Keeping your air fryer clean is essential if you want great-tasting food, better performance, and a longer appliance lifespan. Grease, crumbs, and burnt residue build up quickly, and if you don’t clean them regularly, they can cause smoke, odors, or even damage the non-stick coating.
This comprehensive guide shows you how to clean your air fryer safely, quickly, and effectively whether you're doing a daily wipe-down or a deep cleaning.
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Why You Need to Clean Your Air Fryer Regularly
A dirty air fryer can lead to issues such as:
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Smoky residue and burnt smell during cooking
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Uneven heating and reduced crispiness
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Bacteria growth from trapped food particles
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Faster wear of the basket and non-stick coating
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Shorter appliance lifespan
Consistent maintenance ensures cleaner cooking, better airflow, and overall better food quality.
Quick Step-by-Step Summary: How to Clean Air Fryer Fast
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Unplug the air fryer and let it cool completely.
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Remove the basket, tray, and pan.
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Wash removable parts with warm soapy water.
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Wipe the inside with a soft damp cloth.
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Clean the heating element with a brush.
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Dry all parts thoroughly before reassembling.
Safety First: What to Do Before Cleaning
Before starting, make sure to:
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Unplug the appliance
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Allow full cooling (avoid touching hot oil splatters)
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Keep the main housing away from water
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Avoid harsh, abrasive tools that can scratch the surface
Never submerge the electrical base or run the appliance with soapy water inside a dangerous trend seen online.
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Understanding Air Fryer Parts You Need to Clean
Your cleaning routine should include:
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Basket or mesh tray
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Crisper plate
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Drawer or pan
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Interior chamber
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Heating element
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Exterior housing and control panel
Each part requires different cleaning techniques to prevent damage.
Are Air Fryer Parts Dishwasher Safe?
Some brands allow dishwasher cleaning for removable components. However, constant dishwasher exposure may degrade the non-stick coating over time.
If you use a dishwasher:
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Place parts on the top rack
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Avoid high-heat drying settings
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Inspect coating regularly
Handwashing remains the safest long-term method.
How to Clean Air Fryer After Each Use (Daily Cleaning Routine)
A quick routine prevents residue from hardening.
1. Remove crumbs and surface debris
Shake out crumbs and wipe surfaces gently.
2. Handwash the basket and tray
Warm soapy water + soft sponge = safe daily care.
3. Wipe interior walls
A damp microfiber cloth keeps the chamber clean and grease-free.
4. Clean heating element if splatters occur
Use a soft brush to remove particles safely.
Weekly Deep Cleaning: How to Clean Air Fryer Thoroughly
If you use your air fryer often, aim for a deep clean weekly.
1. Soak removable parts
Place the basket, tray, and pan in hot soapy water for 10–20 minutes.
2. Scrub gently
Use a non-abrasive brush or sponge to remove stuck grease.
3. Clean the interior chamber
Wipe with soapy water, then use a clean damp cloth to remove residue.
4. Clean the heating element
Turn the appliance slightly upside down to access the element.
Use a damp cloth or brush never spray directly.
How to Clean Burnt-On Grease and Tough Stains
Stubborn residue requires stronger but safe cleaning methods:
Baking Soda Paste
Mix baking soda with water to form a paste.
Spread on burnt spots, let sit for 15–20 minutes, and scrub gently.
Vinegar Spray
Vinegar helps lift grease and removes odors.
Apply lightly and wipe clean.
Effervescent Tablet Soak
Drop a denture tablet into hot water with the air fryer basket.
Let it fizz for 15 minutes great for removing stuck-on grime.
Avoid:
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Steel wool
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Oven cleaners
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Abrasive powders
These can scratch or erode coatings.
How to Clean the Heating Element Safely
The heating element is often ignored but collects splatters.
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Unplug and cool completely
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Use a soft brush to remove debris
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Wipe with a lightly dampened cloth
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Dry thoroughly
This prevents smoking and improves heating efficiency.
How to Remove Odors From Your Air Fryer
Bad smells come from old grease trapped in crevices.
Lemon Method
Slice a lemon and place it in the basket.
Run the air fryer at low heat for 5 minutes, then wipe clean.
Vinegar Deodorizing
Wipe with diluted vinegar, then dry.
Baking Soda Odor Absorption
Leave baking soda in a small bowl inside the fryer overnight (appliance unplugged).
Cleaning Different Types of Air Fryers
Basket-Style
Focus on the mesh and crisper plate, where grease builds up.
Oven-Style / Air Fryer Toaster Ovens
Clean glass doors, racks, and drip trays regularly.
Multi-Cooker Air Fryer Lids
Use a damp cloth and soft brush around the fan and vents.
Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
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Using metal scrubbers
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Soaking non-removable parts
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Ignoring the heating element
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Not drying parts fully (causes rust and odor)
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Overusing dishwasher cycles
Avoiding these mistakes protects your appliance long-term.
Eco-Friendly Ways to Clean Your Air Fryer
If you prefer non-toxic solutions, try:
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Baking soda
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Vinegar
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Lemon
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Biodegradable dish soap
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Reusable silicone liners to reduce residue buildup
These methods are safe for surfaces and the environment.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Air Fryer Clean Longer
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Use perforated parchment liners or reusable silicone mats
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Empty crumbs after each cooking session
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Wipe grease immediately before it hardens
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Schedule monthly deep cleaning if used daily
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Avoid cooking extremely fatty foods without drip trays
Good habits keep your appliance in excellent condition.
Troubleshooting: When Cleaning Isn’t Enough
If your air fryer still smokes:
Check for grease splatters on the heating element or leftover crumbs in the tray.
If the coating is peeling:
Replace the basket or tray immediately to avoid contamination.
If food still tastes burnt:
Run a deodorizing cleaning cycle with lemon or vinegar.
When to Replace Air Fryer Parts
Consider replacing parts if you notice:
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Chipped or peeling non-stick coating
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Warped basket or tray
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Persistent odors
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Loose or damaged gaskets
Always choose original or manufacturer-approved parts.
FAQs About How to Clean Air Fryer
How often should you clean an air fryer?
Wipe after every use; deep clean weekly for heavy use.
Can you put an air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Yes for many models, but check the manual. Frequent dishwasher cycles may damage coatings.
How do you remove burnt-on grease?
Use a baking soda paste, vinegar spray, or denture tablet soak.
Why does my air fryer smell even after cleaning?
Grease trapped near the heating element or vents is usually the cause. Deep clean and deodorize with lemon or vinegar.
What is the fastest way to clean an air fryer?
Warm soapy water soak + quick interior wipe.
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Conclusion
Learning how to clean your air fryer properly ensures better cooking results, longer appliance life, and a healthier kitchen environment. With regular maintenance, safe cleaning methods, and the right tools, your air fryer will stay fresh, efficient, and ready for daily use.
