To clean an air fryer, unplug it and let it cool, then wash the basket and crisper plate in warm soapy water or the dishwasher, wipe the inside and heating element with a damp cloth, and dry everything before reassembling. Most baskets are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing with a soft sponge protects the nonstick coating and is the safest routine for daily use.
Unplug and cool, remove the basket and plate, wash them in warm soapy water, wipe the interior and element with a damp cloth, and dry fully. Do this after every use to prevent smoke and stuck-on grease.
Short Answer
Clean the basket and crisper plate after every use with warm soapy water or the dishwasher. Wipe the inside and the heating element with a damp cloth once cool. Deep-clean monthly to remove built-up grease that causes smoke.
What You Need
- Warm water and dish soap
- Soft sponge or non-scratch brush
- Damp microfibre cloth
- Optional: baking soda paste for stuck-on residue
How to Clean an Air Fryer: Steps
- Unplug the air fryer and let it cool completely.
- Remove the basket and crisper plate.
- Wash them in warm soapy water, or place dishwasher-safe parts in the dishwasher.
- For stuck-on food, soak for 10 minutes, then use a baking soda paste and a soft brush.
- Wipe the interior and the underside of the heating element with a damp cloth.
- Wipe the exterior, then dry every part fully before reassembling.
Key Takeaway: Most air fryer smoke comes from grease left on the element or drawer. A quick wipe of the element after greasy foods prevents it.
How to Stop Your Air Fryer Smelling or Smoking
If your air fryer smokes, it is usually grease on the heating element or in the bottom drawer. Clean the element and drawer, and add a tablespoon of water to the drawer under fatty foods like bacon to stop dripping fat from burning. Lingering smells fade after a couple of cleanings; cooking a slice of lemon on low can help.
How Often to Clean
| Task | How often |
|---|---|
| Wash basket and plate | After every use |
| Wipe interior and element | Every 1–2 uses |
| Deep clean (drawer, element, exterior) | Monthly |
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using metal scourers or abrasive pads that scratch the nonstick coating.
- Submerging the main unit or the element in water.
- Cleaning while the unit is still hot.
- Leaving grease on the element, which causes smoke next time.
- Stacking the basket back while still wet.
When to Replace the Basket
If the nonstick coating is flaking or deeply scratched, replace the basket rather than keep using it. A damaged coating cleans poorly and is best avoided. Easy-clean models make this routine simpler; see our best easy-clean air fryers.
FAQ
Can you put an air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Most air fryer baskets and crisper plates are dishwasher-safe, but confirm on the product page. Hand-washing with a soft sponge extends the nonstick coating even when the dishwasher is allowed.
How do you clean a greasy air fryer?
Soak the basket in warm soapy water, then scrub gently with a non-scratch brush. For the interior, wipe grease off the element with a damp cloth once cool, and use a baking soda paste on stubborn spots.
Why does my air fryer smoke?
Smoke is usually burning grease on the element or in the drawer. Clean both, and add a little water under fatty foods to stop dripping fat from smoking.
Bottom Line
Clean the basket and plate after each use, wipe the element regularly, and deep-clean monthly to keep your air fryer working well and smoke-free. For models designed to clean quickly with dishwasher-safe parts, see our air fryer recommendations.
