ARTICLE
How to clean an Air Fryer properly: Easy, safe steps
March 10, 2026-4 min read
Cleaning your air fryer properly is one of the easiest ways to keep weeknight cooking simple and your appliance working the way it should. In short, the best routine is fairly simple: unplug the unit, let it cool completely, wash the removable basket, drawer or trays with warm soapy water, wipe the interior and exterior with a soft cloth or sponge, and only put parts in the dishwasher if the manual says they’re dishwasher-safe. Many models are quite easy to clean because the parts you wash regularly are removable, but do remember to use gentle cleaners and non-abrasive tools when cleaning to protect non-stick coatings.
Regular cleaning matters for more than appearance. Food-safety guidance says cleaning removes grease (which can cause smoke during cooking), food waste and residue, while sanitising destroys harmful microorganisms.
Most air fryers fall into two types: those with a removable basket or drawer, and oven-style models with racks, trays or a crumb tray. Many current models also use non-stick baskets, crisper plates or trays, while the main body houses the fan and heating element and should only be wiped clean, not submerged in water. That matters because your cleaning method needs to match the parts you’re actually handling.
Key takeaways
Always unplug and cool your air fryer before cleaning any part of it.
Use gentle cleaning methods like soaking and scrubbing to remove grease from baskets and drawers.
Follow brand-specific guidelines to make sure you’re using safe cleaning agents and the right dishwasher settings for your model.
Regular cleaning after each use helps prevent grease buildup, smoke and unwanted odours.
For stubborn residue or smells, use a deeper clean—and if problems keep coming back, move from cleaning to authorised service support.
Most air fryers fall into two types: those with a removable basket or drawer, and oven-style models with racks, trays or a crumb tray. Many current models also use non-stick baskets, crisper plates or trays, while the main body houses the fan and heating element and should only be wiped clean, not submerged in water. Understanding your model matters to ensure your cleaning method is suitable.
Essential cleaning methods
A good air fryer cleaning routine is less about harsh chemicals and more about consistency. Generally it is recommended that you wipe the outside with a slightly damp cloth, then remove the basket or drawer and wash it by hand or in the dishwasher if the instruction manual allows it.
Cleaning the Exterior and Main Compartment
Start with safety. Always unplug the appliance and let it cool before touching the inside. Philips recommends to allow around 30 minutes of cooling time before cleaning. Once cooled down and the removable parts are out, wipe the interior cavity with a soft sponge or cloth. If you can see splatters near the top of the chamber, clean them gently rather than letting them harden over time. Always use a soft sponge for the inside, avoiding anything abrasive that could damage the coating.
Even if residue has built up do not use a steel brush, scraper or metal scourer. The same rule applies to oven-style air fryers too: removable trays and racks can often be washed separately, but the main body should never be immersed in water.
Cleaning the basket and drawer
This is where most of the grease lives, so it deserves the most attention. For everyday cleaning, wash the basket and drawer in warm water with dishwashing liquid and a non-abrasive sponge.
For stuck-on grease, soaking may work better than scrubbing harder. You can try filling the pan with hot water and detergent and leaving it to soak for five to ten minutes. This loosens residue without being rough on the coating.
For stubborn fat stains, a liquid degreaser can help—but only if your brand permits it. So consult your user manually carefully before using commercial cleaners.
Safe cleaning precautions
The biggest cleaning mistake is assuming every air fryer can be treated the same way. Dishwasher-safe status varies by brand and even by model. Always check the user manual to determine what parts are dishwasher safe and what requires hand washing.
That is why “safe cleaning” really means “brand-correct cleaning”. If your model has a delicate non-stick coating, abrasive pads and rough scouring are more likely to shorten its life than save you time. In all cases avoid using metal utensils and always unplug the machine before cleaning.
Recommended cleaning agents
For most Australian households, the safest starting point is also the simplest: warm water, mild dishwashing liquid, and a soft sponge or microfibre cloth.
Avoid aggressive cleaning agents, special metal cleaners, scouring pads, abrasive sponges and steel brushes as these are all poor choices for non-stick air fryer parts. Even when a model has dishwasher-safe components, remember the main body should never be immersed or run under water.
Maintenance tips for longevity
It is recommended that you clean your air fryer after every use, but this could be a light clean with a deeper clean weekly.
Regular cleaning schedules
After every use wash the basket, drawer or trays, empty any rendered fat, and wipe the cavity if splatter is visible. If you cook crumbly foods, marinated meats or anything particularly fatty, it’s worth also checking the top of the chamber and around the heating element. This keeps small messes from turning into a sticky layer that is harder to remove later.
Then add a deeper clean on a regular rhythm that matches how often you use your air fryer. In a busy family kitchen, that might mean a more detailed clean every week; in a lighter-use household, every fortnight may be enough. The principle is the same: don’t wait until the basket feels tacky or your airfryer smells stale.
Reducing buildup and odours
The best way to reduce odours is to stop residue building up in the first place. Clean after each use, especially after fatty foods. Greasy residue can create smoke, which is often the first sign that deeper cleaning is overdue.
For everyday odours from normal cooking, a thorough clean, full drying and a short empty run can help, though results will vary by model - so consult your airfryer user guide first.
Troubleshooting common issues
Common cleaning challenges
The most common complaint is stuck-on grease. The fix is nearly always the same: soak water safe removable parts first, scrub second. A short soak in hot water with dishwashing liquid loosens food residue so you can remove it with a non-abrasive sponge instead of damaging the coating.
Another common issue is persistent smoke or smells. Greasy residue from previous use can cause white smoke so be sure to thoroughly clean the pan, basket and check the heating element after each use. If that smoke appears again even after a proper clean you should stop using your machine and consult support.
When to seek support
For home air fryers, “professional help” usually means brand-authorised repair, not a generic appliance cleaner. If you notice ongoing smoke after deep cleaning, an electrical smell, melting, abnormal motor noise, damaged wiring or peeling that affects food-contact surfaces, stop using the appliance. Tefal says motor malfunctions or abnormal noise should be checked by an Authorised Service Centre, and Philips provides brand repair and service pathways for troubleshooting and repair options.
Related articles and guides:
Best easy-to-clean Air Fryers
Based on current The Good Guys listings, these models stand out for dishwasher-safe parts, non-stick food-contact surfaces, or extra cleaning-friendly design features.
Philips 5000 Series 9 Lt XXL
Shop: Philips 5000 Series 9 Litre XXL Dual Basket Steam Airfryer Black NA551/00
A strong pick for families who want cleaning to feel almost automatic. It pairs a roomy dual-basket layout with dishwasher-safe parts and an auto steam clean function, so it is especially appealing for busy households cooking several times a week.
9L XXL dual-basket design suited to family meals.
Dishwasher-safe parts for simpler post-dinner clean-up.
Auto steam clean adds an extra convenience edge over standard basket models.
Ninja Double Stack XXL
Shop: Ninja Double Stack XXL 7.6 Litre 2 Drawer Air Fryer SL300ANZ
This one suits smaller kitchens that still need family-capacity cooking. Its stacked design saves bench space, and the fact that both drawers and crisper plates are dishwasher-safe makes it a practical low-mess option.
2 x 3.8L drawers help separate mains and sides.
Both drawers and crisper plates are dishwasher-safe.
Good fit for busy cooks who want dual-zone flexibility without a huge footprint.
Tefal 11 Lt XXXL Dual Easy Fry Air Fryer
Shop: Tefal 11 Litre XXXL Dual Easy Fry Air Fryer EY9428
If capacity is your priority, this is the Tefal model to watch. The easy-clean appeal comes from its dishwasher-safe removable parts and its dual-zone format, which makes family meals simpler without doubling the washing up.
11L combined capacity with two cooking zones.
All removable parts are dishwasher-safe.
Seven automatic programs and synchronised cooking help reduce weeknight juggling.
Sunbeam Steam Fry Air Fryer + Steam
Shop: Sunbeam Steam Fry Air Fryer + Steam AFP4600BK
This is a smart option for cooks who want versatility as well as easier maintenance. The dishwasher-safe parts and steam-enabled cooking modes make it especially useful for people who cook a mix of crisp foods and family dinners.
7L capacity with air fry, roast, grill, reheat, steam fry and steam modes.
Dishwasher-safe components support easier routine cleaning.
A good all-rounder for health-conscious cooks who want more than one cooking style.
Russell Hobbs 9 Lt Satisfry Dual Basket Air Fryer
Shop: Russell Hobbs 9 Litre Satisfry Dual Basket Air Fryer RHAF2768
This model offers an affordable path into easy-clean dual-drawer cooking. It is particularly family-friendly thanks to Sync and Match functions and dishwasher-safe parts.
Two 4.5L baskets with Sync and Match functions.
Dishwasher-safe parts and non-stick crisping plates.
Nine preset functions cover everyday favourites without much fuss.
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FAQs
What is the best cleaner for the inside of the air fryer?
For most models, the best cleaner is warm water, mild dishwashing liquid and a soft sponge or cloth. Warm water with dish detergent is usually enough for regular maintenance. Stronger degreasers should only be used if your brand specifically allows them.
How do you clean grease out of an air fryer?
First, unplug the unit and let it cool. Then remove the basket or drawer, empty any rendered fat, soak greasy parts in hot water with dishwashing liquid for five to ten minutes, and clean with a non-abrasive sponge. If grease has splattered into the cavity, wipe the inside and heating element area gently as well - never submerge in water.
What are common mistakes when cleaning air fryers?
The big ones are cleaning while the appliance is still hot, using metal tools or abrasive pads on non-stick surfaces, assuming every part is dishwasher-safe, and forgetting the heating element area. Another common mistake is waiting too long between cleans, which lets grease harden and odours build up.
What cleaners should you avoid for air fryers?
Avoid aggressive cleaning agents, special metal cleaners, abrasive pads, scouring sponges, steel brushes and any cleaner your manual does not approve. These can damage coatings and shorten the life of the basket or drawer. Also, never immerse the main appliance body in water.
What is the 20 20 rule for air fryers?
This is an informal cooking rule of thumb that recommends reducing conventional oven cooking time by about 20% and lowering temperature by roughly 10–20°C when adapting an oven recipe for an air fryer, then checking the food regularly because every model cooks a little differently.
A clean air fryer is easier to use, nicer and healthier to cook with, and more likely to stay in your weeknight rotation. For most busy family homes: clean after every use, use gentle tools, follow your manual, and choose dishwasher-safe models if convenience matters.
