How to Clean an Air Fryer Basket and Inside

On this page (8 sections)

1. How do you clean an air fryer basket step by step?
2. How do you clean the inside of an air fryer?
3. Which air fryer cleaning tools should you choose?
4. How do you remove baked-on food and grease?
5. Can silicone liners make air fryer cleanup easier?
6. What mistakes can damage an air fryer while cleaning?
7. How often should you clean an air fryer?
8. Which air fryer cleaning option should you choose?

To clean an air fryer, unplug it, let it cool, wash removable parts with warm soapy water, and wipe the inside with a damp cloth. A soft sponge or nylon brush handles routine residue while helping protect coated surfaces.

Cleaning after each use keeps crumbs and grease from hardening. For setup and everyday care, see our guide to how to use an air fryer for the first time.

How do you clean an air fryer basket step by step?

Wash the cool basket and crisper plate with warm water, dish soap, and a soft sponge. Check your manual before using a dishwasher because care instructions vary by model.

1. Unplug the air fryer and let the basket, plate, and appliance cool.
2. Remove the parts your manual identifies as removable.
3. Soak stuck food in warm, soapy water for a few minutes.
4. Wipe each surface with a soft sponge or nylon brush.
5. Rinse well and dry the parts before putting them back.

Don't scrape residue with a knife or metal utensil. Even light scraping can damage a nonstick surface.

How do you clean the inside of an air fryer?

Wipe the inside with a damp cloth after unplugging and cooling the appliance. Keep water away from the heating element, fan, and controls.

First remove loose crumbs with a soft, dry cloth or brush. For grease, use a cloth dampened with warm soapy water, then wipe again with a clean damp cloth to remove soap.

Let the interior dry completely before cooking again. The explanation of how an air fryer works shows why airflow through the cooking chamber matters.

Can you clean an air fryer heating element?

Clean the heating element only when the appliance is unplugged and cool, and only as your manual allows. If brushing is permitted, use a soft brush and light pressure.

Don't spray cleaner into the unit or use a wet brush near electrical parts. If residue won't loosen, check the manual or contact the manufacturer before trying a stronger method.

A brush kit is useful if you need separate tools for the element, basket, and narrow gaps. The XANGNIER set includes a long-handled nylon brush, a double-sided sponge brush, a nylon toothbrush, a cloth, and 2 small crevice brushes.

Which air fryer cleaning tools should you choose?

Choose a soft sponge or nylon brush for coated baskets, and use a specialty cleaner only on surfaces its directions cover. Your best setup depends on where residue collects and how much scrubbing you want to do.

The XANGNIER kit suits cooks who want several brush shapes for the basket, heating area, and crevices. Skip it if your routine only needs a dish sponge, or if you want one tool rather than a set.

For stubborn grease on a suitable basket or tray, the Weiman kit pairs foaming cleaner with a non-abrasive sponge. Weiman says the foam is intended for ceramic and metal coatings, and directs users to rinse thoroughly after cleaning.

Follow the cleaner's directions, including its wait time for baked-on messes, and keep spray away from electrical areas. Don't assume a cleaner is safe for every surface just because it is made for kitchen appliances.

How do you remove baked-on food and grease?

Soak the removable part in warm soapy water before scrubbing gently. Let the water loosen residue instead of chipping it off with a hard tool.

For stubborn grease, repeat the soak and use a soft sponge or nylon brush. Weiman says its foam can sit for 2–3 minutes on tough, baked-on messes before you use the included sponge; rinse the surface thoroughly afterward.

Don't mix cleaning products. If grease remains around the heating area, consult your manual rather than flooding the interior or reaching in with a metal brush.

Is a stainless steel brush safe for every air fryer rack?

Use a stainless steel brush only on a rack confirmed to be 100% stainless steel. INFRAOVENS warns that using its brush on other rack materials may cause damage.

The INFRAOVENS brush is a fit for someone with a confirmed stainless steel rack who wants a firm brush for rack residue. Skip it for coated baskets, crisper plates, or any rack with unknown material; use a soft sponge or nylon brush instead.

Check your manual or ask the manufacturer if you're unsure what the rack is made of. Don't use this brush on a nonstick surface.

Can silicone liners make air fryer cleanup easier?

A silicone liner can catch food residue and grease, but it still needs washing after use. Match its shape and size to your basket, and make sure it doesn't block airflow or conflict with your air fryer's instructions.

Boribim's 2-pack has square liners sized for 4 to 7 qt air fryers. They have raised lines on the bottom, and Boribim says the liners are dishwasher safe.

These liners suit cooks who want less residue directly on the basket and have a compatible square basket. Skip them if your basket is a different size or shape, or if a liner would restrict airflow around the food.

Measure the basket before buying and remove the liner carefully after cooking because it can be hot. For crisp fries, space and airflow matter; our guide to air fryer French fries and helpful gear explains the role of room for air movement.

What mistakes can damage an air fryer while cleaning?

Avoid abrasive scrubbers, metal tools on coated parts, and spraying liquid into the appliance. These can scratch surfaces or let moisture reach electrical areas.

Don't clean while the basket or heating area is hot, and don't submerge the main unit. If the manual allows dishwasher cleaning, follow its instructions for which parts to load and how to place them.

A common mistake is using a stiff brush everywhere. Reserve a metal brush for a rack confirmed to be stainless steel; use a soft sponge or nylon brush on coated parts.

Another mistake is putting parts back while they're damp. Dry removable parts and let the interior air-dry fully before using the air fryer.

How often should you clean an air fryer?

Clean the basket and crisper plate after each use, once cool. Wipe interior spills before they harden, and check for crumbs around the heating area during routine care.

A quick wash is enough after food that leaves little residue. After greasy food, soak the basket promptly so residue is easier to remove.

Regular cleaning also gives you a chance to notice wear on coated surfaces. For appliance care over time, read how long air fryers last.

Which air fryer cleaning option should you choose?

Choose the method that matches the residue and the surface. Warm soapy water and a soft sponge are the right starting point for most removable baskets and plates.

Pick the XANGNIER brush kit if you need dedicated tools for narrow gaps and different appliance areas. Choose the Weiman cleaner for baked-on grease on compatible surfaces, the Boribim liners if they fit your basket and leave airflow clear, and the INFRAOVENS brush only for a confirmed stainless steel rack.

For how to clean an air fryer safely, keep the main unit unplugged and dry, and follow the manual whenever it gives model-specific care instructions. If you're deciding whether to preheat before cooking, see whether an air fryer needs preheating.

Frequently asked questions

How often should you clean an air fryer?

Clean the basket and crisper plate after each use, once they are cool. Wipe away spills inside the appliance before they bake on, and check the heating area when the unit is unplugged and cool.

Follow your manual for any parts that need less frequent cleaning.

Can you put an air fryer basket in the dishwasher?

Only put the basket or crisper plate in the dishwasher if your model's manual says it's dishwasher safe. Some parts have nonstick coatings that can wear with harsh detergents or high heat.

Hand washing with warm water, dish soap, and a soft sponge is a gentle default.

How do you remove stuck grease from an air fryer basket?

Soak the cool, removable basket in warm soapy water, then loosen residue with a soft sponge or nylon brush. Avoid metal tools and abrasive pads, which can damage a nonstick coating.

For a cleaner made for air fryers, follow its directions and rinse the surface thoroughly.

Can you clean an air fryer heating element?

You can gently wipe the heating element only when the air fryer is unplugged and fully cool, and only as the manual allows. Use a soft, slightly damp cloth or a suitable soft brush, then let the area dry before using the appliance.

Don't spray liquid into the unit.