How to Clean an Air Fryer

Allow the air fryer to cool for at least 30 minutes before cleaning — burned fingers on a hot basket are the most common air-fryer injury. Remove the basket and crisper plate and wash them in warm soapy water with a non-abrasive sponge or place them in the dishwasher (top rack). Do not use steel wool or abrasive scourers — they scratch the non-stick coating permanently. Wipe the inside of the drawer cavity with a damp paper towel or cloth to pick up any splattered grease before it bakes on.

For stuck-on food and baked-on grease, soak the basket in hot soapy water for 10–20 minutes before scrubbing. A paste of baking soda and water applied to problem areas and left for 10 minutes loosens most residue without scratching. A soft-bristle brush (an old toothbrush works well) reaches the perforated holes in the basket. Avoid soaking the entire unit — only the removable parts should contact water. For the non-removable interior cavity, use a lightly dampened cloth only.

The heating coil at the top of the air fryer cavity accumulates splattered grease over time and is the primary source of smoke during cooking. Turn the air fryer upside down after it has completely cooled — this gives clear access to the element. Use a soft damp cloth or a soft-bristle brush to gently wipe the coil. Never spray water or cleaning solution directly at the element; use a barely damp cloth. If grease has carbonized on the element, a small amount of dish soap on the brush followed by a clean-water wipe removes it safely.

Adding 1–2 tablespoons of water to the drip tray before cooking bacon, sausages, or other fatty foods catches dripping grease and prevents it from burning — this dramatically reduces smoke and makes clean-up much faster. Perforated parchment liners in the basket catch crumbs and food residue and are simply discarded after cooking. Lightly spraying the basket with cooking spray before each use keeps the non-stick surface in better condition over time. These small habits mean the weekly deep clean takes a fraction of the effort.

Can you put an air fryer basket in the dishwasher?

Most air fryer baskets and crisper plates are dishwasher-safe on the top rack — check your model's manual to confirm. Frequent dishwasher cycles can degrade the non-stick coating faster than hand-washing; hand-washing with warm soapy water and a soft sponge extends the life of the coating. Never put the main unit, the outer housing, or anything with electrical components in the dishwasher.

How often should you clean an air fryer?

The basket and crisper plate should be washed after every single use — grease left overnight bakes on and becomes much harder to remove. The interior cavity should be wiped down after each cook. The heating element should be checked and cleaned once a week if you cook frequently, or after any cook that produces visible smoke. A full deep-clean of all surfaces takes about 15–20 minutes and should be done every 2–4 weeks depending on usage.

Should you add water to the air fryer drawer to make cleaning easier?

Adding 1–2 tablespoons of water to the outer drawer (not the basket) before cooking fatty foods like bacon or sausage catches dripping grease and prevents it from baking onto the drawer surface. The water also reduces smoking during cooking. After cooking, pour the greasy water carefully into the sink before washing — never try to carry a full drawer across the kitchen without first emptying it.