How to Properly Clean Your Air Fryer, According to Experts
Air fryers make everyday cooking easier, but there’s one part of using them that is easy to overlook: cleaning them properly.
Grease can collect in the basket, food crumbs can settle inside the cooking chamber, and residue can build up around the heating element. If you only wash the removable basket and ignore the rest of the appliance, your air fryer may still be dirty where you can’t easily see it.
The good news? You don't need a cabinet full of specialty cleaners. A few basic supplies and the right technique are usually enough.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to clean an air fryer safely and thoroughly, including the basket, pan, interior, heating element, and exterior. We’ll also cover how often to clean it, what mistakes to avoid, and a few simple maintenance habits that can make your next cleanup much easier.
Important: Air fryer designs and cleaning instructions vary by model. Always check your appliance's manufacturer's instructions before soaking parts, using a dishwasher, turning the appliance upside down, or cleaning around the heating element.
How Often Should You Clean Your Air Fryer?
For most air fryers, basic cleaning after every use is a good habit. Manufacturers including Tefal and Electrolux recommend cleaning the appliance after each use, while Bosch similarly recommends cleaning the removable components and interior after cooking.
That doesn't necessarily mean you need to perform a deep clean every single time.
After everyday cooking, focus on:
Emptying crumbs and leftover food
Washing the basket and pan
Wiping away visible grease
Wiping the interior if there are splatters
Cleaning the exterior when needed
A more thorough cleaning can be done whenever you notice sticky grease, stubborn residue, lingering smells, or buildup around the heating element.
If you use your air fryer frequently, especially for greasy foods such as bacon, sausages, wings, or heavily seasoned foods, you may need to clean certain areas more often.
The key is not to let grease and food residue accumulate for weeks.
What You'll Need
You don't need a long list of specialty products to clean an air fryer properly. A few basic supplies can handle most everyday messes:
- Microfiber cleaning cloths — useful for wiping the interior and exterior
- Non-abrasive cleaning sponge — for gently washing the removable basket and pan
- Air fryer cleaning brush — helpful for reaching corners, vents, and small areas where crumbs collect
- Dish soap
- Baking soda, optional
- Clean, dry cloth
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How to Properly Clean Your Air Fryer
1. Unplug Your Air Fryer and Let It Cool
Before touching the inside of your air fryer, switch it off, unplug it, and allow it to cool completely.
This is the most important first step.
The basket and cooking pan can remain extremely hot after cooking, and the heating element may also retain heat. Cleaning while the appliance is hot increases the chance of burns and can make grease harder to handle safely.
Once the appliance has cooled, move it to a stable countertop where you have enough room to work.
Never immerse the main air fryer unit in water. The electrical components, controls, fan, and heating system are not designed to be submerged.
2. Dump Out Crumbs and Debris
Remove the basket, pan, or drawer according to your air fryer's design.
Start by getting rid of loose crumbs, pieces of food, and excess grease.
An absorbent microfiber cleaning cloth can help pick up loose crumbs and wipe away surface grease without requiring aggressive scrubbing. For small particles stuck in corners or narrow areas, an air fryer cleaning brush can be especially useful.
Don't immediately reach for a knife, fork, or metal scraper when something is stuck.
Sharp or metal tools can scratch or damage surfaces, particularly if your basket has a nonstick coating.
Simple trick: Remove loose debris before adding water. You'll have less greasy residue to deal with, and the washing step becomes easier.
3. Soak Your Air Fryer's Removable Basket and Pan
For everyday grease and food residue, warm water and dish soap are usually enough.
Fill the removable pan or basket with warm water and a small amount of dish soap, then allow stubborn residue to soften before scrubbing.
For example, Philips recommends soaking its applicable air fryer pans and baskets in hot water with detergent for about five to ten minutes when food residue is stuck.
However, don't assume every air fryer basket should be soaked in exactly the same way.
Check your model's instructions first. Some components may be dishwasher-safe, while other manufacturers recommend hand washing to help preserve the finish.
If you're unsure, hand washing with warm soapy water and a soft sponge is the safer general approach.
What about baking soda?
Baking soda can be useful for stubborn residue, but don't treat it as a heavy-duty abrasive.
If you use it, make a mild paste with a little water and apply it gently to appropriate removable parts. Avoid aggressively scrubbing a nonstick surface with the mixture.
The goal is to soften the residue, not sand it away.
4. Gently Scrub Your Air Fryer's Basket and Pan
Once the residue has softened, use a non-abrasive cleaning sponge and warm, soapy water to gently clean the basket and pan.
Pay particular attention to:
- The bottom of the pan
- The corners
- The edges of the basket
- Small holes and vents
- Areas where grease collects
- Any removable crisper plate or rack
For food particles caught in narrow openings, use an air fryer cleaning brush rather than a sharp object. A small, soft-bristled brush can help loosen debris without requiring excessive pressure.
Avoid:
- Steel wool
- Metal scouring pads
- Hard-bristled brushes
- Knives
- Abrasive powders
- Aggressive scrubbing
If something won't come off, soak it longer rather than scrubbing harder.
That's one of the simplest ways to make air fryer cleaning easier while helping protect the surface.
5. Wipe Down the Inside of Your Air Fryer
With the removable parts out, inspect the cooking chamber for grease splashes, crumbs, and food residue.
A clean microfiber cleaning cloth works well for wiping accessible interior surfaces that your manufacturer's instructions allow you to clean.
Use the cloth slightly damp rather than pouring or spraying water inside the appliance.
Don't spray cleaning products directly into the air fryer.
Don't forget the corners
The back and upper areas of the cooking chamber are easy to overlook.
Take a few extra seconds to inspect:
- The upper interior
- Side walls
- Back wall
- Corners
- Areas around the basket opening
For small crumbs around difficult-to-reach areas, your air fryer cleaning brush can help loosen debris before you wipe the area clean.
6. Carefully Clean Your Air Fryer's Heating Element
This is the part many people forget.
The heating element is located inside the appliance, usually above the cooking area, and can collect grease and food particles over time.
Because this area contains important electrical and heating components, be especially cautious.
First, make sure the air fryer is:
Turned off
Unplugged
Completely cool
Then follow your manufacturer's instructions for accessing and cleaning the heating element.
Some manufacturers, such as Philips, provide instructions for cleaning applicable heating elements with a soft sponge and, when necessary, a soft-to-medium bristle brush. Other manufacturers may give different instructions, so your own manual should take priority.
The safest general approach
If your manual permits cleaning the element:
Use a soft cloth or approved soft brush
Gently remove loose crumbs
Work slowly around the element
Never scrape it with metal
Never spray cleaner directly onto it
Don't pour water into the appliance
Make sure everything is completely dry before using the air fryer again
Swan's current cleaning guidance similarly advises unplugging and cooling the appliance, using a soft damp cloth or soft-bristled brush, and avoiding abrasive cleaners or direct water spray on the heating element.
Don't attempt to remove or dismantle the heating element unless your manufacturer specifically designed it to be removable.
If you notice damaged wiring, a damaged heating element, unusual electrical smells, or other signs of a malfunction, stop cleaning and consult the manufacturer or an appropriate appliance professional.
7. Wipe Down the Outside of Your Air Fryer
The outside of your air fryer can collect fingerprints, grease, dust, and cooking splashes.
Fortunately, this is one of the easiest parts to clean.
Use a clean microfiber cleaning cloth to wipe the exterior according to your manufacturer's cleaning instructions.
Pay attention to:
- The top
- Front
- Sides
- Handle
- Control area
For the control panel or display, avoid excessive moisture and follow your manufacturer's instructions.
A microfiber cloth is particularly useful here because you can control exactly how much moisture you're using instead of spraying cleaner directly onto the appliance.
8. Dry and Reassemble Your Air Fryer
This final step is easy to rush—but don't.
After washing the removable components, rinse them thoroughly if required and dry them completely with a clean towel. You can also allow them to air-dry before putting them back.
Check the interior and make sure there is no unwanted moisture around electrical components or the heating area.
Everything should be clean and dry before reassembly and use.
Once the basket, pan, rack, or crisper plate is dry, put the pieces back according to your appliance's design.
And that's it.
Your air fryer is ready for its next meal.
Common Air Fryer Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
A few cleaning shortcuts can actually make things worse.
Don't put the main unit in water
The removable basket and pan are different from the electrical appliance itself. Never submerge the main unit.
Don't use abrasive scrubbers
Steel wool and aggressive scouring materials can damage nonstick surfaces.
Don't scrape stuck food with a knife
Let warm soapy water loosen the residue instead.
Don't ignore the heating area
You don't necessarily need to deep-clean it after every meal, but inspect it periodically for grease and food buildup.
Don't assume your basket is dishwasher-safe
Some models have dishwasher-safe parts, while others recommend hand washing. Check your specific model's instructions first.
Don't use the air fryer while it's still wet
Allow cleaned components and any cleaned interior areas to dry completely before cooking again.
Make Air Fryer Cleaning Easier
The easiest way to deal with air fryer messes is to prevent them from becoming stubborn buildup.
Keep a small air fryer cleaning brush and a few microfiber cleaning cloths with your other kitchen cleaning supplies so they're available whenever you finish cooking.
Try these simple habits:
Clean soon after cooking. Once grease and food residue dry and harden, they can become more difficult to remove.
Keep your cleaning tools together. Having a sponge, cloth, and small cleaning brush in one place makes quick cleanup much easier.
Don't wait for visible buildup. A quick wipe can prevent a much bigger cleaning job later.
Use the right tool for the right surface. A soft sponge is useful for removable parts, while a microfiber cloth is convenient for wiping accessible surfaces and the exterior.
Check your manual once. Save the cleaning instructions for your specific model on your phone if you frequently forget which parts can be soaked or placed in a dishwasher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash my air fryer basket with dish soap?
Usually, yes, but follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model. Warm water, dish soap, and a soft sponge are commonly recommended for removable parts.
Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Some air fryer baskets and pans are dishwasher-safe, but this varies by model. Check the manufacturer's instructions before putting any component in the dishwasher.
Can I use baking soda to clean an air fryer?
Baking soda can help loosen stubborn residue on suitable removable parts, but use it gently. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, especially on nonstick surfaces.
How do I clean grease from the heating element?
First unplug the appliance and let it cool completely. Then follow the cleaning instructions for your specific model. If permitted, a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush can help remove residue. Never spray or pour water directly onto the heating element.
Why does my air fryer still smell after cleaning?
Lingering smells can come from grease or food residue remaining in the basket, pan, interior, or heating area. Give the removable parts a thorough wash and inspect the interior for buildup.
If a strong burning or electrical smell continues after cleaning, stop using the appliance and consult the manufacturer rather than trying increasingly aggressive cleaning methods.
Can I use oven cleaner inside an air fryer?
It's best not to assume that an oven cleaner is safe for your air fryer. Follow the manufacturer's recommended cleaning products and methods instead. Some manufacturers specifically advise against aggressive cleaning agents.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your air fryer doesn't have to become another major kitchen chore.
The biggest difference comes from cleaning consistently and using gentle methods. Empty the crumbs, wash the removable parts, wipe away grease, inspect the interior, and periodically check the heating element according to your model's instructions.
Most importantly, don't try to clean an air fryer like a traditional oven. It contains electrical components and often has nonstick surfaces that can be damaged by excessive water, harsh chemicals, metal tools, or abrasive scrubbing.
With a soft sponge, dish soap, a cloth, and a little patience, you can keep your air fryer cleaner without making the process complicated.
A few minutes of maintenance after cooking can save you from tackling a much bigger grease buildup later.
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