Cleaning your air fryer regularly keeps it running efficiently, prevents odors, and ensures healthier cooking. Whether you’re looking for air fryer cleaning methods, powerful degreasing tricks, or maintenance routines, this guide covers everything you need in 2025.
This guide also answer popular questions like how to remove hardened grease, whether dish soap is safe, and how to deep clean without harsh chemicals. Plus you’ll find insights on air fryer cleaning solution options, cleaning air fryer basket, cleaning inside of air fryer, and more.
How to Clean Your Air Fryer Properly
How do I clean the basket and tray of an air fryer effectively?
1. Unplug and cool down
Before cleaning an air fryer, ensure it’s unplugged, so that no electrical hazard happens, and fully cooled.
2. Remove crumbs and loose debris
Shake out crumbs to make it easier for cleaning air fryer basket.
3. Soak removable parts
Use hot water and dish soap. This is essential for cleaning air fryer with water and loosens baked-on grease.
A popular cleaning air fryer basket hack is filling the basket with hot soapy water and letting it sit 15–30 minutes.
4. Scrub gently
Use a soft sponge. Avoid metal scrubbers.
For tough stains, use:
- baking soda paste for cleaning ninja air fryer
- cleaning air fryer with baking soda
5. Rinse & deodorize
Rinse well and finish with cleaning air fryer with vinegar for odor removal.
This applies to both standard models and cleaning air fryer oven units.
What’s the best way to clean out the inside of an air fryer?
Use warm soapy water
Wipe using a damp sponge with dish soap. This is the safest approach for cleaning inside of air fryer.
Cut through grease
Use:
- Baking soda paste
- Vinegar spray
- Warm soapy water
These are considered as one of the best natural air fryer cleaning solution methods.
Avoid spraying liquids directly
Never pour water inside the unit wipe only. Pouring water can increase the conductivity and can put the cleaning person in danger for a potential electrical hazard.
Dish soap is safe
Dish soap is perfectly fine when cleaning inside of air fryer.
Avoid oven cleaner
Never use oven cleaner on any air fryer basket, oven-style, or when cleaning any branded products such as, ninja air fryer, etc.
Grease Removal Guide
How to remove grease from inside of air fryer?
Use baking soda paste, vinegar, and warm water. Apply the paste, let sit 10–30 minutes, then wipe.
How do you remove old hardened grease?
Use:
- Baking soda + dish soap paste (first try to clean the bigger chunks with a scrubber)
- Baking soda + vinegar (vinegar ensures the smell of the grease not set in)
- Soft-bristle brush (gently brush it for 4-5 mins)
- Warm water soak (the duration shall be minimum 10 mins)
These are the most effective combinations to get rid of that nasty, old & oxidized grease present inside your machine.
What will dissolve hardened grease?
Warm soapy water, vinegar, baking soda, or a mix of baking soda + hydrogen peroxide can break down stubborn grease.
Safe Products & Practices
Can you use dish soap to clean an air fryer?
Yes, dish soap is safe and recommended.
Can you use oven cleaner on an air fryer?
No. oven cleaner damages the coating and should never be used. Most air fryer baskets and trays have a Teflon or ceramic nonstick coating. Oven cleaners contain alkaline chemicals, which can breakdown the coating and possibly corrode the basket, making food more likely to grease your tray on your next cooking.
How to clean an air fryer without chemicals
Try:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Steam
- Hot water
- Soft brushes
Great for health-conscious people.
Maintenance & Cleaning Frequency
How often should I deep clean my air fryer to keep it odor-free?
After every use:
- Wash basket
- Wipe interior
- Remove grease
Weekly or bi-weekly deep clean:
- Full soaking
- Baking soda paste
- Vinegar deodorizing
- Clean heating element area (if accessible).
The Biggest Air Fryer Cleaning Mistakes
What is the biggest air fryer cleaning mistake?
Not cleaning after every use & letting grease build up. This causes odors, smoking, and can shorten the appliance’s life. The grease build up could potentially become:
- Sticky and difficult to remove
- A source of burnt smells and smoke
- A cause of uneven heating
- A breeding ground for mold (often hidden under the basket or in the corners)
- A risk for damaging the nonstick coating (because future scrubbing must be harsher).
What can ruin an air fryer?
- Oven cleaner
- Metal utensils
- Harsh scrubbing
- Letting water seep into electrical parts
- Not cleaning regularly
Do’s and Don’ts for Air Fryer
✔️ Do
- Use soft sponges
- Wash after every use
- Follow ninja air fryer cleaning instructions if using that brand
- Dry completely before reassembling
❌ Don’t
- Use metal scrubbers
- Use oven cleaner
- Spray water directly inside
- Run soapy water through the machine (TikTok hack is misleading)
FAQ:
Is baking soda safe for cleaning an air fryer?
Yes, baking soda is safe and is one of the best natural degreasers.
Can vinegar damage an air fryer?
No, diluted vinegar is safe and ideal for cleaning air fryer with vinegar.
Does an air fryer smell if not cleaned?
Yes, trapped grease leads to odors, smoke, and even mold.
Can I put air fryer parts in the dishwasher?
Most baskets and trays are dishwasher safe, but always check your manual.
How long should I soak the air fryer basket?
15–30 minutes in hot soapy water, longer for heavy grease.
Is hydrogen peroxide safe for air fryers?
Yes when mixed with baking soda, but avoid direct use on heating elements.
Conclusion
Whether you’re using vinegar, baking soda, or warm water, consistent air fryer cleaning ensures longer lifespan and better-tasting food. Choose safe air fryer cleaning solution options, avoid harsh chemicals, and keep up a simple cleaning routine. These methods apply to all branded basket models out there such as ninja air fryers.
Your machine will perform better, stay odor-free, and last longer, if all the prescribed methods are used effectively.