How to Clean an Air Fryer Properly (Step-by-Step)

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By Sarah Kim · Last updated March 2026

To clean an air fryer properly: remove the basket and drawer, soak in hot soapy water for 10–15 minutes, scrub with a soft sponge, wipe the interior walls with a damp cloth, use a soft brush on the heating element (unplugged), wipe the exterior, and dry all parts completely before reassembling. This full clean takes 15–20 minutes and should happen after every 3–5 uses. The basket itself needs a quick wash after every single use.

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Regular cleaning extends air fryer life significantly — a dirty heating element reduces efficiency and creates smoke.

What You Need

Before starting, gather:

Item	Purpose
Mild dish soap	Grease and food residue removal
Soft sponge or cloth	Non-scratch surface cleaning
Soft-bristle brush (old toothbrush)	Crevices, basket mesh, heating element
Baking soda	Paste for stubborn baked-on residue
White vinegar	Odor neutralization, light degreasing
Microfiber cloth	Streak-free exterior cleaning
Paper towels	Absorbing oil, drying surfaces

Do NOT use:

• Steel wool or abrasive scrubbing pads (scratches non-stick)
• Bleach-based cleaners (damages coating)
• Spray cleaners directly on interior (liquid reaches heating element)
• Harsh chemical degreasers (degrades non-stick faster)

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Step 1: Safety First — Unplug and Cool Down

Always unplug the air fryer before cleaning. This is not optional — it prevents:

• Electrical shock from water contact with the heating element
• Burns from hot surfaces
• Accidental activation during cleaning

Wait for complete cooling: Air fryers reach 300–400°F during operation. Allow at least 30 minutes after the last use before handling internal components. The exterior should be cool to the touch before proceeding.

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Step 2: Remove and Clean the Basket

The basket is the dirtiest part and needs attention after every use.

Soaking the basket for 10-15 minutes loosens baked-on food and grease without requiring harsh scrubbing.

Quick Post-Cook Clean (After Every Use)

1. Remove the basket from the air fryer
2. Allow to cool if hot
3. Rinse under hot water to remove loose food debris
4. Add a drop of dish soap and scrub with a soft sponge
5. Rinse thoroughly
6. Dry with a cloth or leave to air dry completely

Full Basket Clean (Every 3-5 Uses)

1. Fill the sink with hot water and a generous squirt of dish soap
2. Submerge the basket completely and soak for 10-15 minutes
3. Scrub with a soft sponge on flat surfaces
4. Use a soft-bristle brush (old toothbrush) on the mesh and crevices
5. Pay special attention to the basket holes where grease accumulates
6. Rinse under hot running water, checking mesh holes are clear
7. Shake off excess water and leave to dry completely

Dishwasher: Most baskets are technically dishwasher-safe, but regular dishwasher use degrades non-stick coating faster than hand washing. Hand wash when possible.

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Step 3: Clean the Drawer and Outer Basket

The drawer (the pull-out compartment that holds the basket) collects grease drippings and is often overlooked.

1. Remove the drawer from the air fryer unit
2. Pour out any accumulated grease or liquid (pour into paper towel, not sink — grease clogs drains)
3. Soak in hot soapy water for 5-10 minutes if greasy
4. Wipe with a soft cloth or sponge
5. Rinse and dry completely

Important: The bottom of the drawer often has baked-on dark residue. Soak and use a baking soda paste for this area (see stubborn grease section below).

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Step 4: Clean the Interior Walls

The interior walls accumulate grease splatter and smoke residue over time.

Interior cleaning: wipe with a damp cloth after removing the basket — prevents grease buildup that causes smoke.

1. Use a damp cloth or paper towel moistened with dish soap solution
2. Wipe the interior walls, ceiling (the cooking chamber above the basket), and bottom surface
3. For grease buildup: make a paste of baking soda and water (2:1 ratio), apply to affected areas, wait 10 minutes, then wipe off
4. Wipe again with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue
5. Allow to dry completely with the drawer open

Never spray liquid directly into the interior — it can seep into the heating element housing and cause electrical issues.

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Step 5: Clean the Heating Element

The heating element is the most important and most neglected part of air fryer cleaning. Grease buildup on the heating element causes:

• Smoke during operation
• Burning smells
• Reduced cooking efficiency
• Fire risk in severe buildup cases

How to Clean the Heating Element

1. Ensure the unit is completely unplugged and cool
2. Turn the air fryer upside down over a table or counter
3. Look at the heating coil — it should be visible through the top interior
4. Use a soft brush (soft toothbrush) to gently brush away any food debris or grease
5. For stubborn deposits: dampen the brush slightly with diluted dish soap (not soaking wet) and brush gently
6. Wipe with a slightly damp cloth — not saturated
7. Leave the unit upside down for 15-30 minutes to allow any moisture to evaporate
8. Do not run the air fryer until completely dry

Frequency: Inspect every 5-10 uses. Full heating element clean monthly or whenever you see smoke.

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Step 6: Clean the Exterior

The exterior of the air fryer collects kitchen grease, fingerprints, and splatter.

1. Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth
2. For stainless steel exteriors: use a stainless steel cleaner or diluted white vinegar, wipe in the direction of the grain
3. For plastic exteriors: mild dish soap on a damp cloth
4. Dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots
5. Clean the buttons and display with a lightly damp cloth (not wet) — water can damage electronic controls

The air vents: Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove dust from the ventilation slots on the back/bottom of the unit. Blocked vents reduce airflow and can overheat the unit.

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Step 7: Dry and Reassemble

Completely dry all parts before reassembling.

Why drying matters:

• Moisture on the heating element causes steam and electrical issues during first use
• Water trapped in basket mesh causes rust over time on lower-quality baskets
• Residual water on the non-stick coating creates steam spots during cooking

1. Use a dry cloth or paper towel on all surfaces
2. Leave basket and drawer out in the open air for 15-30 minutes before reassembly
3. Check the basket holes are clear of water
4. Reassemble only when all parts feel dry to the touch

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How Often to Clean Each Part

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How to Remove Stubborn Baked-On Grease

Baking soda paste is the safest effective method for removing baked-on grease without scratching non-stick coating.

Baking Soda Paste Method

Most effective for stubborn basket residue, drawer bottom, and interior walls.

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water to create a thick paste
2. Apply paste to the affected area
3. Let sit for 10-15 minutes (the alkalinity breaks down the grease)
4. Scrub with a soft sponge or brush
5. Rinse thoroughly with warm water

Dish Soap Soak Method

Most effective for greasy drawer and basket after cooking fatty meats.

1. Fill the basket/drawer with hot water and several drops of dish soap
2. Let soak for 20-30 minutes
3. The grease will loosen and wipe away easily
4. Scrub any remaining spots and rinse

White Vinegar Method

Most effective for odors, calcium deposits (hard water stains), and light grease.

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water
2. Wipe the affected surfaces
3. Let sit for 5 minutes
4. Wipe clean with a damp cloth
5. Dry thoroughly

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Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Why It's Damaging	What to Do Instead
Using steel wool	Permanently scratches and destroys non-stick coating	Soft sponge or cloth only
Putting the main unit in water	Destroys electronics and heating element	Clean exterior and interior by wiping only
Using bleach cleaners	Damages non-stick coating, releases fumes	Mild dish soap or baking soda
Cleaning while still hot	Burns risk, thermal shock to coating	Wait 30 minutes to cool completely
Leaving wet parts to reassemble	Rust on cheaper baskets; steam issues on first use	Dry completely before reassembly
Spraying liquid into the interior	Liquid reaches heating element	Apply cleaner to cloth first, then wipe
Stacking basket in sink with other dishes	Metal contact scratches non-stick	Place separately or use a basin

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Air Fryer Cleaning Products: What to Use and Avoid

For air fryer meal planning that reduces cleanup, see our guide on batch cooking for families at planfamilymeals.com — planning meals that work well in air fryers reduces the need for intensive cleaning between cooks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my air fryer?

Quick basket wash after every use (3-5 min). Full interior clean every 3-5 uses (15-20 min). Heating element inspection monthly. Full deep clean monthly (30-45 min).

Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?

Most baskets are dishwasher-safe but hand washing extends non-stick life. Dishwasher detergent and heat accelerate non-stick degradation over time.

How do I remove baked-on grease?

Soak in hot soapy water for 20-30 minutes. For stubborn residue, apply baking soda paste, wait 10 minutes, then scrub with a soft brush.

How do I clean the heating element?

Unplug, cool completely, turn upside down, brush gently with soft brush, wipe with slightly damp cloth. Never saturate with water.

Why does my air fryer smell bad?

Grease buildup on heating element is the primary cause. Clean thoroughly, then run empty at 370°F for 3 minutes with a few drops of lemon juice to neutralize odors.

What cleaning products are safe?

Safe: mild dish soap, baking soda, diluted vinegar, soft cloths. Avoid: bleach, abrasives, steel wool, spray cleaners applied directly to interior.

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Sources and Methodology

References:

• USDA Food Safety: cooking equipment cleaning guidelines
• NSF International: home appliance sanitation standards
• Air fryer manufacturer cleaning guides (Cosori, Ninja, Instant, Philips)
• Cooke B. "Air Fryer Cooking for Beginners." Rockridge Press, 2019.

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By Sarah Kim, Air Fryer Cooking Expert

Sarah Kim has tested over 50 air fryer models and developed hundreds of air fryer recipes. This site may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. Last updated March 2026.