Best Way to Clean Air Fryer (and Keep it Clean!)
Sep 25, 2024
You’ll have a sparkling clean air fryer with these easy steps and pro tips (plus, the common mistakes to avoid!). I’m a air fryer-loving Food Scientist and I can’t wait to share!
How to Keep Your Air Fryer Clean
Wondering how to keep your air fryer clean and working like new? Regular cleaning after each use, along with occasional deep cleaning, is key.
This guide will show you how to easily maintain your air fryer, keeping it free of grease and buildup for better performance and tastier meals.
Cleaning your air fryer is important to maintain its performance and ensure food safety.
Let’s dive in with a quick answer to start!
What is the best way to clean an air fryer?
The best way to clean an air fryer is to remove the basket and tray and wash with warm, soapy water in the sink. Wipe the interior and exterior with a damp cloth, and dry everything thoroughly before you reassemble.
That’s the short version, if you’re here for a quick glance.
But if you love your l’il kitchen appliance as much as I do, let’s get the gunk out of each nook and all the crannies
Quick Clean Air Fryer: Steps After Each Use
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to quickly clean your air fryer after every time you use it:
- Unplug and Cool: Let the air fryer cool down.
- Wash Removable Parts: Clean the basket and tray with warm, soapy water. Many air fryers are dishwasher safe, but I find that the nonstick coating wears off more quickly with regular dishwasher cleanings.
- Wipe Down: Use a damp cloth to wipe the inside and outside of the air fryer.
- Dry: Make sure everything is completely dry before reassembling.
This quick clean keeps your air fryer in good shape after every use.
Forever Clean Air Fryer: Steps for Deep Cleaning
Deep clean your air fryer about once a month, or more often if you use it frequently or cook greasy foods. If you notice a buildup of grease, burnt food particles, or lingering odors, it’s time for a thorough cleaning.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to deep clean your dirty air fryer:
- Allow the air fryer to cool down: Before you start cleaning, ensure that the air fryer has cooled down completely. This reduces the risk of burns and makes it safer to handle.
- Unplug the air fryer: Always unplug the air fryer from the power outlet before you begin the cleaning process. This prevents any electrical accidents while handling water or cleaning solutions.
- Remove removable parts: Most air fryers come with removable parts such as the basket, tray, and pan. Take out these parts carefully and set them aside for cleaning separately.
- Clean removable parts: Wash the removable parts with hot water and mild dish soap. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to remove any food residue or grease.
If the parts are dishwasher safe, you can also place them in the dishwasher for a deeper cleaning. - Clean the interior and exterior: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of the air fryer. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, which may damage the surface. Wipe down the exterior as well.
- Clean the heating element: Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean the heating element if it has accumulated grease or residue. Be careful not to damage the heating coil or dislodge any components. Make sure that the heating element is completely dry before reassembling the air fryer.
- Reassemble the air fryer: Once all the parts are clean and dry, reassemble the air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure that everything is properly aligned and securely in place.
- Store properly: Store your air fryer in a clean, dry place when not in use to prevent dust or buildup of grime.
Why It’s Important to Keep Your Air Fryer Clean
Regular cleaning not only helps maintain the performance of your air fryer oven but also ensures that your food stays safe and tasty.
Baked-on grease and food particles can affect the cooking process and create unpleasant odors.
Cleaning your air fryer after every use prevents buildup, making future cleanings much easier.
Tips for Keeping Your Air Fryer Cleaner for Longer
- Use liners or parchment paper: Air fryer liners are a simple way to reduce mess. These paper or silicone liners catch food drippings and prevent them from sticking to the basket.
- Wipe it down regularly: Instead of waiting for a deep clean, give your air fryer a quick wipe after each use, especially if you’ve made something greasy.
- Avoid overcrowding: Overfilling the basket can cause food to touch the heating element or create excess splatter, leading to more cleanup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Air Fryer
- Using harsh chemicals, abrasive sponges metal utensils: Stick to mild dish soap and water. Strong chemicals or degreasers may damage the non-stick coating in the air fryer basket or leave behind harmful residue.
- Skipping the heating element: Even if it doesn’t look dirty, grease can accumulate on the heating element, reducing your air fryer’s efficiency over time.
- Not drying properly: Make sure all components are fully dry before reassembling. Moisture can affect how your air fryer performs and may even cause it to malfunction.
By taking the time to clean and maintain your air fryer, you’ll ensure that it continues to function efficiently for years to come.
A well-maintained air fryer also prevents the transfer of flavors between dishes, so your air fryer eggplant doesn’t end up tasting like last week’s air fryer chicken thighs!
FAQs for Cleaning Your Air Fryer
Just breezing through? This section covers common concerns and offers practical solutions for maintaining a clean air fryer.
After every use, give your air fryer a quick clean. Deep clean it once a month or more if you cook greasy foods regularly.
Most baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe. Always check your air fryer’s manual to be sure. I find the non-stick coating lasts longer when I hand wash more regularly and save the dishwasher for really greasy messes.
Soak the basket or tray in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes to loosen stuck-on food, then scrub gently with a nonabrasive sponge and some elbow grease.
Use a soft brush or cloth to gently wipe the heating element if grease or residue builds up.
No, avoid abrasive materials and harsh chemicals as they can damage the non-stick coating and other parts of the air fryer. Stick to a soft sponge, microfiber cloth, paper towel or a soft-bristled brush (even an old toothbrush!)
If your air fryer smells and you’ve already throroughly cleaned it, try sprinkling a good handful of baking soda into the basket and let it stand overnight to absorb the odors. Give it a good rinse before you use it again.
Baking soda, Dawn dish soap, or a vinegar solution are great for breaking down grease without damaging the non-stick surface. Allow it to sit on tough spots for 10-15 minutes before wiping clean.
To clean an air fryer with baking soda and vinegar, first make a paste of baking soda and warm water to scrub stuck-on food. Rinse, then wipe with a vinegar-soaked cloth to remove grease and odors. This does the trick!
No, adding water to your air fryer and turning it on can damage the appliance and won’t actually clean it. Always clean removable parts separately and wipe the interior with a damp cloth.
My air fryer has a screen over the element. Do I just wipe the screen?
Hi! Can the air vents on the airfryer get water in them when washing?
Hi Jeanette, the air vents shouldn’t be submerged or be washed with a water-soaked cloth directly on them. If water gets into the vents, it could reach the internal electrical components and cause damage or short-circuiting. To clean around the vents, I’d recommend a soft brush or a vacuum attachment to remove crumbs and grease from the vents.
If there’s built-up grease, a toothbrush with a bit of dish soap can help, followed by a wipe with a barely damp cloth.
If a small amount of water accidentally splashes in, leaving the unit unplugged and letting it dry thoroughly (preferably overnight) should be fine. But avoid anything more than that to keep it in good working order!
How do I clean my airfryer?
Foodess:
“Take it apart and clean it good”
What a joke
Maybe you missed the 1300 words I wrote covering the air fryer cleaning steps in depth 🤔
Another way I’ve seen mentioned to catch grease is a slice of bread at the bottom of the fryer.
I have a cabinet airfryer likevthe breville unit..glass door opens like a regular oven..
How woukd I go about cleaning the fan and upper surfaces inside of the internal caseing?
To clean the fan and upper surfaces of that kind of air fryer, first, unplug the unit and let it cool down completely. Remove all shelves and accessories to access the interior better. Use a soft brush, like a clean paintbrush, to gently clean the fan, being careful not to damage the blades. For the upper surfaces, dampen a cloth with dishsoap and water, and wipe them carefully, avoiding electrical parts. If there’s stubborn grease, a baking soda paste can help loosen it. Finally, make sure everything is fully dry before reassembling the air fryer.