How To Clean Your Air Fryer (Step-by-Step Guide)

Published February 4, 2026 | By mikefocus2012

Cleaning your air fryer regularly is essential for keeping food tasting good, preventing smoke and odors, and extending the life of the appliance. The good news is that air fryers are easy to clean when you know the right steps and what to avoid.

This guide walks you through exactly how to clean your air fryer, including daily cleaning, deep cleaning, and how to remove stubborn grease and smells safely.

Why Cleaning Your Air Fryer Matters

clean your air fryer

If an air fryer is not cleaned properly, leftover grease and food particles can:

* Cause smoke during cooking
* Create unpleasant odors
* Affect food taste
* Damage the nonstick coating over time

A clean air fryer cooks more evenly, smells better, and lasts longer.

How Often Should You Clean an Air Fryer?

* After every use: Clean the basket and tray

* Weekly: Wipe down the interior and exterior

* Monthly (or as needed): Deep clean to remove grease buildup

If you cook greasy foods often, you may need to deep clean more frequently.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Gather these basic supplies:

* Warm water
* Mild dish soap
* Soft sponge or cloth
* Soft-bristle brush or toothbrush
* Paper towels or microfiber cloth

Avoid: steel wool, abrasive pads, harsh chemicals, or oven cleaner.

How To Clean Your Air Fryer After Each Use

Step 1: Let the Air Fryer Cool Completely

Always unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool before cleaning.

Step 2: Remove the Basket and Tray

Take out the basket and any removable inserts.

* Wash with warm, soapy water
* Use a soft sponge to remove food residue
* Rinse thoroughly and dry completely

Many baskets are dishwasher-safe, but hand washing helps preserve the nonstick coating.

Step 3: Wipe the Interior

* Use a damp cloth or sponge
* Gently wipe the inside walls
* Do not allow water to drip into the heating element

Step 4: Clean the Exterior

* Wipe the outside with a damp cloth
* Dry with a towel to prevent streaks

How to Deep Clean a Dirty or Smelly Air Fryer

If your air fryer smells bad or has sticky grease buildup, follow these steps.

Step 1: Soak the Basket and Tray

Fill your sink with warm water and dish soap.

* Soak for 10–20 minutes
* Scrub gently with a soft brush

Step 2: Clean the Heating Element (Carefully)

* Turn the air fryer upside down
* Use a soft brush or dry cloth
* Gently remove grease or crumbs

Never spray water directly onto the heating element.

Step 3: Remove Odors Naturally

To reduce lingering smells:

* Mix baking soda with water to form a paste
* Apply to greasy areas (avoid heating element)
* Let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe clean

Alternatively, wipe the basket with lemon juice to help neutralize odors.

What NOT to Do When Cleaning an Air Fryer

Avoid these common mistakes:

❌ Using abrasive sponges or steel wool

❌ Using aerosol cleaners or oven cleaner

❌ Submerging the main unit in water

❌ Scraping the nonstick surface with metal utensils

These can permanently damage your air fryer.

How to Prevent Grease Buildup

A few habits can make cleaning easier:

* Clean after every use
* Use parchment paper or air fryer liners (designed for air fryers)
* Avoid excess oil
* Wipe spills immediately after cooling

Regular maintenance prevents heavy buildup.

Can You Put Air Fryer Parts in the Dishwasher?

Some baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe, but check your manual first.

Best practice:
Hand wash when possible to protect the nonstick coating and extend lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my air fryer smoke when cooking?

Smoke is often caused by leftover grease or oil burning. Cleaning the basket and interior usually solves the problem.

Can I use vinegar to clean my air fryer?

Yes, diluted vinegar can help remove grease, but avoid strong concentrations and do not spray directly inside the unit.

How do I clean baked-on grease?

Soak removable parts in warm soapy water, then gently scrub with a soft brush. For stubborn spots, use a baking soda paste.

How long does it take to clean an air fryer?

Routine cleaning takes about 5–10 minutes. Deep cleaning may take 20–30 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your air fryer clean doesn’t require special products or a lot of time. With regular maintenance and gentle cleaning, your air fryer will continue to cook food evenly, smell fresh, and perform well for years.

For best results, clean your air fryer after every use and deep clean it whenever grease or odors build up.

If you’re new to air fryers, be sure to check out our How to Use an Air Fryer (Beginner Guide) and other helpful resources on AirFryerTrend.com.