How to clean an air fryer properly - plus the one big mistake you may be making

If, like me, you use your air fryer every day, you'll know just how convenient they can make mealtimes. However, their speedy cooking and ease of use doesn't necessarily translate to a simple post-meal clean-up, and you may find yourself scrubbing away to get those stubborn grease marks out.

The good news? Some of the best air fryer baskets can be washed in the dishwasher, so you can bung them in and step away. The bad news? Air fryer baskets tend to be bulky and take up a lot of space, so even if you have the option to pop them in the dishwasher, you may not always want to. Some people also opt for handwashing to preserve the non-stick coating for longer. Plus if you do use the dishwasher, you'll still need to do a few cleaning tasks to keep your appliance running at its absolute best.

So, to help make life easier (that is, after all, exactly what Mumsnet is here to do), we've put together this handy guide on how to clean your air fryer properly. From everyday washing of the baskets to cleaning the heating element occasionally, here's everything you need to know, with handy tips and tricks from industry experts.

In the market for a new gadget? We have plenty of expert kitchen guides, including the best Ninja air fryers and the top budget air fryers.

How often should I clean an air fryer?

It may be tempting to slide the basket back in the air fryer for another day – out of sight, out of mind, right? – but ideally you should be giving your air fryer a good clean after every use to avoid a build-up of grease.

Saul Davies, Senior Product Developer for Salter, recommends cleaning residue after each use to avoid old food and grease accumulating, which can affect the taste and quality of what you're cooking. "This clean up after each use can just be wiping down the removable cooking plates and compartments with a damp cloth and mild soapy water, making sure to rinse and dry thoroughly afterwards."

Author of not one, but two books that feature on our best air fryer cookbooks page, along with her upcoming release, The Unprocessed Air Fryer: 101 Healthy, Family Recipes Free from Ultra-Processed Foods (out 8th May), Jenny Tschiesche knows a thing or two about using (and cleaning!) an air fryer.

"The basket and tray should be cleaned after every use," she told me, adding, "The heating element should be cleaned from time to time, and the vents monthly. The vents probably get most forgotten about. They should be kept clean because if left to clog up, this may mean your air fryer is less efficient and it could even become a fire hazard."

How to clean an air fryer: an easy step-by-step guide

Cleaning your air fryer might not be the most exciting job, but it’s the key to keeping it working its best. Whether you have a single or dual air fryer, a grill or an oven, it's essential that you carefully read the cleaning instructions and follow them, as they may differ between different brands and models.

However, generally speaking, whether you’re tackling everyday grease or dealing with a stubborn, crispy mess, these are the best steps to follow to return your air fryer to its former glory.

1. Unplug and let it cool

When you're short on time and want to get cleaning out of the way ASAP, you might want to run hot baskets under a cold tap to speed up the process, but patience pays when it comes to safety. "The best way to clean an air fryer basket is to let it cool completely before handling," Catrin Davies, Senior Product Manager at Haier UK, told me, adding, "Always unplug the appliance before cleaning to avoid any electrical hazards."

2. Pop the baskets or tray in the dishwasher...

"Dishwasher-safe parts? Great! Place them in the dishwasher," Catrin says. Nice and easy!

However, not all air fryers are created equal, so don't just assume you can toss the baskets in the dishwasher. Jenny told me that dishwashing the wrong parts is a mistake people often make when cleaning an air fryer. "Read the manufacturer's instruction booklet to understand which parts of the air fryer can go in the dishwasher, if any," she said.

If in doubt, it's always safer to wash by hand, which leads me nicely onto the next point...

3. ... Or wash them by hand using gentle products

Nobody wants to don their Marigolds and stand by the sink scrubbing for ages, but if you keep on top of cleaning your air fryer after every use, it'll be much easier to get rid of any baked-on grease quickly.

Catrin advises that you should "wash [the baskets] with warm water, mild detergent, and a non-abrasive sponge," adding, "The baskets have a non-stick coating, so avoid using metal utensils or abrasive sponges that could cause damage."

Unsure of what detergent to use? Salter's Saul recommends using "mild dish soap to break down grease and food residue without affecting the non-stick coating." As Mumsnet's resident air fryer tester, I often find Fairy or Ecover washing-up liquid does the job well.

However, if you're after more of a natural option, Jenny suggests using "apple cider vinegar diluted 50:50 with water," but her top pick is "Dr Bronners Pure Castile Liquid Soap (just a few drops in warm water), for the most natural soap alternative." 

Baking soda is also another great option. Shiny Li, Product Manager at Cosori Europe, told me, "Soaking the basket and accessories in a mixture of baking soda and warm water helps to effectively remove grease and residue for easier cleaning."

4. Wipe down the air fryer

Tempting as it may be to pop your feet up once the baskets or trays are all cleaned, it's recommend that you give the main air fryer unit some attention too. Luckily, this is a swift process.

"Wipe the inside with a damp sponge and dry thoroughly before using again" Catrin advises. "And don’t forget the control panel! Wipe it down with a dry cloth to prevent moisture damage."

It's crucial that you stick to only wiping the exterior and interior with a damp cloth or brush - never immerse the main body in water. "The main unit houses electronic components that can be permanently damaged if submerged in water," Shiny told me, adding: "Do not disassemble the air fryer either. Disassembling it requires specialised expertise. Attempting to do so yourself could lead to malfunctions."

Read next: Best air fryer for two people

5. Use a soft brush to clean the heating element

An often-forgotten task, it's important that you clean the heating element after every couple of uses (only once it's completely cooled down and is unplugged, of course!). I asked experts for the best way to do this, and many were in agreement that a soft toothbrush or cleaning brush was the most effective tool to dislodge and clean any food residue.

6. And finally, don't forget to clean the vents!

Easily overlooked but just as important as the other tasks, the air fryer vents need a regular clean to keep everything running smoothly. Over time, grease and food particles can clog them up, making your air fryer work harder (and potentially shortening its lifespan).

Jenny told me that not cleaning the vents (which are usually at the back), is one of the biggest mistakes people make when cleaning their air fryer. "Wipe the exterior vents with a soft sponge or cloth to prevent build up clogging them," she advised.

Mumsnet user-approved air fryer cleaning hacks

I also consulted with our other panel of experts, AKA our discerning Mumsnetters, to see what tips and tricks real parents were discussing on our Talk boards. Here are some of the cleaning hacks they've used that actually work:

"We bought silicone baskets/liners for our air fryer. They do work and are easy to clean up afterwards." - the80sweregreat

"If you do cook something in yours that gets really stuck on, I've found half a dishwasher tablet and boiling water left overnight makes it come off so easily. Don't run your air fryer while full of soapy water. I've seen that one as a hack somewhere but it's not recommended." - loveulotslikejellytots

And on that note, a word of warning... be careful to fully research any TikTok/Instagram 'viral cleaning hacks' that crop up on your feed. As this one Mumsnetter found out, they don't always work and can actually damage your air fryer...

About the author

Natasha Gregson is Senior Content Editor at Mumsnet, with an expertise in home and kitchen product reviews and round-ups. With numerous years of editorial experience under her belt, her work has also been featured in prestigious national publications like The i Paper and Stylist Magazine, and she's written on a wide range of topics.

A keen foodie, Natasha oversees all kitchen content on Mumsnet, and has been on a mission to find the top gadgets, reviewing everything from toasters to air fryers, slow cookers to kettles. She's tested out numerous air fryers, including models from top brands like Ninja, Cosori, Salter and more.

When she’s not busy seeking out the best buys and advice for Mumsnetters, you can find her searching for the next best restaurant, watching live music, curling up with a good book, cross-stitching, or enjoying a good hike or run.

Read next: Best air fryers for a family of four