5 Simple Steps to a Spotless Air Fryer Basket
To clean an air fryer, unplug it and let it cool, then wash the basket and crisper plate in warm soapy water or the dishwasher. Wipe the interior and heating element with a damp cloth, and dry everything before reassembling. For stuck grease, soak the basket first and use a soft sponge, never metal.
An air fryer that gets a quick wipe after each use will outlast and outperform one that is left to bake on layers of grease. The routine takes only a couple of minutes once the unit has cooled, and it prevents the smoking and smells that come from neglect.
Here is the full method, from the everyday wipe-down to an occasional deep clean, plus how to keep the nonstick coating in good shape for years.
Clean it after every use
The easiest cleaning is the kind that never lets grease build up. After each cook, once the unit is cool, pull out the basket, tip out crumbs, and give it a quick wash. Skipping this is the fastest route to the white smoke and odors covered in our guide to common air fryer problems.
Always unplug the air fryer and let it cool for at least thirty minutes before cleaning. Never run water into the housing where the heating element and fan sit.
The basket and crisper plate, step by step
- Remove the basket and lift out the crisper plate. These are the two parts that touch food.
- If they are labeled dishwasher safe, the top rack is fine. Otherwise wash by hand in warm soapy water.
- Use a soft sponge or dish brush. Pay attention to the underside of the crisper plate and the holes, where grease hides.
- Rinse well and dry fully before putting them back.
Even for dishwasher-safe parts, hand washing is gentler on the coating and keeps it looking new for longer.
Removing stuck-on grease and burnt bits
For baked-on residue, do not scrub harder, soak instead. Fill the basket with warm water and a squirt of dish soap and let it sit for fifteen to thirty minutes. The grease softens and lifts with a gentle sponge.
For stubborn spots, make a paste of baking soda and a little water, apply it to the area, wait a few minutes, then wipe away. It is abrasive enough to lift residue without scratching. Avoid steel wool, metal scourers, and knives, which strip nonstick coatings.
The interior and heating element
Wipe the inside of the unit with a damp cloth or sponge to remove grease splatter. For the heating element at the top, let the unit cool completely, then wipe it gently with a damp cloth. A little baking soda paste on a soft brush handles baked-on spots.
Turn the unit upside down over the sink to reach the top element more easily, and make sure no water pools inside. Everything must be bone dry before you plug it back in.
An occasional deep clean for smells
If your air fryer holds onto food odors, a deep clean clears them. Wash all removable parts, wipe the interior, then run the empty unit at a moderate temperature for a few minutes with a slice of lemon or a small heatproof dish of water and lemon inside to freshen it.
Lingering fish or fried smells usually mean grease is trapped somewhere, so recheck the crisper plate holes and the bottom drawer, which are easy to miss.
Protect the nonstick coating
The coating is what keeps food from sticking and cleanup quick, so treat it kindly.
- Use silicone, wood, or plastic utensils, never metal, to lift food out.
- Avoid aerosol cooking sprays, which can leave a sticky residue that degrades the coating. Brush on oil instead.
- Do not cut food inside the basket.
- Let parts cool before washing, since thermal shock from cold water on a hot basket can warp or damage them.
A well-kept basket is one of the things that makes a good air fryer last, which is worth remembering when you read how to choose an air fryer or weigh whether the upgrade is worth it. For more picks and care tips, browse our Home & Kitchen guides.
Ready to pick one?
Some baskets are far easier to keep clean than others. See which.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my air fryer?
Wash the basket and crisper plate after every use, since grease builds fast. Wipe the interior every few cooks, and do a deeper clean of the heating element and drawer every week or two depending on how often you cook fatty foods.
Can I put the basket in the dishwasher?
Only if the manual says it is dishwasher safe, and even then the top rack is gentler. Hand washing extends the life of the nonstick coating, so many owners do it by hand despite the dishwasher option.
How do I clean stuck-on grease?
Soak the basket in warm soapy water for fifteen to thirty minutes to soften residue, then wipe with a soft sponge. For stubborn spots use a baking soda paste. Avoid metal scourers, which scratch the coating.
Can I use oven cleaner or harsh chemicals?
No. Oven cleaners and abrasive chemicals can damage the nonstick surface and leave residues you do not want near food. Dish soap, warm water, and baking soda handle almost everything safely.
How do I get rid of the smell?
Clean every part thoroughly, then run the empty unit warm with a slice of lemon or a small dish of water and lemon. Lingering smells usually mean trapped grease, so recheck the crisper plate holes and bottom drawer.
Can I submerge the whole air fryer in water?
Never. The main housing holds the heating element and fan and must stay dry. Only the removable basket and plate go in water. Wipe the body with a damp cloth and dry it fully before use.
Dana Whitfield
Dana spent eight years buying and merchandising for a regional kitchenware retailer before moving into editorial work. She has handled thousands of SKUs across cookware, small appliances and kitchen organization, and focuses on the practical differences that matter once a product is actually in daily use.
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