How to Clean the Inside of Your Air Fryer!

keeping your air fryer clean is key for performance, flavor, and safety. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean the inside of your air fryer, using safe, simple methods that protect your appliance and make cleanup easy.

🧼 How to Clean the Inside of Your Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)

🕒 Time Needed: 10–15 minutes

✅ Frequency: After every few uses (or after greasy foods)

🧂 Why Cleaning Your Air Fryer Matters

Your air fryer collects grease, food particles, and residue over time, especially in the basket, drawer, and heating element. If not cleaned, it can:

Affect the taste of your food
Lead to smoking or burning smells
Reduce air circulation and efficiency
Be a fire hazard if grease builds up

🧽 What You’ll Need:

Mild dish soap
Warm water
Soft sponge or cloth
Soft-bristled brush or toothbrush
Non-abrasive scrub pad (if needed)
Baking soda (for stuck-on grease)
Paper towels or microfiber cloth
Toothpicks or skewers (optional, for small crevices)

🔧 Step-by-Step Air Fryer Cleaning Instructions

1. Unplug the Air Fryer

Safety first! Always unplug and allow the air fryer to cool completely before cleaning.

2. Remove the Basket and Drawer

Take out the removable basket, tray, and pan (if your model has them). These are usually dishwasher safe—but hand washing helps them last longer.

To Clean the Basket:

Soak in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes
Use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub off food residue
For stuck-on bits, use a soft brush or toothbrush

3. Clean the Interior Walls

Use a damp cloth or sponge with a drop of dish soap to gently wipe the inside walls of the air fryer. Avoid abrasive materials, as they can damage the nonstick coating.

💡 Tip: If grease is baked on, sprinkle a bit of baking soda and scrub gently with a soft sponge.

4. Clean the Heating Element (Carefully!)

Turn the air fryer upside down or tilt it back to see the heating coil (usually at the top inside).

Use a soft brush or a damp cloth to wipe away any crumbs or grease.
If there’s stubborn residue, use a slightly damp sponge with a bit of dish soap.
Dry it thoroughly with a clean towel before turning it back upright.

5. Wipe the Exterior

Don’t forget the outside! Use a damp cloth to wipe the air fryer’s body, buttons, and handle. Dry with a microfiber towel for a streak-free finish.

6. Dry All Parts Thoroughly

Let all parts air dry or wipe down with a dry cloth before reassembling.

⚠️ What NOT to Do:

❌ Don’t submerge the main air fryer unit in water
❌ Avoid harsh cleaners, steel wool, or abrasive pads
❌ Don’t use cooking spray on nonstick parts—it can cause build-up
❌ Don’t let food sit inside after use—it makes cleaning harder later

🧼 Bonus: Deep Cleaning Tip (For Odors & Grease Build-Up)

If your air fryer smells funky or has lots of grease build-up, do a deep clean:

Deep Clean Solution:

Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda + 1 cup water.
Dip a soft sponge in the solution and scrub inside the basket and drawer.
Let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse and dry.
To neutralize lingering smells, air-fry lemon slices or a vinegar-water mixture for 2–3 minutes (at 350°F).

🗓️ Cleaning Schedule:

Part	How Often to Clean
Basket & tray	After every use
Interior walls	Every 3–5 uses
Heating element	Weekly or as needed
Exterior	Weekly or when greasy

✅ Wrap-Up: Keep It Fresh, Keep It Crispy!

Cleaning your air fryer regularly keeps it working efficiently and ensures your food stays crispy and flavorful. It only takes a few minutes but makes a huge difference in performance—and helps your air fryer last for years.