How to Clean an Air Fryer: The Complete Care Guide

Why cleaning your air fryer matters

A neglected air fryer does more than smell bad. Grease that builds up in the drawer and on the heating element smokes, gives off odors every time you cook and, in extreme cases, can catch fire. The nonstick coating also wears out much faster when you go at it with abrasive pads or harsh cleaners.

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

Daily cleaning: 5 minutes after each use

A 4-step routine

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

Can it go in the dishwasher?

Most modern baskets and drawers are dishwasher-safe (check your manual). Put them on the top rack. Hand washing, though, makes the nonstick coating last longer. To go easy on the coating, wash by hand day to day and save the dishwasher for an occasional cleanup.

Weekly cleaning: the heating element (10 minutes)

The heating element at the top of the cooking chamber is the part people neglect most. Grease spatters build up on it and burn on, which causes smoke and bad smells.

• Turn the air fryer upside down (unplugged and completely cool) to get at the element.
• Brush it gently with a soft-bristle brush (an old toothbrush or a dedicated air fryer cleaning brush).
• Wipe it with a well-wrung cloth that's barely damp with hot water and a drop of dish soap.
• Let it dry completely before you turn the appliance right side up.
• Never scrape the element with anything metal or with an abrasive pad.

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 the soak, go over every surface with a soft brush or a nonabrasive sponge. Focus on the corners and the holes in the basket, where grease collects.

Step 3: Element and cooking chamber (5 min)

Clean the heating element as described above. Wipe down the entire inside of the 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 microfiber cloth. Clean the vents on the back with a small brush.

Step 5: Dry everything (2 min)

Dry every part with a clean dish towel. Leave the drawer open for 30 minutes so everything airs out before you put it away. Never put it back together while it's damp — leftover moisture encourages mold and odors.

How to remove stubborn grease

Method 1: Baking soda paste

Mix 3 tbsp of baking soda with 1 tbsp of water into a thick paste. Spread it on the greasy spots, leave it for 20 to 30 minutes, then scrub with a soft sponge and rinse.

Method 2: Hot vinegar bath

Fill the drawer with a 50/50 mix of hot water and white vinegar. Let it sit for 30 minutes, pour it out 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 ruin the nonstick coating for good.
• Abrasive cleaners or heavy-duty degreasers: they can eat into the coating and leave chemical residue.
• Submerging the base: the part that houses the motor and electrical components must never get wet.
• Scraping with a knife or metal spatula: it scratches the coating.

How to make your air fryer last longer

Use perforated parchment liners or silicone molds so food doesn't sit directly on the basket. Keep metal utensils out of the basket. Check the drawer rails and rubber seals every three months.

What wears out first

The nonstick coating on the basket and drawer is usually the first thing to show wear (scratches, flaking). Once it starts flaking, replace the part instead of continuing to cook in it: the major brands sell replacement baskets and drawers. The heating element and fan suffer mostly from built-up grease, which is why regular cleaning matters.

Cleaning schedule at a glance

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

The 5 spots people forget to clean

• The underside of the basket: grease builds up between the inner basket and the outer drawer, and this spot often gets ignored for weeks. The result: lingering odors and smoke the next time you cook something fatty. The fix: clean the whole drawer, not just the basket, every time you cook meat.
• The heating element: you can see it when you flip the appliance over, and it collects grease spatters. 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 vapor settle on the air intake and exhaust vents. Dust them with a small soft brush, with the unit unplugged, every 2 to 3 months. Never open the housing to reach the fan.
• The seals: on models with a lid or a drawer gasket, grease works its way into the grooves. Clean them with a toothpick or a thin tool dipped in dish soap.
• The floor of the cooking chamber (under the basket): fat and juices drip down here and burn on the next time you cook. Once the unit has cooled, wipe it after every use with a slightly damp paper towel.

Cleaning products: what to use (and what to avoid)