Most modern air fryer baskets have a nonstick coating that does not require seasoning. However, seasoning — coating with a thin layer of oil and heating it — can improve performance on bare metal or ceramic baskets and restore older nonstick coatings. It takes about 10 minutes.
Does your air fryer need seasoning?
Check your basket material. Nonstick-coated (PTFE/Teflon) baskets — the most common type — do NOT need seasoning and should not be heated empty with oil, as this can degrade the coating. Stainless steel and bare aluminum baskets benefit from seasoning just like a cast iron pan. Ceramic-coated baskets may benefit from a light oil wipe before first use but don't need true seasoning.
How to season a bare metal or ceramic basket
Clean and completely dry the basket. Apply a very thin layer of high smoke-point oil (avocado oil or refined vegetable oil work well) using a paper towel — cover all interior surfaces. Wipe off any excess; it should look barely shiny, not wet. Run the air fryer at 400°F for 5–10 minutes with the oiled basket inside. Let cool completely before use. Repeat 2–3 times for a better initial seasoning.
How to care for a seasoned basket
After each use, wash gently with warm soapy water and a soft sponge. Avoid metal utensils. If the basket looks dull or food starts to stick, re-season. Never use the dishwasher on seasoned metal baskets — it strips the seasoning. Nonstick baskets can typically go in the dishwasher, but hand washing extends their life.
When not to season
If your basket has a nonstick (PTFE) coating in good condition, skip seasoning. Heating oil in a nonstick-coated basket that's empty can cause the coating to overheat and degrade faster. If you see the nonstick coating flaking or peeling, do not season it — replace the basket.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you season an air fryer basket?
To season an air fryer basket: wash and dry the basket thoroughly, then apply a very thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (avocado or refined coconut oil) to all non-stick surfaces using a paper towel or brush. Run the air fryer at 400°F (205°C) for 5 minutes with the empty oiled basket inside. This bakes the oil into the surface and creates a light protective layer. Repeat once more for a newly purchased air fryer. Do not use aerosol cooking spray for seasoning — the propellants damage non-stick coatings.
Do you need to season a new air fryer before first use?
Yes, it is recommended. A new air fryer should be seasoned before first use to burn off any manufacturing residue (which causes the plastic smell common in new appliances) and to create a light protective oil layer on the basket. To season: wash all removable parts, dry completely, lightly oil the basket interior, and run at 400°F (205°C) for 5 minutes. Some manufacturers also recommend a second run. After seasoning, the initial plastic smell typically disappears.
Should you re-season your air fryer basket after a deep clean?
Yes — after scrubbing the basket with soap or running it through the dishwasher, the non-stick coating can lose some of its slickness. Wiping the basket with a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (avocado or light olive oil) and running it at 400°F for 3–5 minutes re-conditions the surface and helps restore easy-release properties. Repeat this simple re-seasoning step any time food starts sticking more than usual after a thorough clean.