Cleaning an air fryer regularly helps prevent grease buildup, lingering food odors, smoke, and residue on the basket, crisper plate, interior surfaces, and viewing window.
The exact cleaning method depends on the appliance. A coated basket, glass bowl, stainless-steel oven interior, and exposed heating area should not all be treated the same way.
What You Need
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap
- Soft sponge
- Soft microfiber cloth
- Soft-bristle brush or toothbrush
- Paper towels or clean kitchen towel
Avoid starting with aggressive cleaners or abrasive scrubbers. Many air fryer baskets and crisper plates use coated cooking surfaces that can be damaged by rough cleaning tools.
How to Clean an Air Fryer Step by Step
1 Turn It Off and Let It Cool
Unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool before cleaning.
Do not begin wiping heating areas, interior surfaces, or removable parts while they are still hot.
2 Remove the Basket and Accessories
Take out the removable basket, crisper plate, divider, rack, tray, or other cooking accessories.
Removing these parts gives you better access to both the cooking components and the inside of the appliance.
3 Remove Loose Crumbs and Food
Before adding water, remove loose crumbs, grease, breading, and food pieces.
This prevents loose debris from turning into a greasy paste during washing.
4 Wash the Basket and Crisper Plate
Use warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge unless your manufacturer specifically recommends another method.
Pay attention to corners, ventilation holes, and the underside of the crisper plate where grease can collect.
Can the Air Fryer Basket Go in the Dishwasher?
It depends on the model.
| Example | Manufacturer Cleaning Information |
|---|---|
| Cuisinart ADZ-112 | Baskets and crisper plates listed as dishwasher safe |
| Cuisinart AIR-220 | Basket and crisper plate listed as dishwasher safe |
| Cuisinart AFC-9 | Basket and crisper plate listed as dishwasher safe |
| Philips 2000 Series | Removable StarPlate listed as dishwasher safe |
| Philips 3000 Series | Removable components listed as dishwasher safe |
| Sharper Image Touch IQ | Glass container and accessories listed as dishwasher safe |
Do not assume dishwasher safety simply because another model from the same brand allows it.
How to Clean a Nonstick Air Fryer Basket
For coated baskets, use the least aggressive cleaning method that removes the residue.
- Use a soft sponge.
- Use mild dish soap.
- Avoid metal scouring pads.
- Avoid scraping hardened food with knives or metal utensils.
- Follow the manufacturer’s dishwasher guidance.
This matters for conventional nonstick surfaces as well as ceramic-coated baskets.
How to Clean a Glass Air Fryer Bowl
Glass cooking vessels can usually be cleaned similarly to glass cookware, but you still need to follow the manufacturer’s temperature and dishwasher instructions.
Avoid sudden temperature changes. Do not take a very hot glass bowl and immediately expose it to cold water unless the manufacturer explicitly states that this is acceptable.
For example, Sharper Image lists the Touch IQ glass container as dishwasher safe, while its Self-Cleaning Glass Bowl model uses a specific cleaning-assist process involving water and dish soap.
How to Clean the Inside of an Air Fryer
5 Wipe the Interior
Once the appliance is cool and unplugged, wipe accessible interior surfaces with a slightly damp soft cloth.
Do not pour water directly into the appliance body.
For greasy areas, apply a small amount of mild soapy water to the cloth rather than pouring cleaner into the machine.
How to Clean the Heating Element Area
The heating area contains electrical and high-temperature components. Never pour or spray water directly onto the heating element or inside the electrical housing.
After the appliance is fully cool and unplugged:
- Use a soft dry or very lightly damp brush or cloth.
- Remove loose food particles carefully.
- Do not bend heating components.
- Do not use aggressive scraping tools.
- Do not saturate the heating area with water.
Why Grease Builds Up Near the Heater
Hot circulating air can carry small droplets of grease and food residue upward.
Over time, residue may collect around upper interior surfaces and heating areas, particularly when cooking fatty foods.
Regular light cleaning is usually easier than waiting until a thick layer of grease has accumulated.
How to Clean an Air Fryer Viewing Window
Use a soft microfiber cloth with warm water and mild dish soap.
Grease films can make the window appear cloudy even when the rest of the basket looks clean.
Avoid scratching the transparent surface with abrasive pads.
How to Clean an Air Fryer Oven
Oven-style air fryers require a slightly different routine because there are more internal surfaces and accessories.
Remove:
- Air-fry basket
- Oven rack
- Baking pan
- Crumb tray
- Grill or griddle plate
- Other removable accessories
Clean each according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then wipe accessible interior oven surfaces after the appliance has cooled.
Don’t Forget the Crumb Tray
Air fryer toaster ovens often have a removable crumb or drip tray.
This can collect crumbs, grease, cheese, breading, and drippings.
Cleaning it regularly reduces buildup on the bottom of the oven cavity.
How Often Should You Clean an Air Fryer?
| Part | Suggested Routine |
|---|---|
| Basket / cooking bowl | After cooking when residue or grease is present |
| Crisper plate | After regular use |
| Viewing window | When grease or fingerprints reduce visibility |
| Interior walls | Inspect regularly and wipe when residue appears |
| Heating area | Inspect periodically and clean carefully when cooled and unplugged |
| Exterior controls | Wipe as needed with a soft cloth |
What If Food Is Stuck to the Basket?
Instead of immediately scrubbing harder, allow the removable basket or plate to soak in warm soapy water if the manufacturer permits it.
Soaking can soften baked-on food so it can be removed with a soft sponge rather than an abrasive tool.
How to Remove Air Fryer Odors
Persistent odors often come from grease or food residue that remains on the:
- Basket
- Crisper plate
- Interior walls
- Viewing window
- Upper cooking area
Clean visible residue thoroughly before trying to mask the odor with fragrances or other products.
What Not to Do
Do
- Unplug before cleaning.
- Allow the appliance to cool.
- Use mild dish soap.
- Use soft cloths and sponges.
- Check dishwasher instructions.
- Clean grease before heavy buildup forms.
Don’t
- Submerge the electrical appliance body.
- Pour water into the heating section.
- Use metal scouring pads on coated baskets.
- Scrape coatings with knives.
- Assume every part is dishwasher safe.
- Clean hot glass with cold water without manufacturer approval.
Cleaning Ceramic-Coated Air Fryers
Several Cuisinart models use ceramic nonstick surfaces.
For example:
- AFC-9 uses PFAS-free ceramic nonstick basket and crisper plate.
- AIR-220 uses a ceramic non-stick coating.
The manufacturer’s exact coating description should be respected, but the general cleaning principle is similar: avoid unnecessarily abrasive tools that can damage the cooking surface.
Cleaning Glass vs Metal Basket Air Fryers
Glass
Provides excellent visibility and may be dishwasher safe depending on the model, but requires careful handling and attention to temperature changes.
Coated Metal
Usually lighter and easier to handle, but the coating should be protected from scratching and abrasive cleaning.
Air Fryer Oven
Provides more internal surfaces, racks, trays, and crumb areas that may need regular cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you clean an air fryer after every use?
Inspect the basket and cooking components after use. If grease, food residue, or crumbs remain, cleaning them before the next cooking session can prevent buildup.
Can you put water directly in an air fryer?
Do not pour water into the electrical appliance body or heating area. Removable bowls and baskets should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can air fryer baskets go in the dishwasher?
Some can and some cannot. Check the manual for your exact model rather than assuming dishwasher safety.
Can you use a metal scrubber on an air fryer basket?
Avoid abrasive metal scrubbers on coated baskets unless the manufacturer specifically permits them, because they can damage the cooking surface.
How do you clean grease near the heating element?
Allow the appliance to cool completely, unplug it, and carefully remove accessible residue with a soft brush or lightly damp cloth. Never saturate the electrical or heating area with water.
How do you clean a glass air fryer?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the glass container. Use mild cleaning methods, avoid impacts and abrupt temperature changes, and use the dishwasher only when the manufacturer lists the component as dishwasher safe.
Our Bottom Line
The easiest air fryer to clean is one that never gets a chance to develop heavy grease buildup.
Clean removable cooking components regularly, protect coated surfaces from abrasive tools, wipe grease from accessible interior surfaces, and treat the heating area carefully.
Most importantly, use the cleaning instructions for your specific model. Dishwasher safety, glass handling, basket coatings, and interior construction vary substantially between air fryers.