17 Crazy Easy Ways To Deep Clean An Air Fryer

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Think about how this would feel:

  • Opening the basket and not smelling burnt grease
  • Cooking dinner without scraping stuck food first
  • Keeping the basket nonstick longer and avoiding early replacement

Here’s how you’ll do it…

1. Unplug The Air Fryer Before Cleaning

Heat and water together can damage the inside parts fast.

Start Small With This: Unplug the air fryer and let it cool fully before touching anything.

2. Remove The Basket And Tray Carefully

Grease collects between the tray and the bottom panel.

Here’s What To Do: Slide the basket out slowly and separate the inner tray from the base.

3. Wash The Basket In Warm Soapy Water

Warm water helps break down oil without heavy scrubbing.

Begin With This: Fill the sink with warm water and a few drops of dish soap and soak the basket for 10 minutes.

It will be so much easier if you use a soft nonstick safe scrub sponge to clean without scratching the coating.

4. Soak The Tray For Ten Minutes To Loosen Grease

Stuck bits soften once oil loosens from heat residue.

Give This A Try: Let the tray sit in soapy water while you wipe the inside of the fryer.

5. Wipe The Inside With A Damp Microfiber Cloth

Grease splatter builds up on the side walls and ceiling.

Instead, Try This: Use a lightly damp microfiber cloth and wipe the inside walls gently.

6. Scrub Stuck Food With A Soft Sponge

Burned crumbs stick tighter near the edges.

The Easy First Step Is: Press lightly with a soft sponge instead of using metal tools.

7. Use Baking Soda On Burned Spots

Baking soda works as a mild scrub without harming the surface.

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One Thing That Helps Is: Sprinkle a little baking soda on a damp sponge and rub lightly over dark marks.

8. Clean The Heating Element With A Dry Brush

Crumbs fall onto the heating coil over time.

To Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed: Turn the unit upside down gently and brush away loose bits with a dry brush.

9. Wipe The Exterior With A Damp Cloth

Fingerprints and grease sit on the front panel.

Start This Way: Wipe the outside shell with warm water and a soft cloth.

10. Clean The Control Panel Gently

Moisture can seep behind buttons.

Here’s A Gentle Way To Start: Use a barely damp cloth and avoid spraying directly on the panel.

11. Dry All Parts Completely Before Reassembling

Moisture trapped inside causes odors later.

The Most Doable Way Is: Dry every piece fully before placing the basket back into the base.

12. Remove Loose Crumbs From The Bottom

Loose crumbs burn and create smoke next time.

Here’s A Small Step That Helps: Tip the fryer slightly and shake crumbs out before wiping.

13. Use A Toothbrush For Small Corners

Tight seams trap grease along the edges.

Consider This: Scrub corners gently with an old toothbrush dipped in warm water.

14. Avoid Harsh Chemicals On Nonstick Surfaces

Strong cleaners wear down the coating over time.

The Easier Approach Is: Stick with warm water, mild soap, and soft tools only.

15. Place A Lemon Slice Inside And Run For Two Minutes

Steam from lemon helps loosen light odor.

Here’s A Quick Way: Place a small bowl with lemon slices inside and run the fryer at low heat for 2 minutes.

16. Check The Vent Area For Grease Buildup

Grease can collect near air vents and reduce airflow.

To Make This Feel More Doable: Wipe the vent openings gently with a dry cloth.

17. Repeat Deep Cleaning Every Few Weeks To Prevent Buildup

Waiting too long makes grease harder to remove.

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One Easy Reset Is: Set a reminder every few weeks so buildup never gets thick.


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Lily Thompson

Hey, I'm Lily! I'm a mom who's really good at two things: making life easier and sharing what works. I created ''Like Mom Said'' after one too many moments of realizing: "My mom was right about this." Turns out, a lot of that old-school wisdom still holds up... it just needs a modern spin. Think of me as your friend who's always got a tip (and coffee in hand.)