What Is The Best Way To Clean Your Air Fryer: Quick Guide

Unplug, cool, hand-wash parts, wipe interior, dry well, reassemble, then preheat.

If you want to know what is the best way to clean your air fryer, you’re in the right place. I test air fryers all week and clean them daily. Here I’ll show what is the best way to clean your air fryer with simple steps, safe tools, and pro tips that protect the nonstick coating and stop smoke before it starts. Read on for an easy routine you can use today.

Why cleaning your air fryer matters

A clean air fryer runs hotter, smells better, and cooks more evenly. Grease buildup can smoke, trip sensors, and shorten the life of the nonstick basket. Most manuals advise cleaning after each use, even if you only made toast.

From my kitchen tests, a two-minute wipe after dinner prevents the weekend scrub. If you wonder what is the best way to clean your air fryer for long-term care, it starts with small, regular cleanups.

The best way to clean your air fryer: Step-by-step

Follow this simple routine after most cooks. It’s fast, safe, and protects the coating.

Tools you need

Soft sponge or non-scratch brush
Mild dish soap and warm water
Microfiber cloth or paper towels
Baking soda for stuck-on grease
Toothbrush or soft detail brush
Cotton swabs for tight corners

Steps

Unplug and cool. Let the unit cool to warm-touch. This protects you and the nonstick layer.
Remove basket, tray, and pan. Disassemble parts that lift out.
Soak parts. Use warm, soapy water for 10 minutes. This loosens oil without hard scrubbing.
Wash gently. Use a soft sponge. No steel wool. Rinse well.
Wipe the interior. Use a damp cloth with a drop of soap. Wipe walls, floor, and corners. Keep water out of vents.
Clean the heating element. Turn the unit upside down if safe. Wipe the cool element with a damp cloth. Brush crumbs with a soft brush.
Dry fully. Use a dry cloth. Air-dry baskets if needed.
Reassemble and preheat empty for 2–3 minutes. This evaporates moisture and prevents the first-batch steam smell.

If a friend asks what is the best way to clean your air fryer, I point them to this exact list. It is easy, repeatable, and approved by most manufacturer guidance.

Deep-clean method for burnt-on grease

When the basket feels tacky or the unit smokes, do a deeper reset.

Baking soda paste: Mix 2 parts baking soda with 1 part water. Spread on trouble spots. Wait 15 minutes. Wipe with a soft sponge.
Hot soak: Fill the pan with hot, soapy water and submerge the basket and crisper plate. Wait 20 minutes. Wash and rinse.
Lemon steam loosen: Add 1 cup water and a few lemon slices to the pan. Heat at 300°F for 3–5 minutes, then unplug and cool. Wipe off loosened grease. Check your manual first.
Element detail: With the unit upside down and cool, brush crumbs off the element and fan guard. Wipe with a barely damp cloth. Dry well.

This is the method I use when clients ask what is the best way to clean your air fryer after months of heavy use. It saves the coating and cuts smoke fast.

Safe cleaners and tools to use (and avoid)

Use these

Mild dish soap in warm water
Baking soda paste for stains
Soft sponges, microfiber cloths, soft brushes
Cotton swabs for seams and screw heads

Avoid these

Steel wool or abrasive pads
Oven cleaner, bleach, or harsh degreasers
Aerosol cooking sprays on the basket (they can pit nonstick)
High-pressure water or soaking the main unit

If you keep asking what is the best way to clean your air fryer without damage, the answer is simple: mild soap, warm water, and soft tools only.

How to clean each part the right way

Basket and tray

Soak in warm, soapy water. Wipe with a soft sponge. Rinse and dry.
If food is stuck, use baking soda paste and a soft brush.

Crisper plate or rack

Remove and soak. Food sticks here most.
Use a soft brush to clean holes and edges.

Heating element and fan area

Unplug and cool. Turn the unit upside down.
Brush off crumbs. Wipe with a damp cloth. Dry before use.

Exterior and control panel

Wipe with a damp cloth and a drop of soap.
Use a dry cloth on the display and knobs.

Seals, corners, and screws

Use cotton swabs. These trap oil.
A few minutes here prevents odors later.

When readers ask what is the best way to clean your air fryer piece by piece, this breakdown keeps it simple and safe.

Odor control and routine maintenance

Deodorize overnight: Put a small bowl of baking soda in the empty basket. Leave it overnight to absorb smells.
Lemon wipe: Wipe the basket with a cut lemon, then rinse and dry.
Routine: Quick clean after each use. Deep clean weekly if you cook daily. Element check once a month.

These small steps are part of what is the best way to clean your air fryer for a fresh, neutral smell.

A 5-minute speed clean between cooks

Unplug and cool for a few minutes.
Dump crumbs and wipe grease while still slightly warm.
Quick rinse of basket and plate under hot water.
Two drops of soap on a soft sponge. Quick wipe, rinse, and dry.
Empty preheat for 2 minutes to dry.

If time is tight and you wonder what is the best way to clean your air fryer fast, this is your move.

Common mistakes to avoid

Scrubbing with steel wool or rough pads
Soaking the whole unit or spraying water into vents
Using bleach or oven cleaner on nonstick parts
Running a dirty unit at high heat, which causes smoke
Skipping drying, which leaves white water spots and odors

Avoiding these pitfalls is central to what is the best way to clean your air fryer with care.

Troubleshooting cleaning issues

Sticky, tacky coating: Use a baking soda paste and warm soak. Switch to soft sponges only.
White haze or water spots: Wipe with a 1:1 vinegar-water cloth. Rinse and dry.
Persistent smoke: Clean the element and fan guard. Remove hidden oil under the basket and plate.
Peeling nonstick: Stop abrasives. Contact the maker if under warranty. Use parchment liners going forward.
Lingering garlic or fish smell: Baking soda overnight, then lemon steam. Wash and dry.

These fixes round out what is the best way to clean your air fryer when simple wipes are not enough.

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

How often should I clean my air fryer?

Wipe and wash removable parts after each use. Do a deeper clean weekly if you cook daily.

Can I put the basket and tray in the dishwasher?

Many are dishwasher safe, but hand-washing extends the coating life. Check your manual to be sure.

What is safe to use on the heating element?

Use a damp cloth on a cool element and a soft brush for crumbs. Do not spray cleaners or water directly.

Why does my air fryer still smell after cleaning?

Oil can hide under the crisper plate or near screws. Do a baking soda overnight deodorize and a lemon steam cycle.

Is vinegar safe for cleaning?

A diluted vinegar cloth works for water spots and light grease. Rinse and dry well after use.

How do I stop smoke during cooking?

Clean the basket, tray, and element, and avoid excess oil. Place a slice of bread under fatty foods to catch drips.

Will parchment paper help cleanup?

Yes, use perforated parchment made for air fryers. Do not preheat with loose paper or it may lift into the element.

Conclusion

A clean air fryer is faster, safer, and tastier. Unplug, cool, wash the basket and plate, wipe the interior and element, dry well, and run a quick empty preheat. That simple routine is what is the best way to clean your air fryer and keep it like new.

Try the steps on your next cook, and set a weekly deep-clean reminder. Want more kitchen care guides like this? Subscribe, share your cleaning wins, or drop your questions in the comments.

What Is The Best Way To Clean Your Air Fryer: Quick Guide

Why cleaning your air fryer matters

The best way to clean your air fryer: Step-by-step

Deep-clean method for burnt-on grease

Safe cleaners and tools to use (and avoid)