The safest way to remove grease from an air fryer is to unplug it, let it cool, then wash the basket and drawer in warm soapy water and loosen any baked-on residue with a baking soda paste. Wipe the heating element gently with a damp cloth once it’s completely cool. Most grease lifts with soap, warm water and a soft brush — no harsh chemicals or scraping needed.
What you’ll need
- Warm water and dish soap
- Baking soda (for a mild scrubbing paste)
- A soft sponge or non-scratch brush
- A soft, damp cloth for the element
- A dry cloth or paper towels
Skip steel wool, scouring pads and knives. Anything abrasive can strip the non-stick coating off the basket, and that damaged coating is a common reason food starts sticking and smoking later.
Step-by-step: degrease the basket and drawer
- Unplug the air fryer and let it cool completely. Never clean around a warm element.
- Remove the basket and drawer. Tip out any loose crumbs or fat first.
- Soak them in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the grease.
- Wash with a soft sponge. Most everyday grease comes off at this stage.
- For stubborn, baked-on grease, make a paste of baking soda and a little water, spread it on the greasy spots, leave it a few minutes, then gently scrub and rinse.
- Rinse well and dry fully before putting the parts back. Trapped moisture can cause odors.
Many baskets and drawers are dishwasher-safe, but check your manual first — repeated hot cycles can wear the non-stick coating faster than hand washing.
How to clean grease off the heating element
The heating element sits above the basket and collects splattered fat, which is what usually burns and smokes. Clean it gently:
- Confirm the unit is unplugged and fully cool.
- Turn the air fryer over or tilt it so you can see the coil.
- Wipe the element with a soft, damp cloth. For sticky spots, dab on a little baking soda paste with the cloth, wipe, then go over it with a clean damp cloth to remove residue.
- Let it air-dry completely before the next use.
Keep water away from the fan, vents and any electrical parts. Never submerge the main unit, and never poke the element with a metal tool. If grease has burned onto the element and won’t wipe off, stop and contact the manufacturer rather than forcing it.
How much cleaning does each part need?
| Part | How often | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Basket and drawer | After every use | Warm soapy water; baking soda paste for buildup |
| Heating element | Every few uses, or when you see splatter | Soft damp cloth, cool unit only |
| Exterior and vents | Weekly wipe | Damp cloth, then dry |
Times vary with what you cook. Fatty foods like bacon, wings and sausages need more frequent attention than vegetables or frozen fries.
Prevent grease buildup
- Add a tablespoon or two of water to the drawer under the basket when cooking high-fat foods, so drippings land in water instead of on the hot metal.
- Don’t overfill the basket — crowded food splatters more and cooks unevenly.
- Wipe the basket after each use rather than letting grease bake on over several sessions.
- Cook fattier foods at moderate temperatures. A good starting point for wings or sausages is around 380°F, then check for doneness rather than relying on the timer alone.
Cooking to a safe internal temperature also matters: poultry should reach 165°F, ground meats 160°F, whole cuts of beef, pork, lamb or fish 145°F with a short rest. Use a food thermometer to confirm, since times vary by size and model.
Related questions
Can I use vinegar to remove grease from an air fryer? A diluted vinegar-and-water wipe can help cut light grease on the basket and exterior, but rinse afterward and keep liquid away from the element and electrical parts.
Why does my air fryer smoke even after cleaning? Usually there’s still grease on the element, or fatty food is dripping onto it as you cook. Our guide to why an air fryer smokes walks through the common causes.
Is the non-stick basket ruined if it looks stained? Not necessarily. Light discoloration from grease is normal and often lifts with a baking soda paste. Only flaking or scratched coating means it’s time to replace the basket.
Fold this into your regular routine with our full air fryer cleaning guide, and if smoke keeps appearing see why your air fryer is smoking. For more, browse the air fryer guides and reviews.