Colin FosterBy Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

Knowing how to wash an air fryer properly keeps your food tasting fresh, your appliance working well, and your kitchen free of smoky smells. In this guide, you will learn how to wash the basket, tray, and interior safely after each use, how to handle stuck-on grease, and how to dry everything so it is ready for the next meal. Most of the work takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you have a routine.

Before You Start: Unplug and Let It Cool

Safety comes first. Always unplug the air fryer from the wall and let it cool completely before you touch the basket or interior. The heating element and metal surfaces can stay hot for 30 minutes or longer after cooking, and the basket handle can burn your fingers even when the rest of the unit feels warm. Never immerse the main unit, the heating element, or the fan housing in water.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries (2026): Expert Picks. For a deeper look, How to Wash Produce Safely covers this in detail.

What You Need to Wash an Air Fryer

You do not need specialty products. Most of what you need is already in your kitchen.

  • Warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap
  • A soft sponge or non-abrasive cloth
  • A nylon or silicone scrubbing brush for corners and mesh
  • A plastic scraper or wooden spatula for baked-on food
  • Baking soda and water for a paste on stubborn residue
  • A clean, dry microfiber towel
  • A soft brush or dry cloth for the heating element area

Step-by-Step: How to Wash the Basket and Tray

The basket and crisper tray are the parts you will wash most often. Most manufacturers state that these removable components are dishwasher-safe, but hand washing extends the life of nonstick coatings and keeps finishes looking good.

Step 1: Remove and Empty the Basket

Pull out the basket and tray. Tip out any crumbs or loose bits of food into the trash, not the sink, to protect your drain.

Step 2: Soak If Needed

If grease or cheese has hardened on the surface, fill the basket with warm, soapy water and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Soaking loosens the residue so you do not have to scrub hard, which protects nonstick coatings.

Step 3: Scrub Gently

Use a soft sponge to wash the basket, paying attention to the mesh or perforated base and the edges where grease collects. Use the nylon brush to clean out the small holes. Avoid steel wool and abrasive scouring pads, which scratch nonstick finishes and can leave metal fragments behind.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry Completely

Rinse with clean water until no soap remains. Dry each part with a towel, then let it air dry for another few minutes. Trapped moisture can cause odors and, over time, can affect the coating.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean the Interior and Heating Element

The interior and heating element collect grease vapor and small food particles. Cleaning them regularly prevents smoke and off-flavors during the next cook.

Step 1: Wipe the Interior

Dampen a sponge with warm, soapy water, wring it out well, and wipe the walls, ceiling, and floor of the cooking chamber. Wring out the sponge thoroughly so that you are not dripping water into the unit.

Step 2: Treat Stuck-On Grease

For stubborn spots, apply a baking soda paste (roughly three parts baking soda to one part water). Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then wipe it away with a damp cloth. Repeat if needed.

Step 3: Clean the Heating Element

Once the unit is fully cool and unplugged, use a soft, dry brush or dry cloth to remove food particles from the heating element. Do not use liquid directly on the element. Check your model’s manual for any specific cleaning instructions for the element area.

Step 4: Clean the Exterior

Wipe the outside with a damp cloth and mild soap. Keep moisture away from vents, control panel openings, and the power cord connection. Dry the surface with a clean towel.

Cleaning Schedule at a Glance

Task How Often Method
Empty crumbs and debris After every use Tip out basket contents, wipe with dry cloth
Wash basket and tray After every use or every few uses Warm soapy water, soft sponge, dry thoroughly
Wipe interior Weekly, or after greasy meals Damp sponge with mild soap
Deep clean with baking soda paste Monthly, or as needed Paste on buildup, rest 10–15 minutes, wipe
Brush heating element Monthly, when cool Soft dry brush or dry cloth

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submerging the main unit. Water can damage electrical components. Only the removable parts should go in water.
  • Using abrasive pads. Steel wool and harsh scrubbers damage nonstick coatings and leave the surface more prone to sticking.
  • Washing while hot. Hot metal can warp, and cold water on a hot basket can cause cracking or surface damage.
  • Skipping drying. Water left in the basket or interior can cause odors and rust on any exposed metal parts.
  • Letting grease build up. Old grease smokes at high temperatures and affects the taste of your food. A quick wipe after cooking saves time later.
  • Ignoring the manual. Some models have specific cleaning rules, especially for dual-basket units or models with built-in fans. Check what the manufacturer specifies.

Tips for Easier Cleaning

  • Line the basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner when cooking foods that drip, such as marinated meats. Check that the liner is rated for your air fryer temperature and keep it weighed down so it does not touch the heating element.
  • Lightly coat food with oil, but avoid heavy spraying, which builds up sticky residue faster.
  • Wash the basket right after it cools slightly. Food is easier to remove when it has not fully set.
  • Keep a small brush near the sink so cleaning takes only a few minutes.
  • If you cook fatty foods often, wipe the interior every few days rather than waiting for a monthly deep clean.

These tools make washing faster and help protect the coating and interior surfaces of your air fryer.

  • Nylon detail brush: Reaches into the perforations of the basket and the corners of the drawer without scratching. View on Amazon
  • Silicone air fryer liners: Reusable liners catch drips and reduce the amount of residue that reaches the basket. View on Amazon
  • Non-abrasive sponges: Soft sponges clean nonstick surfaces without leaving scratches. View on Amazon
  • Microfiber cleaning cloths: These dry surfaces quickly and pick up grease film well. View on Amazon

FAQ

Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?

Many removable air fryer baskets and trays are labeled dishwasher-safe by their manufacturers. Check the manual for your specific model. Hand washing is still gentler on nonstick coatings over time.

Can I wash the heating element with water?

No. The heating element should never be submerged or sprayed. Brush away debris with a soft dry brush once the unit is fully cool and unplugged.

How do I get rid of the burnt smell after washing?

Make sure the basket and interior are completely dry before using the unit again. Running the empty air fryer for a few minutes at a moderate temperature can burn off lingering residue. Ventilate the kitchen while you do this.

What is the best way to remove baked-on cheese?

Soak the basket in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes, then gently scrape with a plastic scraper. For stubborn spots, use a baking soda paste and let it sit before wiping.

Is vinegar safe to use for cleaning an air fryer?

A diluted vinegar solution can help with mineral deposits on the exterior and interior walls. Wipe it off with a clean damp cloth, then dry thoroughly. Avoid soaking the basket or heating element in vinegar for long periods, and check your manual first.

How often should I deep clean my air fryer?

A monthly deep clean works well for most households who use the air fryer several times a week. Increase frequency if you cook greasy or heavily seasoned foods often.

Why does my air fryer smoke when I use it after washing?

Smoke usually comes from leftover grease on the heating element or interior walls. Wipe those surfaces thoroughly once they are cool. If smoke continues, review your manual or contact the manufacturer for guidance.

Can I use harsh oven cleaners on my air fryer?

Avoid oven cleaners and harsh chemical sprays. They can damage nonstick coatings and leave residues that may affect food safety. Stick with mild dish soap, baking soda, and water.

Conclusion

Washing your air fryer does not have to be a chore. Unplug and cool the unit, wash the basket and tray with warm soapy water, and wipe the interior regularly with a soft sponge. Schedule a monthly deep clean with baking soda paste and keep the heating element free of debris. With a simple routine, your air fryer will stay clean, smell fresh, and cook well for years. For more on everyday use, see How to Use an Air Fryer: A Beginner’s Guide and How to Clean an Air Fryer.

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Colin Foster

About Colin Foster

Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our home cooking with appliances guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.