Complete Air Fryer Maintenance and Cleaning Guide

Why cleaning your air fryer matters

A poorly maintained air fryer doesn't just smell bad: grease that builds up in the drawer and on the heating element smokes, leaves odours every time you cook and, in extreme cases, can catch fire. The non-stick coating also wears out much faster when you attack it with abrasive pads or harsh cleaners.

This guide gives you a simple three-level cleaning routine: daily, weekly and monthly.

Daily cleaning: 5 minutes after each use

A 4-step routine

• Step 1 — Unplug and let it cool (5–10 min): never clean a hot air fryer. Wait until it's warm but safe to handle, about 50°C (120°F).
• Step 2 — Empty out the residue: remove the basket and drawer. Throw out crumbs and food scraps. Pour the collected grease into a container (never straight down the sink).
• Step 3 — Wash the basket and drawer: hot water + a few drops of dish soap + a soft sponge. For stuck-on residue, soak for 10 minutes in hot soapy water.
• Step 4 — Wipe the interior: wipe the inside of the housing with a damp cloth, then dry it with a clean cloth.

Can it go in the dishwasher?

Most modern baskets and drawers are dishwasher-safe (check your manual). Put them on the top rack. That said, washing by hand makes the non-stick coating last longer. To spare the coating, hand wash day to day and save the dishwasher for an occasional clean.

Weekly cleaning: the heating element (10 minutes)

The heating element at the top of the cooking chamber is the most neglected part. Grease splatters build up and carbonize, causing smoke and bad odours.

• Turn the air fryer upside down (unplugged and completely cool) to reach the element.
• Brush gently with a soft-bristle brush (an old toothbrush or a dedicated cleaning brush).
• Wipe with a well-wrung cloth, barely damp with hot water and a drop of dish soap.
• Let it dry completely before turning it right side up.
• Never scrape the element with metal objects or abrasive pads.

Monthly deep clean: the full routine (30 minutes)

Step 1: Degreasing soak (15 min)

Fill your sink with hot water and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of dish soap and a splash of white vinegar. Submerge the basket and drawer for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Gentle scrubbing (5 min)

After soaking, go over every surface with a soft brush or a non-scratch sponge. Pay attention to the corners and the holes in the basket, where grease builds up.

Step 3: Element and cooking chamber (5 min)

Clean the heating element as described above. Wipe the entire inside of the cooking chamber with a cloth dampened with vinegar.

Step 4: Exterior (3 min)

Wipe the outside with a damp cloth. For fingerprints on stainless steel, use a slightly damp microfibre cloth. Clean the rear vents with a small brush.

Step 5: Complete drying (2 min)

Dry every part with a clean dish towel. Leave the drawer open for 30 minutes so it airs out fully before you put it away. Never reassemble it while it's still damp — leftover moisture breeds mould and odours.

Removing stubborn grease

Method 1: Baking soda paste

Mix 3 tbsp baking soda with 1 tbsp water. Spread it on the greasy areas, leave it for 20 to 30 minutes, scrub with a soft sponge and rinse.

Method 2: Hot vinegar bath

Fill the drawer with equal parts hot water and white vinegar. Leave it for 30 minutes, drain and scrub.

Method 3: Long soak

Put the drawer and basket in a sink of hot soapy water and leave them for a few hours, or overnight for old buildup. Then scrub with a soft sponge and rinse. Don't heat water in the drawer to loosen grease: most manuals say never to fill the drawer with oil or any other liquid while the appliance is running.

What NEVER to do

• Steel wool or metal scouring pads: they permanently destroy the non-stick coating.
• Abrasive or harsh degreasers: they can attack the coating and leave chemical residue.
• Submerging the base unit: the part with the motor and electrical components must never get wet.
• Scraping with knives or metal spatulas: it scratches the coating.

Extending your air fryer's lifespan

Use perforated parchment liners or silicone liners to minimize direct contact between the food and the basket. Avoid metal utensils in the basket. Check the drawer rails and rubber seals every three months.

What wears out first

The non-stick coating on the basket and drawer is usually the first part to show wear (scratches, flaking). If it starts flaking, replace the part rather than keep cooking in it: the major brands sell replacement baskets and drawers. The heating element and fan suffer mainly from grease buildup, which is why regular cleaning matters.

Maintenance schedule

A well-maintained air fryer keeps cooking well for longer and produces less smoke and fewer odours. Steer clear of the most common air fryer mistakes, and see our complete air fryer guide and air fryer vs oven comparison.

The 5 most overlooked spots to clean

• The underside of the outer basket: grease builds up between the inner basket and the outer drawer, and it often gets ignored for weeks. The result: lingering odours and smoke the next time you cook something fatty. The fix: clean the whole drawer every time you cook meat.
• The heating element: you can see it when you flip the appliance over, and it collects grease splatters. Never submerge it in water. Clean it gently with a dry brush or a slightly damp cloth, with the appliance cold and unplugged.
• The air vents: dust and greasy vapour settle on the air intakes and outlets. Dust them with a small soft brush, unplugged, every 2 to 3 months. Never open the housing to reach the fan.
• The seals: on models with a lid or drawer seals, grease seeps into the grooves. Clean them with a toothpick or a narrow tool dipped in dish soap.
• The floor of the cooking chamber (under the basket): fat and juices drip here and carbonize the next time you cook. Once it has cooled, wipe it after each use with a slightly damp paper towel.

Cleaning products: what to use and what to avoid