How to Clean and Maintain Your Air Fryer

Keeping Your Air Fryer Performing at Its Best

An air fryer is one of the hardest-working benchtop appliances in the kitchen, cooking everything from chips and chicken to roasted vegetables and baked goods. Without regular cleaning, grease and food residue accumulate on the basket, tray, and heating element, causing smoke during cooking, reducing performance, and eventually creating unpleasant odours and flavours. This guide covers how to clean all types of air fryers quickly and effectively.

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How Often Should You Clean Your Air Fryer?

  • After every use: Clean the basket, tray, and pan
  • Weekly: Wipe the interior and exterior
  • Monthly: Deep clean including the heating element

Cleaning a Basket Air Fryer

After Every Use (While Still Warm)

  1. Unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes — warm enough to loosen grease but not hot enough to burn
  2. Remove the basket and tray/pan from the unit
  3. If non-stick coated: wash with warm soapy water and a soft sponge — avoid abrasive scrubbers that damage the non-stick coating
  4. If dishwasher safe (check your model's manual): place basket and tray in the dishwasher on a regular cycle
  5. Rinse and dry thoroughly before returning to the unit

Cleaning Stubborn Baked-On Grease

For heavily soiled baskets, fill the basket with warm soapy water and soak for 20 to 30 minutes before scrubbing. A paste of baking soda and water applied to stubborn spots and left for 10 minutes before scrubbing is very effective on baked-on grease without damaging the non-stick coating.

Wiping the Interior

Turn the air fryer upside down and look up into the cavity to check for grease splatter on the interior walls. Wipe with a damp cloth or sponge. For the area around the heating coil, use a soft damp cloth — never submerge the main unit in water or allow water into the electrical components.

Cleaning the Heating Element

The heating element (a coil visible at the top of the interior when the unit is turned upside down) can accumulate baked-on grease over time. When cool and unplugged, use a soft brush (a pastry brush or soft toothbrush) to gently brush away loose residue, then wipe with a barely damp cloth. Never use abrasive tools on the heating element. If grease is producing smoke during cooking, the heating element needs cleaning.

Exterior

Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid excess moisture around the controls and vents.

Cleaning an Oven-Style Air Fryer

Oven-style air fryers (with a front-opening door and multiple shelves) are cleaned similarly to a conventional oven:

  1. Remove all racks, shelves, and trays and wash in warm soapy water
  2. Wipe the interior walls with warm soapy water, then a white vinegar solution
  3. Clean the interior glass door with a glass cleaner or white vinegar
  4. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth
  5. Clean the crumb tray at the base after every use — crumbs can burn and produce smoke

Tips for Easier Cleaning

  • Line the base of the basket or tray with perforated baking paper or a silicone liner designed for air fryers — these catch drips and make cleanup significantly faster
  • Spray the basket lightly with cooking oil before adding food to prevent sticking
  • Clean the basket while still warm (but not hot) — grease is much easier to remove before it solidifies
  • Never use metal utensils in the basket — they scratch the non-stick coating and shorten its life

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