How To Clean A Chefman Air Fryer | Pro Cleaning Tips

You pull out the basket and see a crusted-on ring of grease from last night’s chicken wings. Running it through the dishwasher feels tempting, but that high heat and harsh detergent can dull the nonstick coating over time. Most Chefman air fryer owners discover this the hard way.

The honest routine is simpler than you think: a few minutes of manual washing after each use, plus an occasional deep clean, keeps the coating intact and the appliance running well. Here’s exactly how to do it without damaging anything.

Why Cleaning After Every Use Matters More Than It Seems

Air fryers recirculate hot air at high speed. Leftover grease and food particles get baked onto the basket and heating element, which can reduce airflow and make the next batch cook unevenly. Skipping the post-cook wipe down is the most common mistake that affects performance.

There is also a hygiene angle. Old food residue can harbor bacteria and create off flavors in future meals. A quick wash after each use takes under two minutes and saves you from scrubbing caked-on messes later.

What Most People Get Wrong When Cleaning Their Air Fryer

Many readers treat the air fryer basket like a regular baking dish and reach for steel wool or abrasive scrub pads. That ruins the nonstick layer and leads to food sticking forever. Another frequent slip is reassembling the unit while parts are still damp, which can trap moisture and cause mold or electrical issues.

• Abrasive tools: Scouring pads, metal brushes, and harsh scrub sponges scratch the nonstick coating. Stick to soft sponges or nylon brushes.
• Harsh chemicals: Oven cleaners and bleach-based sprays can eat away at the basket’s finish. Stick to mild dish soap and warm water.
• Soaking electrical parts: Never submerge the base of the air fryer — only the removable basket, tray, and pan are dishwasher-safe or hand-washable.
• Ignoring the exterior: Grease splatters build up on the outside too. A damp cloth with a little soap cleans that area without damaging the housing.
• Skipping liners: A silicone or parchment air fryer liner catches drips and makes cleanup nearly effortless. It’s a small purchase that saves time.

Each of these mistakes is easy to fix once you know what to avoid. The right tools and habits make the process painless.

The Basket and Tray: Everyday Cleaning Routine

The removable parts — basket, tray, and any included accessories — need the most attention. After the appliance cools completely, lift out the basket and tray. Wash them in warm water with a few drops of dish soap and a soft sponge. For stubborn stuck-on food, let the parts soak in soapy water for ten minutes, then scrub gently. America’s Test Kitchen recommends scrubbing with a heavy-duty scrub sponge on cooked-on residue, but only on the basket’s exterior or uncoated surfaces — avoid the nonstick interior.

Rinse thoroughly and dry every piece with a towel or let them air dry fully before putting them back in the base. Reassembling while damp can lead to rust or mildew inside the unit.

If you have a Chefman 10qt model, you’ll notice it comes with three different trays and a dip tray. That extra surface area means more nooks for grease to hide — give each tray individual attention during cleaning.

Deep Cleaning with Baking Soda and Peroxide

When grease has built up over several uses, a plain soap wash won’t cut through it. A paste of baking soda and a little water works well on stubborn spots. Rub it on with a soft sponge, let it sit for five minutes, then rinse.

Each method works best when you match it to the level of mess. Daily use only needs the first option; the peroxide mixture is for when you’ve let things slide for a while.

Step-by-Step Deep Clean for a Sparkling Chefman Air Fryer

Once a month — or whenever the basket feels greasy to the touch — give your air fryer a thorough deep clean. Follow these steps in order to avoid damaging any part.

1. Unplug and cool: Always unplug the unit and wait until it is fully cool to the touch. Cleaning a hot air fryer risks burns and can warp the basket.
2. Remove all parts: Take out the basket, trays, and any inserts. Wipe the interior heating coil area with a dry brush to dislodge loose crumbs.
3. Mix the deep-clean solution: Combine 2 tablespoons baking soda, 2 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide, and a couple of sprays of Dawn Powerwash in a small bowl. Apply the paste to the basket and tray using a soft sponge or brush.
4. Scrub gently, then rinse: Let the paste sit for 5–10 minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse all parts thoroughly under warm running water.
5. Dry and reassemble: Pat every component dry with a clean towel and let them air dry for another 15 minutes before putting the basket back into the base. Store the air fryer with the drawer slightly ajar so moisture can escape.

This routine removes built-up grease that regular washing misses. Your air fryer will smell fresh and cook more evenly afterward.

What About the Heating Element and Interior Ceiling?

The top interior of the air fryer — where the heating element and fan sit — collects splatters over time. You cannot remove this part, so cleaning it requires care. With the unit unplugged and cool, use a soft brush or a dry toothbrush to gently sweep loose debris away from the heating coil. For greasy spots, wipe the interior ceiling with a damp microfiber cloth wrung out in soapy water. The Kitchn tested a baking soda peroxide mixture on a greasy basket and found it effective; you can apply the same mixture to the interior ceiling using a soft cloth, but be careful not to let liquid drip into the electrical components. Never spray cleaner directly into the fan or heating element.

If your model has a removable crumb tray at the bottom, empty and wash that regularly too. Food debris that collects there can smoke during cooking.

Avoid these three errors and your air fryer will look good and perform well for years. The coating is the most vulnerable part, so treat it like a premium nonstick pan.

The Bottom Line

Cleaning a Chefman air fryer comes down to two habits: a quick soapy wash after every use and a monthly deep clean using baking soda or a peroxide mixture. Stick to soft sponges, dry everything thoroughly, and never use harsh chemicals. The nonstick coating will last longer, and your food will taste better without leftover grease.

If you have a Chefman 10qt model with multiple trays, keep each one separate during cleaning and check the dip tray for hidden oil. Your owner’s manual may have specific tray‑washing instructions — a quick look there can save you from guessing.