Cleaning your air fryer: quick and without burnt-on grease
- 9 min reading time
Cleaning your air fryer without scrubbing? Follow these safe steps to remove grease and odors, keep your basket in good condition, and ensure every dish stays perfectly crispy.
A basket full of baked-on crumbs and a greasy smell when heating up: it's time to clean the air fryer. If you postpone this minor maintenance, you'll notice that fries smell less fresh, grease burns on faster, and air circulation works less effectively. Fortunately, cleaning doesn't have to be a big job. With a routine of just a few minutes, your air fryer will stay hygienic, tidy, and ready for the next meal.
Cleaning the air fryer after every use
The easiest way to prevent stubborn dirt is to give the air fryer a quick clean right after use. First, let the appliance cool down completely. Then unplug it and remove the basket and drawer. Pour out loose grease as soon as it is no longer hot and remove crumbs with a paper towel or a soft brush.
Next, wash the loose parts with warm water, a little dishwashing liquid, and a soft sponge or dishcloth. The basket and drawer of many air fryers are dishwasher-safe, but always check the manual for your model. Hand washing is often gentler on a non-stick coating, especially when it already shows signs of wear.
Dry all parts thoroughly before putting them back. Water left in crevices or under the basket can cause odours. It is best to leave the drawer open for a while so that everything can air out completely.
Removing baked-on grease without scratching
Stubborn grease is usually caused by marinades, cheese, breadcrumbs, and dishes with a lot of oil. Do not use a scouring pad, steel wool, or sharp object. This will damage the coating, causing food residue to stick even more quickly.
Fill the drawer with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Place the basket inside and let it soak for ten to twenty minutes. Then you can remove most residue with a soft dish brush, sponge, or silicone spatula. An old, soft toothbrush works well for small openings and the rim around the handle.
Is grease still stuck? Then make a thick paste of baking soda and a small amount of water. Apply it only to the baked-on part of the basket or drawer, leave it to work for five to ten minutes, and gently wipe it clean with a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly, as cleaning residue should not end up in your next meal.
Avoid using harsh oven cleaner, bleach, barbecue degreaser, or highly abrasive products. These can damage the non-stick coating and are unnecessary for normal household use. Warm water, dishwashing liquid, and patience usually give the best results.
The inside deserves attention too
Grease doesn't just splatter onto the basket. It can also accumulate on the bottom, the walls, and around the heating element. Clean the inside when the appliance is cold. First remove loose crumbs and then wipe the interior with a slightly damp cloth with a little dishwashing liquid.
Wring the cloth out well. The housing and electronic components must not get wet. Therefore, never use running water, do not immerse the air fryer, and do not spray cleaner directly into the appliance.
For the heating element, if the design allows, you can carefully hold the air fryer upside down. Remove crumbs with a dry, soft brush. If you see grease splatters on the element, wipe them off with a slightly damp cloth and let everything dry completely. Handle this part carefully: pushing or pulling hard can cause damage.
Removing odours from the air fryer
A persistent fish, garlic, or fried smell is often caused by grease left on the inside or under the basket. Always start with a thorough cleaning of the drawer, basket, and interior. Do not forget the bottom of the basket, as grease can sometimes remain hidden there.
Does the air fryer still smell? Place a small, heat-resistant bowl with water and a few lemon slices in the basket. Heat this at a low temperature for about five minutes and then let the appliance cool down. Then wipe the inside with a dry cloth. Lemon can provide a fresh scent, but it is no substitute for removing grease residue.
An open bowl of baking soda in the cooled, switched-off air fryer can also help absorb odours between uses. Always remove the bowl before switching the air fryer on again.
How often should you deep clean an air fryer?
The right frequency depends on what you prepare. Do you mainly cook baked goods, vegetables, and potatoes without much oil? Then cleaning the basket and drawer after every use is usually enough, with a thorough interior cleaning once every two to four weeks.
Do you regularly make chicken wings, croquettes, bacon, marinated meat, or snacks with cheese? Then also clean the inside weekly. Grease splatters higher with these dishes and can accumulate around the element. Do not wait until the air fryer smokes or gives off an unpleasant smell. Then removing the buildup will take more time.
A practical check is simple: after cooling, take a quick look under the basket and along the top of the interior. Do you see brown grease stains, loose crumbs, or sticky buildup? Clean it immediately. One extra minute after cooking prevents an extensive cleaning session at the weekend.
Handy accessories for less cleaning
With the right accessories, your air fryer will stay cleaner, but they must fit properly. Silicone baking moulds and reusable insert trays catch grease, cheese, and crumbs. They are especially useful for casseroles, muffins, egg dishes, and marinated ingredients. Choose a size that leaves space along the edges, so that the hot air can continue to circulate well.
Air fryer baking paper can also be practical for sticky dishes. Only use perforated baking paper that is suitable for the air fryer and never place it loose in an empty, preheated basket. The powerful airflow can cause the paper to rise and end up against the heating element. Always place ingredients on it that hold the paper in place.
A silicone tong or spatula also prevents scratches when you remove food from the basket. This may seem like a small detail, but an intact non-stick coating makes cleaning noticeably easier. At Seprio, you will find practical air fryer accessories that help make cooking more manageable and maintenance faster.
Accessories to catch residue
Only use an insert tray or baking paper if your air fryer allows it. Even with an insert, cleaning is still necessary.
MONOO
Silicone air fryer trays
Set of two square trays. Check the fit and instructions for your air fryer.
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Kinvara
Square air fryer baking paper
50 Kinvara sheets, with a specified size of 22 × 21.5 cm.
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These mistakes make cleaning harder
Leaving an air fryer dirty for too long is the most common mistake. Grease hardens as soon as it cools and burns on further during the next cooking session. Using too much oil also creates extra buildup. An air fryer often only needs a small amount of oil for a crispy result.
Also avoid overfilling the basket. Ingredients that touch each other cook less evenly and more often leave crumbs or marinade behind. It is better to cook in smaller batches and shake the basket in between. This not only gives a better result on your plate but also keeps the air vents clear.
Finally: do not put a still-damp drawer back in the appliance and do not store the air fryer closed immediately. Let it dry thoroughly first. This prevents musty odours and keeps the appliance pleasant to use.
A clean air fryer requires no special cleaning products or long cleaning sessions. By dealing with grease and crumbs immediately, the appliance will stay beautiful for longer and your next portion will taste exactly as intended: crispy, fresh, and without an aftertaste.