Recipes AirfryerHow to Clean Your Air Fryer (The Easy Way)
A clean air fryer cooks better, lasts longer, and won't smoke or smell. The good news: it takes about five minutes after most meals, and you almost never need anything harsher than warm water and dish soap.
Here's exactly how to clean the basket, the drawer and the heating element — plus how to tackle baked-on grease and stop that lingering fried-food smell.
What you'll need
Nothing fancy — you probably have all of this already:
- Warm water and a few drops of dish soap
- A soft sponge or dishcloth (non-abrasive)
- A soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush for corners
- Baking soda, for stuck-on grease
- A microfiber cloth to dry
After every use (the 5-minute clean)
Always unplug the air fryer and let it cool for 20–30 minutes first. Then:
Remove the basket and drawer and wash them in warm, soapy water. Most are non-stick, so a soft sponge is all you need — skip steel wool, which scratches the coating. Wipe the inside of the air fryer with a damp cloth, dry everything well, and you're done.
Deep clean (weekly, or when it's greasy)
For stuck-on, baked-on grease, make a paste of baking soda and a little water. Spread it on the grimy spots, leave it for 5–10 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush and rinse. It lifts grease without harsh chemicals.
If food is really welded on, soak the basket in warm soapy water for 15–20 minutes before scrubbing — soaking does most of the work for you.
Cleaning the heating element
Grease splatters up onto the heating coil, and that's usually what causes smoking and smells. With the unit unplugged and fully cool, turn it over and wipe the element with a damp cloth or a soft brush. Never use water you can pour or submerge the main unit — just a damp cloth. Let it dry completely before the next use.
What NOT to do
A few things will damage your air fryer or void the warranty:
- Don't submerge the main unit (the part with the heating element) in water.
- Don't use steel wool or abrasive scourers on non-stick parts.
- Don't use harsh chemical oven cleaners.
- Don't put parts back wet — dry everything first to avoid odors.
How to stop it smelling
If your air fryer holds a fried smell, wipe it down, then run it empty at 350°F for 3–4 minutes with half a lemon or a little lemon juice in the basket. For stubborn smells, rub cut lemon on the basket, leave 30 minutes, then wash as usual.
FAQ
Can you put the air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Many baskets are dishwasher-safe, but check your manual — repeated dishwashing can wear down non-stick coatings faster. Hand-washing is gentler and keeps them non-stick for longer.
How do I remove stuck-on grease?
Make a paste of baking soda and water, spread it on, wait 5–10 minutes, then scrub gently and rinse. For really baked-on bits, soak the basket in warm soapy water first.
How often should I clean my air fryer?
Wipe the basket and drawer after every use, and give the heating element and interior a deeper clean every week or two — sooner if you cook greasy foods often.
Why is my air fryer smoking?
Usually grease that's splattered onto the heating element, or high-fat foods dripping onto a hot drawer. Clean the element, and add a tablespoon of water to the drawer under fatty foods to stop the smoke.
Put it to use
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