How to Properly Clean an Air Fryer: Natural and Gentle Methods

Air fryers make everyday cooking easier, from crispy potatoes to quick midweek dinners. But with regular use comes grease, crumbs, burnt food and sometimes lingering cooking smells.

The good news? Learning how to clean an air fryer doesn't require harsh chemicals or complicated cleaning routines. With warm water, a gentle dish wash and a few soft cleaning tools, you can keep your appliance clean and ready for your next meal.

In this guide, we'll explain how to clean an air fryer naturally, remove stubborn grease and food residue, tackle unpleasant smells and avoid the common mistakes that can damage your appliance.

What You Need to Clean an Air Fryer

You probably already have everything you need at home. Gather:

• Warm water
• A gentle dish wash, such as MadeKind Natural Dish Wash, for suitable removable parts
• A soft natural sponge or non-abrasive cotton cloth
• A soft-bristled brush for crumbs and awkward corners
• A clean, dry cotton cloth
• A soft-bristled toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas, if suitable for your appliance

The key is to use gentle cleaning methods. Many air fryer baskets have non-stick coatings that can be damaged by abrasive tools, so always check your manufacturer's care instructions before you begin.

How to Clean an Air Fryer Step by Step

Follow these steps for a thorough clean, adjusting the process to suit your air fryer model.

1. Unplug and Let the Air Fryer Cool

Always switch off and unplug your air fryer before cleaning. Allow it to cool completely to avoid burns and protect its components.

Never immerse the main appliance in water or place water near its electrical connections.

2. Remove the Basket and Pan

Carefully remove the basket, drawer and any removable tray or pan. Shake out loose crumbs over your bin and check for leftover food around the edges.

3. Soak the Removable Parts

Place the removable parts in warm, soapy water if the manufacturer's instructions permit soaking. Leave them for around 10–15 minutes to help loosen grease and dried-on food.

Avoid using boiling water, which may damage certain materials or coatings.

4. Clean the Basket and Pan

Use a soft cloth with a little gentle dish wash to clean the basket, tray and pan. Pay attention to corners, holes and areas where oil tends to collect.

Rinse thoroughly, following the manufacturer's instructions, to remove any soap residue.

5. Tackle Stubborn Grease and Residue

For stubborn grease, allow the affected area to soak for a little longer if permitted, then gently work at the residue with a soft brush.

Avoid scraping with knives, metal utensils or abrasive scourers. These can scratch non-stick coatings and potentially affect their performance.

6. Clean the Inside of the Air Fryer

Wipe the interior cavity with a slightly damp, soft cloth. Remove loose crumbs and grease from accessible surfaces, taking care not to push debris into openings.

Never pour water or spray cleaning products directly into the appliance.

7. Clean Around the Heating Element

Once the appliance is cool and unplugged, inspect the heating element and surrounding area for grease or food particles.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning this area. If wiping is permitted, use a soft brush or barely damp cloth, keeping moisture away from electrical components. Never forcefully scrub or bend the heating element.

8. Clean the Exterior

Wipe the outside of the air fryer with a soft, slightly damp cotton cloth. A little mild cleaning solution like MadeKind Multi Surface Cleaner may be suitable for some exterior surfaces, but check your manufacturer's guidance first.

MadeKind's natural cleaner collection offers options for everyday household cleaning. However, only use a cleaner on your air fryer if its label and the appliance manufacturer's instructions confirm it is suitable.

9. Rinse and Dry Everything

Rinse removable parts as directed and dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth. Allow them to air-dry completely before reassembly.

10. Reassemble the Air Fryer

Once every component is completely dry, put the appliance back together according to its instructions. Your air fryer is now ready for its next use.

How to Remove Grease and Burnt Food From an Air Fryer

Grease and burnt-on food are easier to remove when you give them time to soften.

Start by soaking compatible removable parts in warm, soapy water. Use a gentle dish wash and a non-abrasive sponge to work away the residue gradually.

If food remains stuck, repeat the soaking process rather than scrubbing harder. Avoid metal tools, harsh scouring pads and unapproved oven cleaners, particularly on non-stick surfaces.

For burnt residue around the heating element, follow your manufacturer's cleaning guidance rather than applying liquids or homemade pastes directly to it.

How to Remove Air Fryer Smells Naturally

Lingering smells are often caused by trapped crumbs, grease or leftover food. The best place to start is with a thorough clean.

• Remove crumbs from the basket and accessible interior.
• Wash compatible removable parts with warm water and gentle dish wash.
• Wipe accessible surfaces as directed by the manufacturer.
• Dry every component completely before reassembling.

If smells persist, check the appliance manual for further guidance. Persistent burning or electrical smells may indicate a fault, so stop using the appliance until it has been checked.

You don't need to cover up cooking smells with strong fragrances. Removing the source is usually the most useful first step.

Can You Use Vinegar or Baking Soda to Clean an Air Fryer?

Vinegar and baking soda are popular ingredients in homemade cleaning recipes, but they aren't suitable for every air fryer surface.

Vinegar is acidic, while baking soda can be mildly abrasive. Depending on the appliance's materials and coatings, either could cause damage or leave residue if used incorrectly.

For routine cleaning, warm water, a suitable gentle dish wash and a soft sponge are usually a better starting point. Always check the manufacturer's instructions before trying homemade cleaning solutions.

Can You Put Air Fryer Parts in the Dishwasher?

Some air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe, while others must be washed by hand. Compatibility varies by model and component.

Check your instruction manual before putting anything in the dishwasher. Even where dishwasher cleaning is permitted, hand washing with a soft sponge may help you care for delicate coatings over time.

Never put the main electrical unit in the dishwasher or immerse it in water.

What Not to Use When Cleaning an Air Fryer

Avoid the following unless your manufacturer explicitly confirms otherwise:

• Steel wool and abrasive scourers
• Knives or sharp tools for removing burnt food
• Harsh oven cleaners or unsuitable chemicals
• Excessive water around electrical components
• Unapproved vinegar or baking soda treatments
• Cleaning products sprayed directly into the appliance

Also avoid cleaning while the appliance is hot, mixing cleaning products or reassembling it before everything is completely dry.

How to Keep Your Air Fryer Clean for Longer

A few small habits can make deep cleaning less of a chore.

Clean the basket and pan after use once they've cooled, remove crumbs regularly and wipe away accessible grease before it becomes stubborn. Check around the heating element periodically, following your appliance's instructions.

If you're already building a more thoughtful kitchen cleaning routine, MadeKind's refill cleaning products can help you replenish suitable household essentials while reducing reliance on single-use packaging.

Why Choose Natural Cleaning Products for Your Kitchen?

Choosing plant-based cleaning products can be one way to make your everyday cleaning routine more considered. At MadeKind, we believe effective cleaning, thoughtful ingredients and refillable options can work together.

However, natural doesn't automatically mean suitable for every surface or appliance. Always check product labels and manufacturer guidance before using a cleaner on kitchen equipment, particularly food-contact surfaces and non-stick coatings.

You can explore our MadeKind cleaning products or read our guide to what non-toxic cleaning really means to learn more about making informed choices for your home.

A Cleaner Kitchen, One Small Habit at a Time

Knowing how to clean an air fryer properly helps you remove grease, reduce lingering cooking smells and keep your appliance in good condition.

The secret is simple: clean regularly, use gentle tools, avoid unnecessary moisture and follow your manufacturer's care instructions.

At MadeKind, we believe small, thoughtful choices can make everyday home care feel a little easier. From your kitchen cleaning routine to the products you choose to refill, it's about finding practical ways to care for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions