How to Clean Your Air Fryer

Cleaning an air fryer is a simple process that should be done regularly to ensure that the appliance is in top working condition and to prevent the buildup of bacteria and food particles.

It is much, much easier than cleaning your conventional oven. No more oven spray and waiting for hours. No more getting down on hands and knees to reach the lower drawer!

Like most kitchen appliances, air fryers hold food and old food can turn bad and become dangerous if consumed. So, you will need to include cleaning your air fryer as part of your routine.

Here are the steps you need to take to clean your air fryer

Start off by unplugging the air fryer and allowing it to cool down completely. If you have not used the air fryer and it is cool, then just unplug it and get started with the cleaning!

Move it to a place where you have space to work and won’t break or knock other kitchen appliances.

Remove the basket and tray from the air fryer and wash them in warm soapy water. Use a soft sponge or brush to scrub away any food particles or grease. Rinse them thoroughly and dry them with a clean cloth. If food is stuck, you can allow the basket to soak for 10 to 20 minutes to loosen the food particles.

Important tip – Don’t use metal utensils, steel wire brushes or any abrasive cleaning pads as this will damage the device. These will also destroy the non-stick surface of the basket or crisper plates.

Clean the inside of the air fryer with a damp cloth. Make sure to wipe down the walls, bottom, and heating element. You can also use a small brush or soft toothbrush to scrub away any stuck-on food particles.

Important tip – Never immerse the air fryer in water. It has an electric motor and it will be rendered useless if it gets wet. It is also extremely dangerous to plug wet appliances into a power source.

If there are any hard-to-remove stains or food particles, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the stains and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and wiping away.

Once the air fryer is clean, you can use a dry cloth to wipe down the inside and outside of the appliance to remove any remaining moisture.

Avoid overcrowding the basket or tray when cooking. This prevents excess buildup of oil and fat and makes cleaning much easier.

Another tip – Rubbing the basket and cooking surface with half a lemon acts as a natural cleanser, eliminates odors, and also gives your machine a pleasant smell.

Check whether the parts are dishwasher safe

Note that not all air fryers are created equal!

Some have detachable parts that can be washed in the dishwasher, others may have a specific cleaning instructions. Please consult your air fryer’s manual for specific instructions.

Personally, I prefer not to put equipment with non-stick surfaces into the dishwasher. Many manufacturer’s manuals say that it is quite safe to do so. But this is entirely up to you.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your air fryer is clean and in top working condition. Regular cleaning will also help to extend the life of the appliance and improve the taste and quality of your food.

Tip – Always use food-safe cleaners. Don’t use disinfectants that are not designed for food products. Never use bleach, window cleaners, or oven cleaners to clean your air fryer.

When to clean your air fryer

Clean, wash and dry your basket, plates and tray after every cook.

Do a full clean after every 5 to 6 uses.

Fabulous Air Fryer Disposable Paper Liners

If you really want to reduce cleaning, these fabulous Air Fryer liners will catch all the oil and grease while you are cooking. Simply place them in your air fryer and then place the food on top. They are unbleached, food-safe and won’t impart any smell or flavor into the food. They come in batches of 120, making this ideal for a busy cook. They can also be used in the microwave!

Take a look at my page for great healthy air fryer recipes that the family will love.