My air fryer has become my favorite among kitchen appliances. It’s a whiz at letting me cook things fast, whether I’m crisping up fish sticks, making chicken wings just right, or getting my zucchini noodles to that perfect al dente stage. Even leftovers get reheated to perfection. But with all this use, it’s no surprise that grease builds up, even with minimal or no added oil.
Keeping your air fryer cleaned after every use is crucial. You don’t want food bits, grease, and other residues to accumulate, leading to unpleasant smell and smoke during cooking. Whether you own a basket-style or tray air fryer, the cleaning tips from the Good Housekeeping Institute make maintenance a breeze.
How to Clean an Air Fryer Basket
What you’ll need:
- Degreasing dish soap
- Soft-bristled bottle brush
- Soft cloth or paper towel
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Dishwasher-Safe Cleaning
If your air fryer’s drawer, basket, and tray are dishwasher-safe, this is a breeze. Simply place them upside down on the top rack of your dishwasher, ensuring each piece fits snugly. This method not only saves time but also guarantees a comprehensive clean.
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Manual Cleaning: Warm Soapy Water
When a dishwasher isn’t an option, or for removable parts needing extra care, turn to warm soapy water. Gently scrub the gunk from the vents, nooks, and crannies of the tray, using a soft brush. This process is crucial for protecting the metal and nonstick finish. After scrubbing, rinse and dry thoroughly.
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Turning Off and Unplugging Before Cleaning
Before you start cleaning, always ensure to turn off and unplug your air fryer, letting it cool completely. Then, pull out the drawer to remove the basket and tray. This is not just a safety measure but also makes the cleaning process easier and safer.
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Cleaning the Air Fryer’s Interior and Exterior
Finally, don’t neglect the bottom interior and the exterior of the air fryer. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth or paper towel will do the trick. Once everything is sparkling clean, replace the basket, and your air fryer is ready to go.
How to Clean an Oven-Style Air Fryer?
What you’ll need:
- Degreasing dish soap
- Soft-bristled bottle brush
- Soft cloth or paper towel
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Remove Racks for Cleaning
Start by removing the racks from your oven-style air fryer. If they’re dishwasher safe, place them in for a hassle-free clean. Otherwise, hand wash them in warm soapy water with a dish brush to scrub off any grease and food bits, then rinse and dry.
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Emptying and Cleaning the Drip Tray
Next, focus on the drip tray. Empty any collected oil – remember, don’t flush it down the sink. If it’s dishwasher safe, place it upside down for an easy clean. For hand wash, simply rinse and dry after cleaning.
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Safety First: Turn Off and Unplug
Before you start any cleaning, ensure your air fryer is turned off and unplugged. Let it cool completely to avoid any risk of burns or electric shocks. This step is crucial for a safe cleaning process.
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Wipe Down Interior and Exterior
Finally, wipe down the bottom interior and exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth or paper towel. Once everything is spotless, replace the trays. Your air fryer is now clean and ready for your next culinary adventure.
Related Article: How to Get Rid of Air Fryer Taste?
How to Deep Clean an Air Fryer?
In my years of culinary adventures, I’ve learned that keeping your air fryer in top-notch condition is crucial. Here’s a quick guide to deep cleaning your air fryer, especially after it’s been accidentally overstuffed or cooked with splattery foods, leaving it gunked up.
What you’ll need:
- ½ cup of baking soda
- A few tablespoons of water to make a paste
- Soft dishcloth or paper towels
- Remove the basket and racks from your air fryer. It’s essential to clean each part separately to ensure no cooked-on residue.
- Hold the air fryer upright and gently brush off any loose bits of gunk. These bits often fall to the bottom of the interior or get caught in the mesh near the heating element and fan at the top.
- Use a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush to scrub and release any burned-on bits from the mesh and heating element. Then, wipe with a damp cloth or paper towel. Turn the air fryer upside down for an easier.
- Apply a baking soda paste with a soft, damp cloth and gently scrub away any remaining grime.
- Finally, rinse the cloth in water, wring out, and wipe away any residue. Flip the air fryer right-side up and replace the clean basket and trays.
Remember, regular maintenance not only prevents that smells bad situation but also reduces smoke during cooking.
We Tested 5 Methods to Clean a Greasy Air Fryer Basket
In my journey through kitchen innovations, air fryers have stood out as one of the biggest game-changers, rivaling even sliced bread. They’re quick, efficient, and incredibly easy-to-use for cooking meals or heating leftovers.
However, the cleaning part? That’s often the dirtiest and grimiest aspect, particularly the air fryer basket. Through personal experimentation, I’ve tested various methods to clean a greasy air fryer basket, ensuring each method works well and protects the coating of the fryer for years.
How I Tested the Methods to Clean a Dirty Air Fryer Basket?
Embarking on this cleaning journey, I tested various methods to clean a dirty air fryer basket. Starting with a number of options, I narrowed it down to five. These included everyday ingredients like Dawn dish soap, Dawn Power wash, baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and hydrogen peroxide.
I even tried steam cleaning using an oven-safe ceramic ramekin. The testing process took about a week and a half, during which the basket encountered everything from garlicky slices of pizza and pastries to greasy bacon and an everything bagel.
Related Article: How to Clean Air Fryer Vent?
The Ratings
Each method was rated on a scale from 1 (the worst) to 5 (the best). The factors I considered were the simplicity and ease of use, the time it took, and the ability to rid the basket of stuck-on food, grease, and grime without excessive scrubbing. This process gave me a clear perspective on which methods work best for keeping your air fryer basket in prime condition.
Note: In my quest to clean a dirty air fryer basket, the first step was always to check the manufacturer’s instructions. I learned that each fryer is different and respecting these guidelines is key. Whenever unsure, I conducted a Spot test to ensure the method was safe and effective.
Air Fryer Cleaning Method: Baking Soda + Lemon Paste
The Method
Among various cleaning hacks, a baking soda paste version with lemon turned out to be a real winner. This magical cleaner harnesses baking soda’s fine abrasive grit for cleaning without scratching, while lemon adds natural antibacterial properties.
I created the paste in a small bowl, mixed with two tablespoons of lemon juice, a half teaspoon of baking soda, and just enough hot water to blend it. Poured into the air fryer basket, I lightly scrubbed with a soft toothbrush (which I specifically dedicate for cleaning) or a sponge.
How it went
This paste effectively scraped off stuck-on food and the top layer of grease, getting rid of old, dark grime. Far from being disappointed, this DIY method worked better than expected. I particularly enjoyed the light lemon scent that neutralized the heavy garlic odor lingering in the air fryer basket.
Related Article: How to Clean Grease Build up Air Fryer?
Air Fryer Cleaning Method: Vinegar + Lemon Juice Steam
The Method:
Having recently successfully used vinegar and lemon for cleaning my microwave with steam, I figured it would be effectively applicable for the air fryer basket as well. I added 1/4 cup of white vinegar into a ceramic ramekin, along with the juice of a half lemon I had used earlier. This concoction was placed inside the basket and the air fryer was set to 400 degrees for five minutes, allowing the heating machine to sit closed for half an hour to do its job.
How it went:
This method was great for loosening grease and oil in the air fryer basket and effective in removing stuck-on food. It was the longest of my trials, but a plus for busy times since I could do other cleaning in the meantime. The most redeeming part was the lingering fresh lemon scent, adding a pleasantness stronger than the previous methods I tested. I’d definitely recommend this vinegar steam method to home cooks who frequently cook fish or other pungent foods.
Air Fryer Cleaning Method: Dawn Steam
The method:
I ventured into a simpler yet intriguing approach: Dawn Steam. It involved filling the basket with water and adding a few drops of Dawn dish soap. Then, I turned the air fryer on for two minutes and followed up with a rinse. This seemed almost too straightforward, but sometimes simplicity is key in effective cleaning.
How it went:
Initially apprehensive to try this simple method, I was curious to see if the effective dish soap used for scrubbing dishes could tackle the air fryer. I already knew about Dawn’s grease-cutting power in other tough cleaning jobs around the house, like removing grease stains from clothes or cabinets. To my delight, I was pleasantly surprised by the results. This method stood out among the remaining methods, showcasing impressive cleaning power with minimal effort.
Air Fryer Cleaning Method: Dawn + Baking Soda + Vinegar
The method:
In my quest for a pristine air fryer basket, I explored a variation of a familiar method. I knew it had to be effective, so I squirted some dish soap (my favorite being the apple blossom scented Dawn dish soap) and sprinkled around two tablespoons of baking soda.
Then, I poured hot water to the brim and let it sit for a minute. Afterward, adding white vinegar to the solution, I let it work its magic for 10 minutes. This combination was a test in bubbling and breaking down the stuck-on food and grease.
How it went:
As expected, this method worked well to get rid of grease and grime. After pouring out the solution, I rinsed the air fryer basket and used a bit more dish soap with the soft side of a sponge. I opted for Sponge Daddy to clean as gently as possible and avoid damaging the coating. This non-scrubbing method takes longer and requires more elbow grease, but as a DIY trick, it proved to be worthwhile, leaving everything nice and tidy.
Related Article: How to Degrease Air Fryer?
Air Fryer Cleaning Method: Dawn Power Wash + Baking Soda + Hydrogen Peroxide
The method:
Seeking a speedy and efficient method for those last-minute clean-ups, I turned to a powerful combination: Dawn Power wash, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. I mixed two tablespoons of baking soda with enough hydrogen peroxide and a few sprays of Dawn Power wash directly in the air fryer basket to create a paste.
Some prefer to mix it in a bowl, but I found applying it directly with a dab more convenient. After letting it sit for a few minutes, I gently cleaned the entire basket using a soft toothbrush and the non-abrasive side of a sponge, then rinsed thoroughly with water.
How it went:
I was thoroughly impressed with the results. Stuck-on food, grease, smells, and dark grime were all gone after rinsing the air fryer basket. The Dawn Power wash worked gently yet effectively, with the abrasive nature of baking soda boosting its abilities, and hydrogen peroxide enhancing the DIY mix. This winning combo proved great for a quick clean. After just a few minutes, my basket was consistently clean. For those who regularly use their air fryer, this method is a reliable way to keep it totally clean and ready to go.
How to Clean Your Air Fryer, According to Pros?
Quick and straightforward, air fryers have gained a permanent residency on kitchen counters across the U.S. Their popularity stems from utilizing convection technology, effectively blowing hot air around the contents inside, mimicking that classic deep-fried texture we all love, right at home, sans the traditional deep fryer.
However, as relatively new countertop appliances, air fryers aren’t as intuitive in care as one might think. Likewise, cleaning air fryers requires an in-depth approach more akin to an oven than just a cursory wipe-down. This understanding is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your air fryer, ensuring you can continue to enjoy healthier versions of your fried favorites.
Related Article: How to Clean Sur La Table Air Fryer?
Why You Should Clean Your Air Fryer?
Just like cleaning ovens or other countertop appliances like toasters, your air fryer demands similar upkeep and care. The maintenance is essential, especially considering the type of foods often cooked in it – greasy, crumb-prone items that are frequently used.
Using an air fryer for frying foods with little to no oil does not prevent fats and rendering during cooking. John Somerall, Food & Wine Editorial Project Manager and expert in Food Research and Testing, notes that home cooking methods inevitably cause oils and food particles to collect underneath baskets and in other areas that are difficult to clean.
It’s crucial to consult the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, especially if your air fryer has dishwasher-safe parts. Whether you prefer traditional hand-washing methods or use a dishwasher, it’s important to address tougher messes. There are universal ways to ensure your air fryer remains pristine, regardless of frequent use.
If your model has multiple removable parts, like grates, baskets, and a built-in drawer, these should be removed and cleaned after each use. Think of it like a skillet – you wouldn’t reuse it without cleaning first, as leftover food and oil could contaminate your next recipe.
The interior of the air fryer can accumulate grime quickly. A weekly cleaning keeps it running smoothly. I recommend cleaning the coil once a week to ensure it works safely at 100% ability. Grease build-up in any appliance that gets hot can lead to fires, which can happen in an instant and be difficult to control. A simple wipe-down of the exterior is also an excellent way to maintain it.
FAQs about Clean Air Fryer Basket
Can you clean an air fryer by putting water in it and turning it on?
Cleaning an air fryer by putting water in it and turning it on is a time-saving hack I've encountered, but I wouldn't recommend it. Considering the electricity mix in our houses and the fact that an air fryer contains a large electrical coil, it's not the best method. This could fail, as the inside fan is designed to blow air evenly, not handle water. At worst, you could short out internal mechanisms, ruining the appliance. It's better to stick with employing traditional cleaning methods.
How do you get baked-on grease out of an air fryer?
To remove baked-on grease from an air fryer, soaking the basket is key. Create a cleaning mixture of vinegar and baking soda, and apply it to the dirty area. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush and rinse thoroughly. This Somerall method is effective, but whatever method you decide to use, always thoroughly rinse all areas after cleaning with water to remove any residual soap or chemicals, allowing everything to dry before reassembling and placing it back in storage.
What is the best grease remover for Air fryer?
For tackling grease in an air fryer, I've found Dawn Power wash Dish Spray to be exceptionally effective. It's not just a dish soap; it's a pro at cutting through grease, making your air fryer look as good as new. The best part? It's incredibly easy to use. Just spritz it on and scrub with a good sponge. I personally recommend it and have made it my favorite for such jobs.
Can I put aluminum foil in an air fryer?
Yes, using foil in an air fryer is safe, but you must follow a few basic rules. Never let the foil touch the heating element, ensure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket, and avoid contact with acidic ingredients to prevent it from leaching onto your food. These precautions ensure safe and effective cooking in your air fryer.