The best way to clean an air fryer is to protect the non-stick basket and keep water away from the appliance body. Let grease soften before you scrub.
Quick reference chart
| Question | Best answer | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Before cleaning | Unplug and cool | Air fryers combine heat and electrics. |
| Basket or drawer | Soak removable parts | Softens grease without hard scraping. |
| Stuck grease | Warm soapy water | Gentle soaking protects coatings. |
| Inside body | Damp cloth only | Do not pour water into the appliance. |
| Avoid | Abrasive pads | Scratches damage non-stick surfaces. |
Step-by-step method
- Unplug the air fryer and let it cool fully.
- Remove the basket, tray or drawer according to the manual.
- Soak removable parts in warm soapy water if the manual allows.
- Wipe with a soft sponge or cloth rather than an abrasive pad.
- Clean the inside of the appliance body with a barely damp cloth.
- Wipe around the heating area gently, following the manual and avoiding excess moisture.
- Dry every part fully before reassembling and using the air fryer again.
How to clean an air fryer basket
Soak the basket or drawer, then wipe with a soft sponge. Avoid metal tools and harsh scourers that can damage non-stick coating.
How to clean air fryer grease
Warm soapy water and time usually work better than force. Repeat a soak if grease is sticky rather than scraping the coating.
Common mistakes
Do not submerge the appliance body, pour water into the heating area, use oven cleaner unless the manual allows it, or reassemble parts while wet.
What to read next
For more practical guides, see how to clean burnt pan, how to clean a microwave, how to clean a toaster, Home Cleaning Guides hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to clean an air fryer?
Unplug and cool it, soak removable parts, wipe with a soft sponge and dry everything fully.
Can you put water in an air fryer to clean it?
Do not pour water into the appliance body. Only soak removable parts if the manual says they can be soaked.
How do you clean sticky grease from an air fryer?
Soak removable parts in warm soapy water, then wipe gently with a non-scratch sponge.
Can you use oven cleaner on an air fryer?
Avoid oven cleaner unless your air fryer manual specifically says it is safe.
BM_HARD_PUSH_20260627: Ahrefs GB 2026-06-27: how to clean air fryer, volume 3,300, KD 2, parent topic air fryer cleaning. Featured visual marker: BM_CLEAN_AIR_FRYER_VISUAL_20260627.
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