What Is The Best Way To Clean An Air Fryer: Expert Tips

Unplug, cool, soak basket in soapy water, wipe interior, dry fully.

If you want a spotless, safe, and long-lasting appliance, you’re in the right place. I’ve cleaned dozens of models at home and in test kitchens. In this guide, I’ll show what is the best way to clean an air fryer step by step, with pro tips, safe products, and fixes for tough grease. You’ll learn what works, why it works, and how to keep your air fryer fresh without harming the nonstick surface.

The best way to clean an air fryer: step-by-step

If you came here to learn what is the best way to clean an air fryer, follow these clear steps. They are simple, fast, and safe for most models. Always check your manual first.

Unplug and cool. Let the air fryer cool fully. This keeps you safe and protects parts.
Disassemble. Remove basket, crisper plate, and tray. Take out any liners or racks.
Dump crumbs. Shake out loose bits into the trash.
Soak removable parts. Use warm water with a few drops of dish soap for 10–15 minutes.
Wash gently. Use a soft sponge or brush. Rinse well.
Degrease if needed. Use a baking soda paste on sticky spots. Rinse again.
Wipe the interior. Use a damp microfiber cloth with a drop of soap. Do not soak the main unit.
Clean the heating element. When cool, turn the unit upside down. Wipe the element and guard with a damp cloth.
Dry all parts. Air-dry or towel-dry until no moisture remains.
Reassemble and run warm air. Run at low heat for 2–3 minutes to clear any damp smell.

Personal tip: In my tests, a 15-minute soak lifts 90% of residue. Extra time beats extra scrubbing.

Tools and cleaners you need

If you ask what is the best way to clean an air fryer, it starts with the right tools. Gentle tools protect the nonstick surface and keep the warranty safe.

Essentials:

Mild dish soap for daily grease
Soft sponge or non-scratch brush for nonstick parts
Microfiber cloth for the interior and exterior
Bottle brush or silicone brush for corners and vents
Baking soda for paste on burnt spots
White vinegar or lemon for odors
Warm water bowl for soaking small parts
Paper towels for quick wipe-downs

Avoid:

Steel wool that scratches coatings
Harsh oven cleaners that strip finishes
Abrasive powders on the basket
Soaking the main unit in water

How often to clean and why it matters

Many people search what is the best way to clean an air fryer because of smoke and odor. A simple routine stops both. It also keeps heat flow strong and cooks food better.

Do this:

After each use: Empty crumbs, wipe grease, and clean the basket.
Weekly: Deep clean trays, crisper plate, and the interior.
Monthly: Wipe the heating element and fan guard when cool.

A clean air fryer runs quieter, smells better, and lasts longer. It also lowers smoke and flare-ups.

How to clean each part the right way

If you want what is the best way to clean an air fryer, treat each part with care. Each section has its own needs.

Basket and crisper plate

Soak in warm soapy water for 10–20 minutes.
Use a soft brush to clean holes and edges.
Baking soda paste lifts brown rings. Rinse well.

Drawer or tray

Wash with a soft sponge. Focus on corners.
Dry fully so grease does not pool later.

Interior walls

Wipe with a damp cloth and a drop of soap.
Follow with a clean damp cloth to remove residue.

Heating element and fan guard

Cool fully. Unplug.
Turn the unit upside down.
Wipe with a damp cloth. Use a soft brush for crumbs.
Do not flood this area with water.

Glass door or window (oven-style)

Use a glass-safe cloth and mild soap.
Avoid harsh glass sprays inside the cavity.

Exterior and control panel

Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.
Dry right away to avoid streaks.

Tip from my kitchen: A silicone bottle brush reaches the corners where grease hides. It saves the nonstick from hard scrubbing.

Stuck-on grease and burnt smells: safe fixes

People ask what is the best way to clean an air fryer when grease is baked on. Go gentle but steady. Two rounds of mild cleaning beat one harsh scrub.

Try these:

Baking soda paste: Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water. Spread, wait 10 minutes, and wipe.
Vinegar steam: Place a heat-safe cup with equal parts water and vinegar in the basket. Run at 300°F for 3–5 minutes, then wipe. Vent the room.
Lemon lift: Air fry lemon halves at low heat for 2–3 minutes. Wipe oils and smells.
Enzyme degreaser: Use only if the label says safe for nonstick coatings.

If you still smell burnt oil, check the element and fan guard. Residue up there causes smoke fast.

What not to do

Learning what is the best way to clean an air fryer also means knowing what to avoid. These mistakes cause damage or void a warranty.

Avoid these common errors:

Do not use steel wool, knives, or metal scrapers.
Do not dunk the main unit in water.
Do not spray cleaner into vents or onto hot elements.
Do not use oven cleaner on nonstick parts.
Do not run a “self-clean” cycle. Air fryers do not have one.
Do not put “dishwasher unsafe” parts in the dishwasher.

When in doubt, check the manual. Small care saves big repairs.

Nonstick coating care and warranty-safe tips

What is the best way to clean an air fryer without harming the coating? Be gentle and patient. Nonstick is tough but not bulletproof.

Use this approach:

Soft sponges, warm water, and mild soap as your base.
Baking soda paste for stains. Short contact time, then rinse.
No aerosol oven sprays or harsh solvents.
Use silicone or wood tools when cooking to prevent scratches.

If the coating peels, stop using it for food right away. Contact support to ask about parts or warranty options.

Oven-style and dual-zone air fryers

Owners of larger models still ask what is the best way to clean an air fryer. The steps are the same, but there are more parts.

Do this:

Remove racks, rotisserie parts, and crumb trays. Soak and wash.
Pull the unit forward and open the door wide. Wipe the ceiling and walls.
Place a towel under the door to catch drips.
Clean glass with mild soap and a soft cloth.
For dual-zone baskets, clean each zone fully. Grease travels.

Check for a removable back panel or filter on some models. Clean per the manual if allowed.

A 5-minute speed clean for busy nights

If time is tight and you still want what is the best way to clean an air fryer, use this fast plan. It keeps smells down until you can do a deep clean.

Try this:

Unplug. Cool for a few minutes.
Dump crumbs. Wipe the basket with a soapy sponge. Quick rinse.
Wipe the interior with a damp cloth.
Dry parts with a towel. Leave slightly open to air out.

This routine takes less than a playlist song. It saves you from smoke next time.

Safety, hygiene, and odor control best practices

People who ask what is the best way to clean an air fryer often cook a lot of proteins. Raw juices hide in seams. Keep it clean to stay safe.

Remember:

Clean after cooking raw meat or fish. Do not wait.
Dry all parts before the next use to prevent mold.
Keep vents clear. Good airflow lowers smoke.
Store the unit dry, with the drawer cracked open.

For heavy odors, do a vinegar steam cycle once a week. Then rinse and dry.

Frequently Asked Questions of what is the best way to clean an air fryer

Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?

Most baskets and crisper plates are dishwasher safe, but check your manual. Hand washing is gentler and helps the coating last longer.

How do I clean the heating element safely?

Unplug and let it cool fully. Turn the unit upside down and wipe with a damp cloth, then dry with a soft towel.

What removes sticky grease without scratching?

Use a baking soda paste and a soft sponge. Let the paste sit for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry.

Why does my air fryer smoke?

Grease on the heating element or leftover crumbs can burn and smoke. Clean the interior and element, and avoid over-oiling food.

Are liners safe for easier cleaning?

Parchment liners and silicone liners can help if the manual allows them. Do not block airflow holes, and never use liners during preheat without food.

How do I get rid of a fishy smell?

Do a vinegar steam cycle, then wash all removable parts. Air-dry fully and run a short warm air cycle to clear the odor.

Can I use oven cleaner on my air fryer?

No. Oven cleaner is too harsh for nonstick coatings and can damage parts. Stick to mild soap, baking soda, and safe degreasers.

Conclusion

A clean air fryer cooks better, smells better, and lasts longer. Unplug, cool, soak, wipe, and dry: those simple steps cover daily care. For tough jobs, use baking soda paste or a short vinegar steam, then rinse and dry.

Set a habit that fits your life. Do a quick clean after dinner and a deep clean on weekends. Try these tips tonight, and share what worked for you or ask a question in the comments.

The best way to clean an air fryer: step-by-step

Tools and cleaners you need

How often to clean and why it matters