How to clean an air fryer, basket and heating element

Step by step

1. 1

   Unplug and let it cool

   Switch it off, unplug it and wait until it's cool to the touch. One air fryer maker suggests about 30 minutes.

   Why: The element and basket stay hot enough to burn for a while, and an unplugged unit removes any shock risk.

2. 2

   Soak the basket and pan

   If food is stuck on, fill the removed pan with hot water and a little dish detergent, put the basket in it, and leave it 5 to 10 minutes.

   Why: Hot detergent water dissolves grease and softens baked-on bits, so you don't have to scrape the coating.

3. 3

   Wash with a soft sponge

   Wash the basket, pan and any inserts with the soft side of a sponge, getting into the mesh or holes. Use the dishwasher only if your manual says those parts are dishwasher safe.

   Why: Soft sponges protect the non-stick coating. One maker notes handwashing extends the coating's life.

4. 4

   Wipe the inside and the heating element

   With the basket out, wipe the inside of the chamber with a damp, non-abrasive cloth. For the heating element at the top, use a soft sponge with hot water or a dry cloth, and a soft-to-medium bristle brush for stuck bits. Some makers suggest turning the unit upside down on a soft towel to reach it.

   Why: Grease left on the element smokes and smells the next time it heats. Hard or wire brushes damage the element's coating.

5. 5

   Dry and reassemble

   Dry all parts fully before putting them back. One maker suggests running the empty, reassembled fryer for a few minutes so loosened crumbs fall into the pan.

   Why: This removes leftover moisture and crumbs before the next cook.

What an air fryer is made of, and what that rules out

The basket, pan and plates usually have a non-stick coating. The cooking chamber has a heating element, often coated too, with a fan behind it, and the housing holds the electrical parts. That rules out three things: metal utensils, steel wool, scouring pads and abrasive cleansers, which scratch the coating; immersing the main unit, plug or cord, or filling the installed basket with water, which risks electric shock; and solvents, which one maker says damage the plastic parts.

A baking soda paste is a mild abrasive. If you use it on coated parts, be gentle and check your manual first: the makers' own instructions prefer hot detergent and soaking.

How often: wash the basket and pan after every use, and wipe the inside and element when you see grease or crumbs building up, or when the fryer starts to smoke.

Getting rid of built-up grease

Grease that bakes on over many cooks turns into a sticky brown varnish. Start with repeated hot-water and detergent soaks, which is what the makers recommend. For grease stains detergent won't move, one air fryer maker allows a stronger liquid degreaser used per its label, then a thorough rinse. Keep degreaser off the electrical housing.

Some cloudiness or marks on a non-stick coating after long use are normal and don't affect cooking, according to another maker. Flaking or peeling coating is different: check with the maker about replacing the basket.

By situation

Air fryer basket

Soak in the pan with hot soapy water, then clean the mesh or holes with a soft brush. Skip metal skewers and picks in the holes: metal scratches the coating.

Heating element or coils at the inside top

Make sure it's unplugged and cool, then wipe with a soft damp sponge or dry cloth, and loosen stuck bits with a soft brush. Never spray liquid up into the element or fan.

Air fryer ovens and air fryer toaster ovens

These have removable racks, a mesh basket and usually a crumb tray. Wash the removable parts the same way, empty and wash the crumb tray often, and wipe the interior walls and element with a damp, non-abrasive cloth. Follow the manual for which parts are dishwasher safe and whether the interior has a coating.

Smoke or a burnt smell when cooking

Grease on the heating element smokes and smells when it heats, and so does old fat left in the pan. Clean both. If the smell has spread to the kitchen, see burnt smells.

What not to do

• Don't immerse the main unit, plug or cord, or fill the installed basket with water. It risks electric shock and damages the electronics.
• Don't use metal utensils, steel wool, scouring pads or abrasive cleansers on coated parts. They scratch and wear the non-stick coating.
• Don't scrub the heating element with a wire or hard brush. It can damage the element's coating.
• Don't use solvents. One air fryer maker says they damage the plastic parts.

Other methods that work

Dishwasher

Some baskets and pans are dishwasher safe, which saves time.

Caution: Check your manual. One maker notes handwashing extends the life of the coating.

Liquid degreaser

For grease stains that detergent and soaking won't remove, one maker allows a stronger liquid degreaser used per its label.

Caution: Rinse thoroughly and keep it away from the electrical housing.

Stain still there?

Sticky residue on the basket after washing

That's polymerized grease. Repeat the hot detergent soak, longer this time, and work it with a soft brush.

The coating looks dull or marked

Some marks after long use are normal and harmless. Avoid metal tools and abrasives from here on to stop it getting worse.

Safety

• Always unplug the air fryer and let it cool before cleaning.

Never mix cleaning products; see chemicals you must never combine.

Questions

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