Air fryer cleaning
Learn how to clean an air fryer with a simple step-by-step routine. You’ll wash the removable parts, wipe the inside and heating element, and tackle stubborn grease when needed.
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That leaves room for a clear, practical guide to how to clean an air fryer, with each step in the right order.
You’ll learn what to clean, how to handle stubborn grease and how to finish with dry parts.
To clean an air fryer, unplug it and let it cool. Wash the removable accessories with warm, soapy water, then wipe the interior and heating element with a soft, damp cloth. Dry everything fully before reassembling.
- Unplug the appliance and let it cool.
- Wash the accessories according to the manual.
- Wipe the inside and heating element gently.
- Dry all washed parts before putting them back.
If grease sticks around, there’s a step for deep cleaning when needed.
The guide finishes with drying the parts and setting a cleaning routine.
Step 1: Unplug the air fryer and let it cool
Switch off your air fryer and unplug it from the outlet before you clean it.
Give it time to cool before you touch the parts.
Wait until the air fryer is cool to the touch. The basket and pan can stay hot after cooking, so don’t start while they’re still warm.
Once it’s cool, take out the basket, pan, tray and any other accessories. Set them aside so you can wash each one separately.
Check the manual before you clean your air fryer.
Different models can have different cleaning instructions. The manufacturer’s manual tells you which accessories come out and how to care for them. Follow its guidance, especially for anything that should not be washed with water.
I keep this first step simple: unplug the fryer, let it cool, then remove the accessories. It gives me a clear place to start and helps keep water away from the appliance while I clean.
When the accessories are out, look inside for loose food or crumbs. You can wipe those away later, but keep the heating element dry. Take care around it, since it heats the air during cooking.
Step 2: Wash the basket and removable parts
The basket and other removable parts collect food, crumbs and grease each time you use your air fryer.
Wash these parts after every use.
Check the manual first so you know which accessories can come out and how to wash them. Use warm water with dish soap, along with a non-abrasive sponge or soft brush.
For food that’s stuck on, soak the accessories before scrubbing. Then gently work at the residue with the sponge or brush.
Keep the scrubbing gentle.
Abrasive pads can scratch the surface. I stick to a soft sponge or brush when I clean the basket.
Some air fryer baskets and accessories are dishwasher-safe. Put them in the dishwasher only if the manual says they are.
Dishwasher tablets and baking soda aren’t suitable for every air fryer part. Check the manual before using them, and avoid abrasive scrubbing.
Once the accessories are washed, rinse away the soap and dry them before putting them back in the fryer. This helps keep water away from the heating element.
Step 3: Wipe the inside and heating element
With the basket out, look in the bottom chamber for loose crumbs.
Brush them away or wipe them out with a dry cloth. Clearing them first stops crumbs from sticking to the cloth as you wipe.
Use a little dish soap and a damp cloth for the inside.
Wipe the interior surfaces gently, then go over them again with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap. The cloth should be damp rather than wet. Don’t pour water into the air fryer.
Take a look at the heating element, too. If you see food or grease on it, wait until the appliance is completely cool before wiping it.
Use only a soft, damp cloth on the heating element.
Wipe gently, without scrubbing or pressing hard. Harsh cleaners can damage the appliance’s surfaces, so stick with dish soap on the interior and a clean cloth for the element.
Give the inside a final look before putting the basket back. Wiping these areas every time you clean your air fryer helps stop crumbs and grease from building up.
Step 4: Deep clean stubborn grease when needed
Often, washing the basket and other removable parts is enough. If food is still stuck on, soak those parts before washing them again.
Soak first, then wash and rinse again.
Use hot water and dish soap, and let the parts sit until the stuck-on food loosens. Wash them with a soft sponge or cloth, then rinse well and dry them before putting them back in the air fryer.
For an air fryer oven, take out the trays and racks and wash them separately. Check the manual for instructions on wiping the inside of your model, including the area around the heating element.
Every air fryer is a little different, so I follow the manual when cleaning the interior.
Protect the coating while you clean.
Don’t scrape a nonstick basket with metal tools. They can damage the coating. Avoid oven cleaner unless the manufacturer specifically says it’s safe for your air fryer.
Before using the appliance again, look for leftover crumbs and grease. Wiping them away when you see them helps stop food residue from building up.
Step 5: Dry the parts and set a cleaning routine
Before you put the air fryer back together, dry every washed part fully. Use a clean towel to wipe the basket, pan and any other accessories.
Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth, then dry it. Keep water away from the heating element and the inside of the appliance.
Make sure everything is dry before you reassemble the fryer.
Once it’s clean, a simple routine helps keep it that way. Wash the basket and pan after every use, and wipe crumbs or grease from inside when you see them.
Old food residue can affect the appliance and transfer smells or flavors to food. A quick wipe after cooking helps stop residue from building up over time.
Regular cleaning makes the next clean easier.
I keep the manual handy for model-specific care. The details can vary, especially with air fryer ovens, including Breville air fryer ovens, so I check the manual before wiping areas such as the heating element.
Take the time to follow those instructions, and you’ll know which parts you can wash and how to clean your air fryer safely. Recipes for air fryers can involve different ingredients and amounts of oil, so check for grease or food residue after cooking. This is especially important when getting started with a new kitchen appliance. Air fryers and air fryer ovens vary, so make sure you follow the manual.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my air fryer?
Wash the basket and pan after every use. Remove crumbs or grease from inside when you see them. A regular clean keeps food residue from building up and makes the next clean easier.
What should I use to clean the inside of an air fryer?
Use a little dish soap on a damp cloth to wipe the interior, then go over it with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap. Keep the cloth damp rather than wet, and use only a soft, damp cloth on the heating element.
Can I clean my air fryer basket with baking soda or a dishwasher tablet?
Check your air fryer manual before using baking soda or a dishwasher tablet. These aren’t suitable for every basket or removable part. For regular cleaning, warm water, dish soap and a non-abrasive sponge or soft brush are the safe steps in this guide.
How do I remove stuck-on grease or food?
Soak the removable parts in warm water and dish soap until the residue loosens. Then wash them with a soft sponge or cloth, rinse well and dry them. Avoid metal tools on a nonstick basket, since they can damage the coating.
My Take: I keep air fryer cleaning simple. I unplug the fryer, let it cool, then remove the parts that come out. I wash the basket and pan with warm water and dish soap, using a soft sponge or brush. For the inside, I use a damp cloth and keep water away from the heating element. If food is stuck on the removable parts, I soak them before washing again. I also check the manual for model-specific instructions. Air fryers can differ, especially air fryer ovens, so I follow the manufacturer’s guidance for the parts and interior. The main thing is to clean the basket and pan after every use, then dry everything fully before putting the fryer back together.
