How to Clean an Air Fryer
Knowing how to clean an air fryer keeps it working well, stops smoke and smells and helps the non-stick coating last. The routine takes a few minutes after each use, plus a deeper clean every few weeks. This guide covers the basket, the inside, the heating element, sticky grease and what to avoid.
Always unplug the machine and let it cool fully before you start. If your manual gives cleaning instructions, they take priority over anything here.
Quick cleaning schedule
| When | What to do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| After every use | Wash the basket and drawer; wipe the inside | 5 min |
| Weekly (if used often) | Wipe the heating element and inside of the lid | 5 min |
| Every 3–4 weeks | Deep clean, soak sticky parts, clear the vents | 20 min |
| After fatty food | Wipe out the drawer straight away | 2 min |
How to clean an air fryer after every use
- Unplug and cool. Wait until the basket is just warm. Warm is easier to clean than cold, but never handle hot parts.
- Remove the basket and drawer. Pour away fat into a container, not down the sink.
- Wash by hand. Use warm water, a little washing-up liquid and a soft sponge or brush. Soak for 10 minutes if food is stuck on.
- Rinse and dry. Dry fully with a cloth, because damp parts can mark and smell.
- Wipe the inside. Use a damp, soft cloth around the cavity and the fan guard. Do not pour water in.
- Wipe the outside. A cloth with a little soapy water removes splashes and fingerprints.
How to deep clean an air fryer
Do this when you see a brown film, notice a smell or after cooking something very greasy.
- Soak the parts. Fill the sink with hot water and washing-up liquid, then soak the basket and drawer for 20–30 minutes.
- Clean the heating element. With the machine unplugged and cold, turn it upside down and wipe the element and the roof of the cavity with a soft damp cloth or a soft brush. This is where grease spatters and smoke starts.
- Use bicarbonate of soda for stubborn spots. Mix it with a few drops of water into a paste, spread it over the marks, leave for 15 minutes and wipe off gently. This is a gentler option than scrubbing.
- Wipe the vents. Use a dry brush or a cotton bud to clear dust and crumbs.
- Leave it open to dry. Dry fully before the next use.
Sticky grease and baked-on food
Baked-on grease softens in hot soapy water. If it does not lift after 30 minutes, soak overnight. Some people use a few drops of lemon juice with the soapy water to cut grease and freshen the smell. Avoid scraping with metal. Using a liner or paper reduces build-up, and you can read when it is safe in baking paper in the air fryer.
Smells and smoke
An air fryer that smokes or smells is nearly always dirty. Old fat on the element or the bottom of the drawer burns and gives off white or grey smoke. Fix it by:
- Cleaning the element and the roof of the cavity as above.
- Wiping the drawer after cooking bacon, sausages or other fatty food.
- Pouring a little water in the drawer before cooking very fatty food, to stop fat burning, if your manual allows it.
- Cooking fish and strongly flavoured food with a lemon slice in the drawer to lessen the smell later.
To remove lingering smells, run the empty machine at 160 °C for 5 minutes after cleaning, or leave a bowl of bicarbonate of soda near it overnight.
What not to use on non-stick
The coating on most baskets is delicate. To protect it:
- Do not use steel wool, scouring pads or abrasive powders.
- Do not use metal utensils in the basket.
- Do not use harsh oven cleaners or spray cleaners on the basket or inside the cavity.
- Do not overheat an empty machine, and stop using a basket if the coating flakes.
- Avoid cooking spray, which can build up as a sticky layer. A little oil on the food is better.
Dishwasher tablets and special cleaning sprays are better avoided too, as their strong chemicals can dull or damage the coating.
Can you put an air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
It depends on the manufacturer. Some baskets and drawers are dishwasher-safe, and some are not, so check the manual or the markings on the parts. Even where it is allowed, hand washing is gentler and tends to make the coating last longer. The main unit, with its element and fan, must never go in a dishwasher or be submerged.
Common mistakes
- Washing while hot. A hot basket plunged in cold water can warp.
- Wetting the element. Use a damp cloth only, and let it dry.
- Leaving it until later. Grease sets as it cools, which makes it harder to remove.
- Ignoring the roof. Spatter on the top of the cavity drips back on to food.
A clean machine also cooks better. After cleaning, try chicken wings or check the frozen food chart to put it back to use.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you clean an air fryer?
Wash the basket and drawer after every use, and give the inside and element a wipe weekly if you use it often. A deeper clean every 3–4 weeks keeps smoke and smells away.
How do you clean the heating element?
Unplug it, let it cool and wipe the element with a soft damp cloth or brush. Do not use sprays or soak it.
Can you clean an air fryer with bicarbonate of soda?
Yes. A paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, left for 15 minutes and wiped away gently, helps lift stubborn marks without scratching.
Why is my air fryer smoking?
Old grease on the element or in the drawer is the usual cause. Clean it thoroughly and wipe the drawer after fatty food.
Is an air fryer basket dishwasher safe?
Only if the manufacturer says so in the manual. Hand washing is always an option.
Can you put greaseproof paper in an air fryer to keep it clean?
Oven-safe baking paper or perforated liners can reduce mess, as long as food holds them down. See baking paper in the air fryer.
