The air fryer is one of the most-used appliances in today’s kitchens — fast, convenient, and perfect for healthier cooking. But because it’s used so often, it also gets dirty quickly. Grease builds up on the basket. Crumbs burn at the bottom. The heating element collects residue. And before long, your air fryer starts smoking, smelling burnt, or making food taste “off.”
The good news? Cleaning an air fryer is actually easy when you know what to do — and what not to do. This guide walks you through cleaning the basket, tray, interior chamber, heating element, and exterior safely, without damaging the coating or electrical components. We’ll also cover deodorizing tricks and long-term maintenance so your air fryer lasts for years.
For more kitchen cleaning tutorials, see➡️ Kitchen Cleaning Master Guide. Let’s restore your air fryer to a clean, efficient, fresh-smelling condition.
Why Regular Air Fryer Cleaning Is Essential
Grease Build-Up Causes Smoking & Burning Smells
When old grease drips onto the bottom of the air fryer or the heating coil, it burns every time the appliance heats up. This creates smoke, bad smells, and uneven cooking. Very rarely, it can even become a fire hazard if ignored for too long.
Burnt Crumbs Affect Food Taste
Small crumbs and leftover coating from fried foods burn easily. If you don’t clean them out, that burnt smell transfers to new food — making everything taste slightly bitter or smoky.
Cleaner Air Fryer = Longer Lifespan
An air fryer that is never cleaned forces the fan and heating system to work harder. This reduces its efficiency and puts more stress on internal components. Regular cleaning helps maintain heating performance and extends the life of the appliance.
What You Need (Tools & Cleaners)
Warm Soapy Water & Sponge
This is the primary cleaner for air fryer baskets and trays. Dish soap breaks down grease effectively without damaging non-stick coatings.
Soft Brush / Old Toothbrush
A soft brush helps scrub mesh areas, grid plates, and corners where grease and crumbs get stuck. A toothbrush is especially helpful for hard-to-reach spots.
Baking Soda & Vinegar (Optional)
These natural cleaners help remove burnt-on residue and stubborn grease. Baking soda is gentle yet strong enough for deep cleaning without scratching.
Microfiber Cloth for Exterior
Using a microfiber cloth ensures fingerprints, smudges, and grease marks are removed without scratching the body of the air fryer.
Never Use: Metal Scrubbers, Steel Wool, Harsh Chemicals
Metal scrubbers will remove the non-stick coating instantly. Harsh chemicals can corrode the interior and release toxic fumes during the next cooking cycle. Always stick to gentle cleaners.
How to Clean Air Fryer Basket & Tray
Step 1 — Let It Cool Completely
Never clean a hot air fryer. Wait for it to cool to room temperature to avoid burns and prevent warping from sudden temperature changes.
Step 2 — Remove Basket & Tray
Take out all removable components — the basket, drip tray, and sometimes a rack or grill plate depending on your model.
Step 3 — Soak in Warm Soapy Water (10–20 Minutes)
Fill your sink with warm water and dish soap. Soak the basket and tray for 10–20 minutes. This softens dried grease and crumbs, making them easier to scrub.
Step 4 — Scrub Mesh Area With Brush
Mesh baskets often trap burnt crumbs and oily residue. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub gently. Work along the mesh pattern to lift debris without damaging the coating.
Step 5 — Rinse & Dry Completely
Rinse well to remove soap and food particles. Dry with a microfiber cloth or let air dry. Any leftover moisture can cause rust, especially around bolts or screws.
If the grease is extremely stubborn, you can refer to ➡️ How to Degrease Kitchen Cabinets for additional degreasing techniques that also work on cookware.
How to Clean the Inside of the Air Fryer
Step 1 — Wipe Interior With Damp Cloth
Use a warm damp cloth to remove loose grease and crumbs. Avoid dripping water into the unit — the air fryer’s interior is not fully waterproof.
Step 2 — Use Baking Soda Paste for Stubborn Spots
For burnt-on stains or brown patches on the interior walls, make a baking soda paste:
2 tbsp baking soda + a little water.
Apply it with a soft cloth and scrub gently until the surface smooths out.
Step 3 — Clean Heating Element (If Accessible)
Some air fryer models allow you to access the heating element easily. Others require turning the unit upside down.
Use:
- A soft brush
- A vinegar-damp cloth
- Gentle pressure
Never soak the heating element or spray water directly on it.
Step 4 — Remove Odors With Lemon Steam Method
To freshen the interior:
- Fill a small oven-safe bowl with water + lemon slices.
- Run the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 2–4 minutes.
- Open and wipe dry.
This method breaks down grease vapor and freshens the air fryer naturally. See also ➡️ How to Clean Microwave with Lemon
How to Clean the Heating Element Safely
Turn Air Fryer Upside Down (If Design Allows)
Flipping the air fryer gives clear access to the heating coil area. Do this on a towel to avoid scratching the exterior.
Brush Off Burnt Crumbs
Use a dry brush or toothbrush to loosen burnt crumbs stuck around the heating element or fan housing.
Use Vinegar Damp Cloth — Not Soaking
A slightly vinegar-damp cloth removes grease residue safely. Never apply vinegar directly or pour liquid near electrical components.
How to Clean the Air Fryer Exterior
Wipe With Damp Microfiber Cloth
Fingerprints and grease splatters accumulate on the exterior. A damp microfiber cloth removes most marks easily.
Use Mild Soap for Sticky Spots
For tougher residue, wet your cloth with warm soapy water and scrub gently. Avoid dripping liquid into the buttons or gaps.
Avoid Spraying Directly Into Buttons or Vents
Spraying cleaner directly onto the air fryer can damage the touch controls or internal wiring. Always spray onto the cloth instead.
Removing Odors From the Air Fryer
Lemon Steam Method
Run the air fryer at medium heat with water and lemon slices for a few minutes. This lifts odors and breaks down grease.
Baking Soda Overnight
Place a small bowl of baking soda inside the air fryer (with the unit off). Leave it overnight to absorb deep odors.
Vinegar Wipe for Neutralizing Smells
A vinegar-damp cloth removes tough smells like burnt popcorn, fish, or old oil.
Deep Cleaning Method (Monthly)
Step-by-Step Full Deep Clean Checklist
A full deep clean includes:
- Cleaning basket
- Cleaning tray
- Scrubbing mesh
- Wiping interior walls
- Cleaning heating element
- Cleaning exterior
- Deodorizing
This resets your air fryer to near-new condition.
When You Should Do a Deep Clean
Deep clean your air fryer once every 3–4 weeks, or sooner if you:
- Notice smoke during cooking
- Smell burnt odors
- See grease dripping on the bottom
- Hear crackling noises from burnt crumbs
Signs Your Air Fryer Needs Immediate Cleaning
- Food tastes strange
- A burnt smell appears right away
- Air fryer smokes at low heat
- Visible brown residue on heating element
Preventing Future Build-Up
Line Basket With Parchment Paper (Air-Fryer Safe)
Parchment paper reduces grease splatter and catches crumbs, making cleaning much easier. Ensure the paper is perforated or designed for air fryers.
Avoid Using Aerosol Oil Sprays
Aerosol sprays leave sticky residue that builds up quickly on the basket and heating element. Use a pump-style mister instead.
Clean Basket After Every Use
A quick wash prevents hardened grease and burnt crumbs from building up.
Mistakes to Avoid
Soaking the Main Unit
The main unit contains electrical components. Soaking it can cause permanent damage and electrical hazards.
Using Metal Scrubbers on Basket
This strips the non-stick coating, causing food to stick permanently. Always use soft brushes or sponges.
Running Air Fryer While Wet
Moisture can damage internal components and cause sparks. Ensure all parts are fully dry before reassembling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put air fryer parts in the dishwasher?
Most baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe. However, check your model — some coatings last longer when hand washed.
Why does my air fryer smell burnt?
Usually due to leftover grease on the heating element, burnt crumbs, or old oil on the basket.
How often should I clean my air fryer?
Clean the basket after every use. Deep clean the entire unit every 2–4 weeks depending on usage.
How do I clean sticky residue from the mesh?
Soak in hot soapy water, then scrub with a soft brush. Use baking soda paste for burnt areas.
Is vinegar safe for air fryers?
Yes, but only on cloth — never pour vinegar or spray directly inside the main unit.
How do I clean mold smell inside air fryer?
Wipe interior with vinegar, run lemon steam cycle, let it air dry completely overnight.
Final Thoughts — A Cleaner Air Fryer for Better Cooking
Cleaning your air fryer doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple steps — and the right tools — your air fryer can stay grease-free, odor-free, and cooking beautifully for years. Regular cleaning improves performance, ensures better food taste, and prevents burnt smells or smoke during cooking.
For more helpful cleaning guides, explore:
➡️ Kitchen Cleaning Master Guide
➡️ Oven Cleaning Hacks
➡️ Stainless Steel Sink & Appliances
➡️ Fridge Deep Clean Checklist