Let the basket cool, then soak it in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes and wipe it clean with a soft sponge or cloth. That soak loosens most grease and crumbs so you can clean without scrubbing hard. For stuck-on bits, a paste of baking soda and water lifts them gently, protecting the nonstick coating that keeps your air fryer working well. Clean the basket after every use and it stays easy to maintain.
What you need
- Warm water and a few drops of dish soap
- A soft sponge or dishcloth (never a metal scourer or steel wool)
- Baking soda, for stuck-on residue
- A soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush for corners and mesh
- A dry towel
Step-by-step: clean the basket
- Unplug the air fryer and let the basket cool completely. Never put a hot basket into cold water, and never clean it while the unit is plugged in.
- Remove any loose crumbs. Tip the basket over the bin and shake out debris. If it has a separate crisper plate or tray, take that out too so you can reach every surface.
- Soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Fill the basket with warm water and a little dish soap. This softens grease so you barely have to scrub.
- Wipe with a soft sponge. Work in gentle circles. A soft-bristled brush helps with mesh, ridges and corners where grease hides.
- Rinse thoroughly. Leftover soap can smoke or smell the next time you cook, so rinse until the water runs clear.
- Dry completely. Pat it dry with a towel and let it air-dry fully before putting it back. Trapped moisture can cause odors.
Stuck-on grease: the baking soda method
When soaking alone doesn’t shift baked-on food, baking soda is a gentle, non-scratching option that’s kind to nonstick surfaces:
- Mix baking soda with a few drops of water to make a thick paste.
- Spread it over the stubborn spots and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Wipe away with a soft, damp sponge, then rinse and dry.
Avoid abrasive powders, harsh scouring pads and metal utensils. They can scratch the coating, which then flakes and makes future cleaning harder.
Protect the nonstick coating
The nonstick layer is what keeps food from sticking and makes cleanup quick. A few habits keep it intact:
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Soft sponge or cloth | Steel wool, metal scourers |
| Baking soda paste for stuck-on food | Abrasive cleaning powders |
| Wooden or silicone utensils | Metal forks and knives in the basket |
| Cool the basket before washing | Cold water on a hot basket |
| Rinse and dry fully | Putting it away damp |
If the coating is already scratched or peeling, stop using that basket and contact the manufacturer about a replacement rather than trying to repair it yourself.
Is the basket dishwasher safe?
Some air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe and others are not, so check your model’s manual first. Even when a basket is dishwasher safe, repeated hot dishwasher cycles can wear down the nonstick coating faster than a gentle hand wash. For that reason, many people hand wash the basket to make it last longer. If the manual doesn’t confirm it’s dishwasher safe, wash by hand.
How often to clean the basket
Wipe or wash the basket after every use, while residue is fresh and easy to remove. Grease that’s left to build up burns and smokes the next time you cook, and it’s much harder to shift once baked on. A quick clean each time is far easier than a deep clean later. For the interior, drawer and heating element, see our full guide on how to clean an air fryer.
Related questions
Can I put the air fryer basket in the dishwasher? Only if your manual says it’s dishwasher safe. Even then, hand washing is gentler on the nonstick coating and helps it last longer, so many owners wash by hand.
How do I get baked-on grease off the basket? Soak it in warm, soapy water first, then apply a baking soda and water paste to any stubborn spots for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping with a soft sponge. Skip metal scourers, which scratch the coating.
Why does my basket still smell after cleaning? Usually leftover soap or trapped moisture. Rinse until the water runs clear, dry the basket fully, and make sure no grease remains in the corners or mesh where odors linger.
Keep the rest of the unit fresh with our complete air fryer cleaning guide, and for everyday cooking tips see how to use an air fryer.