.

Some air fryer models have removable heating coils, which makes cleaning easier. Consult your manufacturer’s instructions to determine if yours does. If it’s removable, you can clean it more thoroughly, but still avoid submerging it in water.

Tackling Stubborn Buildup

Sometimes, no matter how diligent you are, stubborn grease and food residue can build up. Here are proven methods for tackling these tough spots:

The Overnight Soak Method

For truly stubborn buildup, remove the basket and tray and let them soak overnight in warm soapy water with a tablespoon of baking soda. By morning, most of the grease will have loosened, making scrubbing much easier. This method is particularly effective for baked-on food or grease that’s been there for a while.

Steam Cleaning

Place a small bowl of water inside your air fryer basket and run the air fryer at 400°F for about 5 minutes. The steam helps loosen stubborn residue. After it cools, wipe the interior with a damp cloth. This technique is gentler than aggressive scrubbing and often surprisingly effective.

Lemon Juice Treatment

Lemon juice is acidic like vinegar but smells better. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water, soak your basket and tray for 20 minutes, then scrub and rinse. This method leaves your air fryer smelling fresh and clean.

For other kitchen appliances, similar deep-cleaning principles apply. If you’re also wondering about maintaining other small appliances, you might find our guide on how to clean coffee maker helpful for understanding how regular maintenance extends appliance life.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

The best approach to keeping your air fryer clean is preventing excessive buildup in the first place. Here are some smart habits to adopt:

Use parchment paper: Placing parchment paper in the bottom of your basket catches grease and food particles, making cleanup significantly easier. Just make sure it doesn’t block airflow.
Pat food dry: Excess moisture on food creates more steam and grease splatter. Pat your ingredients dry before cooking to minimize mess.
Avoid frozen breaded items: While you can cook frozen breaded foods, they tend to shed coating and create more debris. Reserve your air fryer for fresher ingredients when possible.
Don’t overfill: Cramming too much food into the basket reduces air circulation and causes uneven cooking, which often leads to more grease and debris.
Store it properly: Keep your air fryer in a clean, dry place. If you’re storing it for extended periods, make sure it’s completely clean and dry first to prevent mold or mildew.
Check the manual: Different air fryer models have different requirements. Always consult your specific model’s manual for manufacturer recommendations.

If you’re also concerned about maintaining other kitchen equipment, the same preventative mindset applies. For instance, understanding how to properly care for your cookware—like learning about how to clean a dishwasher to protect your dishes—contributes to your overall kitchen cleanliness and equipment longevity.

For more detailed guidance on air fryer cleaning, This Old House provides comprehensive air fryer reviews and maintenance tips. Additionally, Family Handyman offers step-by-step cleaning instructions that complement these recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?

Most modern air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, but always check your specific model’s manual first. If yours is safe for the dishwasher, place it on the top rack. Hand washing with warm soapy water is always a safe alternative and often just as quick.

How often should I deep clean my air fryer?

If you use your air fryer daily, aim for a deep clean once a week. Occasional users can get away with deep cleaning every two to three weeks. Daily light cleaning should be your routine regardless of usage frequency.

Is it safe to use commercial oven cleaners on my air fryer?

We don’t recommend it. Commercial oven cleaners are too harsh and can damage the non-stick coating and internal components. Stick with natural cleaners like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice.

What if my air fryer smells bad even after cleaning?

Lingering odors often indicate grease buildup that’s been there for a while. Try the steam cleaning method or an overnight soak with baking soda. You can also run your air fryer empty at high temperature for a few minutes to help burn off any remaining residue. If the smell persists, check that your heating coil isn’t damaged.

Can I use water to clean the heating element?

Avoid spraying water directly on the heating element. Instead, use a slightly damp cloth and wipe carefully around it. If your model has a removable heating element, consult your manual for specific cleaning instructions, but generally, you should avoid submerging it entirely.

What’s the best way to remove burnt-on food?

Let the burnt-on food cool completely, then try soaking the affected component in warm soapy water for 30 minutes. If that doesn’t work, make a baking soda paste and let it sit on the burnt area for 15 minutes before gently scrubbing. For stubborn cases, the overnight soak method usually does the trick.

Should I clean my air fryer before its first use?

Yes, absolutely. Wipe down the interior and exterior with a damp cloth before your first cooking session. This removes any manufacturing residue or dust that may have accumulated during shipping and storage.

For professional guidance on air fryer maintenance and cleaning best practices, check out Home Depot’s air fryer buying and care guide. Many manufacturers also provide detailed cleaning instructions on their official websites, so consulting your specific model’s documentation is always worthwhile.

Keeping your air fryer clean isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about ensuring your appliance performs at its best and lasts for years to come. With these expert tips and a commitment to regular maintenance, you’ll enjoy consistently delicious results and a kitchen appliance that’s as clean as it is functional.