How to Clean an Air Fryer: Quick Daily Clean and Deep Clean

How to clean an air fryer after every use

1. Unplug it and let it cool for a few minutes. The basket gets very hot.
2. Pour out loose crumbs and any grease that collected under the crisper plate.
3. Wash the basket and plate in warm water with a little dish soap, using a soft sponge.
4. Wipe the inside of the drawer opening and the outside of the unit with a damp cloth.
5. Dry everything fully before putting it back.

This takes a couple of minutes and prevents the sticky buildup that's hard to remove later. If you cook fatty foods like wings or bacon, clean the same day: cooled grease turns tacky and starts to smoke on the next cook.

How to deep clean a greasy air fryer basket

If grease has baked on, soak the basket and crisper plate in hot soapy water for 10 to 20 minutes, then go over them with a soft sponge or a soft brush. For stubborn spots, a paste of baking soda and a little water, left on for a few minutes, helps lift residue without scratching.

• Use a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush for the holes in the crisper plate.
• Rinse well so no baking soda or soap is left behind.
• For the inside walls of the drawer housing, use a damp cloth with a drop of dish soap, then a clean damp cloth.

How to clean the heating element

Grease splatter on the heating element is a common cause of smoke and burning smells. With the air fryer unplugged and completely cool, turn it over or tilt it carefully so you can see the element, then wipe it with a damp (not dripping) cloth or brush it gently with a soft brush.

Never submerge the main unit in water or put it in the dishwasher, and don't spray cleaner into it. Only the removable parts get washed.

Can air fryer parts go in the dishwasher?

Many baskets and crisper plates are dishwasher-safe, but not all, so check the manual for your exact model. Even when it's allowed, hand washing is gentler on nonstick coatings and tends to keep them working longer.

What not to use on an air fryer

• Steel wool, scouring pads or abrasive powders: they scratch the nonstick coating.
• Metal utensils for scraping or flipping food in the basket.
• Harsh chemicals or oven cleaner on the basket or inside the unit.
• Aerosol cooking sprays: many manuals advise against them because they can leave a sticky buildup on nonstick surfaces. A light brush of oil works instead.

Perforated parchment liners can cut down on cleanup, as long as they're weighed down by food and never cover the whole basket. Our buying guide covers liners and foil in more detail.

The easiest air fryers to clean

Simple single-basket designs with few seams are the easiest to keep clean. Owners of the COSORI Pro LE often mention that its basket and crisper plate go in the dishwasher. If you're still choosing, see our best air fryers of 2026.