Skip to main content

This is how to deep clean your air fryer the right way

Don't neglect your favorite kitchen appliance

Potatoes and rosemary in an air fryer
Katarzyna Javaheri-Szpak / Pixabay

Air fryers are a beloved kitchen appliance for many households. They allow you to fry foods faster and in a healthier manner than traditional deep-frying could ever dream of. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food to provide an even bake without adding any extra calories from fats and oils.

But what happens when dinner is done? If you’re wondering how to clean air fryer appliances now that you have one, this quick guide will show you the best methods for cleaning and protecting your equipment.

Recommended Videos

What you’ll need

Several bottles of cleaning products under a sink
Budimir Jevtic / Shutterstock

Before you begin cleaning your air fryer, you’ll need a few tools.

  • Dish soap
  • Warm water
  • Cleaning cloth or towel
  • Sponge
  • Scrub brush
  • Dishwasher (optional)

You can put some air fryer components in the dishwasher for cleaning. However, be sure to read your manufacturer’s instructions before using the dishwasher, as this method can damage some air fryers.

Additionally, never submerge the air fryer’s main drawer underwater. Doing so could damage the electrical components and render your air fryer unusable.

How to clean an air fryer

man using air fryer to cook chicken
Enjoy The Life / Shutterstock

1. Unplug and disassemble

The first step to cleaning your air fryer is to unplug the appliance and allow it time to cool. Air fryers can become extremely hot while they cook your food, so it’s essential to allow them to cool before you begin cleaning.

Once cooled, begin disassembling the air fryer. You can do this by pulling out the main drawer and basket. There’s no need for further disassembling as the food is always heated inside the basket of the main drawer. If you are curious about how to clean the exterior of the air fryer, we will discuss the best way to do so later.

2. Wash the interior parts

With your parts removed from the air fryer, it’s time to begin cleaning. Your air fryer has two removable components: The basket and the main drawer, which both require cleaning to ensure the fryer operates at its optimal performance.

Basket

Some baskets can be further disassembled into two parts. Often, you can remove the wire base of the basket to allow for more efficient cleaning. To clean the basket, place the parts in warm soapy water and use a sponge or scrub brush to remove any food residue. Once clean, rinse these parts and set them aside to dry. If your manufacturer’s instructions permit it, you may also use a dishwasher for this step if you prefer.

Main drawer component

The main drawer component holds the basket when cooking and is often the part that you open and close when accessing the interior of the air fryer. This component has electrical parts within its makeup and cannot be fully submerged in water. Due to this, it’s also important to check your manufacturer’s instructions before placing the main drawer in a dishwasher.

The main drawer often catches a lot of food debris during frying, so it’s important to clean it after every use. Simply use warm soapy water and a sponge or scrub brush to clean the interior of the drawer. Rinse well and set it aside to dry.

3. Tackle stuck-on messes

If you have stuck-on messes that don’t seem to budge, a small amount of dish soap and a scrub brush should do the trick. If you’re having trouble cleaning tight corners or in-between the basket’s wiring, a toothbrush can be a helpful tool.

Try to avoid using any metal tools when cleaning as these materials could damage the non-stick coating within many air fryers. Soaking the removable parts, like the wire basket, in water can also help loosen any grime.

4. Wipe down the interior and exterior

As your removable parts are drying, you can opt for cleaning the interior and exterior of your air fryer. There won’t always be food stains on these parts after cooking. However, cleaning these parts after every few uses will keep the appliance looking good as new.

Use a damp cloth or dish towel and wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer. If necessary, use a small amount of dish soap to get rid of any stuck-on debris. Then, wipe down these components with a non-soapy wet cloth again and allow to air-dry or wipe down with a dry towel.

5. Dry and reassemble

Once all parts of the air fryer are dry, you can reassemble and put away your appliance. Be sure to check that all parts are dry before storage, as wet components can rust, damage, or create a foul smell in your machine.

Tips for keeping your air fryer clean

woman cooking with an air fryer
anek.soowannaphoom / Shutterstock

Prevention is always key in preventing big messes in the kitchen. To keep your air fryer cleaner and avoid a gunky, sticky situation, follow these tips:

  • Use parchment paper liners or aluminum foil to catch drips and crumbs.
  • Wipe down the basket and tray with a damp cloth after each use to prevent buildup.
  • Avoid overcrowding the fryer, which can lead to splattering.
  • Always check the manual for safe cleaning practices.
  • It’s important to regularly clean this kitchen appliance and the heating element to maintain optimal performance.

With your air fryer clean, it will be ready for your subsequent use without any need for additional set-up. Just set it on your counter, plug it in, and begin making your favorite recipes to create healthy fried meals that cut back on the calories. Remember to clean your air fryer after every use to keep it working as good as new, and you’ll have plenty of delicious dinners to come!

Amelia Wilson
Amelia Wilson (author pen name Amelia J. Wilson) is a content writer in Greenwood, IN. She often enjoys topics on…
How to paint your kitchen cabinets in 9 simple steps
A simple and low-cost way to refresh your space
Man holding paint rolling after painting kitchen cabinets

Kitchen renovation is one of the most impactful and cost-effective home remodel projects, with returns on investment of about 87 percent. While it’s no wonder that kitchen remodels are popular, but they’re also very expensive — cabinetry alone runs $5,000 to $6,000 on average. If money is tight, or your kitchen only needs a minor update, painting the cabinetry, rather than replacing it, will save you thousands of dollars while giving the room a completely new look. Plus, you can do it yourself in a couple of days.
Tools and supplies you'll need for the job

Rosin paper
Painter’s tape
Plastic sheeting
Screwdriver 
Household cleanser or trisodium phosphate commercial degreaser
Abrasive pad
Liquid deglosser
Wood filler
Putty knife
100-grit sandpaper
220-grit sandpaper 
Tack cloth 
Latex caulk 
Paint scraper
Primer paint
Trim or enamel paint with a durable, high-sheen finish
4- or 6-inch roller, with foam cover
3- or 4-inch square brush
2 ½- or 3-inch angle brush

Read more
How to clean laminate floors: The do’s and don’ts to help them last forever
Don't let your gorgeous flooring become drab or unsightly
Woman with bare feet cleaning laminate floor with swiffer style mop

Your home's floors certainly see a lot of action, whether it's from accidental spills, energetic pets, or general wear and tear. While natural stone and wood floors are gorgeous, their price point may be out of budget for the average homeowner. That's why laminate is a popular material for both floors and countertops, giving the appearance of natural materials at a fraction of the cost.

And while it's far more cost-effective to repair and maintain laminate over natural wood and stone, this synthetic material is far from indestructible. To keep your surfaces in pristine condition, check out the dos and don'ts of cleaning laminate floors.
Understanding laminate floor construction

Read more
Indoor plants 101: How to keep your fiddle-leaf fig from dying
Everything you need to know about light, water, and other care needs
Fiddle-leaf fig plant against a white wall

Houseplants are a great way to add a small piece of nature to your indoor space, and they can even provide you with some great health benefits. Having a large indoor plant, like a small bush or tree, adds an incredible statement piece and focal point in the room, and the ever-popular fiddle-leaf fig is a great option. With these few tips, you'll be able to grow a bright and healthy fiddle-leaf fig and enjoy the benefits of this large indoor plant for years to come.
Common issues with fiddle-leaf figs

Named for its large, violin-shaped leaves, this rainforest plant is a bit temperamental, requiring close attention in its care routine. That being said, with a bit of tender loving care, they'll last for years in your space.

Read more