How to Clean an Air Fryer (The Right Way)

Quick Answer: Hand wash your basket weekly with warm soapy water and a soft sponge. Deep clean the heating element monthly by turning the unit upside down and wiping with a damp cloth. Never use metal scrubbers or aerosol cooking sprays-they damage the non-stick coating. This routine extends your air fryer’s lifespan from 18 months to 5-7 years.

Best for: New air fryer owners, anyone frustrated with cleanup, people extending appliance lifespan.

Most people clean their air fryer like they would any other appliance - and that’s exactly how they end up with peeling coatings, burnt smells, and a basket that needs replacing after six months. Proper maintenance extends your appliance’s lifespan and prevents the common issues that plague air fryer owners - something we’ve analyzed across hundreds of ownership reviews in our best air fryers for apartments guide, where durability and ease of maintenance were key factors.

Here’s the cleaning schedule that actually works, plus what “dishwasher safe” really means for your air fryer’s lifespan.

How often should you clean your air fryer?

After every use - at minimum, the basket and tray. The heating element and interior walls need a wipe-down weekly if you cook regularly. Letting grease build up is the single biggest cause of smoke, bad smells, and shortened lifespan.

Should I Hand Wash or Use the Dishwasher?

Hand washing extends your basket’s coating life by 2-3 years compared to dishwashers. Dishwasher temperatures (140-160°F) and harsh detergents gradually break down non-stick surfaces. Most manufacturers label baskets “dishwasher safe” to avoid liability, but recommend hand washing to preserve longevity. For regular users, hand washing takes 5 minutes and pays off long-term.

Weekly Cleaning Routine (10 Minutes)

After every use:

• Unplug and let cool to warm (not hot)
• Remove basket and tray, brush out large debris
• Wash with warm soapy water by hand
• Dry completely before reassembling

Weekly deep clean:

1. Soak first. Fill basin with warm soapy water, add basket and tray for 15-20 minutes
2. Use baking soda paste for stubborn spots: mix ½ cup baking soda with water, let sit 20 minutes
3. Scrub gently with soft sponge - never metal scrubbers
4. Wipe interior walls with damp microfiber cloth, including around the fan

This prevents the grease buildup that causes smoking and burnt tastes.

Monthly Deep Clean (Heating Element)

The heating element collects the most debris - and it’s what causes fires when neglected. This is the step that separates owners who keep their air fryer for 5+ years from those replacing units annually. Check your best air fryer accessories guide for specialized brushes if your standard cleaning tools aren’t reaching tight spots.

What Cleaning Tool Should I Use for the Heating Element?

A soft-bristled brush + old toothbrush works fine for most deposits. A specialized dual-head wire + soft brush set (under $15) is worth it if you clean weekly and want to avoid hand strain. Skip expensive “air fryer cleaner” kits-basic dish soap + baking soda paste handles 95% of cleaning needs without specialty products.

Turn unit upside down to access the heating element. Gently wipe with:

• Damp cloth for light debris
• Soft brush for stuck-on grease
• Dawn Platinum Powerwash + old toothbrush for tough spots (let sit, then wipe)

Odor removal: Place oven-safe dish with ½ cup white vinegar and 2 tbsp lemon juice inside, run 5 minutes at 400°F.

What “Dishwasher Safe” Actually Means

Most air fryer baskets are labeled dishwasher safe. Here’s what manufacturers don’t tell you:

High heat damages coatings over time. Dishwasher temperatures (140-160°F) plus harsh detergents gradually break down non-stick surfaces. You’ll get 2-3 years of life instead of 5-7 years with hand washing.

Dishwasher safe ≠ dishwasher recommended. Even KitchenAid suggests hand washing “to preserve the coating’s longevity.”

Exception: Stainless steel baskets handle dishwashers fine. Non-stick coated baskets - hand wash if you want them to last.

What to NEVER Do

Don’t submerge the unit. Water damages electronics and heating elements.

Don’t use metal scrubbers on non-stick surfaces. This includes forks, knives, and steel wool.

Don’t use aerosol cooking sprays (like Pam). Propellants create a sticky film that mimics peeling and is nearly impossible to remove.

Don’t use abrasive cleaners like Comet or Bar Keepers Friend on non-stick coatings.

Signs Your Air Fryer Needs Replacing

True coating peeling: Raised edges, visible flakes in food, bubbling surfaces. Food sticks specifically where coating is damaged.

Not peeling: Brown/amber residue that changes after soaking. This sticky film from cooking sprays can usually be cleaned.

If flakes are getting in your food, replace the basket or unit. Non-stick particles aren’t food-safe.

Recommended Cleaning Products

Basic essentials (always have these):

• Dawn dish soap - cuts grease without being too harsh
• Baking soda - gentle abrasive for stuck-on food
• White vinegar - removes odors and mineral buildup
• Microfiber cloths - won’t scratch surfaces
• Soft-bristled brush - for heating element cleaning

Best Specialty Cleaning Tools (Optional)

Skip overpriced “air fryer cleaners” with gimmicky designs - but two specialty tools actually justify their cost:

1. Wire Brush + Soft Brush Dual Set (typically $10-15; check current price on Amazon)

• Dedicated heating element access - reaches tight corners that regular kitchen brushes miss
• Soft side prevents coating damage; wire side tackles stubborn buildup
• Solves the “can’t fit a normal brush in there” problem
• Owner reviews mention this saves 10-15 minutes per deep clean vs. generic brushes

2. Foodi Air Fryer Cleaning Kit (typically $12-18; check current price on Amazon)

• Includes microfiber cloth, soft brush, and small scraper
• All-in-one design beats buying 3 separate items
• Better ergonomics than DIY tools
• Some owners report the scraper is too aggressive - hand washing preferred for delicate coatings

Reality check: You don’t need either. Basic dish soap + old toothbrush + microfiber cloth does 95% of the job. These tools save time if you clean weekly and want to avoid hand strain, but budget-conscious users can skip them entirely.

Price note: Check current prices before purchasing, as cleaning kit costs vary by season and retailer availability.

For families cooking regularly with air fryers, maintaining a clean heating element is crucial - our guide to best air fryers for families covers models with easy-access heating elements that simplify this process.

The Bottom Line

Hand wash your basket weekly. Deep clean the heating element monthly. Never use metal tools or aerosol sprays. Do this, and your air fryer will last 5-7 years instead of the 18 months most people get.

Your best budget air fryer deserves proper care - and proper care starts with the right cleaning routine. If you’re looking to maximize your air fryer’s potential, check out our guide to air fryer accessories worth buying - silicone liners can make cleanup even easier.

FAQ

Can I put the entire air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Most are labeled dishwasher safe, but hand washing extends coating life by 2-3 years. Use the top rack if you do use the dishwasher.

How often should I clean the heating element?
Monthly for regular users, weekly if you cook greasy foods like bacon or wings frequently.

What if my basket is already peeling?
If it’s true peeling (raised edges, flakes), replace it. If it’s just sticky residue, soak in warm soapy water with baking soda paste.

Can I use Bar Keepers Friend on my air fryer?
Only on stainless steel parts. Never on non-stick coatings - it’ll strip them completely.

Why does my air fryer smell burnt even after cleaning?
Usually means grease buildup on the heating element. Do the upside-down cleaning method monthly to prevent this.