Air fryers have become a popular kitchen tool recently, and for good reason. However, like any useful kitchen appliance, they need to be cleaned often.
Here’s a quick guide on how to clean an air fryer easily—it’ll take just a few minutes.
The Simplest Way to Clean Your Air Fryer
Instead of scrubbing the air fryer basket the old-fashioned way, try this quick trick. Just fill the basket halfway with soapy water and run the air fryer for three minutes. Afterward, pour out the water and rinse the basket once more to find it sparkling clean.
Before cleaning your air fryer, make sure it’s turned off, unplugged, and fully cooled down. Avoid using steel wool or metal utensils to remove food residue, as these can ruin the nonstick surface.
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools:
- One nonabrasive sponge
- One microfiber cloth
Materials:
- Two tablespoons of dish soap
- One cup of baking soda (optional)
Instructions
Add Soap and Water
Put the insert back in the air fryer and fill the basket with 1 inch of hot water and 2 tablespoons of dish soap.
Warm for 3 Minutes
Place the basket back in the air fryer, set it to 370 degrees Fahrenheit, and let the soapy water “fry” for 3 minutes.
Dump, Rinse, and Repeat (If Needed)
Once the 3 minutes are up, remove the basket and pour out the water into the sink. Rinse the insert and check for any leftover grime or residue. If it’s still dirty, repeat the previous steps as needed.
Soak in Water
Before you start scrubbing, let the basket and insert soak in hot, soapy water for 10 minutes.
Scrub with Sponge
After the 10-minute soak, gently scrub the basket and insert with a soft sponge. Rinse everything thoroughly afterward.
Use only a microfiber cloth or nonabrasive sponge to clean your air fryer, as this helps protect the nonstick coating.
Treat Tough Residue (If Needed)
For really stubborn residue, make a paste with 1/2 cup of baking soda and a little water. Apply this paste to the tough spots and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove the particles. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
Dry and Inspect
Use a microfiber towel to dry the basket and insert, and let them air dry completely before using the air fryer again or storing it.
How Often to Clean an Air Fryer
It’s ideal to clean your air fryer after each use, particularly if there’s food stuck to it. If you’re short on time and there’s no visible food residue, you can quickly wipe it down with a wet paper towel or microfiber cloth until you have a chance for a thorough cleaning.
Tips for Keeping Your Air Fryer Cleaner Longer
- Spray the bottom insert with cooking spray before each use. This helps prevent food from sticking.
- Use air fryer liners or filters. These prevent food from cooking directly on the insert and can be easily discarded after each use.
- Always clean the basket after every use, particularly if you notice any food particles.
FAQ
How do you get baked-on grease out of an air fryer?
To remove baked-on grease from an air fryer, if soaking in hot, soapy water isn’t effective, try this method: Create a paste using baking soda and a small amount of water. Spread this paste over the greasy areas and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Afterward, scrub the affected parts of the air fryer with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly and repeat the process if necessary.
How do I clean my air fryer’s heating element?
You should never soak the heating element of an air fryer in soapy water. Instead, unplug the air fryer, dip a microfiber cloth in hot soapy water, and wring it out until it’s barely damp. Use this cloth to gently wipe the heating element. Frequently rinse the cloth to remove the grease as you clean. Allow the element to air dry completely for several hours before using the appliance again.
Can I use vinegar to clean my air fryer?
A 50:50 mixture of distilled white vinegar and hot water is effective for cutting through greasy residue on an air fryer basket and insert. You can either spray this mixture directly onto the components or use it to soak them. After treating the parts, be sure to rinse and dry them thoroughly.