The Best Way To Clean An Air Fryer: Fast, Safe Guide

Unplug, cool, soak basket in warm soapy water, wipe interior, rinse, dry, reassemble.

If you want fast results and a like-new crisp, keep reading. I’ve cleaned dozens of units for friends, family, and test kitchens. In this guide, I’ll show you the best way to clean an air fryer with simple tools, safe methods, and pro tips that prevent damage and odors. You’ll learn what works, what to avoid, and how to build a routine that sticks.

Why a clean air fryer matters

A clean air fryer heats faster, browns better, and smells fresh. Grease buildup can smoke, make food taste off, and strain the fan and heater. Most product manuals say to clean the basket after every cook and do a deeper wipe weekly.

Food safety guidelines also recommend washing parts that touch food with warm, soapy water. Nonstick coatings last longer with soft sponges and mild soap. If you want the best results every time, the best way to clean an air fryer is to make it part of your cooking rhythm.

What you need

Mild dish soap: Cuts grease without hurting nonstick.
Soft sponge or non-scratch pad: Protects the coating.
Microfiber cloth: Wipes and dries without lint.
Nylon brush or old toothbrush: Gets into corners and vents.
Baking soda: Lifts baked-on grime with a gentle scrub.
White vinegar or lemon: Helps with odors and mineral spots.
Wooden skewer or toothpicks: Loosens crumbs in tight seams.
Cotton swabs: Detail cleaning around buttons and screws.
Paper towels: Quick grease catch and drying.

Avoid these:

Steel wool, metal brushes, or scouring powders: They scratch nonstick.
Oven cleaner or bleach: Too harsh for coatings and aluminum.
Submerging the main unit: The heater and fan are electric.

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

Follow this simple flow. It is the best way to clean an air fryer fast and safe.

Unplug and cool
Let the unit cool for at least 15 minutes. This protects you and the coating.
Remove basket, tray, and accessories
Tap out crumbs into the trash. Set parts in the sink.
Soak parts in warm, soapy water
Use a few drops of dish soap. Soak for 10 to 20 minutes to loosen grease.
Wipe the interior
Use a damp, soapy sponge to wipe the drawer walls and corners. Do not soak the main unit. Never pour water inside.
Clean the heating element and fan guard
Turn the unit upside down if the design allows. Wipe gently with a damp cloth. Use a soft brush to loosen dry bits. Keep moisture light around the heater.
Lift stuck-on spots
Make a paste with 1 part water and 2 parts baking soda. Dab on the stain. Wait 10 minutes. Wipe with a soft sponge and rinse well.
Rinse and dry
Rinse basket and tray under warm water. Dry with a cloth, then air-dry fully. Trapped water can cause odors.
Reassemble and heat-dry (optional)
Reassemble and run the air fryer empty at 300°F for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps dry tiny moisture. The best way to clean an air fryer always ends with full drying.
Quick polish
Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. Dry to a shine.

Pro note from my tests: A gentle routine beats rare deep scrubs. If you do these steps each time, the best way to clean an air fryer becomes a two-minute habit.

Deep-cleaning a neglected or burnt air fryer

If you see sticky varnish or smell stale oil, go deeper. The best way to clean an air fryer with heavy buildup is steady soaking and gentle scrubbing.

Do a long soak: Soak the basket and tray for 30 to 60 minutes in hot, soapy water.
Use a baking soda mask: Paste on thick grease. Wait 20 minutes, then wipe.
Try a vinegar sit: Fill the basket with hot water and 1 tablespoon vinegar. Let it sit 15 minutes off the unit. Rinse and dry.
Detail the seams: Use a wooden skewer, then a damp cotton swab to pick out residue.
Warm-then-wipe trick: Run the fryer empty for 2 minutes. Unplug. While warm, wipe the interior to lift grease faster.

Avoid hard scraping. If the coating is peeling or pitted, replace the part. From my experience, damaged nonstick only gets worse with use.

Odor removal and smoke prevention

Lingering smells and smoke come from old oil and crumbs. The best way to clean an air fryer and stop odors is to remove the source.

Lemon wipe: Rub a cut lemon on the clean, dry basket. Rinse and dry.
Vinegar spritz: Lightly mist a cloth with diluted vinegar. Wipe the drawer and walls. Dry well.
Baking soda overnight: Place a small open box near the unit to absorb odor.
Stop smoke at the source: Clean after cooking fatty meats. Keep the bottom tray free of grease. Some manuals allow a splash of water in the drip drawer during fatty cooks to limit smoke. Check your manual first.

Maintenance routine and quick-clean schedule

A simple plan keeps results high. The best way to clean an air fryer long term is to make cleaning part of cooking.

After every cook

Empty crumbs while the unit is warm.
Wipe the drawer and basket with a soapy sponge.
Rinse and dry or air-dry.

Weekly

Brush the heating element and fan guard.
Clean vents and seams with a toothbrush.

Monthly

Check nonstick wear. Replace if it peels.
Inspect cord and plug for heat damage.

This rhythm keeps costs down and food tasting great.

Safety notes and materials to avoid

Safety comes first. The best way to clean an air fryer protects you and the device.

Never submerge the main unit. Keep water away from the heater and controls.
Skip oven cleaner, bleach, and ammonia. They can harm coatings and metal.
Avoid steel wool and sharp scrapers. They scratch nonstick fast.
Be careful with aerosol spray oils on nonstick. They can leave gummy film.
Parchment or silicone liners help, but always weigh them down with food. Do not preheat with a loose liner.

If in doubt, follow your model’s manual. Most makers agree on these points.

Troubleshooting common cleaning problems

Sticky glaze or caramel

Soak longer in hot, soapy water. Use a baking soda paste and a soft brush.

Cloudy white spots

That is likely hard water. Wipe with diluted vinegar, then rinse and dry.

Rancid smell after storage

Wash, dry, then run empty at 300°F for 3 minutes. Store with the drawer slightly open.

Brown film that won’t budge

Repeat baking soda paste twice. Do not increase force. If film stays, the coating may be damaged.

Black specs on food

Check for flaking nonstick or burnt crumbs above the fan. If coating flakes, replace the basket or tray.

The best way to clean an air fryer in these cases is patience, not pressure.

Pro tips from my kitchen tests

These small habits make a big difference. I’ve used them across many brands and sizes.

Start a cooldown soak: While you eat, soak the basket and tray. Cleanup is easy later.
Keep a “fryer kit”: Mild soap, soft sponge, toothbrush, microfiber, cotton swabs.
Wipe warm, not hot: Warm grease lifts; hot metal can warp sponges.
Clean high-touch spots: Buttons, handles, and vents collect oil from hands.
Dry fully: A minute of air fry on low heat dries tiny moisture and prevents smells.

From years of testing, the best way to clean an air fryer is simple care, done often. It saves time and keeps food crisp.

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

How often should I clean my air fryer?

Clean the basket and tray after every cook. Wipe the interior weekly and detail the heating element as needed.

Can I put air fryer parts in the dishwasher?

Most baskets and trays are dishwasher safe, but hand washing extends nonstick life. Check your manual for your model.

What is the safest cleaner for nonstick parts?

Mild dish soap and warm water are best. Use a soft sponge and baking soda paste for tough spots.

How do I clean the heating element?

Unplug, let it cool, then wipe with a damp cloth and soft brush. Keep moisture light and never spray cleaner directly onto the element.

How do I remove strong odors like fish?

Wash parts well, then wipe the drawer with diluted vinegar or lemon. Run the unit empty on low heat for a few minutes to clear lingering smells.

Is it okay to use liners to reduce mess?

Yes, parchment or silicone liners can help. Always weigh them down with food and follow your brand’s guidance.

Conclusion

Clean gear makes better food. With a soft sponge, mild soap, and a steady routine, you can keep your fryer crisp, odor-free, and safe. The best way to clean an air fryer is simple, fast, and repeatable—do a quick wipe after each cook and a deeper touch-up weekly.

Try the steps today, then share your results and questions. If this helped, subscribe for more smart kitchen guides and time-saving tricks.