How to Clean an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step + Pro Tips

Have you ever noticed your air fryer starting to smell a little funky? Maybe your once-crispy chips come out unevenly cooked, or you see smoke rising mid-cook. Don’t panic, it’s probably not broken. You just need to clean your air fryer.

Whether you’re cooking chips, wings, or veggies, your air fryer collects grease, crumbs, and odours over time. And if you don’t clean it properly and regularly, not only will it ruin the taste of your food, but it can also damage your appliance or become a fire hazard.

But here’s the good news: cleaning an air fryer is easier than you think, especially with the right techniques and tools. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to clean an air fryer step by step, from removing caked-on grease to eliminating bad smells. We’ll also cover air fryer maintenance tips, natural cleaning solutions, and how to clean every part, including the basket, tray, and heating coil.

Let’s get into it.

Why Cleaning Your Air Fryer Is Non-Negotiable

If you’re thinking, “I’ll clean it tomorrow,” you’re not alone. But here’s what happens when you neglect cleaning:

• Grease builds up and starts smoking during use.
• Food residue gets stuck and becomes harder to clean later.
• You risk burning old crumbs, which changes the flavour of your food.
• Over time, your air fryer’s performance declines, and it could even overheat.

Keeping your air fryer clean means:

• Crispier food
• Healthier cooking
• Longer appliance life
• No more weird smells

What You’ll Need to Clean Your Air Fryer

Before you begin, gather the following air fryer cleaning essentials:

• Dish soap (degreasing, if possible)
• Soft sponge or non-abrasive cloth
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Lemon (optional, for smell)
• An old toothbrush or small soft-bristled brush
• Microfibre towel
• Warm water
• Silicone scraper or spatula

These tools are all safe and effective for cleaning non-stick coatings and getting into the nooks and crannies of your air fryer.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Air Fryer Like a Pro

Step 1: Unplug and Cool Down

First and foremost, safety first. Always unplug your air fryer and allow it to cool down completely before attempting to clean it. Cleaning a hot air fryer is not only unsafe but can also damage delicate parts.

Step 2: Remove and Soak the Basket and Pan

The air fryer basket and pan are where most of the action happens—and where most of the grease hides.

• Remove the basket, pan, and any detachable trays.
• Fill your sink with warm water and dish soap.
• Let the parts soak for 15–30 minutes to loosen stuck-on food or grease.

If there’s stubborn residue, use a silicone spatula or soft brush to gently scrape it off without scratching the surface.

Step 3: Wipe Down the Interior of the Air Fryer

Now, onto the inside of the air fryer, where grease can accumulate near the heating element or in the corners.

• Use a damp cloth with dish soap to wipe down the interior walls.
• Avoid abrasive scrubbers; they can ruin the non-stick coating.
• For stuck-on grease, apply a baking soda paste (mix 1 tbsp baking soda + 1 tbsp water), let it sit for 10 minutes, and gently scrub.

Don’t forget to clean under the basket drawer, grease can pool here and cause smoke or bad smells.

Step 4: Clean the Heating Element (Most People Skip This!)

This part is often overlooked, but it’s where a lot of grease splatter lands, especially if you cook meat or oily food.

• Gently turn the air fryer upside down.
• Use a dry, soft-bristled brush to remove any crumbs or debris.
• If needed, wipe with a cloth dampened with white vinegar to dissolve grease.

Never use water directly near the heating coil; just use a damp cloth.

Step 5: Clean the Exterior

Wipe down the outside of the air fryer with a damp cloth. If it’s greasy or sticky, use a little soapy water.

Don’t forget to clean the control panel, handle, and vents, where fingerprints and dust often collect.

Step 6: Dry and Reassemble

Once every part is clean and rinsed, allow everything to air dry or wipe with a microfibre towel. Reassemble only once the parts are 100% dry to avoid moisture getting into electrical components.

Bonus: How to Remove Smells from Your Air Fryer Naturally

Does your air fryer smell bad even after cleaning? Greasy foods, fish, or spices can leave behind stubborn odours.

Try these natural deodorising tricks:

🔸 Lemon Steam Clean

• Fill the basket with a bowl of water and lemon slices.
• Run the air fryer at 180°C for 5 minutes.
• Let cool, wipe dry.

🔸 Vinegar and Baking Soda

• Leave a small open dish of vinegar and baking soda in the basket overnight.
• In the morning, wipe clean and enjoy a neutral-smelling air fryer.

How Often Should You Clean Your Air Fryer?

What NOT to Do When Cleaning Your Air Fryer

• Don’t use metal scouring pads, they’ll scratch non-stick surfaces.
• Never submerge the air fryer base in water.
• Don’t ignore the heating element, it’s a fire risk if dirty.
• Skip harsh chemicals or bleach. Stick to food-safe cleaners.

Pro Tips to Keep Your Air Fryer Cleaner for Longer

• Use silicone liners or parchment paper inserts to catch grease.
• Avoiding overfilling airflow is key, and it reduces splatter.
• Wipe down the basket after every use to prevent build-up.
• Regularly check and clean air vents for trapped crumbs.

Keep Your Air Fryer Fresh, Safe, and Delicious

Cleaning your air fryer might feel like a chore, but trust us, it’s worth it. With just a few simple habits, you’ll enjoy healthier, tastier food, save money on repairs, and extend the life of your appliance.

Whether you’re looking to deep clean your air fryer, get rid of burnt smells, or just learn the best daily air fryer maintenance, this guide gives you all the practical steps you need.

Want to Keep Your Air Fryer in Top Condition?

Visit our Air Fryer Accessories section for non-stick liners, cleaning brushes, silicone tools, and more essentials that make cleaning a breeze.