Published on July 28, 2025 by Filip
Last updated on July 31, 2025
The air fryer is one of the GOAT inventions, but it can get ugly fast.
If you smell something funky or see smoke every time you cook, or your air fryer basket looks like a crime scene, then it’s time to pull up your sleeves.
Here’s how to clean an air fryer without leaving the scene of the crime.
Fast TL;DR for the Lazy (I See You)
- Unplug the air fryer (obviously).
- Wipe the basket and tray clean with soapy water.
- Clean the interior and heater with a wet cloth or soft sponge.
- Use baking soda paste to scrub off burnt-on gunk.
- Dry completely before using it again.
Now, for the details, my good chefs:
Step 1: Turn It Off and Disconnect It
I get it: You think this is going to be just like the introduction to every appliance manual you’ve ever read, but let’s not be the person who gets zapped trying to clean a hot coil. Don’t do anything with it until it is cool all the way through.
Step 2: Detach the Basket, Tray & All Accessories
Most air fryers have a basket that fits into a removable pot, sometimes with a tray or grill rack layered inside. Pull those out like a pro.
If it’s dishwasher-safe, do it.
If not, warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge should suffice.
Stay away from steel wool or metal scrubbers – they’ll scratch off the non-stick coating before you can say “refund.”
If you have stuck stuff, let everything soak for 10–15 minutes. You can also throw some baking soda on there if it’s really crusty.
Step 3: Wash the Interior (Without Weeping)
First, try using a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and a teaspoon of dish soap. Wipe down the interior, paying extra attention to where grease gets splattered.
Be careful around the heating element. For most models, it’s up on top, shaped like a mini stovetop coil. If there’s stuck-on gunk there:
Brush gently (with a soft brush like a toothbrush).
For tough spots, create a paste of baking soda + water, apply, leave 10 minutes, then wipe with a soft cloth.
Don’t spray anything directly inside. … It’s an air fryer, not a window.
Step 4: Air Intake/Exhaust Vents Are Not to Be Missed
Just look at the reverse or the underside (you’ll usually find a vent). Crumbs and grease can sneak in and take up residence in its coils and fan. Give it a quick tidy-up with a soft brush or vacuum nozzle. It will be much easier to avoid overheating and all those strange smells.
Step 5: Clean the Outside Like a Grown-Up
Wipe the outer shell with a damp microfiber cloth, either dry or wet with vinegar. Part of why you can get away with it is hygiene, but it also won’t look like a frat house when people open your kitchen drawers.
☠️ What Not to Do (Unless You Want to Ruin Your Air Fryer)
- ❌ Don’t use oven cleaner
- ❌ Don’t submerge the main unit in water
- ❌ Don’t scrub the heating element hard
- ❌ Don’t skip the drying of the parts – There is nothing moisture likes to do more than wreak havoc on your electronics.
Pro Cleaning Tips from a New Guy in a Home Kitchen
Clean after every few uses. It doesn’t have to be a deep clean every time – just wipe down the basket and the insides of the walls.
Line your basket with parchment paper (the kind that’s perforated). Less mess, less work.
This bowl should be de-greased with a baking soda scrub, and a vinegar wipe down every month.
Final Thoughts
Scrubbing out your air fryer may not be sexy, but it’s the stuff that keeps your food tasting great – and your kitchen from smelling like burned oil. It’s five minutes of work to save a $70+ tool that spares you from dirty pans, overcooked chicken, and microwave despair. Worth it, right?
Liked this guide? Take a look at some compact one person air fryers if yours is on its last leg. Or check out more smart kitchen tips if you like your one-person kitchen to operate like a laboratory testing for Michelin stars.
Filip Jovchevski is a digital content strategist and the creator of TinyKitchenGuy.com, a site dedicated to helping people cook smarter in home kitchens. With over a decade of experience in content and SEO, Filip knows how to cut through the noise and deliver practical, no-nonsense advice backed by real testing and hands-on use.