The quickest way to keep an air fryer working well is to wash the basket after each use and wipe the inside once it cools. A deeper clean — including the heating element — takes about ten minutes and only needs doing every week or two. Here’s the safe routine.
Before you start
- Always unplug the air fryer and let it cool completely. The heating element stays hot for a while after cooking.
- Check your manual for which parts are dishwasher-safe — many baskets and trays are, but not all.
- Never submerge the main base unit (the part with the element and controls) in water.
What you’ll need
- Warm water and dish soap
- A soft sponge or non-abrasive brush
- A microfibre or soft cloth
- Optional for stuck-on grease: baking soda
Step by step
1. Remove the basket and any trays. Take out the drawer, basket and any crisper plate.
2. Soak, then wash. Let greasy parts soak in warm soapy water for a few minutes, then wash with a soft sponge. Avoid metal scourers or abrasive pads, which can scratch non-stick coatings.
3. Tackle stuck-on bits gently. For baked-on grease, make a paste of baking soda and a little water, apply it, wait a few minutes, then wipe away. Don’t scrape with anything sharp.
4. Wipe the inside of the unit. With the appliance cool and unplugged, wipe the interior walls with a damp cloth.
5. Clean the heating element. Look up at the element (usually at the top). Once fully cool, gently wipe away grease with a damp cloth or soft brush. Never use water spray or harsh tools here.
6. Dry everything and reassemble. Make sure all parts are completely dry before putting the air fryer back together and using it.
What not to do
- Don’t use abrasive scourers or metal tools on non-stick surfaces.
- Don’t submerge the base unit or run it under a tap.
- Don’t use aerosol oven cleaners unless your manufacturer specifically says it’s safe.
- Don’t put parts in the dishwasher unless the manual confirms they’re dishwasher-safe.
How often should you clean it?
- Basket and tray: after every use — grease and crumbs build up fast.
- Interior wipe: after each use or whenever you see splatter.
- Deep clean (including the element): every one to two weeks with regular use, or sooner if you notice smoke or a smell, which usually means grease has built up.
If easy cleaning is a priority for you, look for removable, dishwasher-safe parts — a feature we call out in our best air fryer guide.
Related questions
Why does my air fryer smoke? Most often it’s built-up grease burning off, or high-fat food dripping onto the element. A clean helps; so does adding a little water to the drawer under very fatty foods.
Can the basket go in the dishwasher? Many can, but check your manual — repeated dishwasher cycles can wear some non-stick coatings faster than hand washing.
Can I line it to keep it cleaner? Sometimes — see can you put foil in an air fryer for the rules.
Food keeps sticking even after cleaning — what’s wrong? A worn nonstick coating is the usual cause once cleaning is ruled out. See why is my food sticking to the air fryer basket for the full breakdown.
Do any air fryers actually clean themselves? A few premium models, like the Typhur Dome 2, include an app-activated self-cleaning cycle for the top cavity — it still needs manual basket cleaning between uses, the same as any other model.