Best Ways To Clean An Air Fryer: Quick Steps That Work

Unplug, soak baskets, wipe interior, clean coil, dry, and reassemble.

If you want the best ways to clean an air fryer, you are in the right place. I test, fix, and clean these little workhorses every week. This guide shows simple steps that work fast and keep your nonstick safe. I will share real tips, things to avoid, and the best ways to clean an air fryer so it looks and cooks like new.

Why cleaning your air fryer matters

Clean parts cook better. Grease builds up and smokes. Old crumbs burn and change taste. A clean surface also helps airflow, so food gets crisp.

There is a safety side too. Oil near the coil can flare. Sticky residue can trap heat. The best ways to clean an air fryer lower these risks and extend its life.

I learned this the hard way. I used to put off deep cleans. The result was bitter fries and white smoke. Now I follow a simple plan that works. It is one of the best ways to clean an air fryer on a busy weeknight.

Tools and supplies you need

You do not need fancy gear. The best ways to clean an air fryer use gentle tools.

Soft sponge or non-scratch scrub pad. Protects nonstick.
Microfiber cloths. Traps grease and lint.
Dish soap. Cuts oil without harsh fumes.
Baking soda. Lifts baked-on bits as a mild scrub.
White vinegar or lemon. Helps with odor.
Soft brush or old toothbrush. Gets into vents and corners.
Cotton swabs or wooden skewers. Loosens gunk in tight seams.
Spray bottle with warm water. Easy rinse when sinks are full.

Tip from my bench: keep a silicone bottle brush for the basket holes. It is one of the best ways to clean an air fryer basket fast.

Step-by-step: the best ways to clean an air fryer after each use

Follow this quick loop. It takes minutes and saves hours later.

Unplug and let it cool for 10 minutes. Safety first.
Remove basket and tray. Dump crumbs into the trash, not the sink.
Soak basket and tray in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes.
Wipe the interior with a damp, soapy cloth. Do not flood it.
Use a soft brush on corners and vents. Be gentle near the sensor window.
Rinse basket and tray. Use the soft side of a sponge only.
Pat dry with a cloth. Air dry the rest for a few minutes.
Wipe the heating coil with a barely damp cloth. Then dry it.
Clean the exterior with a damp cloth. Dry for a streak-free look.
Reassemble and leave the basket slightly open to air out.

This daily loop is one of the best ways to clean an air fryer and prevent smoke and smells.

Deep-clean method for baked-on grease and funky smells

When oil bakes on, use this simple deep clean.

Baking soda paste: Mix 2 parts baking soda with 1 part water. Spread on the basket and tray. Wait 20 minutes. Wipe, then rinse. It is one of the best ways to clean an air fryer without scratches.
Vinegar steam: Place a heat-safe cup with equal parts water and vinegar in the basket. Run at 300°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Cool, then wipe the loosened film.
Lemon lift: Rub cut lemon over greasy spots. The acid helps. Rinse and dry.
Overnight soak for trays: Warm water, a drop of soap, and baking soda. In the morning, a soft brush removes the rest.

From experience: do not rush the dwell time. Let cleaners sit. Time does the hard work for you.

How to clean the heating element and fan safely

This part scares many people. It does not need to.

Unplug. Turn the unit upside down on a towel once cool.
Use a dry soft brush to lift dust and crumbs.
Wipe the coil with a cloth dampened with warm, soapy water. Do not drip.
Follow with a cloth dampened with clean water. Then dry fully.
Use cotton swabs for tight spots. Never spray directly into vents.

These careful steps are among the best ways to clean an air fryer and keep the fan balanced and the coil clean.

What not to do

Avoid these traps. I have tested them, so you do not have to.

No steel wool, metal brushes, or rough scouring pads. They scratch nonstick.
No oven cleaner or bleach. Harsh fumes and coating damage.
Do not submerge the main unit. Water and electronics do not mix.
Do not use high-pressure water. It can push grease into the fan area.
Do not reassemble while damp. Trapped moisture can cause smoke next use.

Skipping these mistakes is one of the best ways to clean an air fryer and keep the coating intact.

Weekly and monthly maintenance schedule

A simple plan keeps things easy.

After each use: quick clean as above.
Weekly: baking soda paste on stubborn spots. Brush the coil area.
Monthly: vinegar steam cycle and a full wipe-down of exterior vents.
Every 3 months: check the cord, feet, and basket latch. Replace worn parts if the brand sells them.

This rhythm is one of the best ways to clean an air fryer and keep it safe and crisp.

Eco-friendly and pet-safe cleaning options

You can keep it green and clean.

Use fragrance-free dish soap. Fewer residues and gentler on skin.
Vinegar and baking soda handle most jobs. Cheap and effective.
Microfiber cloths reduce paper waste. Rinse and reuse.
Lemon halves work as scrubbers. Compost them later.

These choices support the best ways to clean an air fryer without harsh chemicals at home.

Troubleshooting tough stains, odors, and smoke

Here is how I fix the common headaches.

Blue smoke: too much oil. Clean the basket and tray. Reduce added fat next time.
White smoke: water or soap left behind. Dry longer. Run empty for 3 minutes.
Sticky brown film: polymerized oil. Use baking soda paste with a soft brush.
Lingering odors: vinegar steam, then a dry run at 350°F for 5 minutes.

These quick fixes belong to the best ways to clean an air fryer when things go wrong.

Storage and long-term care tips

Smart storage keeps the inside fresh.

Store dry. Leave the basket slightly open to vent.
Place a small dry cloth inside to absorb moisture.
Keep it away from stove splatter. Oil mist causes sticky film.
Save the manual. Some baskets are dishwasher safe, some are not.

Good storage adds to the best ways to clean an air fryer by preventing grime in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions of best ways to clean an air fryer

How often should I clean my air fryer?

Wipe it after every use and deep clean monthly. If you cook fatty foods, deep clean every two weeks.

Can I put the basket and tray in the dishwasher?

Many are dishwasher safe, but check your manual first. Hand washing often helps your nonstick last longer.

What is the safest cleaner for nonstick coatings?

Mild dish soap and warm water are safest. Baking soda paste is fine for stuck spots if you scrub gently.

How do I remove burnt smells from my air fryer?

Do a vinegar steam, then a dry run at 350°F for 5 minutes. If it lingers, repeat once and clean the coil area.

Is it okay to use cooking spray?

Avoid aerosol sprays. They can leave a sticky film. Use a small amount of oil with a brush instead.

Why does my air fryer smoke even after cleaning?

Hidden grease may be on the coil or fan. Invert the unit and do a careful coil wipe and vinegar steam.

Can I use magic erasers?

Use with light pressure on the exterior only. Avoid the nonstick basket to prevent wear.

Conclusion

Clean gear makes better food. A fast daily wipe and a monthly deep clean will stop smoke, remove odors, and keep nonstick safe. The best ways to clean an air fryer are simple, gentle, and quick.

Try the routine on your next cook day. Your fries will taste fresher, and cleanup will feel easy. Want more tips like this? Subscribe, share your questions in the comments, and tell me what model you use.