Cleaning an air fryer oven is simple when you follow the right steps. First, let the unit cool down and unplug it. Then remove the trays and accessories and soak them in warm, soapy water. Wipe the inside with a soft damp cloth, clean the heating element and corners with a gentle brush, and use baking soda paste for stubborn grease. Avoid harsh cleaners to protect the coating and keep your air fryer oven working well.
From my experience using and testing different air fryer ovens, grease and crumbs can build up quickly inside the appliance. If you do not clean it regularly, it can cause smoke, bad smells, and uneven cooking.
In this guide, I will show you simple and safe steps to clean an air fryer oven. These methods remove grease without damaging the appliance.
Tested Cleaning Methods (Our Experience)
| Cleaning Method | Tested Result | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Warm soapy water | Works very well for everyday grease | Cleaning baskets, racks, and trays |
| Baking soda paste | Removes stubborn grease without scratching | Interior walls and baked-on residue |
| Vinegar steam method | Loosens grease and removes odors | Deep cleaning the oven interior |
| Soft brush cleaning | Safely removes crumbs and stuck food | Heating element and tight corners |
| Damp cloth wipe-down | Quick daily cleaning solution | After each cooking session |
Testing Note:
These methods were tested on several air fryer ovens from brands like Ninja, Cosori, and Instant during regular cooking use.
How to Clean an Air Fryer Oven the Right Way?
To clean an air fryer oven properly, unplug it and let it cool completely. Wash the removable parts like the basket and tray with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. Wipe the inside and heating element with a damp cloth. Use a baking soda paste for stubborn grease.
Why Cleaning Your Air Fryer Oven Matters
A dirty air fryer can cause more than just bad smells. Grease and leftover food can create smoke while cooking, and buildup can affect how well your oven heats over time.
Cleaning your air fryer after each use makes the job easier. It prevents grease from hardening and becoming difficult to remove later.
How Often Should You Clean Your Air Fryer Oven?
Here is the short answer:
- After every use: Wipe out crumbs and light grease.
- Every 1 to 2 weeks: Do a full deep clean.
- Once a week minimum: Clean the interior if you use the air fryer often.
You do not have to spend a lot of time cleaning every day. A quick wipe after cooking is usually enough.
Best Cleaning Products and Tools for Air Fryer Ovens
Here are safe and effective cleaning products and tools for air fryer ovens:
- Mild dish soap – Works well for cleaning baskets, trays, and racks without damaging the non-stick coating. Dawn dish soap works well for cleaning air fryer baskets because it cuts through grease easily.
- Warm water – Helps loosen grease and food residue before scrubbing.
- Soft sponge or non-abrasive scrub pad – Cleans surfaces without scratching the coating.
- Microfiber cloth – Good for wiping the interior and exterior of the oven.
- Soft-bristled brush – Useful for cleaning corners, vents, and around the heating element.
- Baking soda paste (baking soda + water) – Effective for removing stubborn grease and burnt spots.
- White vinegar – Helps break down grease and remove odors during deep cleaning.
- Wooden or silicone scraper – Gently lifts stuck food without damaging the surface.
- Paper towels or dry cloth – Helpful for drying parts and wiping excess oil.
What You Need Before You Start
Chances are, you already have most of these supplies at home. To make things even easier, group your cleaning tools so you can reach for the right kit when you are ready.
Everyday Items:
- Warm water, Dish soap (Dawn works well)
- A soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge, a soft-bristled cleaning brush
- A dry towel
Deep-Clean Helpers:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
What to avoid:
- Metal scouring pads
- Harsh oven cleaners, abrasive cleaning sprays
Using these can scratch and damage the non-stick coating inside your air fryer oven.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean an Air Fryer Oven
Step 1: Unplug It and Let It Cool
Always begin by unplugging the unit and letting it cool completely before you touch anything inside. Never try to clean a hot air fryer.
This is the most effective tip.
Step 2: Remove All the Parts
Remove all the parts that comes out:
- The basket or air fryer basket
- The rack
- The crumb tray
- Any pans or trays
Set these parts aside so you can wash them separately.
Step 3: Wash the Removable Parts
Fill your sink with warm, soapy water. Place the removable parts in and let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
Gently scrub them with a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse each part well and dry them completely before putting them back in the oven.
It is better to wash these parts by hand. Using the dishwasher too often can wear down the non-stick coating on the basket and trays.
Step 4: Clean the Interior surfaces
Take a damp sponge or soft cloth with a bit of dish soap and wipe the inside surfaces, including the interior walls and ceiling of the oven. Once wiped, do a quick sniff test near the interior. If you notice any lingering greasy smell, give those spots another pass with your sponge to make sure all residue is gone.
If you find stuck-on grease, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply it to the greasy area, let it sit for 10 minutes, then gently scrub and wipe it clean.
Do not let water sit inside the oven or soak the interior. Never soak the air fryer base in water. Water can damage the electrical components inside.
Step 5: Clean the Exterior
Wipe the outside of your air fryer with a clean, damp cloth. Be gentle, and then dry the exterior completely with a towel.
Avoid using very wet cloths. Too much moisture near the vents or electrical parts can cause issues.
Step 6: Put Everything Back
Check that every part is completely dry before putting your air fryer back together. Wet parts can cause steam problems or damage the appliance.
How to Deep Clean an Air Fryer Oven cleaner
A deep clean is more thorough than a regular wipe-down. Aim to do this once every 1 to 2 weeks.
Soak the Parts Overnight
If the basket or racks are very dirty, soak them overnight in warm, soapy water. This helps loosen even the toughest baked-on grease.
In the morning, scrub them with a soft brush, then rinse and dry them well.
Use the Steam Method for the Interior
This method works well for cleaning greasy walls and ceilings inside the oven.
Pour a small amount of water and white vinegar into a heat-safe dish. Place it inside the air fryer. Run the appliance at a low temperature for a few minutes.
The steam helps loosen grime. Afterwards, wipe the inside clean with a soft cloth.
Tackle Stubborn Grease with Baking Soda Paste
Mix baking soda with a bit of water to make a thick paste. Spread it on the greasy spots inside the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Scrub the area carefully with a soft brush. Then clean the paste off with a damp cloth and rinse the spot.
For extra-tough grease, add a splash of vinegar to the paste. The fizzing action helps remove the grease.
How to Properly Clean an Air Fryer Toaster Oven
An air fryer toaster oven has a few additional areas that need special attention.
The Heating Element
The heating element is located at the top inside the oven. Never submerge it in water or spray water directly on it.
Carefully wipe around the heating element with a soft, damp cloth. If food is stuck, gently use a non-abrasive brush to remove it.
The Crumb Tray
Remove the crumb tray and clean it after each use. Wash it with mild dish soap and warm water, then dry it completely before putting it back.
The Inside Walls
Wipe the inside back, sides, and top with a soft cloth dipped in warm, soapy water. If there is built-up grease, use the baking soda paste method mentioned earlier.
Best Cleaning Products for Air Fryer basket
You do not need expensive specility cleaners. Here is what actually works:
- Dawn dish soap: Everyday basket and parts cleaning.
- Baking soda: Stubborn grease and odor removal.
- White vinegar: Steam cleaning and degreasing walls.
- Hydrogen peroxide: Mixed with baking soda for tough stains.
- Warm soapy water: General interior wipe-down.
A quick note about air fryer oven cleaners: Do not use standard oven cleaner sprays on your air fryer. They are too harsh and can damage the coating or leave behind chemical residue. Always, I use these cleaners to Clean a Air Fryer Basket.
How to Keep Your Air Fryer Cleaner for Longer
- Try using parchment paper liners or silicone liners inside the basket to catch drips and crumbs. Choose the perforated type to ensure proper airflow.
- After each use, let the unit cool, then wipe it down with a damp cloth. That is usually all you need most days.
- Do not overfill the basket. Too much food leads to more splatter, more grease, and harder cleaning.
- Use only a small amount of oil. Air fryers work well with very little, and using too much just creates more grease to clean.
Cleaning Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Unplug before cleaning
- Let it fully cool
- Hand-wash the basket and trays.
- Use soft cloths and non-abrasive sponges.
- Dry every part fully before reassembling.
Do not:
- Use metal scrubbers
- Submerge the main unit in water.
- Use harsh oven cleaner sprays.
- Put the basket in the dishwasher regularly.
- Clean while the unit is still warm
Getting Rid of Smells
If your air fryer still smells, it usually means there is some grease or food left inside.
To fix this, place a small bowl of lemon juice or white vinegar inside the air fryer. Run it at a low temperature for a few minutes. The steam will help remove the odor.
You can also wipe the inside walls with a cloth dipped in diluted vinegar after cleaning. Leave the door open for a few minutes to let it air out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my air fryer oven?
Wipe it after every use. Deep-clean it thoroughly every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how often you cook.
Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Technically, some air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is better. Repeated dishwasher cycles break down non-stick coatings faster.
What is the best way to remove stubborn grease?
Mix baking soda and water to create a paste. Spread it on the greasy area and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then gently scrub with a soft brush.
Is it safe to use aluminum foil in my air fryer?
You can use it in small amounts, but do not block airflow. Perforated parchment liners are a better option.
Can you use oven cleaner spray on my air fryer?
No. Standard oven cleaners are too harsh. They can damage the non-stick coating and leave behind residue that is not safe to cook with.
How do I clean the heating element in my air fryer toaster oven?
Clean it with a damp cloth or a soft brush. Never spray water directly on it. Always unplug first.
Why does my air fryer smell bad after cleaning?
There may be grease residue left inside. Try the vinegar or lemon juice steam method and make sure all parts are fully rinsed and dry.
How do I stop my air fryer from getting so greasy?
Use less oil, avoid overfilling, and use perforated parchment liners to catch drips.
