TL;DR
- Clean your Ninja air fryer after every use once it cools.
- Wash the air fryer basket, crisper plate, rack, sheet pan, and crumb tray with warm, soapy water.
- Use a soft sponge, soft cloth, or non-abrasive brush.
- Do not use steel wool, metal scouring pads, harsh chemical cleaners, or abrasive scrubbers.
- The main unit should never be put in water or the dishwasher. [Ninja SP150 Series Owner’s Guide]
- For greasy foods, clean the tray and interior walls because leftover grease can cause smoke and bad smells. [SharkNinja Cleaning Guide]
[Last Updated:14 August, 2026]
Direct Answer
To clean a Ninja air fryer, unplug it, let it cool, remove the basket, crisper plate, rack, tray, or crumb tray, then wash removable parts with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Wipe the interior and exterior with a damp cloth, dry every part, and reassemble before the next use. [Ninja SP150 Series Owner’s Guide]
What Parts of a Ninja Air Fryer Can You Clean?
You can clean the removable parts and wipe the main unit, but you should never submerge the main body in water. For Ninja oven-style models, the removable parts may include the air fry basket, sheet pan, wire rack, and removable crumb tray. The SP150 Series Owner’s Guide lists the air fry basket, sheet pan, wire rack, and removable crumb tray as parts and accessories. [Ninja SP150 Series Owner’s Guide]
| Ninja part | How to clean it | Key warning |
|---|---|---|
| Air fryer basket | Warm, soapy water and soft sponge | Hand-washing is recommended |
| Crisper plate | Warm water, dish soap, soft sponge | Do not scrub with steel wool |
| Sheet pan | Hand-wash with warm, soapy water | SP150 manual says do not put sheet pan in dishwasher |
| Wire rack | Wash gently and dry fully | Dishwasher may cause faster wear |
| Crumb tray | Empty often and hand-wash when needed | Must be installed before use |
| Main unit | Wipe with damp cloth | Never submerge or place in dishwasher |
| Heating area | Wipe only when cool and unplugged | Do not spray liquid inside |
What You Need Before You Start
You only need simple tools to clean a Ninja air fryer. SharkNinja recommends warm water, washing-up liquid, and a non-scratch sponge for routine drawer and crisper plate cleaning.
Use:
- Dish soap
- Warm water
- Soft sponge
- Damp cloth
- Microfiber towel
- Non-abrasive cleaning brush
- Toothbrush for corners
- Baking soda paste for stubborn grease
Avoid:
- Steel wool
- Metal scouring pads
- Abrasive cleaners
- Chemical oven cleaners
- Harsh spray cleaners inside the unit
- Soaking the main unit
- Putting the main body in the dishwasher
The Ninja SP150 manual says not to clean with metal scouring pads because pieces can break off and touch electrical parts. [Ninja SP150 Series Owner’s Guide]
Unplug the unit and let it cool completely before cleaning. Most Ninja air fryer ovens reach internal temperatures above 400°F (204°C), and residual heat lasts 20-30 minutes after use (Ninja, 2024).
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Ninja Air Fryer
Step 1: Unplug and Let It Cool
Always unplug the Ninja air fryer and let it cool before cleaning. The SP150 manual says to press the power button, turn the oven off, and allow it to cool completely before cleaning, moving, or flipping for storage. [Ninja SP150 Series Owner’s Guide]
Do not rush this step. Hot baskets, trays, and racks can burn your hands. Also, wiping a hot unit with a wet cloth can create steam and streaks.
Step 2: Remove the Basket, Rack, Tray, and Crumb Tray
Remove all removable parts before washing. On a Ninja air fryer oven, this often means the air fry basket, sheet pan, wire rack, and crumb tray.
On a basket-style Ninja air fryer, remove the basket and crisper plate.
For a Ninja DualZone model, remove both baskets and both crisper plates.
For a Ninja Crispi model, remove the glass containers and any crisper insert that touches food.
This makes it easier to reach grease, crumbs, and stuck-on food.
Dishwasher note: Check your specific model’s manual. Some Ninja air fryer oven accessories are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, but repeated dishwasher cycles can degrade non-stick coatings faster than hand washing (Ninja, 2024).
Step 3: Wash Removable Parts
Wash removable parts with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. The Ninja SP150 manual says to wash the air fry basket, sheet pan, wire rack, and removable crumb tray in warm, soapy water, then rinse and dry them thoroughly with a non-abrasive sponge before first use. [Ninja SP150 Series Owner’s Guide]
For daily cleaning:
- Fill the sink with warm water.
- Add a few drops of dish soap.
- Soak greasy parts for 10–15 minutes.
- Wipe with a soft sponge.
- Use a toothbrush for mesh corners.
- Rinse well.
- Dry fully before reassembling.
SharkNinja’s UK cleaning guide also recommends a 15-minute soak for drawer-style parts before wiping them clean.
Step 4: Wipe the Interior
Wipe the interior walls with a soft, damp sponge or cloth. The SP150 manual says food splatter on the interior walls should be wiped with a soft, damp sponge and warns not to use abrasive cleaners, scrubbing brushes, or chemical cleaners because they can damage the oven. [Ninja SP150 Series Owner’s Guide]
Do not spray water directly inside the unit. Also, do not pour water into the cooking chamber.
Work from top to bottom. This way, crumbs and grease fall to the lower area where you can wipe them last.
Step 5: Clean Around the Heating Element
Clean around the heating element only when the appliance is unplugged and fully cool. Use a dry brush, soft toothbrush, or barely damp cloth.
SharkNinja’s cleaning guide says to wipe the cool heating coil with a damp microfiber cloth or a soft toothbrush, while avoiding liquid dripping into the internal electrical housing.
Do not:
- Spray cleaner into the heating area
- Bend the heating element
- Soak the element
- Scrub hard
- Use oven cleaner spray
If grease is near the heating element, clean it carefully. Grease on hot parts can cause smoke and a bitter smell.
Step 6: Clean the Exterior and Control Panel
Wipe the exterior and control panel with a damp cloth. The SP150 manual says a non-abrasive liquid cleanser or mild spray solution may be used, but the cleanser should be applied to the sponge, not directly to the oven surface. [Ninja SP150 Series Owner’s Guide]
This matters because liquid can run into seams, buttons, and vents.
Dry the outside with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks.
How to Deep Clean Ninja Air Fryer
Deep clean a Ninja air fryer when grease, smoke, smell, or stuck-on food builds up. The SP150 manual says deep cleaning starts by letting the unit cool, unplugging it, removing all accessories including the crumb tray, and washing parts separately. It also says to soak accessories overnight in hot, soapy water when needed. [Ninja SP150 Series Owner’s Guide]
Deep Clean Steps
- Let the unit cool.
- Unplug it.
- Remove the basket, crisper plate, rack, tray, and crumb tray.
- Soak removable parts in hot, soapy water.
- Use a non-abrasive brush on the air fry basket.
- Wipe the oven interior with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.
- Clean grease near the heating area with care.
- Wipe the exterior.
- Dry every part.
- Reassemble only when fully dry.
SharkNinja also suggests using a baking soda paste for stubborn grease and baked-on residue. Their guide gives a simple mix of two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda with one tablespoon of warm water, applied to residue for about 10 minutes before wiping.
Cleaning Instructions by Ninja Air Fryer Oven Model
Ninja air fryer ovens do not all clean the same way, so check your model number before deep cleaning. The safest routine is to unplug the appliance, let it cool, remove loose parts, wash accessories as directed, wipe the interior gently, and keep water away from electrical areas.
Ninja Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer SP151
The Ninja SP151 uses a flip-up design with an air fry basket, sheet pan, wire rack, and removable crumb tray. The SP150 Series owner’s guide lists these parts and says the crumb tray sits below the bottom heating element. [Ninja SP150 Series Owner’s Guide]
For routine cleaning:
- Unplug the oven and let it cool completely.
- Remove the air fry basket, sheet pan, wire rack, and crumb tray.
- Wash removable parts with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge.
- Wipe interior splatter with a soft, damp sponge.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners, scrubbing brushes, and chemical cleaners because they can damage the oven.
- Dry all parts before putting them back.
With a flip-style oven, pay extra attention to crumbs and grease around the lower interior and crumb tray before flipping it upright.
Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven SP101
The SP101 is also a flip-up Ninja oven. Clean the basket, rack, pan, and crumb tray after greasy meals instead of waiting for heavy buildup.
Focus on:
- Grease around the lower oven cavity.
- Crumbs near the tray area.
- Oil splatter near the heating area.
- Door edges and corners.
- Removable accessories after each greasy cook.
Do not spray cleaner toward the heating elements, fan, or controls.
Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Oven DT201 and DT251
The DT201 and DT251 are larger oven-style models, so they have more racks, trays, corners, and grease-collection areas.
For these larger models:
- Remove all accessories after the oven cools.
- Hand wash coated or heavily used parts when possible.
- Wipe the interior with a soft cloth.
- Clean around rack positions and corners.
- Dry every part before reassembly.
- Check the manual before using the dishwasher.
For all Ninja models, never submerge the main unit. Check the manual before assuming any basket, tray, or rack is dishwasher-safe.
Common Cleaning Problems and How to Fix Them
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke during cooking | Grease buildup on crumb tray or heating element | Clean the crumb tray and wipe the interior walls |
| Lingering food odors after cleaning | Grease residue on interior walls or rack | Re-clean with baking soda paste; run the unit empty at 300°F for 5 minutes |
| Non-stick coating peeling on accessories | Abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals used | Switch to soft sponges; replace the part if coating is already damaged |
| Water spots on interior walls | Wiping with too-wet cloth | Use a damp cloth, not a soaking-wet one; dry immediately after wiping |
| Grease not coming off the wire rack | Not soaking long enough | Soak for 20-30 minutes in warm soapy water before scrubbing |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean a Ninja air fryer?
Clean a Ninja air fryer by unplugging it, letting it cool, removing the basket and accessories, washing removable parts with warm, soapy water, wiping the interior with a damp sponge, cleaning the exterior with a damp cloth, drying all parts, and reassembling. [Ninja SP150 Series Owner’s Guide]
Can I put my Ninja air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Some Ninja air fry baskets can go in the dishwasher, but hand-washing is better for long-term use. The SP150 manual says the air fry basket and wire rack can be put in the dishwasher, but they may wear more quickly over time. [Ninja SP150 Series Owner’s Guide]
Can I put the Ninja sheet pan in the dishwasher?
For the Ninja SP150 Series, no. The manual says not to place the sheet pan in the dishwasher. [Ninja SP150 Series Owner’s Guide]
Can I put the Ninja main unit in water?
No. The Ninja SP150 manual says never to submerge the main unit in water or place it in the dishwasher. [Ninja SP150 Series Owner’s Guide]
How do I clean grease from a Ninja air fryer?
Soak removable parts in warm, soapy water first. Then use a soft sponge or non-abrasive brush. For baked-on grease, use baking soda paste and wipe clean. SharkNinja recommends gentle cleaning instead of aggressive scrubbing to protect the non-stick coating.
How do I clean the heating element in a Ninja air fryer?
Let the appliance cool, unplug it, and wipe the heating area carefully with a dry brush or barely damp cloth. SharkNinja says to avoid dripping liquid into the electrical housing and never spray commercial oven cleaners into the element area.
Why does my Ninja air fryer smell after cleaning?
It may still have grease residue, trapped moisture, or crumbs near the tray or rack. Rewash the removable parts, wipe the interior walls, clean the door edges, and dry everything fully before reassembling.
Why is my Ninja air fryer smoking?
Smoke usually comes from grease, drippings, or residue near hot parts. The SP150 manual says to place the sheet pan and wire rack below the air fry basket when cooking greasy, drippy foods. [Ninja SP150 Series Owner’s Guide]
Can I use steel wool on Ninja air fryer parts?
No. The SP150 manual warns not to clean with metal scouring pads because pieces can break off and touch electrical parts. [Ninja SP150 Series Owner’s Guide]
Can I use paper towels inside a Ninja air fryer?
Do not use paper towels inside an operating air fryer. They can move toward the heating area. For safety, read our guide on can you put paper towel in an air fryer.
Final Answer
The safest way to clean a Ninja air fryer is to unplug it, let it cool, remove the basket and accessories, wash removable parts with warm, soapy water, wipe the interior and exterior with a damp cloth, and dry everything before reassembling. For oven-style Ninja models, clean the crumb tray after each use, hand-wash accessories when possible, and never put the main unit in water or the dishwasher. [Ninja SP150 Series Owner’s Guide]
