You can easily clean every part of an air fryer by soaking the removable basket in hot soapy water and wiping the cooled heating element with a damp cloth.
A dirty air fryer smokes, smells bad, and ruins the flavor of your food. Grease buildup on the heating element can even pose a fire risk if left unchecked. Keeping this appliance fresh requires a simple routine rather than hours of scrubbing.
Many owners ignore the top section or the area behind the basket. This guide covers the full process to restore your unit to like-new condition without damaging the non-stick coating. You will learn the correct tools to use and the specific techniques for the basket, the main unit, and that tricky heating coil.
Tools Required For Safe Air Fryer Cleaning
Using the right equipment prevents scratches on delicate non-stick surfaces. Most air fryers use a Teflon-like coating that flakes off if you use abrasive scrubbers. Gather these supplies before you start.
Essential Cleaning Supplies
- Non-abrasive sponge — Use the soft side of a standard sponge or a microfiber pad to protect the basket coating.
- Dish soap — A grease-cutting soap works best to break down baked-on oil without harsh chemicals.
- Baking soda — This powder lifts stubborn, stuck-on food residue when mixed with a little water.
- Soft-bristled toothbrush — Keep an old brush handy to reach into the crevices of the heating element and basket vents.
- Microfiber cloths — These trap dust and dry the exterior without leaving water spots or lint.
Avoid steel wool, metal scouring pads, or stiff wire brushes. These tools will strip the non-stick layer immediately. Once that layer is gone, food sticks permanently, and the basket becomes prone to rust. Stick to soft materials to extend the life of your appliance.
Safety First: Unplug And Cool Down
Safety is the priority before you touch any internal components. The heating element in an air fryer reaches temperatures over 400°F and retains heat for a long time. Cleaning a hot unit can cause serious burns or damage the cleaning tools you use.
Unplug the unit — Remove the cord from the wall outlet completely. Turning the dial to “off” is not enough, as you want to eliminate any risk of accidental activation while scrubbing.
Allow full cooling — Wait at least 30 to 45 minutes after cooking. Pull the basket out slightly to help heat escape faster. Touching the coil too soon is the most common way owners injure themselves during maintenance.
Check the cord — Inspect the power cable for any fraying or melted spots while you wait. Grease splatter can sometimes reach the cord if the unit sits close to a stove. Wipe the cord down with a damp cloth if it feels sticky.
Steps On How To Easily Clean Every Part Of An Air Fryer
The cleaning process works best when you tackle the components in a specific order. This method prevents dirt from one area falling onto a part you just finished wiping. We start with the removable parts and move inward.
1. Soaking The Basket And Pan
The basket and the catchment pan take the most abuse. They catch dripping fat and hold food directly. If you see hardened grease, a simple rinse will not work.
Fill with hot water — Place the basket inside the pan and fill both with very hot tap water and a squirt of dish soap.
Let it sit — Allow the soapy water to work for about 10 to 20 minutes. This softens the caramelized sugars and fats, making them wipe away with zero effort.
Scrub gently — Use your non-abrasive sponge to wipe the interior. If food remains stuck in the mesh or vents, use the soft toothbrush to push it out. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and set aside to dry.
2. Cleaning The Main Unit Interior
The inside walls of the air fryer collect splatters that eventually turn into a sticky, brown resin. Knowing how to easily clean every part of an air fryer involves tackling these vertical surfaces.
Dampen a cloth — Wet a microfiber cloth with warm water and a small amount of dish soap. Wring it out until it is barely damp; you do not want water dripping into the electronics.
Wipe the walls — Scrub the interior walls and the floor of the unit where the basket slides in. You may need to apply a little pressure to remove dark grease spots. Dry this area immediately with a fresh towel.
Deep Cleaning The Heating Element
The heating element is often located at the top of the internal chamber. Because it is out of sight, many people forget it exists until their air fryer starts smoking. Grease burns onto this coil, creating acrid smoke and bad smells.
Invert the unit — Once the machine is completely cool and unplugged, turn it upside down or tip it on its side to see the coil clearly. This gives you better access and prevents arm strain.
Scrub with a brush — Dip your soft toothbrush in warm water. Gently scrub the metal coil to loosen debris. Do not press too hard, as you do not want to bend or break the element.
Wipe clean — Follow up with a damp cloth to remove the loosened grime. If the grease is very thick, you can make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the coil with the brush, let it dry, and then wipe it away completely. Ensure no residue remains, as baking soda can smoke when heated.
Removing Stubborn Baked-On Grease
Sometimes hot water and soap are not enough. If you have neglected cleaning for months, you might face hard, black residue on the bottom of the pan. A baking soda paste is the safest chemical-free solution.
Mix the paste — Combine three parts baking soda with one part water in a small bowl until it forms a thick consistency similar to toothpaste.
Apply to spots — Spread this mixture over the stubborn areas. It works well on both the metal basket mesh and the solid pan surface.
Wait and scrub — Let the paste sit for 30 minutes. The baking soda is mildly abrasive but safe for most coatings if used gently. Scrub with your sponge, then rinse. The grit helps lift the carbonized food without scratching.
Maintaining The Exterior And Fan
The outside of the air fryer gets dusty and greasy from kitchen air. The air intake vent usually sits on top or behind the unit. If this vent gets clogged, the motor strains to pull air in, which can cause overheating.
Wipe the shell — Use a damp cloth with a drop of soap to wipe down the plastic exterior. Pay attention to the handle and the control panel, as these areas collect finger oils and bacteria.
Clear the vents — Inspect the air intake and exhaust vents. Use a dry brush to sweep away dust bunnies or lint. If the vents are greasy, use a damp cloth, but be extremely careful not to push moisture inside the machine.
Dry everything — Moisture is the enemy of stored appliances. Use a dry towel to buff the exterior. Ensure the basket and pan are bone dry before sliding them back into the unit. Trapped water can create musty odors or lead to mold.
Dealing With Lingering Odors
Plastic smells or the ghost of last week’s fish dinner can persist even after a wash. If your clean air fryer still smells funky when you turn it on, the odor is likely trapped in the heating element or the plastic itself.
Use lemon — Place a small oven-safe dish with water and lemon juice inside the basket. Run the air fryer at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes. The steam helps loosen grease and the lemon neutralizes odors.
Try vinegar — If you dislike lemon, white vinegar works just as well. Place a small ramekin of vinegar and water in the basket and run the unit on a low setting for a few minutes. This acts as a natural deodorizer.
Check the coil again — Persistent smoke smells usually mean there is still physical debris on the element. Repeat the heating element cleaning step if the smell does not go away after steaming.
How Often Should You Clean It?
Frequency matters. The more often you clean, the easier the job becomes. Letting grease bake repeatedly creates layers that are incredibly difficult to remove later.
After every use — Wash the basket and pan every single time you cook. Wipe down the interior walls if you notice splatter. This prevents buildup.
Once a month — Perform a deep clean. Check the heating element, clean the fan area, and scrub the exterior vents. This schedule keeps the machine running efficiently and prevents the fan from slowing down due to grease drag.
As needed — If you cook something very fatty like bacon or sausages, wipe the heating element immediately after the unit cools. High-fat foods splatter upward, coating the coil instantly.
Common Cleaning Mistakes To Avoid
Owners often damage their air fryers by trying to save time. Avoiding these errors protects your investment and keeps the warranty valid. Knowing how to easily clean every part of an air fryer also means knowing what not to do.
Dishwasher risks — While many brands claim their baskets are dishwasher safe, the high heat and harsh detergents eventually degrade the non-stick coating and the plastic handle mechanism. Hand washing extends the life of the parts significantly.
Submerging the unit — Never put the main unit in water. It contains the motor, fan, and electronics. Only the basket and pan are submersible. Cleaning the main housing requires a damp cloth only.
Using metal utensils — Never use a knife or metal spoon to scrape off stuck food. This gouges the surface. Soaking is the only safe way to remove hardened food.
Using cooking spray — Avoid aerosol cooking sprays like Pam directly on the basket. They contain lecithin, which creates a sticky, gummy residue that is nearly impossible to clean off non-stick surfaces. Use a pump sprayer with pure oil instead.
Cleaning Specific Air Fryer Types
Not all air fryers follow the basket design. Oven-style air fryers require a slightly different approach because they have racks and a glass door.
Oven-Style Air Fryers
These units look like miniature toaster ovens. They have more racks and a drip tray at the bottom.
Soak the racks — Remove the wire racks and soak them in the sink. These are usually stainless steel and can handle a stiffer brush than non-stick baskets.
Clean the glass — The door gets covered in grease quickly. Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the glass, and let it sit. Wipe away for a streak-free view.
Empty the crumb tray — Slide out the bottom tray daily. Grease pooling here is a major fire hazard. Wash this tray with hot soapy water after every use.
Basket-Style Air Fryers
These are the standard drawer units. The main challenge here is the drawer mechanism. Sometimes the tracks where the basket slides get sticky.
Wipe the tracks — Use a damp cloth wrapped around a butter knife (carefully) to wipe inside the side rails. This ensures the drawer closes smoothly and seals tight for proper pressure.
Troubleshooting Post-Cleaning Issues
Sometimes issues arise right after you finish cleaning. Do not panic; usually, it is just residual moisture or soap.
White smoke — If the unit smokes during the first use after cleaning, you likely left soap residue on the coil or basket. Turn it off, let it cool, and wipe everything down with plain water.
Scent of burning plastic — This can happen if a piece of paper towel or a bristle from your brush got left behind near the element. Inspect the interior with a flashlight.
Basket not closing — Check the rubber bumpers on the basket. Sometimes vigorous scrubbing knocks these small silicone feet out of place. Realign them so the basket fits snugly.
Key Takeaways: How To Easily Clean Every Part Of An Air Fryer
➤ Unplug the unit and let it cool completely before touching the heating element.
➤ Soak the basket in hot soapy water to lift grease without scrubbing.
➤ Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean the heating coil upside down.
➤ Avoid metal pads and aerosol sprays to protect the non-stick coating.
➤ Dry all components thoroughly to prevent mold and rust buildup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
You technically can if the manual says so, but hand washing is better. The harsh detergents and high heat cycles in dishwashers often strip the non-stick coating and cause the plastic handle to become brittle over time. A soft sponge and dish soap preserve the finish much longer.
How do I get the smell of plastic out of my air fryer?
Run the air fryer with a small oven-safe bowl containing water and lemon juice or vinegar. Set it to 300°F for 15 minutes. This steam bath helps release the manufacturing oils that cause that plastic smell. Repeat this process two or three times for persistent odors.
Why is my air fryer smoking?
White smoke usually indicates grease buildup on the heating element or excess fat in the bottom of the basket. If you are cooking fatty foods, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom drawer to stop the grease from burning. If it smokes while empty, the heating coil needs a deep clean.
Can I use baking soda on the heating element?
Yes, baking soda is safe for the metal coil. Make a thick paste with water and brush it onto the cold element. Let it dry to absorb the grease, then wipe it away completely with a damp cloth. Ensure no powder remains, as it will burn during the next cycle.
What is the best thing to clean the outside of an air fryer?
A microfiber cloth damp with warm water is sufficient for the exterior. If the plastic feels greasy, add a tiny drop of dish soap. Avoid glass cleaners or harsh chemical sprays, as they can damage the finish and remove the printed text on the control dial.
Wrapping It Up – How To Easily Clean Every Part Of An Air Fryer
Regular maintenance ensures your appliance lasts for years and your food tastes great. The process of how to easily clean every part of an air fryer does not have to be difficult if you keep up with it. A quick wash after every meal prevents the heavy buildup that requires deep scrubbing later.
Remember to treat the non-stick coating gently and pay attention to the heating element at least once a month. With clean vents and a grease-free coil, your air fryer will continue to cook crispy, delicious meals safely. Start your new cleaning routine today and enjoy fresher flavors immediately.