To clean your NuWave Brio Air Fryer, unplug it, let it cool completely, wash all removable parts in warm soapy water or the dishwasher.
You probably use your NuWave Brio a few times a week — crispy wings, roasted veggies, reheated pizza. The basket gets wiped down here and there, but the inside of the air fryer itself might not get much attention. Grease and crumbs build up quietly, and over time that affects performance.
The good news is cleaning a NuWave Brio is straightforward once you know the right order. This guide covers the daily wipe-down, the weekly soak, the occasional deep clean, and what to avoid so you don’t damage the non-stick coating or the heating element.
What You Need To Get Started
Most of what you need is already in your kitchen. Grab mild dish soap, a soft sponge or non-abrasive cloth, a clean dry brush (a pastry brush works well), and a wooden or silicone utensil for the heating element.
Skip the steel wool, abrasive pads, and harsh chemical sprays. The non-stick coating on the basket and trays scratches easily, and harsh cleaners can leave residues that affect food taste. A soft approach keeps the appliance working longer.
For routine cleaning, a paper towel and a small bowl of warm soapy water are usually enough. For deeper cleaning, you’ll want a sink full of warm water and a few extra minutes for soaking stubborn bits.
Why Cleaning Your Brio Regularly Matters
It’s easy to think an air fryer stays clean because it uses much less oil than deep frying. In reality, grease still splatters, food particles get trapped under the basket, and crumbs collect around the heating element. Regular cleaning keeps the appliance cooking evenly and smelling fresh.
Here’s what you gain from a consistent cleaning routine:
- Better air circulation: Grease buildup on the interior walls can restrict airflow, leading to uneven cooking and longer cook times.
- Longer non-stick life: Letting food residue sit on the basket or tray makes it harder to remove later, which leads to more aggressive scrubbing and eventual coating damage.
- No smoke or odors: Old grease and food particles on the heating element burn off during the next use, producing smoke and unpleasant smells.
- Easier cleaning overall: A quick wipe after each use takes thirty seconds. A deep clean after weeks of neglect can take thirty minutes.
- Appliance longevity: Keeping the coils and interior free of heavy grease buildup helps the fan and heating element operate efficiently, which may extend the unit’s life.
Most people find that a two-minute post-cooking wipe keeps their Brio performing well for months before a deeper clean is needed. The key is making it part of your routine, not an occasional chore.
How To Clean NuWave Brio Air Fryer Step By Step
Start by unplugging the unit and letting it cool completely — usually 20 to 30 minutes after cooking. Per the NuWave official FAQ, you should always unplug and cool completely before handling any parts. This prevents burns from residual heat and protects the electronics.
Remove and Wash Detachable Parts
Take out the basket, tray, and pan. On the 15.5-quart model, you can detach the removable front door for much easier access to the interior. All of these parts are dishwasher-safe, or you can wash them by hand with warm soapy water. For stuck-on food, let them soak for 15 to 20 minutes before scrubbing with a soft sponge.
Dry each part thoroughly before putting them back. Moisture trapped between the basket and the unit can drip into the electronics during the next cook.
| Cleaning Task | Frequency | Tools Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Wipe basket and interior with paper towel | After each use | Paper towel |
| Wash removable parts in warm soapy water | Every 2-3 uses | Mild dish soap, soft sponge |
| Soak basket, tray, and pan for 15-20 minutes | Weekly or when heavily soiled | Warm water, mild dish soap |
| Wipe interior walls and ceiling with damp cloth | Weekly | Damp microfiber cloth |
| Clean heating element with dry brush | Monthly or when smoking occurs | Soft dry brush (pastry brush), wooden utensil |
This table covers the basic cleaning cadence most Brio users find effective. Adjust frequency based on how often you cook and what you cook — greasy foods like bacon or wings may need more frequent attention.
What To Avoid When Cleaning
A few common mistakes can damage your air fryer or make cleaning harder the next time. Knowing what to skip saves you from learning the hard way.
- Never spray water or cleaner directly on the heating element. Use a soft, dry brush — like a clean paintbrush — to gently dislodge crumbs from the element. Water can cause electrical damage or rust.
- Avoid abrasive scouring pads and harsh chemical cleaners. Steel wool, bleach-based sprays, and oven cleaner can scratch the non-stick coating and leave residue. Stick to mild dish soap and a soft sponge.
- Don’t submerge the main body in water. Only the removable parts — basket, tray, pan, and door — are washable. The base contains the fan and electronics and should only be wiped with a damp cloth.
- Skip metal utensils on the heating element. Use a wooden or silicone utensil to dislodge stuck-on food. Metal can scratch or bend the element, affecting performance.
- Don’t clean while the unit is still warm. Hot surfaces increase the risk of burns, and sudden temperature changes from water can warp the non-stick coating over time.
Avoiding these mistakes keeps the non-stick coating intact and the heating element working properly. If you do accidentally scratch the basket or tray, consider replacing the parts rather than continuing to use damaged non-stick surfaces.
Deep Cleaning Your NuWave Brio
Every few months — or sooner if you notice smoke or off smells — give the Brio a deeper clean. The process is similar to the weekly routine but with extra attention to the heating element and interior ceiling.
Degreasing the Coils and Interior
Use a soft, dry brush to gently sweep crumbs and grease flakes off the heating element. A clean paintbrush or pastry brush works well. For stuck-on bits, use a wooden skewer or silicone spatula to nudge them loose without scratching the metal.
For the interior walls and ceiling, wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild soap. A detailed deep-cleaning guide from Williams Food Equipment recommends you soak in warm soapy water for the basket and tray to loosen hardened residue before scrubbing. This approach works well for any air fryer, including the NuWave Brio.
| Deep Clean Step | What To Use |
|---|---|
| Clean heating element | Soft dry brush, wooden or silicone utensil |
| Wash removable parts | Warm soapy water or dishwasher |
| Wipe interior ceiling and walls | Damp cloth with mild dish soap |
| Wipe exterior and control panel | Damp cloth (no spray directly on panel) |
After deep cleaning, run the air fryer empty at 400°F for 3-5 minutes to burn off any moisture or soap residue before cooking again. This step helps prevent off-flavors in your next batch of food.
The Bottom Line
Cleaning your NuWave Brio Air Fryer doesn’t need to be a hassle. Unplug and cool, remove the detachable parts, wash them in warm soapy water or the dishwasher, and wipe the interior with a damp cloth. Deep clean the heating element every month or so to prevent smoke and maintain even cooking.
If you cook greasy foods like chicken wings or bacon regularly, a quick paper towel wipe after each use and a weekly sink soak will keep your 15.5-quart Brio running like new. For more thorough guidance, the NuWave FAQ page and general air fryer cleaning resources offer model-specific and general tips to match your kitchen routine.
References & Sources
- Nuwavenow. “Unplug and Cool Completely” Before cleaning, always unplug the NuWave Brio Air Fryer and let it cool completely to prevent burns or electrical shock.
- Williamsfoodequipment. “How to Deep Clean an Air Fryer Tips Best Practices” Soak the basket, tray, and pan in warm, soapy water for 15–20 minutes to loosen stuck-on food and grease before scrubbing.