Quick answer: Unplug and let the air fryer cool. Wash the basket and drawer in warm soapy water with a soft sponge (or the dishwasher, if your manual allows it). Wipe the inside with a damp cloth, then — with the unit upside down and cool — brush the heating element gently. For baked-on grease, use a paste of 2 tbsp baking soda + 1 tbsp water, leave 10–15 minutes and wipe off. Never put the main unit in water.
A clean air fryer cooks more evenly, smokes less and doesn’t make today’s paneer taste like last week’s fish. This guide covers the 2-minute daily clean, the weekly deep clean, sticky grease, smells and what’s dishwasher-safe. It’s part of our how to use an air fryer guide.
What you need
- Dish soap and warm water
- Soft sponge or non-scratch scrubber (no steel wool)
- Soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush
- Baking soda
- Microfibre cloth
- Optional: white vinegar or lemon for smells
Daily clean: 2 minutes after every use
- Unplug and cool for 20–30 minutes. The basket coating and heating element stay hot long after the fan stops.
- Empty the drawer. Pour off the drippings into a bin, not the sink.
- Wash the basket and drawer with warm soapy water and a soft sponge. If food is stuck, fill the drawer with hot soapy water and soak for 10 minutes first.
- Wipe the inside of the cavity with a damp, soapy cloth, then a clean damp cloth.
- Dry everything completely before reassembling. Trapped moisture is one of the causes of air fryer rust.
Weekly deep clean: 15 minutes
- Clean the heating element. With the unit unplugged and fully cool, turn it upside down. Brush the coil and the area around it with a soft, dry brush. For greasy spots, use a barely damp cloth with a little baking soda paste, then wipe with a clean damp cloth.
- Check the fan guard for crumbs and oil mist. Wipe with a damp cloth; don’t push anything through the guard.
- Degrease the basket with baking soda paste: spread it on, leave 10–15 minutes, scrub with a soft brush and rinse.
- Wipe the exterior and control panel with a lightly damp cloth.
- Dry and run empty at 180°C for 3–5 minutes to evaporate any remaining moisture.
How to remove sticky, baked-on grease
| Problem | Fix | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Light grease film | Hot soapy water soak in the drawer | 10 min |
| Brown, tacky residue on basket | Baking soda paste (2:1 soda to water), soft brush | 15 min |
| Burnt marinade in the mesh | Soak, then toothbrush along the holes | 15–20 min |
| Grease on the heating element | Dry brush first; baking soda paste on a barely damp cloth; wipe clean | 10 min |
| Lingering smell | Run 3–4 min at 180°C with a heatproof bowl of water and lemon slices, then wipe | 5 min |
Avoid oven cleaner sprays, bleach, steel wool and metal scrapers on non-stick baskets: they strip the coating, and damaged coating is the main reason baskets need replacing. If you’re concerned about coatings, read are air fryers toxic?
Can you put the air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Often yes, but it depends on your model — check the manual. Many brands list the basket and crisper plate as dishwasher-safe, but repeated dishwashing with harsh detergent can wear non-stick coatings faster than hand washing. A practical routine: hand-wash daily, use the dishwasher occasionally for a deep clean if your manual allows it. The main unit is never dishwasher-safe and must never go in water.
Cleaning by air fryer type
- Basket air fryers (Philips, Prestige, Pigeon, Agaro, Ninja and most others): the steps above.
- Oven-style air fryers with racks: clean the racks and crumb tray like a basket and wipe the door glass. See how to clean an air fryer oven.
- Using water to clean? Steam-cleaning with water in the drawer has limits — read can you put water in an air fryer to clean it.
How to keep it cleaner in the first place
- Use a perforated parchment liner for sticky marinades and cheese.
- Brush or spray oil on the food instead of pouring it into the basket.
- Empty the drawer after every cook — old drippings are what cause smoke next time (see why does my air fryer smoke).
- Add sugary glazes only in the last 2–3 minutes so they don’t burn on.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my air fryer?
Wash the basket and drawer after every use, and deep-clean the inside and heating element about once a week if you cook daily.
Can I use vinegar to clean an air fryer?
Diluted white vinegar is fine for wiping smells and light film from the inside and exterior. Don’t soak non-stick parts in strong vinegar for long periods.
Why is my air fryer still smoking after cleaning?
Usually grease on the heating element or in the drawer seams, or fatty food dripping during cooking. Clean the element and add a little water to the drawer when cooking fatty foods.
Is it safe to use an air fryer with a scratched basket?
Light scratches are cosmetic. If the coating is flaking, replace the basket. See is an air fryer safe?