How to Clean an Air Fryer

Cleaning your air fryer regularly is one of the easiest ways to keep it performing at its best. A clean air fryer not only produces better-tasting food but can also cook more efficiently, reduce unwanted smoke and odours, and help extend the life of the appliance.

Fortunately, most modern air fryers are designed to be easy to clean. Many feature removable non-stick baskets and dishwasher-safe components, making routine maintenance quick and straightforward. Whether you own a compact single basket model or a large dual basket air fryer, this guide explains the safest and most effective way to keep it clean.

If you're still choosing an air fryer, visit our Best Air Fryers UK guide or browse our Air Fryers Hub for detailed reviews and comparisons.

Why Cleaning Your Air Fryer Matters

Every time you cook, small amounts of grease, crumbs and food residue build up inside the basket, drawer and cooking chamber. If left unchecked, this residue can burn during future cooking, producing unpleasant smells, smoke and even affecting the flavour of your food.

Regular cleaning also helps maintain good airflow inside the appliance. Since air fryers rely on rapidly circulating hot air, keeping vents and cooking surfaces clean allows them to operate more efficiently and consistently.

How Often Should You Clean an Air Fryer?

The basket and drawer should ideally be cleaned after every use, particularly if you have cooked greasy foods such as sausages, bacon or chicken. Wiping down the exterior and cooking chamber once or twice a week is usually sufficient for most households.

A more thorough deep clean, including the heating element and fan area, should be carried out every few weeks depending on how frequently you use your air fryer.

What You'll Need

• Warm water
• Washing-up liquid
• A soft sponge or microfibre cloth
• A soft washing-up brush
• A dry towel
• Optional: soft toothbrush for awkward corners

Avoid using steel wool, abrasive scouring pads or harsh chemical cleaners, as these can damage the non-stick coating.

Step 1: Unplug and Allow the Air Fryer to Cool

Always unplug the appliance before cleaning. Allow it to cool completely before removing the basket or touching the heating element. Cleaning a hot air fryer can be dangerous and may also damage certain components.

Step 2: Remove the Basket and Drawer

Take out the cooking basket and any removable trays or grill plates. Most modern air fryers have non-stick components that can be washed easily using warm soapy water.

If your manufacturer states that the parts are dishwasher safe, you can usually place them in the dishwasher. However, hand washing is often gentler on the non-stick coating and may help extend its lifespan.

Step 3: Wash the Basket Thoroughly

Use warm water, washing-up liquid and a soft sponge to remove grease and food residue. Pay particular attention to the corners and around any raised grill sections where food particles can become trapped.

If stubborn residue remains, soak the basket in warm soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes before cleaning again. Avoid scraping burnt food with metal utensils.

Step 4: Clean the Cooking Chamber

After removing the basket, wipe the inside of the air fryer using a damp cloth or sponge. Remove any crumbs, grease or splashes that may have collected underneath the basket.

Do not pour water directly into the appliance. The electrical components should never be immersed in water.

Step 5: Clean the Heating Element

The heating element sits above the cooking chamber and is often overlooked during routine cleaning. Once the appliance has cooled completely, gently turn it upside down if the manufacturer recommends doing so, or carefully look inside the chamber.

Use a soft damp cloth or a soft toothbrush to remove grease splashes from the heating element. Avoid applying excessive pressure or using sharp tools that could damage it.

Step 6: Wipe the Exterior

The outside of the air fryer also benefits from regular cleaning. Use a damp microfibre cloth to remove fingerprints, grease and dust from the housing and control panel.

Never spray cleaning products directly onto the appliance. Instead, apply cleaner to the cloth first if necessary.

How to Remove Burnt-On Grease

If grease has baked onto the basket, soaking it in warm soapy water usually loosens most deposits. A non-abrasive sponge or soft brush can then remove the remaining residue.

For stubborn grease, a paste made from bicarbonate of soda and water can sometimes help. Apply it gently, leave it for a short period, then rinse thoroughly. Always check your manufacturer's recommendations before using any cleaning products.

Can You Put Air Fryer Parts in the Dishwasher?

Many manufacturers state that baskets, trays and crisper plates are dishwasher safe. However, repeated dishwasher use may gradually reduce the lifespan of some non-stick coatings.

If you use your air fryer frequently, hand washing may help keep the basket looking newer for longer.

Cleaning a Dual Basket Air Fryer

Dual basket air fryers require exactly the same cleaning process, but with two cooking drawers instead of one. Clean both baskets after each use, even if only one was used for cooking, as grease and odours can still transfer between compartments.

If you're considering upgrading, our Best Dual Basket Air Fryers UK guide compares some of the most popular models currently available.

Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

• Cleaning while the appliance is still hot.
• Using abrasive scourers that damage the non-stick coating.
• Immersing the main unit in water.
• Ignoring the heating element.
• Allowing grease to build up over many weeks.
• Using metal utensils to scrape burnt food.

Avoiding these mistakes will help maintain cooking performance and prolong the life of your appliance.

How Regular Cleaning Improves Performance

A clean air fryer allows hot air to circulate more effectively, helping food cook evenly and reducing the likelihood of smoke. It can also minimise lingering cooking smells and prevent burnt grease from affecting the flavour of future meals.

Routine cleaning takes only a few minutes but can significantly improve your overall cooking experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I clean my air fryer after every use?

Yes. Cleaning the basket and drawer after each use helps prevent grease build-up and keeps food tasting fresh.

Can I use oven cleaner?

No. Oven cleaners are often too harsh for the non-stick coating found on most air fryer baskets. Warm soapy water and a soft sponge are usually sufficient.

Why does my air fryer smoke?

Smoke is often caused by grease build-up or food residue burning during cooking. Regular cleaning usually solves the problem.

Can I line my air fryer with foil or baking paper?

Some manufacturers allow this, provided airflow is not blocked. Always check your instruction manual before using liners.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning an air fryer is quick, simple and one of the best ways to maintain cooking performance. Washing the basket after every use, wiping down the cooking chamber regularly and occasionally cleaning the heating element will help keep your appliance working efficiently for years.

If you're thinking about upgrading or buying your first air fryer, visit our Best Air Fryers UK guide. You can also explore our Air Fryers Hub for in-depth reviews, buying guides and side-by-side comparisons to help you choose the right model for your kitchen.

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