My air fryer is hands down one of my favorite kitchen gadgets. It helps me whip up crispy chicken tenders, roasted veggies, and even homemade French fries in minutes—without all the oil and mess of deep frying. But let’s be real—if you don’t clean your air fryer regularly, things can get pretty gross.
Food crumbs, grease splatters, and burnt-on residue can build up quickly, leading to unpleasant odors, smoke, and even affecting how well your air fryer works. If you’ve ever wondered how to clean your air fryer properly (without ruining it), this step-by-step guide is for you!
Why You Need to Clean Your Air Fryer Regularly
Before I dive into the cleaning process, let’s talk about why it’s so important to keep your air fryer clean:
✔️ Prevents Smoke & Odors: Built-up grease and food particles can start to burn, causing your air fryer to smoke while cooking. ✔️ Keeps Food Tasting Fresh: No one wants last night’s garlic parmesan wings flavoring today’s crispy fish sticks. ✔️ Improves Air Fryer Performance: A dirty air fryer won’t circulate hot air as efficiently, which can lead to uneven cooking. ✔️ Extends Appliance Lifespan: Taking good care of your air fryer helps it last longer and function properly.
How Does an Air Fryer Work?
Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to cook food by blowing hot air around it. Think of it like a mini convection oven. Here’s how it works:
- The heating element (located at the top) warms up.
- A high-powered fan circulates the hot air around the food, cooking it evenly from all sides.
- The perforated basket allows excess oil and crumbs to drip down into a removable tray.
- This creates a crispy texture similar to deep frying—but with far less oil.
Since food particles and grease naturally accumulate inside the air fryer, regular cleaning is essential to prevent buildup.
What Parts of the Air Fryer Need Special Attention?
Not all parts of the air fryer get equally dirty, but these areas require extra care:
🔹 Basket & Crisper Tray – These hold the food and collect grease and crumbs. 🔹 Heating Element – Grease splatters here can cause smoke if not cleaned. 🔹 Interior Walls – Steam, grease, and food residue can stick to the sides. 🔹 Bottom Grease Tray – Catches drippings and needs frequent cleaning. 🔹 Exterior Surface & Control Panel – Can get greasy from frequent use.
How to Clean an Air Fryer (Step-by-Step Guide)
I’ve tried different ways to clean my air fryer, and this method works best for me:
1. Unplug and Cool Down
Before doing anything, unplug your air fryer and let it cool completely. This prevents burns and protects the electrical components.
2. Remove and Wash the Basket & Tray
- Take out the basket, crisper tray, and any removable parts.
- Wash them in warm, soapy water with a soft sponge (avoid abrasive scrubbing pads).
- If there’s stuck-on food, soak for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing.
- Dishwasher-Safe? Some air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe (check your manual), but hand-washing helps preserve the non-stick coating.
3. Wipe Down the Interior & Heating Element
- Use a damp microfiber cloth or soft sponge to wipe the inside.
- For the heating element (the part that gets greasy and smokes up), use a soft brush or cloth to gently clean it.
- If there’s stubborn grease, try a baking soda paste (see DIY methods below!).
4. Clean the Exterior
- Wipe the outer surface with a damp cloth and mild dish soap.
- Avoid getting water inside the electrical components.
5. Dry & Reassemble
- Make sure all parts are completely dry before putting everything back together.
- Store in a dry area to prevent mold or mildew.
Best DIY Cleaning Methods for Stubborn Grease
If your air fryer has baked-on grease that won’t budge, try these natural cleaning hacks:
Baking Soda Paste (For Tough Stains)
✔ Mix baking soda + a little water to create a thick paste. ✔ Apply it to greasy spots and let it sit for 10 minutes. ✔ Scrub gently with a sponge and rinse well.
Vinegar & Lemon Steam Clean (For Odors & Stubborn Grease)
✔ Fill the air fryer basket with equal parts vinegar & water. ✔ Add lemon slices for extra freshness. ✔ Run the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes. ✔ The steam will loosen grime—wipe clean with a cloth.
Best Commercial Air Fryer Cleaners (For Extra Tough Messes)
If you’d rather use a store-bought cleaner, here are some top-rated options:
1. Easy Off Heavy Duty Oven Cleaner
💰 Price: ~$4 ✔ Specifically designed for Tough Burnt on Food and Grease ❌ Requires soaking time 🔗 Buy on Amazon
2. Elbow Grease Air Fryer Cleaner
💰 Price: ~$9 ✔ Powerful degreaser, great for stuck-on grime ❌ May need multiple applications 🔗 Buy on Amazon
3. Scrub Daddy PowerPaste
💰 Price: ~$30 ✔ Natural ingredients, works on various appliances ❌ Requires scrubbing effort 🔗 Buy on Amazon
How to Keep Your Air Fryer Clean Longer (Mom Hacks!)
✅ Use Parchment Paper Liners – These help catch grease and crumbs. ✅ Avoid Aerosol Cooking Sprays – They can ruin the non-stick coating (use an oil mister instead). ✅ Wipe After Each Use – A quick wipe prevents tough buildup. ✅ Deep Clean Weekly – Soaking and scrubbing keeps it fresh.
By following these easy cleaning steps, you’ll keep your air fryer working like new—ready to whip up crispy, delicious meals for your family. I hope this guide helps make cleaning your air fryer less of a chore!
If you found these tips helpful, share this post with fellow air fryer lovers or drop a comment below with your favorite cleaning hack! Happy air frying! 🍟✨
