How-To9 min read
How to Clean an Airfryer: Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
Complete guide to airfryer cleaning. Daily cleaning, deep cleaning, stubborn grease stains, and odor removal methods.
Author: KitchenDeener•
Regular cleaning is essential to maintain your airfryer's performance and lifespan. Accumulated grease and food residue are not only unhygienic but can also cause smoke, bad odors, and even fire hazards.
In this guide, we cover everything from daily maintenance to deep cleaning, stubborn stains to odor removal.
Required Materials
For Basic Cleaning
- Soft sponge (non-abrasive side)
- Dish soap
- Microfiber cloth
- Warm water
For Deep Cleaning
- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
- White vinegar
- Lemon
- Soft toothbrush
- Paper towels
Do Not Use
- Metal scrubbers or steel wool (scratches the coating)
- Abrasive cleaners
- Pressure water sprays
- Sharp tools
Daily Cleaning (After Every Use)
Follow these steps after every use. It only takes 5 minutes and prevents stubborn stains from forming.
1
Wait for It to Cool
Turn off your airfryer and unplug it. Wait at least 30 minutes for it to cool down. Touching hot parts can cause burns, and the hot coating can be damaged during cleaning.
2
Remove the Basket and Tray
Gently pull the basket by its handle. Some models have a removable perforated tray inside the basket - remove that too.
3
Remove Dry Residue
Wipe away large food particles and loose debris with paper towels or a dry cloth. This step should be done before wetting.
4
Wash with Warm Soapy Water
Place the basket and tray in the sink. Fill with warm water + a few drops of dish soap. Wash all surfaces with a soft sponge.
5
Rinse and Dry
Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Make sure no detergent residue remains. Dry with a microfiber cloth or air dry. Never reattach damp parts.
6
Wipe the Inner Chamber
Wipe the inside of the main unit with a damp cloth. Be careful with the heating element - wipe gently. Don't use detergent, just a damp cloth is enough.
7
Wipe the Exterior
Wipe the outer body with a damp cloth. Clean the control panel with a slightly damp cloth - water should not get inside.
Quick Cleaning Tip
Right after cooking, while the airfryer is still warm, add 1-2 cups of hot water to the basket. Let it sit for 10 minutes. The grease and residue will loosen, making cleaning much easier.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Do this detailed cleaning once a week. It removes accumulated grease and odors.
For Basket and Tray
1
Soaking
Soak the basket in hot water + 2 tablespoons dish soap for 15-20 minutes. For stubborn stains, extend to 30 minutes.
2
Prepare Baking Soda Paste
Mix 3 tablespoons baking soda + 1 tablespoon water to create a paste consistency.
3
Apply the Paste
Apply the baking soda paste to stubborn stained areas. Pay special attention to basket edges and corners. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
4
Scrub
Scrub with a soft toothbrush or sponge in circular motions. Pay attention to perforated areas - grease accumulates there.
5
Vinegar Rinse
Rinse with a mixture of 1 cup water + 1 cup white vinegar. Vinegar neutralizes baking soda residue and adds shine.
6
Final Rinse and Dry
Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Dry completely.
Heating Element and Inner Chamber
The heating element (the grill-like part at the top) is the most neglected area. Grease spatters accumulate there.
1
Flip the Unit Over
Place the airfryer upside down on a flat surface. The heating element should now be facing you.
2
Dry Cleaning
Brush loose debris with a soft brush. The small attachment of a vacuum cleaner can also be used.
3
Damp Cloth Cleaning
Wipe with a damp (not wet!) cloth away from the element. Do not use detergent.
4
Stubborn Stains
Apply baking soda paste to an old toothbrush and rub gently. Caution: Be careful not to damage the element.
5
Wipe with Clean Cloth
Wipe all residue with a clean damp cloth. Do not use the unit until completely dry.
Heating Element Warning
Never pour water on the heating element. It's an electrical component and water contact can cause damage. Only use a slightly damp cloth.
Solutions for Stubborn Grease Stains
Baking Soda + Vinegar Method
A combination of physical and chemical cleaning:
- Sprinkle baking soda on the stain
- Spray white vinegar on top (it will foam)
- Let it sit for 5 minutes
- Scrub with a soft sponge
- Rinse
Dish Soap + Hot Water Soaking
Overnight soaking method:
- Fill the basket with hot water
- Add 2-3 drops of dish soap
- Leave overnight (8+ hours)
- In the morning, gently scrub with a soft sponge
- Rinse
Dishwasher Tablet Method
For very stubborn stains:
- Put hot water in the basket
- Drop in 1 dishwasher tablet
- Wait for 2 hours
- Scrub with a sponge
- Rinse thoroughly (no tablet residue should remain)
Burnt Food
For burnt and stuck food: place the basket in an oven-safe container, cover with hot water, and leave in the oven at 100C (212F) for 30 minutes. The residue will come off easily.
Odor Removal Methods
Accumulated grease odors in your airfryer can transfer to all your food over time. Here are effective solutions:
Lemon Method (Mild Odors)
1
Slice the Lemon
Cut 1 lemon into 4-5 slices.
2
Place in Basket
Spread the lemon slices in the basket.
3
Run the Airfryer
Run at 180C (350F) for 10 minutes.
4
Cool and Clean
After cooling, remove the lemons and do regular cleaning.
Vinegar Steam Method (Moderate Odors)
- Put 1/2 cup water + 1/2 cup vinegar in a small oven-safe container
- Place the container in the basket
- Run at 180C (350F) for 5 minutes
- Leave closed for 15 minutes (let the steam work)
- Do regular cleaning
Baking Soda Method (Strong Odors)
- Spread 2 tablespoons of baking soda on the bottom of the basket
- Leave overnight (without running)
- Vacuum the baking soda in the morning
- Do regular cleaning
Coffee Grounds Method (Very Strong Odors)
- Dry used coffee grounds
- Spread in the basket
- Leave for 24 hours (unit off)
- Clean
- Do a final pass with the lemon method
Dishwasher Washing
Most airfryer baskets are dishwasher safe, but there are things to watch out for:
Check Your Model
| Model Type | Dishwasher |
|---|---|
| Philips | Most models compatible |
| Tefal | Most models compatible |
| Xiaomi | Basket only |
| Cosori | Varies by model |
Check your user manual.
If Using the Dishwasher
- Place on the bottom rack
- Watch for sharp corners (can damage other items)
- Use normal cycle (not intensive)
- Skip the drying cycle, air dry instead
Long-term Effect
Dishwasher can shorten the coating's lifespan. Hand washing is preferred when possible. Using the dishwasher occasionally is fine, but using it every time will cause the coating to wear out faster.
Cleaning Frequency Chart
| Component | Frequency | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Basket and tray | After every use | Daily cleaning |
| Inner chamber | After every use | Damp cloth |
| Heating element | Weekly | Damp cloth + brush |
| Outer body | Weekly | Damp cloth |
| Deep cleaning | Every 2 weeks | Baking soda paste |
| Odor removal | Monthly (if needed) | Lemon/vinegar |
Model-Specific Cleaning Tips
Philips Airfryer
- QuickClean basket is fully dishwasher compatible
- Easy access to heating element
- Fat Removal technology causes grease to collect - empty the bottom chamber regularly
Tefal Actifry
- The stirring paddle comes out separately - wash it every time
- Glass lid can go in the dishwasher
- Heating element is in the back - slightly harder to reach
Xiaomi Air Fryer
- Minimal design, easy to clean
- Cleaning reminders can be set through the app
- Small inner chamber, hand washing is sufficient
Cosori Dual Blaze
- Dual heating elements - clean both
- Large capacity basket may not fit in the sink
- Use a bathtub or large basin
Common Mistakes
-
Cleaning while hot: Burn risk and coating damage
-
Using steel wool: Scratches the non-stick coating
-
Submerging in water: Never submerge the main unit in water
-
Installing damp parts: Electrical hazard and rust risk
-
Pouring detergent directly: Hard to rinse thoroughly, residue remains
-
Postponing cleaning: Dry grease and burns are very hard to remove
Tips to Extend Your Airfryer's Life
-
Use parchment paper: Perforated airfryer papers minimize cleaning
-
Prefer oil spray: Spray oil spreads less than liquid oil
-
Don't overfill: Food won't splatter, less grease accumulates
-
Clean promptly: Wait for it to cool but don't wait too long
-
Protect the coating: Don't use metal utensils, prefer silicone or wooden
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submerge the airfryer in water?
Absolutely not. Only removable parts (basket, tray) can be washed with water. The main unit contains electrical components.
Can cleaning sprays be used?
Not recommended on surfaces that contact food (basket, tray). Chemical residue can transfer to food. Can be used on exterior surfaces, but don't let it get inside.
Can I scrape off burnt residue?
You can gently scrape with a plastic or silicone spatula. Never use metal tools. The best approach is to soften with the soaking method.
How long does it take to dry?
Air drying can take 2-4 hours. If you need to use it urgently, wipe thoroughly with a microfiber cloth. Don't install until you're sure it's 100% dry.
What should I do if rust spots form?
A baking soda paste + lemon juice mixture can remove rust stains. If rust is on the body, the coating may be damaged - stop using it.
Author
KitchenDeener
Expert content team specialized in kitchen appliances.
