How to Clean Your Air
Fryer in 4 Easy Steps

Air fryers are popular because they can help you whip up a tasty snack quickly while still helping you eat more healthily. The heated air produced in air fryers replaces the need to use oil for cooking, but these handy appliances can still get pretty grimy. And while using an air fryer can be much more convenient than a toaster oven, cleaning one can be a challenge if you don’t know the proper steps for how to clean an air fryer.

Like your other kitchen appliances, air fryers should be wiped down often to remove dirt and dust. But over time, that air fryer will get dirtier and eventually need a deep cleaning. Keep in mind that the longer you wait, the harder cleaning an air fryer will be. Read on to learn how to clean an air fryer, how often to clean it, and how to keep it cleaner longer.

The Only 4 Air Fryer Cleaning Tips You Need

If you use your air fryer often, wipe down your air fryer after every use and give it a good cleaning each month. The good news is you can learn how to clean your air fryer inside and out with only four steps and some everyday household items. That’s right—it turns out the best way to clean an air fryer is also the easiest!

Always unplug your air fryer before you clean it and ensure it’s free of food debris. After cleaning grease trays, fry baskets, and other components, ensure they are completely dry before you reassemble the air fryer. All you need to clean your air fryer is a soft brush, microfiber cloths, dish soap, and baking soda.

Here’s how to clean your air fryer:

1. Most air fryers include a tray that collects grease and food debris that buildup quickly. Remove the baking tray and wipe off the grease and debris with paper towels. Wash the tray with hot water and dish soap and let it air dry. If the baking tray has a non-stick surface, check it for damage once it dries and replace it if the Teflon is peeling. Some air fryers have dishwasher-safe parts, so check the manufacturer’s instructions to save some time.
2. The frying basket in your air fryer can also accumulate buildup pretty fast because the natural grease from foods gets all over it. Remove the frying basket and use a wooden skewer to poke the debris from the basket. Wipe off the surface with paper towels and wash the basket in hot soapy water. Use a soft-bristled brush to give it a good scrubbing, rinse, and let it air dry. Who knew learning how to clean an air fryer basket was so easy!
3. While grease and food get the inside of your air fryer dirty, they can combine with dirt and dust and buildup on the outside too. Use a microfiber cloth dampened with soapy water and wipe down the inside first. Move to the outside and wash your air fryer on the outside from top to bottom. Dampen a microfiber cloth with water only to wipe away the soapy residue.
4. The cleaning element in your air fryer needs a cleaning once in a while. Use an old toothbrush to remove debris and buildup. Make a paste with baking soda and water, and scrub the heating element with a soft brush. Wipe away the residue with a damp microfiber cloth. Finally, make sure the heating element is totally dry before reassembling your air fryer.

Even if you haven’t cleaned your air fryer very often, you can get rid of the grease and grime using these cleaning tips. Remember to wipe down your air fryer each time you use it and check out the following tips to keep things cleaner longer.

How Do You Clean An Air Fryer Between Deep Cleanings

Knowing how to clean your air fryer is a useful skill, but learning how to keep it cleaner longer is even more practical. With some adjustments to how you cook with your air fryer, you can prevent buildup, reduce lingering odors, and even help your cooker last longer. Here are three things you can do to keep your air fryer clean between regular cleanings.

1. Line or Oil Your Air Fryer Baking Tray

Most air fryers boast non-stick baking trays, but when you’re routinely cooking with sauces and marinades, the material non-stick description. To cut down on buildup, lightly grease the baking tray with cooking oil with a high smoke point. You can also line the air fryer tray with aluminum foil before you use it so clean up will be fast and easy.

2. Keep Breading to a Minimum

Air fryers work so wonderfully because of the powerful fan that circulates the hot air like a convection oven. That powerful fan is ideal for getting your latest favorite crispy and juicy, but it can also blow food debris everywhere. One of the best ways to keep that debris to a minimum is to use the proper battering process and shake off any excess breading before cooking.

3. Get Rid of Grease

Air fryers may reduce the need for added oil, but favorite fatty foods like bacon can make a real mess. Always cover fatty foods to prevent grease from splattering and wipe down any greasy residue that does occur with a paper towel.

If you have odors that linger in your air fryer after cleaning, soak the basket and tray in hot soapy water for 30 minutes. Rinse the air fryer parts and then rub a lemon on all the surfaces. Let the lemon juice work on the odors for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry.

Doesn’t it feel good to know you have a fresh, clean air fryer at the ready whenever you need a quick meal or snack? So now that you know how to clean an air fryer, add it to your cleaning checklist and use our helpful housekeeping guides to make cleaning your home more manageable.

Whether you tackle house cleaning yourself or let The Maids handle the chores, we’ve got you covered. From weekly maid service to seasonal cleanups, you can count on affordable cleaning services for all your cleaning needs. Get your free online estimate today and find out how we can give you a clean and healthy home as often as you’d like.