Knowing how to clean an air fryer properly makes a real difference in how it performs. If you use your air fryer regularly, you already know how quickly grease and food debris can build up inside. A dirty air fryer doesn’t just look bad — it cooks unevenly, produces smoke, and can develop unpleasant odors as old residue burns off mid-cook. The good news is that the process is straightforward once you know the right steps.
Here’s everything you need to clean your air fryer — from a quick after-cook rinse to a full deep clean — so it stays in peak condition for years.
What You Need Before You Start
You don’t need any special supplies. Before cleaning your air fryer, gather these basic items:
- Dish soap (mild, not abrasive)
- Soft sponge or non-scratch scrub pad
- Soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth or paper towels
- Baking soda and white vinegar (for deep cleaning)
- Warm water
What to avoid: Never use steel wool, abrasive pads, or harsh chemical cleaners. They scratch and damage the non-stick coating inside the basket and drawer — and once that coating is compromised, food sticks and cleanup becomes far harder.
How to Clean an Air Fryer Basket (After Every Use)
The basket and drawer take the most abuse every time you cook, so they need cleaning after each session. Here is the step-by-step process for how to clean an air fryer basket:
- Let it cool first. Always unplug your air fryer and let all parts cool completely — at least 30 minutes — before cleaning. Hot surfaces can warp if hit with cold water.
- Remove the basket and drawer. Pull both pieces out and shake loose crumbs into the trash.
- Soak if needed. For stuck-on grease, fill the basket with warm soapy water and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Scrub gently. Use a soft sponge or non-scratch pad to scrub away residue. A soft-bristle brush works well for the mesh areas at the base.
- Rinse thoroughly. Rinse under warm running water until no soap remains.
- Dry completely. Use a clean cloth or air dry fully before reassembling. Moisture left inside can lead to rust on metal components over time.
Most air fryer baskets and drawers are dishwasher-safe — check your model’s manual to confirm. If yours is, the top rack on a gentle cycle works well for routine cleaning.
How to Clean the Interior and Heating Element
The inside of the unit — including the walls and the heating element at the top — collects grease splatter. This section should never be submerged in water. Here is how to clean it safely:
- Wipe the interior walls. Dampen a microfiber cloth with warm soapy water and wipe down the inside walls. For stuck spots, hold the damp cloth against them for a minute to loosen the grease before wiping.
- Clean the heating coil. Turn the air fryer upside down for a better view of the heating element. Use a soft brush or damp cloth to gently remove any grease splatter. Be careful not to bend or damage the coil.
- Wipe the exterior. Use a damp cloth on the outside of the unit. Dry immediately with a second cloth to prevent water marks.
Never spray water or cleaning solution directly into the interior cavity or onto the heating element — always apply cleaning solution to your cloth or brush first.
How to Deep Clean with Baking Soda and Vinegar
For stubborn grease that won’t budge with regular washing, a baking soda and vinegar treatment is highly effective. This method is especially useful if you have noticed smoke or odors during cooking. Here is how to do the deep clean:
- Make a paste. Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste.
- Apply to problem areas. Spread the paste onto stuck-on grease inside the basket or on the interior walls. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Scrub gently. Use a soft brush or sponge to work the paste in circular motions.
- Add vinegar. Spray or dab white vinegar onto the baking soda. It will fizz — that reaction helps lift stubborn residue off the surface.
- Wipe clean. Rinse and wipe all surfaces thoroughly until no baking soda or vinegar smell remains.
According to FoodSafety.gov’s four steps to food safety, keeping cooking appliances clean is a key part of preventing foodborne illness — a great reason to build regular cleaning into your routine.
How Often Should You Clean Your Air Fryer?
Knowing how often to clean an air fryer is just as important as knowing how. Here is a simple schedule to follow:
- After every use: Wash the basket and drawer with warm soapy water and wipe down the interior.
- Every 5 to 10 uses: Clean the heating element and do a thorough interior wipe-down.
- Monthly: Full deep clean with baking soda paste if needed, plus cleaning the exterior and air vents.
If you cook oily foods regularly — chicken wings, bacon, fried fish — err toward more frequent cleaning. The more oil splatter, the faster residue accumulates and hardens on surfaces.
If you are new to air frying and want to get the best results from your appliance, our guide on how to use an air fryer for the first time walks you through everything from setup to your first cook.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning an Air Fryer
Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Most air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, but always check your model’s manual first. If it is safe, use the top rack on a gentle cycle. Even when dishwasher-safe, regular hand-washing is gentler on the non-stick coating and will extend the life of your basket over time.
Why does my air fryer smell bad even after cleaning?
A lingering smell after cleaning usually means residue is still stuck to the heating element or the interior walls above the basket. Try the baking soda paste method above and make sure you are cleaning the top interior where the coil lives. Running the empty air fryer at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes after a deep clean can also help burn off any remaining traces.
Can I use dish soap to clean the inside of my air fryer?
Yes — a small amount of mild dish soap on a damp cloth is safe for cleaning the interior walls. Wipe it off completely with a clean damp cloth afterward. Always apply soap to your cloth first; never spray it directly into the air fryer cavity.
Final Thoughts on How to Clean an Air Fryer
Learning how to clean an air fryer properly is one of the best things you can do to extend the life of your appliance and keep your food tasting great. A quick wipe-down after each use prevents most heavy buildup, and a monthly deep clean keeps everything in prime cooking condition. Stick to gentle tools, avoid abrasive cleaners, and make sure all parts are fully dry before reassembling — and your air fryer will deliver crispy, delicious results for years to come.
