How to Clean the Air Fryer (My No-Stress Method That Works Every Time)

Introduction

The first time I learned how to clean the air fryer, I made the mistake of leaving it “for later.” I told myself I’d do it after dinner, then after the dishes, and then the next day. But by the time I finally opened the basket again, it smelled like burnt oil and old fries. That’s when I realized air fryers don’t forgive laziness.

The good news is that once you understand how to clean the air fryer properly, it becomes one of the easiest kitchen cleaning routines. It doesn’t take hours, you don’t need harsh chemicals, and you don’t need to scrub like you’re cleaning a BBQ grill.

In this guide, I’ll share the exact method I personally use, including quick daily cleaning, deep cleaning tips, and how to remove stuck-on grease without damaging the coating.

How to Clean the Air Fryer the Right Way (Fast and Safe)

If you want your air fryer to last longer and keep food tasting fresh, you need a cleaning method that works without ruining the nonstick surface. Over time, grease builds up in places you can’t see, and that’s when the burnt smell starts showing up.

Here’s my simple approach that works for almost every air fryer model.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

You don’t need fancy products. In fact, the fewer harsh cleaners you use, the better.

Here’s what I keep ready:

• Dish soap (mild)
• Warm water
• Soft sponge (non-scratch)
• Microfiber cloth
• Soft toothbrush or small cleaning brush
• Baking soda (optional for heavy grease)
• White vinegar (optional for odor)
• Paper towels

Step-by-Step: How to Clean the Air Fryer After Every Use

This is the routine I follow after cooking anything oily like wings, nuggets, fries, or kebabs.

Step 1: Let It Cool Down

Always unplug the air fryer first. Then let it cool for at least 15–20 minutes.

Cleaning while it’s hot is risky, and also pointless because hot grease spreads instead of lifting.

Step 2: Remove the Basket and Tray

Take out the basket and inner tray (or crisper plate). Most grease sits here, so cleaning these parts quickly prevents smell and smoke next time.

Step 3: Wash With Warm Soapy Water

Fill your sink with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.

Soak the basket and tray for 10 minutes. This step alone loosens most stuck-on food.

Then gently scrub with a soft sponge.

Important: Never use steel wool or harsh scrubbers. Nonstick coating scratches easily.

Step 4: Wipe the Inside of the Air Fryer

Take a damp microfiber cloth and wipe the inside walls.

Usually, you’ll find oil splashes along the sides. If you ignore them, they bake into sticky brown spots.

Step 5: Dry Everything Completely

Use a dry cloth or paper towel. Let parts air-dry for a few minutes before reassembling.

Moisture left inside can create odor and even cause rust in some models.

Deep Cleaning Method: How to Clean the Air Fryer When Grease Is Stuck

Sometimes regular cleaning isn’t enough. If you cook oily foods daily, grease will build up around the heating element and fan area.

This is where most people struggle, but I’ve learned a safe deep-cleaning routine.

Step 1: Flip the Air Fryer Carefully

Once it’s unplugged and fully cool, turn it upside down gently.

Place it on a towel to avoid scratching the body.

Now you can actually see the heating coil area, where grease hides.

Step 2: Use a Baking Soda Paste

Mix:

• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 tablespoon water

Make a thick paste.

Apply it gently to greasy spots using a soft toothbrush.

Let it sit for 10 minutes.

Then wipe it away with a damp cloth.

This is one of the best tricks I’ve found for how to clean the air fryer without damaging the heating coil area.

Step 3: Remove Odor With Vinegar Steam (Optional)

If your air fryer smells like old fish or burnt oil, this method helps a lot.

• Add 1 cup water to a heat-safe bowl
• Add 2 tablespoons vinegar
• Place it inside the basket
• Run air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3 minutes

Let it cool and wipe the inside.

This removes stale smells surprisingly well.

Table: Air Fryer Cleaning Routine (Quick vs Deep)

Cleaning Type	When to Do It	Time Needed	What You Clean	Best For
Quick Cleaning	After every use	5–10 minutes	Basket, tray, inside wipe	Daily maintenance
Medium Cleaning	2–3 times weekly	15 minutes	Basket soak + interior wipe	Frequent cooking
Deep Cleaning	Every 2–4 weeks	25–40 minutes	Heating coil, corners, grease stains	Heavy grease buildup
Odor Cleaning	When smell appears	10 minutes	Vinegar steam + wipe	Burnt oil smell
Stain Removal	When brown spots form	15 minutes	Baking soda paste	Sticky burnt residue

Common Mistakes People Make When Cleaning an Air Fryer

When friends ask me how to clean the air fryer, I usually first tell them what NOT to do. These mistakes can ruin your machine fast.

Using Harsh Scrubbers

Metal scrubbers scratch the basket coating. Once scratched, food sticks more and cleaning becomes harder.

Spraying Cleaner Directly Inside

Some people spray degreaser directly inside the air fryer body. That’s risky because chemicals can reach the heating element and create fumes later.

Instead, spray cleaner on a cloth and wipe.

Ignoring the Heating Element

The heating coil collects grease over time. If it gets too dirty, your air fryer starts smoking during cooking.

Putting Everything in the Dishwasher Without Checking

Many air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, but not all. Some lose coating faster in the dishwasher.

If you want your air fryer to last longer, hand washing is safer.

How to Clean the Air Fryer Basket Without Ruining the Coating

The basket is the most used part, and it’s also the easiest to damage.

Here’s what works best in my kitchen.

My Gentle Basket Cleaning Trick

If food is stuck hard:

• Soak the basket in warm soapy water
• Add 1 tablespoon baking soda
• Leave it for 15 minutes
• Use a soft sponge to scrub gently

This removes sticky oil without scraping.

What I Avoid Completely

• Steel wool
• Knife scraping
• Bleach
• Strong oven cleaner

If you damage the coating, the basket becomes a nightmare to clean forever.

How to Clean the Air Fryer Heating Element (Safely)

This is the part most people ignore, but it makes the biggest difference.

Step-by-Step Heating Element Cleaning

• Unplug and cool completely
• Turn the air fryer upside down
• Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe grease
• Use a soft toothbrush for corners
• For stubborn spots, use baking soda paste
• Wipe again with clean water cloth
• Let it dry fully before plugging in

Once you do this once, you’ll understand why deep cleaning is essential for how to clean the air fryer the right way.

How to Remove Burnt Grease Smell From an Air Fryer

If your air fryer smells bad even after washing, it usually means grease is trapped somewhere.

My Best Odor Fix

This method works especially well after cooking:

• Fish
• Spicy chicken
• Frozen snacks
• Burgers

Steps:

• Wipe inside with warm soapy cloth
• Run vinegar steam method (water + vinegar)
• Dry completely
• Leave basket open for 1 hour

If you close the air fryer right after cleaning, the trapped moisture can cause smell again.

How Often Should You Clean an Air Fryer?

I treat air fryer cleaning like dishwashing. If you delay, it becomes harder later.

Here’s a realistic schedule:

• After every use: wash basket + wipe inside
• Weekly: wipe the outside + check vents
• Every 2–4 weeks: deep clean heating element area

If you cook daily, deep cleaning every 2 weeks is better.

Best Natural Cleaners for Air Fryers (That Actually Work)

You don’t need expensive sprays. Some simple household items work better.

Baking Soda

Best for:

• Grease buildup
• Brown sticky stains
• Burnt spots

Vinegar

Best for:

• Removing odor
• Light grease film
• Disinfecting surfaces

Lemon Water

Best for:

• Fresh smell
• Light cleaning
• Removing mild food odors

I personally rotate baking soda and vinegar methods depending on the mess.

Conclusion

Once you learn how to clean the air fryer properly, it becomes a quick habit instead of a frustrating chore. The secret is simple: clean the basket after every use, wipe the inside regularly, and deep clean the heating element area every few weeks. This keeps your food tasting fresh and prevents smoke, smells, and greasy buildup.

If you follow this method, you’ll notice your air fryer cooks better, smells cleaner, and lasts much longer.

If you found this guide helpful, visit CleanHomeCraft for more easy kitchen cleaning routines and realistic household tips you can actually use.