How to Clean an Air Fryer Properly 🧼
Air fryers make cooking quicker and easier, but unfortunately, they don’t clean themselves.
Grease, crumbs and cooking juices can quickly build up inside the drawer and around the heating element. Leave them there for too long and your air fryer may start to smell, smoke or even affect the flavour of your food.
The good news? Keeping your air fryer clean is actually really simple, especially if you get into a good routine.
Here’s how I clean mine, along with a few tips for tackling stubborn grease and lingering smells.
How often should you clean an air fryer?
Ideally, you should clean the removable drawer and crisper tray after every use.
That might sound like a chore, but it’s much easier to wash away fresh grease and food residue than it is to scrub it off once it’s dried on.
Cleaning your air fryer regularly doesn’t just keep it looking nice. It also helps prevent grease building up, reduces the chance of smoking when cooking fatty foods and keeps your food tasting its best.
What do you need to clean an air fryer?
You don’t need any expensive cleaning products. In most cases, all you’ll need is:
Warm water
Washing-up liquid
A soft, non-scratch sponge
A dry tea towel or kitchen towel
Avoid using metal scourers, abrasive sponges or harsh cleaning products, as these can damage the non-stick coating.
How I clean my air fryer
Over the years, I’ve found a really simple routine that keeps my air fryer clean without much effort.
1. Fill the drawer with warm, soapy water
As soon as I’ve finished cooking, with the crisper tray still in place, I fill the drawer with warm, soapy water.
I then leave it to soak while we’re eating.
This softens any grease or cooked-on food, so it’s much easier to clean afterwards.
2. Wash or pop it in the dishwasher
If there’s only a little grease or food residue, I’ll simply give it a quick wash with a soft sponge.
If I’ve cooked something particularly messy, or the grease is more stubborn, I’ll pop the drawer and crisper tray in the dishwasher instead. Just make sure you check your manufacturer’s instructions first, as not every air fryer model has dishwasher-safe parts.
3. Dry the drawer upside down
Once I’ve washed the drawer, I always leave it to dry upside down for a while.
Water can sometimes collect inside the handle, so turning it upside down allows any trapped water to drain out before I put it away.
It’s a tiny thing, but it helps avoid finding water dribbling out the next time you use it.
4. Wipe the inside of the air fryer
While the drawer is drying, I’ll quickly wipe the inside of the air fryer with a damp cloth if it needs it.
I’m mainly looking for any splashes of grease or loose crumbs.
Never pour water directly into the main air fryer unit or immerse it in water.
5. Check the heating element
Every so often, it’s worth checking the heating element above the drawer.
Grease from foods like bacon, sausages or chicken thighs can sometimes splash upwards.
Once the air fryer has completely cooled and been unplugged, gently wipe around the heating element with a soft damp cloth if needed and leave to dry for at least 12 hours before you plug it back in.
Can air fryer drawers go in the dishwasher?
Some air fryer drawers and crisper trays are dishwasher-safe, but not all of them are.
Always check your manufacturer’s instructions before putting any removable parts in the dishwasher.
Even if your model is dishwasher-safe, a quick hand wash is often all that’s needed if you’ve cleaned it straight after cooking.
How do you remove stubborn grease?
If warm, soapy water isn’t enough, leave the drawer and crisper tray to soak for a little longer.
For stubborn grease:
Fill the drawer with warm water and washing-up liquid.
Leave it to soak for around 20 to 30 minutes.
Use a soft, not-scratch sponge or a sofa cleaning brush to remove any remaining residue.
Repeat if necessary.
Avoid scraping the non-stick coating with knives, metal utensils or abrasive scourers.
How do you remove smells from an air fryer?
If your air fryer has started to smell, it’s usually a sign that grease or food residue has built up somewhere.
Start by giving the drawer and crisper tray a thorough clean. Don’t forget to check underneath the crisper tray and around the rubber feet, as grease can collect there too.
If the smell is still lingering, unplug the air fryer from the mains, wipe inside the air fryer and around the heating element once it’s completely cool down. Leave for at least 12 hours to dry before using.
Keeping on top of cleaning after each use is the easiest way to stop smells building up in the first place.
Why is my air fryer smoking?
A dirty air fryer is one of the most common causes of smoke.
Grease from previous meals can heat up and begin to smoke, especially when you’re cooking fatty foods at high temperatures.
If your air fryer starts smoking:
Turn it off and unplug it.
Allow it to cool completely.
Clean the drawer and crisper tray thoroughly.
Check underneath the crisper tray for grease build-up.
Inspect the heating element for food splashes.
Regular cleaning usually prevents this from happening.
Can you put water in an air fryer to clean it?
You can fill the removable drawer with warm, soapy water while it’s out of the appliance.
You should never pour water directly into the main air fryer unit or try to steam-clean it by running it with water inside.
The main unit contains electrical components and should never be submerged in water.
Can you use oven cleaner in an air fryer?
I wouldn’t recommend using oven cleaner unless your manufacturer specifically says it’s safe.
Oven cleaners are designed for different surfaces and can damage the non-stick coating inside an air fryer.
Warm water, washing-up liquid and regular cleaning are all you really need.
How to keep your air fryer cleaner
A few simple habits will reduce the amount of cleaning you need to do:
Clean the drawer and crisper tray after every use.
Don’t let grease build up underneath the crisper tray.
Use paper liners for sticky or messy recipes.
Place foil underneath the crisper tray when appropriate to catch excess oil.
Avoid overfilling dishes with sauces that may bubble over.
Check the heating element every few weeks.
Paper liners are great for reducing mess, but they don’t replace cleaning completely.
Air Fryer Girl Tip 💡
My biggest cleaning tip is to clean your air fryer straight after cooking, not hours later.
I simply fill the drawer with warm, soapy water and leave it to soak while we eat.
Most of the time, it only needs a quick wash afterwards. If it’s particularly dirty, I’ll pop it in the dishwasher, then leave the drawer upside down to dry so any water trapped inside the handle can drain away.
It’s such a simple routine, but it saves loads of scrubbing and keeps my air fryer looking like new.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you clean an air fryer after every use?
Ideally, yes. Cleaning the drawer and crisper tray after each use helps prevent grease build-up, reduces unwanted smells and makes cleaning much easier.
Can you soak an air fryer basket overnight?
You can soak removable parts, but a 20 to 30-minute soak is usually enough. Always check your manufacturer’s instructions first.
Can you use washing-up liquid in an air fryer?
Yes. Washing-up liquid is perfect for cleaning the removable drawer and crisper tray. Just rinse everything thoroughly afterwards.
Can you use a scourer on an air fryer?
No. Avoid abrasive scourers or wire wool, as they can damage the non-stick coating. A soft sponge or brush is much safer.
Why does my air fryer still smell after cleaning?
Grease can collect underneath the crisper tray, around the rubber feet or on the heating element. Check these areas carefully if smells persist.
How do you clean the outside of an air fryer?
Simply wipe it with a soft, damp cloth once it’s cool. Don’t spray cleaning products directly onto the controls or air vents.
The bottom line
Cleaning your air fryer regularly helps prevent smoke and unwanted smells, protects the non-stick coating and keeps your food tasting its best.
You don’t need expensive products or a complicated cleaning routine.
Warm, soapy water, a soft sponge and a quick soak after cooking are usually all it takes.
The most important things to remember are:
Clean the drawer and crisper tray after every use.
Leave them to soak while you eat.
Never pour water into the main air fryer unit.
Avoid abrasive scourers and harsh chemicals.
Leave the drawer upside down to dry so any water trapped in the handle can drain away.
Check the heating element every so often.
A couple of minutes after each meal will save you a lot of scrubbing later ☺️
