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How to Clean an Air Fryer, Including the Part Everyone Misses

Air fryers are nonstick, so scrubbing is the worst approach. Soak the basket in warm soapy water and wipe the heating element above the basket — that element is usually the source of any burnt smell.

Quick fix

  1. Unplug it and let it cool completely.
  2. Remove the basket and tray and soak them in warm water with dish soap for 20–30 minutes.
  3. Wipe with a soft sponge. No steel wool, no metal utensils.
  4. Wipe the interior and the heating element above the basket with a well-wrung damp cloth.
  5. Dry everything fully before reassembling.

What you need

  • Dish soap
  • A soft sponge
  • A soft toothbrush
  • Damp and dry cloths
  • Baking soda (for stubborn grease)
  • Lemon or vinegar (for odor)

Step by step

  1. 1. Unplug and cool completely

    Basic appliance safety, and there is a practical reason too — pouring water into a hot basket shocks the nonstick coating. Give it 30 minutes.

  2. 2. Soak rather than scrub

    Fill the sink with warm water and dish soap and submerge the basket and tray for 20–30 minutes. Baked-on grease softens and comes away with almost no pressure. Trying to scrub it off cold is what damages coatings.

  3. 3. Wipe with something soft

    Use the soft side of a sponge or a silicone scrubber. Air fryer baskets are coated, and one pass with steel wool creates a spot that will stick from then on. A soft toothbrush handles the corners and the mesh.

  4. 4. Baking soda paste for stubborn spots

    If anything survives the soak, mix baking soda with a little water into a paste, apply it to that area, wait 20 minutes and wipe it away gently. Never scrub with dry powder — it acts as an abrasive on the coating.

  5. 5. Clean the interior and heating element

    This is the part almost everyone skips. Look up into the unit with the basket removed and you will find grease baked onto the element and the surrounding surfaces. Wipe it with a well-wrung cloth. Do not press hard on the element or bend it, and never pour water into the body of the unit.

  6. 6. Dry fully, then reassemble

    Assembling while damp causes odor and encourages mold. Air dry completely, or reassemble and run it empty for three minutes to drive off residual moisture.

Safety notes

  • Never immerse the main unit in water or pour water into it — there are electrical components inside.
  • Always unplug before cleaning.
  • No steel wool, metal utensils or abrasive cleansers. Damaged coating does not recover.
  • Dishwasher compatibility varies by model. Do not assume — check the manual.
  • Do not use bleach or drain cleaner on cooking equipment.
  • Do not scrub or bend the heating element.
  • Only disassemble as far as the manufacturer permits.

Never mix different types of cleaning products. Chlorine bleach combined with acidic cleaners releases toxic gas. Always follow the instructions on the product label.

By situation

A burnt smell that will not go away

If the basket is clean but the smell persists, trace grease on the heating element is the cause. Put a little water in the basket with lemon slices or a spoonful of vinegar and run it at 160°C / 320°F for five to ten minutes. Then open the drawer and let it air out.

Cooking fatty foods often

Chicken wings, bacon and similar release a lot of fat. Cleaning while the unit is still warm is dramatically easier than after the grease has cooled and set. A quick wipe right after cooking saves the deep clean later.

Parchment liners and silicone mats

They make cleanup much easier, but weigh the paper down with food. An empty parchment liner during preheat can lift into the element and create a fire risk.

Coating that has started flaking

Flakes can end up in food, and that spot will stick from now on. Many manufacturers sell replacement baskets, so check whether you can replace just that part rather than the whole unit.

Why it happens

  • Air fryers circulate hot air aggressively, so grease becomes airborne as fine particles and settles across the entire interior. Cleaning only the basket is why the smell persists.
  • Repeatedly heated grease oxidizes into a sticky yellow-brown layer that water and soap struggle to shift once set.
  • The area around the heating element runs hottest, so grease bakes hardest there — and because it is out of sight, it is rarely cleaned.
  • Moisture left inside after cleaning creates odor in the enclosed cavity.

Keeping it from coming back

  • Clean the same day after cooking anything fatty. This is the highest-value habit.
  • Use parchment liners or a silicone mat to keep the basket much cleaner.
  • Wipe the interior and element every two to three weeks.
  • Store it dry, with the drawer slightly open.

FAQ

Can the basket go in the dishwasher?

It depends on the model. Only put it in if the manual says the part is dishwasher safe. Dishwasher detergent is highly alkaline and shortens coating life on parts that are not rated for it.

Can I scrub with baking soda?

Not as a dry powder — it behaves like an abrasive on nonstick. Always mix it into a paste, let it sit, then wipe gently.

How often should I clean it?

Basket after every use, interior and element every two to three weeks. Increase that if you cook fatty foods frequently.

Does a dirty air fryer affect cooking?

A heavy grease layer conducts heat less efficiently and can lengthen cooking times. The difference is modest, but a clean unit does perform better.

Last reviewed: August 25, 2026

Basis & sources:
  • Check the manufacturer manual for dishwasher safety and permitted disassembly.

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