Always unplug your air fryer and let it cool completely before cleaning. Loosen baked-on grease by running the machine for 5 minutes with hot water and dish soap in the basket. Wipe the inside walls and heating element with a damp, soapy cloth, and always avoid using harsh abrasives.
The best way to clean an air fryer oven is to tackle it in two phases: soaking the removable accessories and wiping down the main unit. Always unplug the appliance and let it cool completely. Never use harsh chemical oven cleaners or metal scouring pads, as they will strip the non-stick coating.
To remove baked-on grease from an air fryer oven, make a paste with equal parts baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Coat the grease, let it sit for 1 hour, and scrub gently. For removable accessories, soak them in hot, soapy water or use a steam-degreasing method.
Cleaning the heating element is crucial to prevent smoking and burnt odors. Unplug the cooled air fryer, invert it for easy access, and gently wipe the element with a damp, soapy microfiber cloth. For stubborn grime, scrub gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a baking soda paste.
The best air fryer cleaners are degreasing sprays like Dawn Powerwash or Goo Gone Oven & Grill Cleaner, paired with a non-scratch sponge. For non-stick surfaces, you can also make a gentle DIY paste using a 2:1 ratio of baking soda and water to avoid damaging the coating.
The air fryer 20/20 rule is a, roughly, 20-25% reduction in both cooking temperature and time when converting standard oven recipes. Specifically, it means reducing the temperature by 20–25°F (or 15−20∘𝐶) and reducing the cooking time by 20% to avoid overcooking and burning food due to rapid air circulation.
7 Air Fryer Cleaning Mistakes That Can Damage Your Appliance and Affect Your Health
The best overall degreaser for an air fryer is Dawn Powerwash. It cuts through stubborn, baked-on grease and food debris on contact without ruining the appliance's non-stick coating. For a ready-to-buy foaming option, the Weiman Foaming Air Fryer Cleaner Kit is highly rated for its non-stick-safe, clinging foam.
Baked-on grease requires a solvent to break down the lipid bonds. The most effective methods use alkaline cleaners (like baking soda or commercial oven cleaners), acidic aids (like vinegar), or heat. Let them soak for 30–60 minutes—or overnight for severe buildup—before gently scraping and wiping clean.
Yes, you can use vinegar to clean your air fryer. It is a fantastic, natural way to cut through stubborn grease and eliminate lingering odors. However, because vinegar is acidic, it should be diluted and used with caution to avoid damaging the appliance's non-stick coatings.
For a versatile air fryer oven, the best cleaner is a powerful yet gentle degreaser like Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray or a dedicated foam like the Weiman Foaming Air Fryer Cleaner Kit. These break down baked-on grease on vertical walls and racks without scratching delicate non-stick coatings.
Failing to clean an air fryer creates a major fire hazard, causes heavy smoke, and leaves a burnt taste in your food. Accumulated grease and food residue also attract pests, harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, and hamper airflow, leading to unevenly cooked meals.
To remove baked-on grease from an air fryer oven, make a paste with equal parts baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Coat the grease, let it sit for 1 hour, and scrub gently. For removable accessories, soak them in hot, soapy water or use a steam-degreasing method.
Grease Eliminator: Professionally formulated to eliminate tough baked-on grease, grime, and food residue in ovens, air fryers, and microwaves. Versatile Use: Effective on various kitchen surfaces including fiberglass, stainless steel, and aluminum.
Unplug the air fryer and ensure it is completely cool. Deep clean the basket and tray by soaking in hot, soapy water. Remove stubborn grease from the main unit using a damp microfiber cloth and a paste of baking soda and water, taking care to avoid the heating elements.
Unplug the air fryer and ensure it has cooled completely. Turn the unit upside down for better access to the heating coils. Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into hot water and a mild degreasing dish soap, gently scrub the coils, and wipe clean with a slightly damp cloth.
No, you should not put water in your air fryer and turn it on to clean it.
Clean your air fryer with Dawn Powerwash by unplugging the unit and letting it cool. Remove the basket, spray it generously with the cleaner, and let the foam sit for 10–20 minutes. Wipe clean with a damp sponge or cloth, and rinse thoroughly. Never spray directly onto heating elements.
Below, you'll find 10 foods that the air fryer can annihilate.
This is because the air fryer's concentrated heat can cause the outside to brown before the inside is fully cooked. For example, if your oven recipe calls for 400°F, try 375°F or even 350°F in the air fryer for crispy results.
Air frying and baking are nutritionally very similar because both use circulating dry heat to cook food. However, air frying is generally considered slightly healthier because its rapid airflow requires significantly less oil to achieve a crispy texture, which reduces total fat and calorie intake.