In the following article, we'll cover how to clean an air fryer, how often you should clean your air fryer, some tips and tricks that make cleaning your air fryer easier, and why you should clean it. Let's get right to it!
Jump to:
- Steps to Clean the Basket Component of Your Air Fryer
- Cleaning the Interior of the Air Fryer
- Watch the Video
- How to Clean the Heating Element of an Air Fryer
- Reassembling after Cleaning
- What do I do if food is really stuck on the basket?
- What tools can I use to clean the air fryer?
- Why can't I just put it in the dishwasher?
- If you need to use the dishwasher, do this first...
- How can I keep my air fryer clean in the first place?
- Why should I clean my air fryer?
- How often should I clean my air fryer?
- Everything You Need to Know About Air Frying
- Air Fryer Recipes Just for You
- Contact Us with Questions
- Feedback
Steps to Clean the Basket Component of Your Air Fryer
Let it Cool
Before cleaning your air fryer, allow it to completely cool down to avoid burning yourself.
Unplug It
Never clean your air fryer without first unplugging it. It's important to unplug the air fryer before wiping it down to stay safe. When you unplug it, you cut off its source of electricity, which reduces the risk of getting shocked. Always remember to unplug your air fryer before cleaning it to keep yourself, and your appliance, safe.
Remove the Basket or Tray
Take out the air fryer basket or tray from the air fryer, and set it aside. We usually put the basket/tray right into the sink filled with soapy water for a good soak. Never submerge the entire air fryer unit. Only soak the removable basket with the tray insert.
Let the Basket or Tray Soak
Soaking the air fryer tray/basket is an easy way to loosen up stuck-on food and grease, making them easier to clean. We recommend you soak it without any other metal utensils or other dishes in the sink, as metal can scratch the non-stick surface of your air fryer. It's best if it soaks alone. Here's how to soak it:
- Fill your air fryer basket with hot, soapy water. A dish soap that does a good job of breaking down grease, like Dawn, works best. If your air fryer model uses a tray, plug the sink and fill it with hot, soapy water and place the tray inside.
- Soak for about 30 minutes. This gives the warm, soapy water a chance to loosen up any stuck-on food or grease.
Wash with Soap and Water
Use warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to wash the basket and tray. Make sure to clean both the inside and outside thoroughly, including any crevices or corners where food might be stuck. If your faucet has a spray function, use it to loosen up any stubborn bits rather than scrubbing too hard.
NOTE: It's very, very important to protect the non-stick surface of the air fryer by using a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Don't use anything that would risk scratching its surface! Use a soft sponge or a soft cloth.
Rinse it Off
After washing, rinse the air fryer basket/tray thoroughly with clean water. Run your hand over the surface to make sure it is clean and smooth. Repeat the washing process if the non-stick surface still feels dirty and/or greasy.
Dry Everything
Dry the air fryer basket/tray, and any other removable parts, thoroughly with a clean towel, or allow it to air dry completely. Never put the air fryer basket or tray away again while still wet as that could cause bacterial growth.
Cleaning the Interior of the Air Fryer
Use a damp cloth to wipe down the interior of the air fryer, removing any food particles or grease residue. Be gentle to avoid scratching the surface. Just like cleaning the air fryer basket/tray, don't use an abrasive sponge, cloth, or brush. Ex., you absolutely do not want to use something like a steel wool brush. That's a big no! Never submerge the air fryer unit in water!
Watch the Video
How to Clean the Heating Element of an Air Fryer
The heating element is located at the top of your air fryer. You can clean the heating coil by wiping it down, but make absolutely sure the air fryer is completely cool and unplugged first. It may be easier to reach the heating element if you tip or turn the machine upside-down - just be careful.
Once again, be absolutely sure not to use any abrasive materials to clean your air fryer. The non-stick coating of your air fryer is very important and you do not want to damage it. Damaging it could cause flaking, releasing undesirable or even dangerous particles into your food (source). It will also make it much harder to clean in the future. Not sure what to use to clean instead? See What Tools to Use.
Reassembling after Cleaning
Once everything is dry, put the basket/tray back into the air fryer, making sure it's securely in place. Like all other kitchen appliances, you want to store your air fryer in a clean, dry location when not in use, to prevent dust or other particles from settling inside or on the exterior.
We keep ours on the kitchen counter, as we use it every day! If your air fryer stays on your counter, like ours, try to keep it away from the sink area where it could get wet.
By following the above steps, you can keep your air fryer clean and in tip-top condition for many delicious dinner recipes to come.
What do I do if food is really stuck on the basket?
- First, be sure to clean your air fryer after each use. This makes it much less likely that grime will build and stick to the inside of the air fryer.
- To clean stuck-on food or grease, use baking soda to loosen up the stuck bits. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with just enough water to form a paste. Then, use a soft sponge and rub out the burnt-on food and residue until it is removed. Don't put too much elbow grease into it, as you don't want to scratch the surface.
What tools can I use to clean the air fryer?
- Avoid using any abrasive materials such as steel wool, hard-bristle brushes, or metal utensils.
- Use a damp paper towel, or a damp and clean hand towel, to gently clean the inside of the air fryer itself once it's unplugged and cooled down.
- A nonabrasive sponge, old toothbrush, or gentle cloth are what you should use to clean the nooks and crannies of your air fryer basket/tray and drawer.
Why can't I just put it in the dishwasher?
Dishwashers make life easier, but they are not always the best choice. Even if your air fryer basket is labeled as dishwasher-safe, that doesn't mean it's the best idea for the air fryer's lifespan or durability.
The truth is that the high heat and intense water pressure of the dishwasher could separate the nonstick coating from the basket over time, and cause flaking. The dishwasher won't ruin your basket/tray in the short term, but over time, it could. It's best to avoid that possibility.
That's why we recommend hand-washing your air fryer basket/tray to ensure you're able to get all of the components thoroughly clean while preserving that important coating. It's sort of like the enamel on your teeth: you want to protect it!
If you need to use the dishwasher, do this first...
We have found that over many years of using a wide variety of air fryers, hand washing is the best way to keep the non-stick coating like new - just like your favorite non-stick pan.
That being said, many air fryer models are labeled as dishwasher-safe, and we do understand that sometimes, especially on busy days, hand-washing isn't an option. But, before putting the basket in the dishwasher, check the user manual or the instructions that came with the appliance to make sure it's okay.
Some air fryers are not dishwasher safe and require hand-washing. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions to keep your air fryer in the best condition.
NOTE: If you do choose to clean your air fryer in the dishwasher, we encourage you to turn off the heated dry function as it could damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer.
How can I keep my air fryer clean in the first place?
- Use liners. Liners such as foil or parchment, while sometimes not an option for some recipes, are a great way to make clean-up even easier. If it won't ruin the crispness of your food, we recommend using liners if you're dealing with something messy.
- Clean it frequently. If you clean your air fryer after each use, you shouldn't run into any problems. It'll last longer, too!
Why should I clean my air fryer?
Every time you air fry food, bits of food and spattered oil can stick around, making it dirty over time. It's super important to clean your air fryer after each use, because if you don't clean it, those leftover bits of food and oil can start to burn the next time you use it, which can create lingering odors, smoke, or even change the taste of your food. Trust us - that's icky and best avoided.
How often should I clean my air fryer?
Clean your air fryer after each use to keep it in good shape. This means washing the basket and drawer, or tray, and any other removable parts in warm, soapy water.
Additionally, we recommend you should wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer regularly, to remove any built-up grease or food particles. You might not always see them, but they're there!
By cleaning your air fryer after each use and giving it a wipe-down every now and then, you can ensure that it stays clean and works well for years to come.
Everything You Need to Know About Air Frying
- See our recommended tools and accessories for air frying.
- Review our air frying safety precautions.
- We tested air fryer energy efficiency vs. that of traditional ovens. Guide coming soon!
- Want to know more about your new favorite appliance? See our on how air frying works.
Air Fryer Recipes Just for You
Did you just buy your air fryer, or are you an avid air fryer fan? Either way, we have an assortment of air fryer recipes we've tried, tested, and loved. All of our air fryer recipes are made in our personal kitchen, and we know they work. If you want air fryer recipes you can trust, see our recipe index (linked below) or search here:
Browse full recipe index →
Contact Us with Questions
If you have questions, feel free to reach out to us via our contact page or by leaving a comment. We will review it and get back to you as soon as possible.
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