✨ A little cleaning after cooking helps prevent yesterday's crumbs and grease from spoiling tomorrow's meal.

Your air fryer makes everyday cooking convenient, from crispy chips and roasted vegetables to chicken, fish and quick snacks. But even though it uses less oil than traditional deep frying, it can still collect grease, crumbs, food splashes and baked-on residue.

After repeated cooking, these deposits can build up in the basket, drawer, crisper plate and around the heating area. Old grease and food particles may produce unpleasant smells or smoke when the appliance heats up again.

The good news? Most routine cleaning is straightforward. Warm soapy water, a soft sponge and a little patience are usually enough for the removable parts.

The trick is knowing which parts can be washed, which should only be wiped and how to protect the non-stick coating.

🍳 Why Does Your Air Fryer Need Regular Cleaning?

Air fryers circulate hot air around food, but that doesn't mean grease and food residue disappear during cooking.

Over time, you may notice:

• 🍟 Grease collecting underneath the basket or crisper plate.
• 🧀 Baked-on food stuck to the cooking surfaces.
• 🌬️ Grease splashes and crumbs around the heating area.
• 👃 Unpleasant smells from old food residue.
• 💨 Smoke caused by accumulated grease or food particles heating up.
• ✨ Discoloured or sticky surfaces that become harder to clean if neglected.

Cleaning after use helps prevent residue from becoming stubborn and makes your next cooking session more pleasant.

🔍 First, Know Which Air Fryer You Have

Not all air fryers have the same design. The cleaning method depends on the removable parts, cooking surfaces and heating arrangement.

Air fryer type	Parts to check
Basket-style air fryer	Basket, pan or drawer, crisper plate and heating area
Oven-style air fryer	Racks, trays, crumb tray, door glass and interior walls
Dual-basket air fryer	Both drawers, baskets, crisper plates and accessible interior surfaces
Air fryer with viewing window	Window, surrounding frame and removable cooking parts

💡 Important: Check your owner's manual before washing removable parts or cleaning near the heating element. Dishwasher-safe components, coatings and cleaning instructions vary between models.

🧽 What You'll Need

Gather a few simple supplies before starting:

• 🪣 Warm water.
• 🫧 Mild dishwashing liquid suitable for removing grease.
• 🧽 A soft sponge or non-abrasive cleaning pad.
• ✨ A clean microfibre cloth.
• 🪥 A soft-bristled brush for accessible corners, if permitted.
• 🧻 A clean, dry towel for drying removable parts.

For ordinary cleaning, you generally don't need strong degreasers, oven cleaners or abrasive powders. A gentle washing-up liquid and soft cleaning tools are a good starting point.

🔌 Step 1: Switch Off, Unplug & Let It Cool

Always start with safety. An air fryer becomes very hot during cooking, and the basket, drawer and internal surfaces can retain heat after the cooking cycle finishes.

1. Switch off the air fryer.
2. Unplug it from the power outlet.
3. Remove the basket or drawer if the design allows this safely.
4. Allow the appliance and removable parts to cool completely.
5. Place the removable parts on a suitable bench or in the sink.

Do not begin cleaning while the appliance is hot. Apart from the risk of burns, sudden temperature changes can damage some components.

⚠️ Never immerse the main electrical housing, power cord or plug in water. Keep liquid away from electrical openings and controls.

🧺 Step 2: Clean the Basket, Pan & Crisper Plate

The basket, pan and crisper plate usually collect the most grease and food residue. These are the parts that deserve attention after cooking.

1. Remove the basket, pan or crisper plate according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Remove loose crumbs and food particles.
3. Wash the removable parts with warm water, mild dishwashing liquid and a soft sponge.
4. Clean around the corners, edges and holes where grease can collect.
5. Rinse away all detergent residue.
6. Dry thoroughly before reassembling.

✨ For stubborn baked-on food: Fill the pan or basket with warm water and a little dishwashing liquid, if the manufacturer permits soaking. Leave it for several minutes to loosen the residue before gently wiping it away.

Soaking is often more effective than scrubbing harder. If the residue remains, repeat the gentle process rather than reaching for a metal scourer.

⚠️ Protect the non-stick coating: Many air-fryer baskets and crisper plates have non-stick surfaces. Avoid steel wool, metal scourers, knives, abrasive pads and harsh scrubbing powders that can scratch or damage the coating.

🍟 Step 3: Remove Grease From Mesh, Holes & Corners

Some baskets have perforated bases, mesh sections or crisper plates designed to allow hot air to circulate around the food.

These areas can trap small crumbs and grease, particularly after cooking battered food, meat or oily ingredients.

1. Rinse away loose food particles.
2. Apply warm soapy water using a soft sponge.
3. Gently clean around the holes and mesh openings.
4. Use a soft brush for accessible corners if the manufacturer allows it.
5. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

Avoid pushing sharp objects through the holes or scraping the mesh. This can damage the surface or coating.

💡 Handy tip: Clean these areas before grease has time to harden. Fresh residue is much easier to remove than several layers of baked-on deposits.

🌬️ Step 4: Clean the Interior Cooking Chamber

Once the basket and pan have been removed, inspect the inside of the air fryer.

Grease splashes, crumbs and food particles may collect on the interior walls and around accessible surfaces.

1. Make sure the appliance is unplugged and completely cool.
2. Remove the basket and pan.
3. Use a soft cloth or sponge lightly dampened with warm water.
4. Wipe accessible interior surfaces gently.
5. Pay attention to visible grease marks and food splashes.
6. Use a clean damp cloth to remove any remaining cleaning residue.
7. Dry the cleaned areas thoroughly.

Do not pour water into the cooking chamber or allow liquid to run into vents, electrical openings or the motor area.

Some models have a protective coating or special interior finish. Follow the manual for suitable cleaning products and tools.

🔥 Step 5: Clean the Heating Element Carefully

The heating element is one of the most important parts of an air fryer, but it is also an area where cleaning instructions can differ considerably between models.

Grease splashes and food particles may accumulate around the heating area. If they remain there, they can contribute to smoke or unpleasant smells during cooking.

Before attempting to clean it:

• Make sure the appliance is unplugged.
• Allow it to cool completely.
• Check the owner's manual for the approved cleaning method.
• Find out whether the heating element is accessible or protected by a cover.

If your manufacturer permits cleaning the accessible heating element, use only the recommended method. This may involve a soft, dry brush or a lightly dampened soft cloth, depending on the model.

Do not use steel brushes, hard-bristled brushes, metal scrapers or abrasive cleaning materials.

⚠️ Important: Do not dismantle the appliance or remove protective covers to reach the heating element or fan. If grease has accumulated in an inaccessible area, consult the manufacturer rather than forcing access.

Allow all cleaned surfaces to dry completely before reconnecting or using the appliance.

🪟 Step 6: Clean the Door, Window & Exterior

Oven-style air fryers and models with viewing windows can collect fingerprints, grease splashes and food residue around the door and exterior.

For the door and viewing window:

• Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe accessible glass surfaces.
• Clean around the edges gently.
• Avoid abrasive pads that could scratch the glass or surrounding finish.
• Dry with a clean microfibre cloth.

For the exterior:

• Wipe the housing with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
• Clean fingerprints and grease marks gently.
• Keep the control panel and buttons as dry as possible.
• Dry the surface with a clean cloth.

Never spray cleaning liquid directly onto the appliance. Apply a small amount to the cloth instead, keeping moisture away from controls, vents and electrical openings.

🍗 Step 7: What About Grease That Keeps Coming Back?

Some foods naturally release more fat and oil during cooking. Meat, sausages, bacon and foods coated with oil or sauces can leave more residue than vegetables or dry snacks.

If grease continues to build up:

• Clean the basket and pan after each cooking session.
• Remove loose crumbs before they become baked on.
• Check the pan underneath the basket for collected oil.
• Use only accessories approved for your air fryer.
• Avoid overfilling the basket, which can make cooking and cleaning more difficult.

💡 Remember: Air frying may require less added oil than deep frying, but food can still release natural fats during cooking. The appliance still needs regular cleaning.

👃 Why Does My Air Fryer Smell or Smoke?

If your air fryer produces an unpleasant smell or smoke, accumulated grease and food residue may be contributing factors. However, not every smell has the same cause.

What you notice	Possible cause	What to check
Burnt food smell	Crumbs or food particles left in the basket or pan	Clean removable parts and accessible interior areas
Greasy or smoky smell	Old grease around the cooking chamber or heating area	Inspect accessible areas according to the manual
Smoke during cooking	Grease or food residue becoming very hot	Check the pan, basket and approved cleaning areas
Persistent chemical or burning smell	Possible material, electrical or appliance problem	Stop using the appliance and seek manufacturer advice
Unpleasant smell after cleaning	Cleaning residue, moisture or remaining food deposits	Rinse, dry and inspect all removable parts

If smoke appears, switch off the appliance and unplug it if safe to do so. Allow it to cool before investigating. If smoke or burning smells continue despite proper cleaning, stop using the appliance and contact the manufacturer or a qualified service professional.

⚠️ Air Fryer Cleaning Don'ts

Some cleaning shortcuts can damage the air fryer or create a safety risk.

• ❌ Do not immerse the main electrical housing in water.
• ❌ Do not wash the appliance under a running tap.
• ❌ Do not use steel wool, metal scourers or abrasive pads on non-stick surfaces.
• ❌ Do not scrape baked-on food with knives or sharp metal tools.
• ❌ Do not assume every basket or tray is dishwasher-safe.
• ❌ Do not use oven cleaner or strong chemicals unless the manufacturer specifically approves them.
• ❌ Do not pour water into the heating or electrical areas.
• ❌ Do not dismantle the appliance to reach hidden components.
• ❌ Do not reconnect or operate the air fryer while cleaned parts or interior surfaces are still wet.
• ❌ Do not ignore persistent smoke, unusual smells or damaged non-stick coatings.

Always let the appliance cool, unplug it and follow its manufacturer's cleaning instructions.

📅 How Often Should You Clean Your Air Fryer?

For most households, a quick clean after cooking is the easiest way to prevent stubborn grease and food build-up.

When	What to do
After each use	Remove crumbs and wash the basket, pan or removable cooking parts as instructed.
After greasy cooking	Check the pan and accessible interior for excess oil and residue.
Regularly	Wipe the exterior, door and viewing window where applicable.
When needed	Inspect accessible heating-area surfaces according to the manual.
Before storing	Ensure all parts are clean, completely dry and correctly assembled.

If you use your air fryer frequently, cleaning the removable parts after every use is a sensible habit. It is much easier than tackling several layers of baked-on grease later.

🍳 Your Air Fryer Cleaning Checklist

• 🔌 Appliance switched off, unplugged and completely cool.
• 🧺 Basket, pan and crisper plate cleaned gently.
• 🍟 Mesh, holes and corners checked for trapped crumbs.
• 🌬️ Interior cooking chamber wiped where accessible.
• 🔥 Heating area inspected and cleaned only as permitted.
• 🪟 Door, window and exterior wiped clean.
• 💧 Cleaning residue rinsed away from removable parts.
• ✨ All components completely dry before reassembly.

✨ The Evercare Cleaning Touch

Soft cleaning cloths are useful for wiping the air fryer exterior, accessible interior surfaces and viewing windows where appropriate.

Our 4 x Multi-Purpose Anti-Bacterial Grease-Resistant Cleaning Cloth can be a handy addition to your everyday kitchen cleaning supplies.

For a final wipe on suitable smooth exterior surfaces, our 3-in-1 Microfibre Lens, Screen, Glass & Jewellery Cleaning Cloth offers another useful option.

Always check that the cloth is suitable for the surface being cleaned. Use a separate cloth for food-contact surfaces and rinse or wash cleaning cloths appropriately after use.

🌟 A Cleaner Air Fryer Is Ready for the Next Meal

Your air fryer may make cooking easier, but a little after-use care helps keep it ready for the next meal.

Clean the basket and pan, remove crumbs, wipe away grease and protect the non-stick coating. Most importantly, keep water away from electrical components and follow your model's instructions for the heating element and removable parts.

Regular gentle cleaning is much easier than trying to remove weeks of baked-on grease.

✨ Clean gently, dry thoroughly and keep your air fryer ready for its next crispy creation!

📚 More Household Appliances & Care Tips

Explore more practical guides in our 🔌 Household Appliances & Care series:

• 🧊 How to Clean Your Fridge & Freezer
• 🧺 How to Clean Your Washing Machine
• 🧹 How to Clean Your Vacuum Cleaner

You can also explore our 🧽 Cleaning & Home Care series for practical cleaning methods, surface-care advice and everyday household tips.

Research references

The article's cleaning and safety guidance was checked against:

• Philips Australia — How to clean my Philips Airfryer: basket and pan cleaning, non-stick coating, soaking and heating-element care.
• CHOICE — How to clean an air fryer: removable components, non-abrasive tools, heating-element differences and electrical safety.
• Breville — Air Fryer Care & Cleaning instructions: cooling, hand-washing, non-stick protection and drying.
• Air Fryer User Manual — Kmart: electrical housing and immersion precautions.

More useful appliance-care guides are on the way!