How to Clean an Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Published on 3/26/2021 at 4:15 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Kaley Rohlinger

I love my air fryer, but I know firsthand how messy it gets. While it's much cleaner and healthier than deep-frying, there's still a good bit of oil involved, and that can make clean-up tricky. But cleaning your air fryer after every use is still so important, as this helps prevent build-up and protects the machine and keeps it working properly.

Compared to the other kitchen appliances we use - the ones that are straightforward and easy to clean, that is - an air fryer can feel confusing and even intimidating to clean, especially if you're just getting started with it. All air fryers are slightly different, but there are a few basic rules that still apply. Note: I have this two-basket air fryer from Ninja, which I absolutely love, but cleaning a two-basket air fryer is no different from cleaning a regular one. If you have a single-basket air fryer, you can follow the same steps.

Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to properly clean an air fryer so that you can use it again ASAP!

Let the Air Fryer Cool

This may seem simple, but we promise it deserves its own step! Let the air fryer cool completely before you clean it, and make sure it's unplugged as well. I like to remove the basket and set it on an oven mitt so that it cools faster than it would inside the machine.

This is also a good time to prep your cleaning equipment. Don't use any abrasive materials like steel wool or metal utensils to clean the basket or scrape off food! Air fryers have a special nonstick coating and sharp cleaning utensils can damage it. Stick to gentle, non-abrasive tools like sponges or dishcloths.

Remove the Crisper Plate and Scrape off Any Food

If your air fryer has a removable crisper plate, take it out before cleaning, as you'll be washing it separately. Now is also a good time to use a rubber spatula to scrape off any remaining food.

If your air fryer basket is in seriously messy shape, it can help to soak it before scrubbing it out. However, if you have greasy food, such as melted cheese, stuck to the basket, make sure you remove that before soaking. Otherwise, the fat from the cheese will counteract the suds in your dish soap, and the soak won't be as effective.

Wash the Basket

Once you've removed the crisper plate, wash the inside and outside of the basket by hand with warm, soapy water. Again, all air fryers are different, so check the cleaning instructions on yours to make sure the basket is submergible. Some air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, but I prefer to wash mine by hand.

Wash the Crisper Plate

After you wash the basket, wash the crisper plate with soap and water. If there's food stuck in the grates of your crisper plate that just won't budge, you can use a toothpick or wooden skewer to nudge it out.

Wipe Down the Outside of the Air Fryer

While the baskets dry, wipe down the outside of the air fryer with a damp cloth. If there's a lot of oil spray on the outside of your air fryer, you may want to use a little soap, too.

Wipe Out the Interior of the Air Fryer

Again, make sure the air fryer is unplugged and completely cool before you do this! Use a damp cloth to clean out the interior of the air fryer - i.e., where the basket normally sits. Check the heating coils for any food or grease buildup and clean them off as well, if needed.

Replace the Basket

Once the basket is dry (air drying is fine), put it back, and enjoy your sparkling-clean air fryer next time you cook!