How To Clean an Air Fryer in 6 Simple Steps

To clean an air fryer, unplug it and let it cool, then remove the basket, pan, and tray and wash them in warm soapy water (most are dishwasher safe). Wipe the inside and outside of the main unit with a damp cloth — never submerge the body, since it’s an electrical appliance — and gently clean the heating coil with a soft (non-metal) brush. Check for any damage, then dry everything fully before reassembling. For baked-on grease, a soak in warm soapy water lifts it with far less scrubbing. Here are the six steps in detail, plus the mistakes to avoid.

Quick start: how to clean an air fryer in 6 steps

Don’t skip these key steps:

1. Turn off the power. Unplug the air fryer from the wall before anything else. It takes a second and removes any shock risk — safety first.

2. Take out the pan, basket, and tray. These slide right out and are usually dishwasher safe. If you’d rather hand wash (or aren’t sure they’re dishwasher safe), soak and rinse them in warm soapy water in the sink.

3. Wipe the main unit with a damp cloth. The body is an electrical appliance, so never submerge it in water. Wipe away spills and grease buildup inside and out with a damp (not dripping) cloth.

4. Gently clean the heating coil with a soft brush. The coil is one of the more fragile parts — a soft brush and a light touch cleans it without damage. Never use a metal brush or utensil on it.

5. Check everything over. Cracks, breakages, or unusual discoloration can signal a problem with the electrical components. If anything looks off, leave it unplugged and contact an appliance professional.

6. Dry it fully. Towel-dry every part and the unit before reassembling — no moisture near the heating element or plug. Then it’s ready for the next use.

Before you start, here are the classic mistakes to avoid:

Prefer to hand it off? We can take care of it as part of a professional cleaning service — or read on to do it yourself.

Want to see air fryer cleaning in action?

Watch this quick video, then keep reading for time-saving tips.

How to deep clean an air fryer

A few hints to make deep cleaning painless:

• Soak baked-on grease rather than scrubbing it. Leave the removable parts in warm soapy water for about 30 minutes and the grease wipes off with little effort.
• Baking soda handles stubborn spots. For baked-on residue on the basket or pan, make a paste of baking soda and a little water (not vinegar — see the note below), apply it to the spot, leave a few minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush and rinse. The mild abrasion of the baking soda is what does the work.
• Line it to reduce mess. A perforated parchment liner or a small sheet of foil (only under food, never blocking airflow or the heating element) keeps future cleanup minimal. Check your manual — some manufacturers advise against foil.

A note on vinegar and baking soda: you’ll often see them recommended mixed together as a “powerful paste,” but when combined they react and largely neutralize each other, fizzing down to mostly water and a little salt. So use them separately: baking soda (as a paste or sprinkle) for scrubbing baked-on grease, and a vinegar-and-water wipe for odors or finishing — not mixed into one paste. And never mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaners.

How to clean grease from an air fryer basket

• Take the basket out and set it in a sink of warm soapy water.
• Soak a couple of minutes — longer for heavy baked-on grease.
• Work across the surface in circular motions with a sponge or dishcloth.
• Use a firm (non-metal) brush or an old toothbrush to reach tight corners and the mesh.
• Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely before refitting.

The tools you need

A firm (non-metal) toothbrush or soft brush — the best tool for grease and food in the crevices, without scratching the coating.

A sponge or dishcloth — for wiping spills and grease; keep a spare so you always start clean.

Baking soda (and white vinegar) — cheap, natural cleaners you likely already have. Use baking soda as a scrubbing paste; use diluted vinegar separately for odors. (Skip the “mix them together” advice — they cancel out.)

A clear flat workspace by the sink — laying parts out in order takes the stress out of reassembly.

Cleaning a large air fryer (XL / Ninja and others)

Whether it’s an oversized model or a Ninja air fryer, the same method applies — plus these:

• Work in good light so you can see into all the grooves and channels.
• If baking soda isn’t shifting something, an air-fryer-safe cleaning spray can help reach tight spots.
• Keep a firmer (non-metal) brush handy so you’re never tempted to grab a knife or fork — metal will scratch the coating and can crack the heating coil.

The brushes and tools you buy do double duty elsewhere, like cleaning pots and pans.

Classic mistakes to avoid

Scrubbing too hard. Metal implements, wire wool, or just heavy scrubbing damages the non-stick coating. If something’s stuck, soak it longer in hot soapy water rather than forcing it.

Getting reassembly wrong. If it’s been a while, snap a photo before you take it apart so you can refit everything correctly.

Not drying fully. Towel-dry and make sure there’s no water near the plug or heating element before powering on. Rushing this step causes problems later.