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.
From the AirFryHub timing table
This guide links back to the canonical timing row for Chicken Breast, so the advice stays aligned with the chart data.
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.