How to Clean Your Air Fryer (And Why You Should Do It More Often)

That Grease Is Not Going Away on Its Own

I love my air fryer. It makes crispy fries, juicy chicken wings, and roasted vegetables with a fraction of the oil. What I did not love was the day I flipped my air fryer upside down to check the heating element and found a thick layer of baked-on grease that had been slowly accumulating for months.

Here is the thing about air fryers: they work by circulating extremely hot air at high speed around your food. Any grease, oil, or food particles that splatter during cooking get blown around the interior and baked onto every surface. If you only rinse the basket after each use, you are ignoring the majority of the mess.

A dirty air fryer does not just look gross. It creates smoke during cooking, transfers old flavors to new food, reduces cooking efficiency, and can even become a fire hazard if grease buildup is severe enough. The good news is that cleaning an air fryer thoroughly takes about 15~20 minutes and only needs basic supplies.

What You Will Need

• Dish soap (regular, nothing fancy)
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• A soft sponge or cloth (non-abrasive)
• An old toothbrush or soft-bristle brush
• A damp cloth or paper towels

Important: Never use steel wool, metal scouring pads, or abrasive cleaners. These destroy the non-stick coating, and once that coating starts flaking, the basket is ruined.

After Every Use: Quick Clean (3 Minutes)

This is the bare minimum that prevents major buildup. Make it as automatic as washing a dish after dinner.

Step 1: Let It Cool

Unplug the air fryer and wait at least 15~20 minutes for it to cool down. Cleaning a hot air fryer risks burns and can damage non-stick coatings when cold water hits hot surfaces.

Step 2: Remove and Wash the Basket and Tray

Pull out the basket and any removable trays or racks. Wash them with warm water and a few drops of dish soap using a soft sponge. Most food residue comes off easily when the air fryer is cleaned promptly after use.

If food is stuck, fill the basket with warm soapy water and let it soak for 10~15 minutes before scrubbing.

Step 3: Wipe the Interior

Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe out the inside of the main unit. Catch any crumbs or grease that splattered during cooking. This step takes 30 seconds and prevents the gradual buildup that leads to smoke and odors.

Step 4: Dry Everything

Dry all parts completely before reassembling. Trapped moisture can cause issues with the non-stick coating and, in the worst case, interfere with electrical components.

Every 2~4 Weeks: Deep Clean (15 Minutes)

Even with regular quick cleaning, grease and residue accumulate in places a quick wipe does not reach. A monthly deep clean keeps everything functioning properly.

Step 1: Clean the Heating Element

This is the step most people skip, and it is the most important part of a deep clean. The heating element is located above the basket area in most air fryer models.

Unplug the air fryer. Turn it upside down or tilt it back to access the heating element. You will likely see baked-on grease and possibly food particles.

Dip a soft cloth or sponge in warm soapy water and gently wipe the heating element. For stubborn spots, make a paste of baking soda and a few drops of water. Apply it to the grease, let it sit for 5~10 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft brush or old toothbrush.

Be gentle. The heating element is the most important and most delicate part of your air fryer. Do not use excessive force or submerge the main unit in water.

Step 2: Deep Clean the Basket

For baked-on residue that regular washing does not remove, try the baking soda soak method:

1. Place the basket in the sink
2. Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the dirty areas
3. Spray or drizzle white vinegar over the baking soda (it will fizz)
4. Let it sit for 10~15 minutes
5. Scrub gently with a soft sponge
6. Rinse thoroughly

This combination lifts grease and baked-on food without scratching the surface. It works remarkably well on those stubborn dark spots that seem permanent.

Step 3: Clean the Exterior

Wipe down the outside of the air fryer with a damp cloth and a drop of dish soap. Pay attention to the handle, buttons, and display, which accumulate fingerprints and grease from handling.

For stainless steel exteriors, wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks.

Step 4: Clean the Vent

The air intake and exhaust vents on the back or sides of the air fryer can accumulate dust and grease. Wipe them with a damp cloth. If dust is packed into the vents, use a dry toothbrush to dislodge it before wiping.

Step 5: Check the Seal

Some air fryer models have a silicone seal around the basket compartment. Inspect it for food debris and wipe it clean. Residue on the seal can prevent the basket from closing properly and reduce cooking efficiency.

Dealing with Stubborn Odors

If your air fryer smells like last week’s fish even after cleaning, try this deodorizing technique:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a cup of water
2. Place the mixture in an oven-safe dish that fits inside your air fryer basket
3. Run the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius) for 3~5 minutes
4. Let it cool, then wipe the interior

Alternatively, run the air fryer empty at high heat for 5 minutes after cleaning. The heat helps burn off any remaining residue and neutralizes lingering odors.

Prevention Tips

Line the basket for messy foods. Perforated parchment paper liners designed for air fryers catch drips and crumbs while still allowing airflow. They cost very little and save significant cleaning time. Do not use regular parchment paper without perforations, as it blocks air circulation and defeats the purpose of the air fryer.

Add water for fatty foods. When cooking bacon, sausages, or other high-fat foods, add 2~3 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the basket tray. This catches dripping grease and prevents it from smoking on contact with the hot bottom.

Do not overcrowd the basket. Overcrowding not only leads to uneven cooking but also causes more food contact with surfaces, leading to more stuck-on residue and harder cleanup.

Clean immediately after cooking. The longer grease sits, the harder it bakes on. A quick 3-minute clean after each use prevents the need for intensive scrubbing sessions later.

Avoid cooking spray directly on non-stick surfaces. Aerosol cooking sprays often contain additives that build up on non-stick coatings over time, creating a sticky residue that regular washing does not remove. If you need to add oil, use a light brush of regular cooking oil or a dedicated oil mister.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submerging the main unit in water. Only the removable basket and trays should be submerged. The main unit contains electrical components and the heating element. Water damage is not covered under warranty.

Using metal utensils in the basket. Metal spatulas, tongs, or forks can scratch the non-stick coating. Use silicone, wood, or plastic utensils when removing food from the basket.

Skipping the heating element. The basket gets cleaned because it is visible and accessible. The heating element gets ignored because it is hidden. But it is where most of the smoke-causing grease accumulates.

Cleaning with the unit plugged in. Always unplug your air fryer before cleaning. This seems obvious, but in the rush of post-cooking cleanup, it is easy to forget.

When to Replace Parts

Non-stick coatings do not last forever. If you notice the coating peeling, flaking, or significantly worn, replace the basket. Cooking with a damaged non-stick surface means those flakes end up in your food.

Most air fryer manufacturers sell replacement baskets and trays. It is much cheaper than buying a whole new unit.

The Bottom Line

Your air fryer is one of the most convenient kitchen appliances you own, but it needs more care than most people give it. A quick clean after each use and a deep clean monthly keeps it performing well, prevents smoke and odors, and extends its lifespan.

Take 3 minutes today to flip your air fryer over and check the heating element. I am willing to bet there is a layer of grease up there that you did not know existed. Clean it, and your next cooking session will be smoke-free and efficient. Your food will taste better too, now that it is not seasoned with months of accumulated residue.