How to Clean an Air Fryer
An air fryer that isn't cleaned regularly doesn't just look greasy — leftover oil splatter on the heating coil is what causes the smoking, burning smell, and off-tasting food that people usually blame on the appliance itself rather than on buildup they can actually remove.
What actually needs cleaning (it's not just the basket)
The basket and crisper plate get the obvious grease, but the heating element above the food and the inside walls of the main unit catch splatter too, especially from fattier foods like wings or bacon. Smoke and a burning smell during cooking are usually caused by oil baked onto the coil, not a fault with the machine.
Check your manual before submerging anything — the basket and crisper plate are dishwasher-safe on most models, but the outer housing with the heating element is never meant to get wet and should only be wiped down.
How often to clean it
Wipe the basket and empty the crumb tray (on models that have one) after every use — it takes under a minute and prevents grease from baking on. A deeper clean of the coil and interior walls once every 1-2 weeks with regular use keeps smoke and smell from building up.
If you cook something particularly greasy or smoky, like bacon or a heavily marinated protein, clean the coil that same day rather than waiting for the next scheduled clean — baked-on grease is far harder to remove than fresh splatter.
Step-by-step: basket and crisper plate
1. Let the basket cool completely, then remove the crisper plate. 2. Soak both in warm water with a squirt of dish soap for 10-15 minutes to loosen stuck-on food. 3. Use a soft sponge or a silicone brush on the crisper plate's holes, where grease tends to clog — a toothpick or skewer helps clear individual holes if needed. 4. Rinse and dry fully before the next use; putting a damp basket back in can cause uneven cooking and steam instead of crisping.
Step-by-step: the heating coil and interior
1. Unplug the unit and make sure it's fully cool. 2. Wipe the exposed heating coil with a damp cloth or a soft brush dipped in warm soapy water — never spray water directly onto it or submerge the main unit. 3. For baked-on grease, dampen a cloth with a little water and baking soda paste, let it sit on the coil for a few minutes, then wipe clean. 4. Wipe the interior walls with a damp cloth, then dry everything thoroughly before plugging the unit back in.
Getting rid of lingering smell
A persistent burning or smoky smell after cleaning the basket usually means the coil still has residue — go back and clean it specifically, since that's the part closest to the heating element and the main source of smoke smell.
For odors trapped in the basket's nonstick coating, running the empty basket for 3-5 minutes with a few lemon slices or a bowl of water and vinegar inside can help lift the smell before your next cook.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
- On most models, yes — the basket and crisper plate are typically dishwasher-safe, but check your manual first, since a few basket designs recommend hand-washing only to protect the nonstick coating long-term.
- Why does my air fryer smoke when I use it?
- Smoke is almost always oil or food residue on the heating coil burning off, not a defect. Clean the coil with a damp cloth once grease has built up, and it typically resolves the smoking immediately.
- Is it safe to use soap and water on the heating element?
- Use a barely damp cloth or brush, not running water or a soaked sponge — the coil is an electrical component and shouldn't be doused or submerged. Always unplug the unit and let it cool fully first.