This guide will provide you all of the tips and tricks on how to clean an air fryer, remove baked-on grease using baking soda, and show you how easy it is to clean the heating element on the appliance.
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So you just got an air fryer and you're wondering how do I clean this thing? Or maybe you have had one for a long time and you just can't figure out the best way to clean it clean.
I get it. It's tough! These tricks will solve all of your worries!
Table of Contents
Do's
- Unplug the air fryer when not in use, and before cleaning.
- Allow the air fryer to cool before putting on or taking off parts.
- Read your user manual. Every air fryer brand will have their own set of rules.
Dont's
- Do not submerge the entire appliance in water.
- Do not use aerosol sprays or Pam in the air fryer. This isn't really a cleaning tip, it's a general thing you should not do. It will lead to chips in your air fryer basket. I use this oil spray bottle from Amazon.
- Do not use abrasive sponges or SOS pads. This will remove the nonstick coating of your air fryer and lead to chips.
- Do not clean with metal pads. Metal fragments can break off the pad and touch electrical parts, creating a risk of electric shock.
How Often Should You Clean Your Air Fryer?
You should clean your air fryer, especially the basket, after every use. Trust me, if you don't you will regret it later because it will be much harder to remove stuck-on grease.
The amount of effort you put into each clean will vary, based on what you cooked in the air fryer that day. I have found that meats like chicken or anything with skin are the hardest to clean. These types of meats are naturally greasy and will leave residue in the air fryer. I love to use this air fryer parchment paper from Amazon for that reason. I have moved to silicone parchment liners made for air frying and that has been a gamechanger.
If you make something like steamed broccoli or any vegetables, your air fryer basket will be much easier to clean and it will only take a few minutes.
UPDATE A New Way to Clean the Air Fryer USING THE AIR FRYER
I can't take the credit for this tip! I watched a video on Instagram and it was life-changing. Yup, you can use your air fryer to clean the air fryer. As always, this method will work best if you do it immediately after using your air fryer. I did test this method on day-old built up grease and residue, and it still works, but it required a little more physical cleaning on my part, and I would rather just have the air fryer do most of it.
So here's what you do! After you use the air fryer, it will often look like this, especially if you air fried meat.
After you have used it add one cup of water to the air fryer along with a couple of squirts of dish soap. Use whatever you like.
Place the basket with the water and soap back into the air fryer. Air fry for 5 minutes on 350 degrees.
From there rinse out the air fryer and wipe it down.
Viola! Very minimal effort and I didn't need to do any scrubbing. This worked better than my dishwasher in my opinion. If you try this, be sure to leave a comment below with your thoughs.
Cleaning Tools
- Dishwashing Liquid, I always use Dawn. It's known for removing grease.
- Baking Soda, Baking soda will work well for stuck-on grease and residue.
- Dishwashing Liquid Brush, A soft bristle brush will work well from removing stuck-on food.
- Microfiber Cleaning Cloths, These are magical for cleaning air fryer baskets!
- Air Fryer Parchment Paper, See notes on how to use this below.
Baked On Grease and Stuck-On Food
Baked on grease and residue can be hard to get off. The first thing you want to do is soak the basket in warm water with dish soap for at least 10 minutes. This will loosen up the residue and make it easier to scrub off using a brush.
If the residue is still difficult to remove, combine baking soda (2 tablespoons) with water (one tablespoon) to form a paste. Use the paste on trouble areas. Let it sit for 15 minutes and work on the removing the reside again.
Removing stuck-on food from the sides of the air fryer is usually the hardest. Food can easily get trapped there! Using the baking soda paste along with a bristle brush and microfiber cloths will work wonders for cleaning the sides of the basket.
Using the Dishwasher
Check out your user manual to see if the air fryer basket and drawer are dishwasher safe. The Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer is dishwasher safe, but some brands are not. Do what works for your air fryer.
How to Clean the Heating Element
The inside heating element can be cleaned using a sponge or towel.
Air Fryer Parchment Paper
This air fryer parchment paper has been the saving grace for my air frying! It comes in different sizes, so be sure to check for the one that will fit your air fryer.
I use it when I'm making Air Fryer Bacon, Air Fryer Sausage, Air Fryer Chicken Wings, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Pork Chops, most breaded foods, etc. This will save you a lot of time during your clean up process.
Use the parchment paper responsibly. You have to have enough food on the paper to anchor it. For example, do not place parchment paper in the basket with one sausage link. The entire sheet needs to be anchored, otherwise, it will go flying around in the air fryer.
Do not use regular baking parchment paper. The air fryer parchment paper has breathable holes in the sheets and are made specifically for air frying.
Air Fryer I Use and Recommend
I use the Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer. Over the years I have tried a bunch of brands! This is my favorite in terms of cook speed, the basket has never chipped on me, and their service is great.
If you are looking for new ways to use your air fryer, check out our Air Fryer Accessories Guide.
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Sophia says
I didn’t know that Pam spray isn’t good for the air fryer. Thanks for these tips!
staysnatched says
Yes, This is the second time this week I've heard someone say they aren't aware. It isn't good at all.
Teretha Thomas says
Can you spray Pam on the food (outside of the air fryer) and then put the food in the air fryer?
staysnatched says
I wouldn't.
Anonymous says
This was so helpful!
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Eunice says
Thank you!
staysnatched says
You're welcome!
Kathi says
Hello. My amazon oil bottle just arrived. Only thing is the funnel will not scure onto the bottle. Good thing I have another funnel that I can use. Love using it and it's because of your recomendation that I purchased it.
Can't wait to try these cookies - only thing I don't have is the oats so will use that amount of additional flour instead.
Thanks for sharing this recipe.
staysnatched says
I hope you enjoy it!
Ebony S. says
When you know better you do better! I’m in ❤️❤️ with this air fryer and now that I really know how to keep it clean and use the right oil my life has forever changed. These items got my air fryer looking like new money after every use!
Keep coming with the knowledge cause I am here for it!
staysnatched says
Yay! Glad the tips work!
Shannon E. says
So many great tips. I just purchased the air fryer parchment paper. Thank you!
staysnatched says
You’re welcome!
Kelly says
I love my Air-Fryer! I am so thankful for your Amazon list. I purchased the air fryer parchment paper liners when I bought your cookbook. Two great stay-at-home finds. Thank you!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm so glad it worked out.
John Gilmet says
Love my cosori 5.8 air fryer. But being who I am I never cleaned up top by the burner. I now see that it looks a bit dirty. Mind you I only used it a dozen times. How can I clean under the heating element. Is there any way to take it apart. I also use your parchment paper. Thankd
staysnatched says
I don't take it apart. I just clean it.
Rachel says
Great post! So much easier to clean the basket after doing this. I’m also going to start using parchment. I had to order a different size but I’m excited to use them when they arrive.
staysnatched says
Glad to hear it's easier to clean!
Melissa says
I got far too excited when I saw the email come in about this! Forgot to clean mine after making burgers Friday (I know. Awful.). It's Monday now and it still worked like a charm! No scrubbing.
staysnatched says
Awesome! I'm so glad it worked!
Monica says
Used this method to clean my air fryer, and it was SO dang easy!
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!
Hattie says
Made wings in the air fryer last night and used this new cleaning method and it work GREAT! Thanks for sharing!!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad it worked out.
Mallory says
Lol so I’m real guilty. I’ve previously used spray avocado oil AND not cleaned after each use. My basket was NASTYYY. But I tried the baking soda trick with a brush and I was in awe of how clean it got!!! It’s as clean as when I first got it! Even my fiancé was in shock.
Gonna be ordering me an oil bottle off of Brandi’s Amazon links soon and tossing the spray oils!
staysnatched says
Yes! Definitely get that.
PJ says
I made salmon with a honey drizzle late last night and you guessed it… didn’t clean it out. Well this morning, I tried this method and IT WORKED! Thank yaaaa!
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it worked!
Jay says
By far the easiest way to clean your airfryer. I did stand there for a good two minutes thinking something would happen because I had never turned it on with water before but of course nothing happened. It was such a hassle free way to clean the basket and truly delivered!!!
staysnatched says
Awesome. Glad it worked.
Sarah says
What kind of sorcery is this! I will admit, I was a little skeptical. I figured it would get some grime off, and I would still have to run the basket through the dishwasher. NOPE! Not only did it get the bottom of basket clean, it got the sides - which I never thought would happen. I ran it under mild temp water and used a rag to wipe it down after is was done in the AF. I will never not do this method!
staysnatched says
I'm glad it worked for you.
Melissa Castrillo says
So simple and yet never thought about it. Thanks for sharing!
staysnatched says
You're welcome.
Giselle Hernandez says
I clean my air fryer daily but lately there’s been some residue that no amount of dawn has been able to remove so I used the baking soda paste recommendation and it worked wonders! Thanks!
staysnatched says
I'm glad it worked for you!
Joyce says
I need a printable version of this post...is it possible for you to make it printable without all of the photos ???
staysnatched says
No. Feel free to copy and paste the text and print that.
Danielle says
Air fried some ribeyes tonight and cleanup was SOOOOO EASY! Thank you! Water and DAWN saved my life!
staysnatched says
Hahaha! Yours and mine both!
Danielle says
Just used the new method to clean my air fryer last light. BBQ chicken tenders and clean up was a breeze! Thanks so much for the great tips! Recipes and tips are always spot on! Thanks Brandi!
staysnatched says
You’re welcome! I’m glad it worked out!
Lia says
Transformed my air fryer! I had embarrassingly half cleaned it for too long, had to to a couple rounds but it was so easy, will do it every time going forward
staysnatched says
I’m so glad it worked out!
Phelicia Siow says
This did not work for my airfryer… all the water started coming out it was quite horrible the clean up…. Now I’m actually worried my food would get the soap that input in before
staysnatched says
Interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Tamara says
I am SO happy I saw this post! I have been using non-stick spray for the longest! I just tried the water soap method- it worked beautifully! Amazing tips here ☺️
staysnatched says
I'm so glad to hear it worked!
Rod Heffern says
I have always used my sink sprayer to wash it out after each use. Then use paper towels to wipe dry. Still looks brand new and I have used it daily for a year now.
staysnatched says
Thanks for sharing.
Vicki says
Is there a way to use the water/dishwashing liquid method to clean a toaster/air fryer that doesn't have a basket but rather pull-out trays and a front door?
staysnatched says
I'm not sure. I've never tried it.
Jennie says
The best sound is the air fryer bell alerting you that it's clean before you've even finished eating what you just cooked in it. I was pleasantly surprised with how well this works and no longer dread cleaning my air fryer!
staysnatched says
I'm glad it worked!
Patricia says
I always spray dishwashing liquid into fryer with hot water and let soak. It is so easy to clean. I also use the parchment paper with holes but not totally happy as some fat still goes through, Maybe I am not using right side up!
Zana says
The baking soda tip….chefs kiss! It did the job! Thanks
staysnatched says
Awesome. I'm glad it worked out.
Cassandra P says
This is the only way I clean my air fryer now! What a difference it makes! No more scrubbing for ages!
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!
Laura Montgomery says
O. M. G. I saw this post recently and tried it out today when I needed to clean my air fryer. We have ALWAYS hated cleaning the air fryer. This is LIFE CHANGING. THANK YOU!!!!
staysnatched says
I’m glad it was helpful!
Melissa says
Excellent tips! Thank you!
staysnatched says
I’m glad they are helpful!
Jacqueline says
This is gold! Worked like a charm.
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!
Jill says
I just used this method to clean my air fryer... so easy. This will be the only way I clean my Airfryer now.
staysnatched says
I'm glad it worked for you!
Eddie says
https://www.staysnatched.com/how-to-clean-your-air-fryer/