How to Clean an Air Fryer Safely
Published · Updated · Clear Choice Home Cleaning Services
An air fryer is easiest to clean when you handle the removable parts soon after cooking. Unplug the appliance, let it cool completely, wash the basket and tray with warm soapy water, gently remove residue near the heating area, and wipe the exterior without soaking the electrical unit. Always check your model's manual first because removable parts, coatings, and dishwasher guidance can vary.
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What You Need to Clean an Air Fryer
Gather simple supplies before you begin. A soft sponge or microfiber cloth is usually enough for routine cleaning. For the basket and tray, use warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap. A soft-bristled brush can help loosen food around perforations or in corners.
- Soft sponge or microfiber cloth
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- Soft-bristled cleaning brush or old soft toothbrush
- Dry towel or dish rack
Do not reach for steel wool, metal utensils, abrasive scouring pads, or harsh oven cleaner. These can scratch a nonstick surface or leave a product residue that is difficult to remove. Avoid spraying cleaner into the appliance body, around the controls, or near the heating element.
How to Clean an Air Fryer Step by Step
Use this routine after the appliance has cooled. Work from the removable parts to the inside and then the exterior. Cleaning in that order keeps loose grease and crumbs from spreading back onto surfaces you have already wiped.
1. Unplug the appliance and let it cool
Turn the air fryer off, unplug it, and wait until it is cool enough to handle safely. Do not clean a hot basket or tray under cold water. A sudden temperature change can damage some finishes, and handling hot grease creates an avoidable burn risk.
Once the unit is cool, remove the basket, crisper plate, tray, and any other parts the manual identifies as removable. If grease is still liquid, blot the excess with a paper towel and discard it. Do not pour cooking grease down the sink.
2. Wash the basket and tray
Place the basket and tray in warm water with mild dish soap. Wash them with a soft sponge, paying attention to the corners, handle connection, perforations, and underside of the crisper plate. Rinse away the soap and check that no crumbs or greasy film remain.
For stuck-on food, let the part soak in warm, soapy water for several minutes before wiping again. Avoid digging at residue with a knife, fork, or metal spatula. If your manual allows dishwasher cleaning, follow its instructions. If it does not, hand-wash the parts instead of assuming they are dishwasher-safe.
Manufacturer instructions can differ by model. For example, Philips recommends warm water, dish soap, and a soft sponge for its air fryer parts, while also warning against metal utensils and abrasive cleaning materials on nonstick coatings. Treat your own manual as the final authority.
3. Loosen greasy or baked-on residue
Do not scrub harder just because a greasy spot is stubborn. Add more soaking time first, then use a soft brush or sponge with mild dish soap. For a textured or perforated basket, gently work the brush from both sides so you can lift residue instead of pushing it deeper into the openings.
Rinse the part thoroughly and inspect it in good light. A slick or sticky feel means it needs another gentle wash. Avoid combining cleaning products, and do not use a harsh degreaser unless the appliance manufacturer specifically permits it for that part and surface.
4. Clean the inside and heating area
Remove the basket and tray so you can see the empty cavity. Use a barely damp microfiber cloth or soft sponge to wipe crumbs and grease from the interior walls. Keep water away from openings, vents, the control panel, and the electrical components.
To reach residue near the heating element, follow the position recommended by the manual. Some models can be tilted or turned carefully after they are unplugged and fully cool. Use a soft-bristled brush for dry crumbs or lightly stuck residue. Never use a wire brush, sharp tool, or hard bristles on the heating element or its coating.
Do not force a part, bend a coil, or try to remove a heating element that is not designed to come out. If grease is baked onto an area that you cannot reach without disassembly, stop and check the manufacturer's instructions or arrange professional appliance service. Cleaning should not become a repair.
5. Wipe the exterior and controls
Wipe the outside of the air fryer with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Use a small amount of mild dish soap on the cloth if the exterior feels greasy, then wipe again with a clean damp cloth. Dry the handle, buttons, display, vents, and seams with a soft towel.
Do not pour water over the unit, submerge the main body, or spray cleaner directly onto it. For a touch screen or control panel, use the method specified in the manual. Excess moisture can travel into places that are difficult to dry.
6. Dry completely before reassembling
Let the basket, tray, and crisper plate air-dry fully, or dry them with a clean towel. Check the underside and small grooves for trapped water. Reassemble the appliance only when the parts and the interior are dry. A dry appliance is also less likely to develop a stale smell during storage.
Air Fryer Parts: Safe Cleaning Methods at a Glance
| Part | Use | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Basket and tray | Warm water, mild dish soap, soft sponge, gentle soak | Steel wool, knives, metal utensils, abrasive pads |
| Heating-area residue | Dry crumbs first, then a soft brush or barely damp cloth | Spraying liquid, wire brushes, hard scraping, forced disassembly |
| Interior walls | Microfiber cloth or soft sponge with minimal moisture | Pouring water into the cavity or blocking vents |
| Exterior and controls | Slightly damp microfiber cloth, followed by a dry towel | Submerging, direct spray, excess water near controls |
What Not to Use on an Air Fryer
Many cleaning problems start with a product or tool that is too aggressive for the surface. Skip steel wool, abrasive powders, rough scouring pads, metal scrapers, and sharp utensils. These can scratch the basket's coating or damage the finish on the tray.
Do not use oven cleaner, bleach, or a mixed-product solution unless the manufacturer specifically says it is safe for your model and the exact part. Do not submerge the electrical base. Do not put water into vents or spray the control panel. When in doubt, use less moisture and a softer tool, then consult the manual.
How Often Should You Clean an Air Fryer?
Give the basket and tray a basic wash after each use, especially when cooking foods that leave grease or crumbs. Wipe visible spills from the interior and exterior before they harden. A more detailed cleaning is useful when you notice a sticky film, smoke from old residue, a persistent odor, or buildup around the heating area.
The right schedule depends on what you cook and how often you use the appliance. Fried or heavily seasoned foods may leave more residue than dry foods. Cleaning soon after the unit cools usually takes less effort than allowing grease to bake onto the basket and interior.
For a broader kitchen reset, see our guide to how to clean a kitchen. If grease and dust have spread across surrounding surfaces, a deep cleaning service can help refresh the room beyond the appliance itself.
A Quick Cleanup After Each Use
A short routine after cooking can prevent a larger scrub later. Once the air fryer is cool and unplugged, remove the basket and tray and discard loose crumbs. Wipe excess oil from the removable parts with a paper towel, then wash them with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge. Let them dry completely before returning them to the unit.
Look inside the empty cavity for loose crumbs or splashes. Wipe accessible residue with a barely damp cloth, keeping the cloth away from vents and electrical openings. Finish by wiping the handle and exterior. This quick check also helps you notice peeling coating, a damaged cord, or grease collecting near the heating area before the next use.
Do not skip the cool-down step just to save time. Cleaning a warm appliance can spread grease and makes it easier to touch a hot surface by accident.
When to Stop and Check the Manual
Pause before cleaning if you cannot identify a removable part, the coating is peeling, the cord or plug is damaged, or residue is inside a sealed section. Also check the manual before using a dishwasher, degreaser, steam, baking soda, vinegar, or any method that adds moisture inside the unit. Air fryer designs are not identical, and a method that works for one model may not be appropriate for another.
If the appliance still smells strongly after a careful cleaning, shows visible damage, or makes an unusual sound, do not keep running it to test the problem. Disconnect it and contact the manufacturer or a qualified service professional.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put an air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Only if the manual for your specific model says the basket or tray is dishwasher-safe. When the instructions are unclear, hand-wash the part with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge. This gives you more control over the temperature, detergent, and handling of the coating.
Can you wash the main part of an air fryer?
No. The electrical base or main body should not be submerged or rinsed under running water. Unplug it, let it cool, and wipe the outside and accessible interior surfaces with a slightly damp cloth. Keep water away from vents, controls, openings, and electrical components.
How do you clean an air fryer heating element?
Unplug the air fryer and let it cool completely. Remove the basket and tray, then use the access position described in your manual. Brush away loose crumbs with a soft brush and use a barely damp cloth only when the instructions allow it. Do not use metal tools, hard bristles, sprays, or forced disassembly.
What is the safest way to remove baked-on grease?
Start with a warm, soapy soak for the removable part, then use a soft sponge or brush. Repeat rather than scraping aggressively. If the grease is near the heating area or inside a sealed section, follow the manufacturer's instructions instead of applying a strong chemical or taking the appliance apart.
Can I use oven cleaner on an air fryer?
Avoid oven cleaner unless your model's manufacturer specifically approves it for the exact surface. Many air fryer baskets and trays have coatings that can be damaged by harsh chemicals. Mild dish soap, warm water, and a non-abrasive tool are the safer starting point for routine cleaning.
Keep the Rest of the Kitchen Manageable
Cleaning an air fryer safely is a small task that becomes easier when you protect the coating, keep moisture away from the electrical body, and let every part dry before use. For regular upkeep throughout the home, explore standard cleaning options. For a larger reset, house cleaning service can cover kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and living areas with a quote based on your needs.