If you use your air fryer regularly, you already know the problem: baked-on grease, stubborn food residue, and that faint burnt smell that lingers no matter what you do. Cleaning an air fryer sounds simple—until you grab a metal scrubber or toss the basket in the wrong way, and suddenly the non-stick coating is flaking off into your next batch of fries.

The wrong cleaning approach doesn’t just make your appliance look bad; it degrades its performance, affects food safety, and shortens its lifespan. In this guide, we will show you exactly how to clean an air fryer the right way, whether you have a basket model or an oven-style unit, so you can protect that coating and keep things running like new.

What You Need (Air Fryer Cleaning Hacks)

Before you start scrubbing, step away from the harsh oven cleaners. Using the right supplies is half the battle, ensuring you won’t accidentally scratch or corrode the non-stick surface.

Gather these household items:

Liquid Dish Soap: A grease-cutting soap (like Dawn) is gentle enough for non-stick surfaces but tough enough to cut through oil.
Baking Soda: The ultimate mild abrasive that lifts baked-on residue without scratching.
A Soft Microfiber Cloth or Sponge: Safe for all interior surfaces.
An Old Toothbrush: Great for tight corners and the heating element area.

Pro Tip: Keep a small spray bottle filled with diluted dish soap near your appliance. A quick spritz and wipe right after cooking—before the grease has a chance to harden—is the single best air fryer cleaning hack you can use.

How to Clean an Air Fryer Basket (Daily Routine)

The basket takes the most abuse in any basket-style model. Cleaning it after every use prevents a buildup that becomes nearly impossible to remove later. Here is how to clean an air fryer basket safely:

Unplug and Cool Down: Never clean a hot basket. Beyond the burn risk, the thermal shock of cold water on hot metal can warp the basket or damage the coating. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Remove the Basket and Grate: Pull the drawer out and separate the inner grate (or crisper plate) from the main basket.
Soak in Hot Soapy Water: For stuck-on grease, fill the basket with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the residue.
Scrub with a Soft Sponge: Work in gentle circular motions to wipe away food particles. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to push food out of the holes in the crisper plate.
Rinse and Dry Completely: Rinse thoroughly, as trapped soap can create smoke the next time you cook. Dry the parts completely with a microfiber cloth before reassembling to prevent rust.

Dishwasher Note: Many baskets are labeled “dishwasher-safe,” but repeated dishwasher use accelerates the wear of the non-stick coating. Hand-washing will significantly extend the life of your basket.

How to Clean an Air Fryer Oven

Oven-style models have more interior surface area, meaning more places for grease to collect. Here is how to clean an air fryer oven:

Remove All Accessories: Take out the wire racks, the rotisserie spit, and the bottom drip tray.
Wash the Trays: Fortunately, on high-quality models like the Chefman Air Fryer Oven, the removable racks are dishwasher safe.
Empty the Crumb Tray: Pull it out and shake the crumbs into the trash. Wash it with soap and water and dry it thoroughly. A crumb tray full of debris is a serious fire hazard.
Wipe the Interior Walls: Dampen a microfiber cloth with warm, soapy water. Wipe all interior surfaces. For heavy grease splatters, let the damp cloth sit on the area for a few minutes before wiping.
Clean the Glass Door: Don’t neglect the door. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar to cut through the grease on the glass window without leaving streaks.

(Note: Is your oven-style fryer past the point of no return? If cleaning can no longer fix the persistent smoke, it may be time for an upgrade. Check out our review of the easy-to-clean Breville Smart Oven Pro!)

How to Deep Clean an Air Fryer (For Baked-On Grease)

If you forgot to wash your basket and the grease is now baked onto the metal like cement, standard dish soap will not work. Here is how to deep clean an air fryer using pantry staples:

Make a Baking Soda Paste: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water until it forms a thick paste.
Apply the Paste: Use your fingers to spread the paste directly onto the stubborn, baked-on grease spots.
Let it Sit: Allow the paste to sit on the stains for 10 to 20 minutes. The baking soda will naturally break down the hardened oil.
Scrub and Rinse: Take a damp, soft sponge and gently scrub. The grease should lift right off. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

(Curious why this method works so well? Check out this great scientific breakdown on how baking soda cuts through kitchen grease from the culinary experts at The Kitchn).

How to Clean the Inside of an Air Fryer (The Heating Element)

Even with regular cleaning, every unit benefits from a deeper clean around the heating element, where grease vaporizes and deposits over time. This is the area most people forget, and it’s the one most responsible for that burning smell.

Here is how to clean the inside of an air fryer safely:

Flip the Unit Upside Down: Once fully cooled and unplugged, remove the basket and turn the appliance over to expose the heating element (the metal coil). Have a cloth underneath to catch any debris.
Use a Dry Brush First: Gently dislodge any food particles or grease deposits from the coil using a soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush. Do this dry, without any liquid.
Lightly Dampen for Stubborn Grease: Dip your brush very lightly in warm soapy water—wrung out so it’s barely damp—and carefully clean around the element. Never soak or spray liquid directly onto the coil.
Let Dry Completely: This step is critical. The area around the heating element must be completely dry before you plug the unit back in.

What NOT to Do (Protecting Your Appliance)

Many owners accidentally cause permanent damage through well-intentioned but misguided cleaning habits. Here is what to avoid:

Do not use aerosol cooking sprays (like PAM): Cooking sprays leave a residue that builds up over time and is extremely difficult to remove. They degrade the non-stick surface faster than almost anything else. Use a light brush of regular oil instead.
Do not submerge the main unit in water: The base unit contains the motor and electrical components. Plunging it into a sink will destroy the machine and create a severe fire hazard.
Do not use harsh chemical cleaners: Products like Easy-Off or bleach-based cleaners are far too caustic. They will strip the coatings and leave chemical residues that contaminate your food.
Do not use metal utensils or steel wool: Scraping baked-on cheese off with a metal fork or scouring pad will instantly scratch and ruin the non-stick coating.

How Often Should You Clean Your Air Fryer?

As a general rule: clean the basket and drawer after every single use, wipe down the interior every few uses, and deep clean the whole unit—including the heating element—every two to four weeks depending on your frequency of use.

If you notice smoke during cooking or a persistent burnt smell, clean it immediately, regardless of your usual schedule. Regular maintenance is far easier than trying to salvage an appliance that hasn’t been washed in months!

Are you looking to expand your countertop cooking setup? Now that you know how to maintain a “dry” cooker, check out our massive guide to the Best Instant Pot Pressure Cookers of 2026 to master the art of “wet” cooking!