An air fryer can easily become one of your favorite kitchen gadgets — it cooks fast, uses little oil, and makes everything from fries to chicken wings irresistibly crispy. But after a few uses, you might notice something less appealing: grease buildup, crumbs, and burnt residue collecting inside the basket. If not cleaned properly, these leftovers can affect the air fryer’s performance, create unpleasant smells, and even cause smoke during cooking.
Keeping the air fryer basket clean is essential for hygiene and for maintaining that perfect crunch you love. In this guide, I’ll share exactly how to clean your air fryer basket safely, along with a few expert tips to make it look brand-new again.
Why Cleaning Your Air Fryer Basket Matters?
The basket is where all the action happens — it’s constantly exposed to oil, heat, and food residue. Over time, that combination can lead to sticky buildup or a layer of carbonized grease that’s difficult to remove.
Cleaning the basket regularly does more than just make your appliance look nice:
- It prevents lingering odors from previous meals.
- It maintains airflow efficiency, ensuring food cooks evenly.
- It extends the lifespan of the nonstick coating.
- It keeps food safe from bacteria or burnt oil residue.
If you clean your air fryer basket after every use, you’ll never have to struggle with tough grime later.
What You’ll Need:
Before you start, make sure you have these basic cleaning items:
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- A soft sponge or microfiber cloth
- A soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush
- Baking soda (for stubborn grease)
- White vinegar (optional deodorizer)
- Paper towels or a soft dish towel
Avoid abrasive materials like steel wool or harsh cleaners — they can easily scratch or damage the nonstick surface.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean an Air Fryer Basket Properly
Step 1: Unplug and Let It Cool Down
Always unplug the air fryer before cleaning and wait at least 15–20 minutes for it to cool completely. Cleaning it while hot can be unsafe and might warp the basket’s coating.
Step 2: Remove the Basket and Pan
Take out the basket and the drawer (or pan) beneath it. Most modern air fryers have removable baskets that make cleaning much easier.
If any crumbs or leftover oil are sitting inside the pan, discard them before washing.
Step 3: Soak in Warm Soapy Water
Fill your sink or a large basin with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Submerge the basket and pan completely and let them soak for 10–15 minutes.
This softens stuck-on grease, making it much easier to wipe off later.
If your air fryer basket has stubborn stains, you can sprinkle a little baking soda over them before soaking. Baking soda helps loosen hardened residue naturally without damaging the nonstick surface.
Step 4: Scrub Gently
After soaking, use a soft sponge or brush to gently scrub away food particles and oil buildup.
For the basket mesh, an old toothbrush works great to get into tiny spaces where food can get trapped.
Avoid scrubbing too hard, especially if the surface is coated — once the nonstick layer is scratched, it becomes harder to clean and food will stick more easily.
Step 5: Clean the Inside of the Air Fryer
While the basket soaks, use a damp cloth to wipe the interior walls and heating element area of your air fryer. Be very careful not to let water drip into the heating coil or electrical components.
For any grease splatter, dip your cloth in a bit of vinegar and water mixture. It helps dissolve oil and removes odors quickly.
Step 6: Rinse and Dry Thoroughly
Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse the basket and pan under clean water until all soap residue is gone.
Dry each piece completely using a soft towel or paper towel. You can also let them air dry for 10–15 minutes.
Never reassemble your air fryer while parts are still wet — moisture can damage the internal components.
Step 7: Reassemble and Store Properly
After drying, place the basket back into the air fryer. Keep the lid or drawer slightly open if you won’t be using it immediately; this prevents moisture buildup and musty smells.
How to Remove Stubborn Grease or Burnt Residue?
If your air fryer basket hasn’t been cleaned for a while, you might face tough, baked-on grease. Here’s how to tackle it:
Baking Soda Paste Method:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a few drops of water to form a paste.
- Apply it to the greasy or burnt areas.
- Let it sit for 20 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a soft brush and rinse clean.
This method safely lifts stubborn grease without damaging the surface.
White Vinegar Trick:
If the basket smells unpleasant, mix equal parts of water and white vinegar, then wipe it inside the basket.
Vinegar neutralizes odors naturally and cuts through oily residue.
Can You Put the Basket in the Dishwasher?
In most cases, yes — many air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe. However, it’s always best to check your user manual before doing so.
If it is dishwasher-safe:
- Place the basket and pan on the top rack.
- Use a mild, non-abrasive detergent.
- Avoid high-temperature drying cycles that can warp or damage the coating.
If it isn’t dishwasher-safe, stick to gentle handwashing — it’s the safest method for long-term use.
Quick Cleaning Tips Between Uses
If you don’t have time for a deep clean after every meal, these shortcuts help keep your air fryer fresh:
- Line the basket with parchment paper or air fryer liners to reduce mess.
- Wipe with a damp cloth after each use to remove crumbs.
- Empty oil drippings after every cooking cycle.
- Do a deep clean weekly if you use your air fryer frequently.
A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your air fryer looking new and functioning at its best.
Final Thoughts:
Cleaning your air fryer basket isn’t a chore — it’s part of keeping your kitchen appliance efficient, odor-free, and long-lasting. Regular care ensures your air fryer keeps delivering the same crisp, golden results every time.
So, next time you finish making those crispy fries or wings, take just a few minutes to clean the basket. With the simple steps above, you’ll keep your air fryer performing like new — no grease, no smell, just perfectly cooked food every single time.
