How to Clean Your Air Fryer the Right Way

Quick daily clean (2 min) + deep clean (15 min) · All the mistakes to avoid

Cleaning your air fryer takes 2 minutes if you do it after every use, 15 minutes if you let grease build up for weeks. This guide covers both. The wrong way — using abrasive scrubbers or submerging the whole unit — ruins air fryers fast. The right way keeps them running for years.

Quick Daily Clean (After Every Use)

1. Unplug the air fryer. Let it cool 15-20 minutes.
2. Remove the basket and crisper plate. Pour any grease into a jar.
3. Wash both in hot soapy water with a soft sponge. Non-abrasive only — abrasive pads destroy the nonstick coating.
4. Wipe the interior with a damp soft cloth. Don't use harsh cleaners — they leave residue that will smoke next time you cook.
5. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. Dry thoroughly.
6. Let everything air-dry before reassembling.

Deep Clean (Every 1-2 Months)

1. Let unit cool completely. Unplug.
2. Remove basket and crisper plate. Soak in hot soapy water for 15-20 minutes if they're greasy.
3. Clean the heating element. Flip the air fryer upside down (carefully). Wipe the exposed element with a damp cloth. For stuck-on grease, use a soft toothbrush with soapy water. Never use metal or abrasive tools — they'll damage the element.
4. Clean the interior cavity thoroughly. Damp cloth with a small amount of dish soap. Follow with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue.
5. Check and clean the fan vents (on the back). Use compressed air or a soft brush to remove dust. Dust buildup reduces efficiency.
6. Dry every part completely before reassembling. Any moisture on the heating element will cause popping noises and potentially damage it.

Removing Stuck-On Grease

If you've neglected cleaning for a while and there's caked-on grease:

• Baking soda paste: Mix 3 tbsp baking soda with 1 tbsp water. Apply to stuck-on areas, wait 5-10 minutes, then scrub with a soft sponge. Rinse thoroughly.
• Vinegar soak: For the basket only. Soak in a 50/50 water/white vinegar mix for 30 minutes. Rinse and wash normally.
• Lemon + water steam: Put 2-3 lemon slices + 1 cup water in the basket. Run at 300°F for 3 minutes. The steam loosens grease. Wipe with a cloth after.

What NOT to Do

• Don't use abrasive scrubbers. Steel wool, scouring pads, Comet cleanser — all destroy the nonstick coating.
• Don't submerge the base unit. Only the basket and crisper plate go in water. The main unit is electric.
• Don't use harsh chemical cleaners. Residue burns into food next cook. Dish soap only.
• Don't put the base in the dishwasher. Ever. It's electric.
• Don't use metal utensils in the basket. Scratches nonstick and shortens its life.

Dealing With Smoke During Cooking

If your air fryer starts smoking, it's usually one of three things:

1. Grease buildup on the heating element. Deep clean fixed this.
2. Fatty food dripping on heating element (bacon, fatty meat). Add 1-2 tbsp of water to the bottom drawer to catch drippings.
3. Residual cleaner or oil film from last cleaning. Wipe everything dry before cooking.

How Often to Clean

• After every use: Basket and crisper plate. 2 minutes.
• Weekly: Quick wipe of interior.
• Monthly: Deep clean if you use it daily.
• Every 2-3 months: Heating element cleaning and vent check.

Related Guides

• How to Preheat Your Air Fryer
• What NOT to Cook in an Air Fryer