How to clean an air fryer
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Time to read 5 min
Air fryers are amazing! Your food comes out extra crispy, you don’t need tonnes of oil, and they’re SO fast compared to regular ovens. A dirty air fryer, however, will soon have you eating regret for dinner as the house fills with the aromaof that salmon you cooked a few days ago, charcoal-edged bits of onion rings, and a general smokiness reminiscent of London in the 50s.
Luckily, deep cleaning your air fryer is a fairly simple and straightforward task, and you’re likely to already have everything you need on hand. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to quickly, effectively, and thoroughly clean an air fryer, ensuring every meal tastes fresh and your kitchen smells like dinner, not disaster.
What you’ll need to clean an air fryer
1. Warm, soapy water
Gentle dish soap is perfect for breaking down grease and food residue without harming your air fryer's non-stick coating.
2. A soft sponge or silicone brush
Soft sponges and silicone basting brushes do a great job of cleaning out crumbs or other bits of food debris built up at the bottom of the fryer basket. Avoid abrasive pads or metal scourers at all costs, they may scratch the non-stick coating.
3. Microfibre cloth
Microfiber cloths—a general kitchen cleaning staple in many UK homes—are ideal for lifting and trapping grease and particles and soaking up any remaining soapy water. They also offer lint- and streak-free cleaning with a 0% chance of scratching any part of your air fryer. Keep a spare cloth on hand for drying, or simply rinse and wring out the cleaning cloth.
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4. A toothbrush or detailing brush (optional)
A toothbrush or soft-bristled detailing brush is useful to lift dirt out of tight nooks and crannies in your air fryer, including around the heating element or air vents.
How to clean an air fryer: A step-by-step guide
1. Unplug and let it cool
Never attempt to clean a plugged-in air fryer, even if it’s not turned on. Allow the heating element to cool down completely before cleaning to avoid burning your fingers and melting your sponge or brush.
2. Remove and soak the basket liner or tray
Remove the basket tray or pan (depending on your model) and allow to soak in warm soapy water. Even if your air fryer’s removable components are dishwasher safe, we recommend a thorough hand-wash from time to time. Continue with the next step while the dish soap gets to work loosening stuck-on grease and grime.
3. Wipe down the interior of the basket and fryer
Wet the microfibre cloth in warm, soapy water and wring it out. Gently wipe the inside of the air fryer and basket. All dirt and grime should come off fairly easily, and even tougher or baked-on grime won’t take much more than a bit of rubbing. Rinse the cloth in clean water and wipe down any residue. Do not use any abrasives to avoid scratching the non-stick layer.
4. Check and clean the heating element
With the basket still removed, flip your air fryer upside down and inspect the heating element. While this doesn’t always happen, the air fryer’s fan may blow small food bits up toward the heating element, causing them to burn on. Use a soft sponge or non-abrasive brush to remove food or grease bits, making sure it’s cool before starting.
5. Scrub the basket liner or tray
After a few minutes of a hot, soapy soak, your basket liner and/or tray will be much easier to clean. A soft sponge or non-abrasive pad should make quick work of any remaining grease or food bits. Rinse and allow to dry.
6. Wipe down the exterior
Wipe down the exterior with a damp microfibre cloth. It should easily take care of any grease and fingerprints, leaving the appliance looking good as new. Use a toothbrush or detailing brush to remove any grime that got stuck between the housing and display area. Don’t forget the power cord!
7. Reassemble and store
Once everything is completely dry, reassemble your air fryer and store it with the basket slightly open to prevent moisture buildup, keeping it fresh between uses.
Still got questions? Here's the FAQ
How often should I clean my air fryer?
You should wipe down the basket and interior after every use , and do a deep clean weekly (or every 3–5 uses), depending on how often you cook greasy or messy foods.
Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Most air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe , but check your model’s manual to be sure. Even if it’s dishwasher-friendly, we recommend hand-washing regularly to preserve the non-stick coating.
What should I avoid using when cleaning an air fryer?
Avoid anything abrasive —this includes steel wool, scouring pads, and harsh chemicals. These can damage the non-stick surface and reduce the life of your air fryer.
How do I clean the heating element?
Let it cool completely. Then use a soft sponge, silicone brush, or toothbrush to gently wipe away any burnt food or grease. Be careful not to damage the element or wiring.
Can I use microfibre cloths to clean the whole air fryer?
Absolutely. Microfibre cloths are ideal for both interior and exterior cleaning. They're lint-free, non-abrasive, and super absorbent—perfect for streak-free results without damaging any surfaces.
Is it safe to use cleaning sprays or degreasers inside the air fryer?
It’s best to avoid strong sprays or anything with harsh chemicals. Stick to warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge for safe, effective cleaning.
Why does my air fryer smoke when cooking?
Built-up grease or burnt food particles , especially near the heating element, are common causes. A thorough cleaning, especially of the basket and fan area , usually solves the issue.
How do I keep my air fryer looking new?
Clean it regularly, avoid harsh tools, and wipe down the outside after each use with a damp microfibre cloth . Always store it with the basket slightly ajar to prevent moisture build-up.
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