How to clean an air fryer in 5 Simple Steps

If there’s one appliance that has truly won over Australian home cooks, it’s the air fryer. Around 41% of Australians use one, earning it a permanent spot on the kitchen bench right next to the coffee machine, kettle, and toaster. 

However, cleaning an air fryer is not the easiest. Over time, that greasy build-up settles in the basket, drawer, and heating element, leaving your air fryer smelling a bit off, smoking more than it should, and ruining the flavour of whatever you cook next. In serious cases, it can become a fire hazard.

The good news is that knowing how to clean an air fryer properly doesn’t require special tools or hours of scrubbing. In this guide, we’ll take you through the whole process from top to bottom, including how to clean the inside of an air fryer without damaging its non-stick coating or other delicate components.

Why Aussie kitchens are loving air fryers

Speed is one of the biggest reasons Australians have taken to air fryers so enthusiastically. By circulating hot air rapidly in a compact space, it cooks faster than a conventional oven while using significantly less energy. Some models have been found to use up to 42% less energy per cooking session, which translates to quicker weeknight dinners, faster after-school snacks and a noticeably kinder electricity bill.

For most owners, though, what really wins them over is just how much an air fryer can do. Around 58% of older Aussies welcome fast appliances like air fryers for cooking, and that could be anything from crispy chips and roast vegetables to chicken wings, roast lamb and leftover pizza. Compared to traditional deep-frying, you get a similar satisfying crunch with a fraction of the oil and almost none of the mess.

Prepping your air fryer cleaning kit

Take out the air fryer basket to start cleaning.

Cleaning an air fryer takes more than a quick wipe down after use. The pan, basket, drawer, and mesh all need attention, especially if you regularly cook fatty meats, sticky marinades, heavily battered foods or anything with loose seasonings and dry rubs. Here’s what you will need:

• A dishwasher tablet or liquid for loosening stubborn baked-on residue

• Boiling water for softening tough buildup

• A soft sponge or microfibre cloth for wiping surfaces clean

• A soft-bristled toothbrush for getting into crevices and mesh

A step-by-step guide to the best way to clean air fryers

Before anything else, thoroughly inspect your air fryer unit. It’s safer to call in an appliance repair expert or a local appliance removal service to take it off your hands. Now, here’s how to deep clean an air fryer the right way. 

Step 1: Turn off the unit and let it cool

The best way to clean an air fryer is to switch it off, unplug it, and let it cool for at least 15 to 30 minutes after use. Rushing to rinse a hot basket can warp its metal frame and permanently destroy the non-stick coating. Pouring water onto hot oil also causes grease to spit and crackle, releasing scalding steam that can easily burn your skin.

Once it is cool enough to handle, remove the basket and tray and place them into a plugged sink or a large heat-proof tub. This is where most of the deep cleaning happens, so having them fully submerged and soaking will do a lot of the hard work for you before you even pick up a sponge.

Step 2: Use a dishwasher tablet to get rid of the grease and gunk

For heavy build-up, place a dishwasher tablet directly into the bottom of the cooled basket. Dishwasher tablets from brands such as Finish, Fairy, and Aldi make surprisingly effective air fryer cleaners because they contain concentrated enzymes and grease-cutting agents that dissolve baked-on residue without you having to scrub.

No dishwasher tablet on hand? A generous squirt of quality dishwashing liquid works just as well. Good dish soaps are formulated with surfactants that latch onto oil molecules and break their grip on the surface, lifting grease away without damaging the non-stick coating.

Step 3: Add boiling water

Activate the cleaner by pouring hot water into the basket.

Carefully pour boiling water directly over the tablet or soap, ensuring all the crusty, greasy areas are completely submerged. The intense heat instantly activates the cleaner, forcing it deep into the baked-on buildup. This is the easiest trick for how to remove stubborn grease from air fryer parts, as the boiling water liquefies hardened fats so they lift away effortlessly.

More importantly, step back slightly as you pour to avoid the steam rising from the basket. Steam can reach temperatures well over 100°C and can burn exposed skin almost instantly. It’s also worth checking if your sink or washbasin is designed to withstand boiling temperatures to avoid damage or cracking.

Step 4: Let it sit for 15–30 minutes

Set a timer for 15 to 30 minutes and let the solution get to work. As it soaks, the water will gradually turn cloudy or brown as grease, oil, and food residue float to the surface. By the time the timer goes off, much of the build-up will have loosened, making the basket far easier to clean.

While the basket is soaking, take a damp microfiber cloth and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the entire interior of the main unit. Use the cloth to wipe down the flat walls, and use the toothbrush to reach into tight crevices, mesh parts, and the protective wire screen to gently dislodge residue.

Step 5: Wash it and wipe it clean

Now that the soak has done the heavy lifting, pour out the murky water and rinse the basket thoroughly under warm tap water. This final stage is where you truly appreciate how to wash air fryer parts effortlessly, as most of the loosened grime will simply slide right down the drain. At this point, a gentle wipe with a soft sponge should leave the basket clean and smooth without scrubbing.

Finish the job by wiping down the unit’s exterior with a damp microfiber cloth. Buffing away any stray fingerprints, dust, or grease smudges on the outside ensures the entire appliance looks just as pristine on your countertop as it is on the inside.

Bonus tips

If you prefer a more natural approach, a paste made from bicarb soda and a small squirt of dish soap works brilliantly on stubborn grease. Simply apply it directly to the basket, leave it for a few minutes, then add warm water and let it soak as you normally would.

For cleaning the interior and exterior of the unit itself, you may also use a simple solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Dampen a cloth with the mixture, then wipe down surfaces to cut through grease and neutralise odours.

How to keep your air fryer clean

Cleaning the air fryer basket regularly prevents build-up.

Now that your air fryer is sparkling clean, a few simple habits can help reduce grease build-up, odours and the need for frequent deep cleaning.

• Line the air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper or a silicone insert before every cook to catch the worst of the drippings.

• Wipe it down with a damp, soft cloth or paper towel after every use to remove oils and food particles before they cool and harden.

• Always store it dry with a quick pat down before sliding the basket back in to prevent trapped moisture and musty smells.

If cleaning your air fryer has inspired you to give the rest of the kitchen some love, why not keep the momentum going with a quick microwave clean and a rangehood wipe-down? For the bigger jobs, though, like deep oven cleans and exhaust fan servicing, a professional cleaner will always do a more thorough job than any DIY approach can.

Remove grime and grease for the best crunch

If you’ve made it this far, then your air fryer is already in better hands! If you’re ready to take on the next job, our guides on cleaning a dishwasher and removing dust are a good place to start.

For the bigger or more difficult tasks, booking a professional through Airtasker is a simple way to get it done. Airtasker connects you with local cleaners who can help with everything from maid services and oven cleaning to rangehood cleaning and beyond.

Ready to get some help around the home? Post a task on Airtasker today.