Quick Air Fryer Cleaning Tips
- Daily Maintenance: Wipe the drawer and crisper plate with warm water, liquid washing-up liquid, and a non-scratch sponge after every single use.
- Deep Cleaning: Clean the air fryer element monthly using a soft toothbrush and bicarbonate of soda paste to prevent smoke and bitter odour build-up.
- Protection: Avoid abrasive scouring pads, steel wool, or viral internet hacks that strip the protective non-stick coating.
The Best Way to Clean Air Fryer Units Safely
The best way to clean air fryer appliances involves unplugging the unit, letting it cool, and wiping the exterior with a damp cloth. Wash the removable drawer and crisper plate in warm, soapy water using a non-abrasive sponge. For stubborn grease, apply a bicarbonate of soda paste before rinsing thoroughly. Baked-on grease destroys performance. It slows down hot air circulation. Regular, gentle care preserves non-stick integrity compared to aggressive scrubbing. To do this right, you need to establish a consistent schedule. Why does this matter? Neglected oil bakes into a hard carbon layer which resists standard soaking. It matters for your household harmony, too. According to our 2 Become 1 campaign, over 50% of household arguments stem from cleanliness habits, with uncleaned kitchen appliances ranking as a major flashpoint for couples moving in together. Keeping a clean machine can help keep the peace. If you’re looking to set up a new kitchen for success, check out our selection of [moving in gift ideas and curated guide to the best housewarming presents] to gift appliances built to last.
Daily Air Fryer Cleaning Routine
Follow this baseline routine immediately after the unit cools:
- Unplug the air fryer from the wall socket.
- Wipe the external shell with a damp microfibre cloth.
- Remove the air fryer drawer and crisper plate.
- Empty loose crumbs directly into the bin.
- Add washing-up liquid and warm water to the air fryer drawer and let it soak.
- Create the same solution in the sink and soak the crisper plate separately.
- After 15 minutes, wipe the drawer and crisper plate.
- Rinse and dry for your next use.
How to Clean Air Fryer Drawer Components Without Damaging Non-Stick
To clean air fryer drawer interiors without stripping the non-stick coating, soak the drawer in warm water mixed with liquid washing-up liquid for fifteen minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush or non-scratch sponge to gently wipe away loosened food debris, then rinse and dry completely before reinserting.
People ruin their air fryers through aggressive scrubbing. They use steel wool. They use harsh industrial chemicals. Stop doing this.
Our team developed the gold standard of cleaning guides to address any stubborn grease without damaging the underlying material. This method leverages gentle detergents and a more targeted approach rather than strong chemicals and aggressive scrubbing.
Let's look at how this plays out in the real world. Here is a direct comparison of common cleaning methods:
| Cleaning Method | Risk to Non-Stick Coating | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Warm Soak with Washing-up Liquid | Extremely Low | After every use |
| Bicarbonate of Soda Paste | Low | Monthly / when excessive carbon build-up occurs |
| Dishwasher Cycle | Moderate | Occasional |
Even dishwasher-safe components face premature wear from high-heat cycles and aggressive detergents. Hand washing remains the gold standard. When you clean inside your air fryer, use a soft cloth and avoid generic metallic tools to protect your appliance coating.
To clear stuck-on food, mix two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda with one tablespoon of warm water. Apply this paste directly to the residue. Let it sit for ten minutes. Wipe it away with a sponge, gently scrubbing any areas of build-up.
How to Clean Air Fryer Element and Heating Coils
To clean air fryer element areas safely, turn the unplugged appliance upside down to access the heating coil. Wipe the cool element with a damp microfibre cloth or a soft toothbrush dipped in a bicarbonate of soda paste, ensuring no liquid drips into the internal electrical housing.
Excessive smoke or steam rising from your machine when opened indicates a dirty heating element. Splattered fat hits the coil during the cooking process; over time, this can build up, and as the element gets hot, the residue is burned, turning to smoke. This is a fire hazard; therefore, keeping your air fryer clean is not only important for hygiene but for your safety too.
How to clean the heating element with precision:
- Turn the completely cold, unplugged unit upside down.
- Inspect the coil for discolouration or oil residue.
- Dip a soft toothbrush into warm water mixed with mild washing-up liquid. Tap off excess moisture so you avoid over-soaking the heating element.
- Scrub the metal coil gently to lift baked carbon.
- Wipe away soapy residue with a damp, clean cloth.
- Allow the element to dry before next use.
Never spray commercial oven cleaners into this area. Those chemicals release toxic fumes when heated and can corrode internal wiring.
Can You Clean an Air Fryer With Dishwasher Tablet Methods?
You can clean air fryer drawer components using a dishwasher tablet by placing the tablet inside the drawer, pouring boiling water over it, and soaking it for ten minutes. However, our engineering tests reveal this method accelerates non-stick degradation, so we advise sticking to washing-up liquid.
Social media feeds popularise this hack. Creators film themselves dropping a dishwasher tablet into a drawer, adding boiling water, and watching grease dissolve. It's simple and easy to do with minimal effort required. But our testing reveals a hidden cost. Dishwasher tablets contain highly concentrated, abrasive cleaning agents designed for heavy ceramic and stainless steel. Non-stick coatings cannot handle this chemical intensity long-term.
Why risk your investment? The intense alkaline environment strips the silicone polyester layer. This makes your air fryer sticky over time. Stick to standard washing-up liquid and warm water to ensure product durability.
Top Tips to Keep Your Air Fryer Clean
Maximise the lifespan of your appliance by turning these maintenance actions into daily habits. Start your daily air fryer cleaning habit today. For a complete clean across the rest of your home, follow our expert guide to cleaning your coffee machine or dive into the expert guide to keeping your carpet clean to protect your biggest home investments:
- The Post-Cook Wipe Down: Dedicate two minutes after the unit cools to wipe the interior walls. Do not let grease pool in the bottom.
- Weekly Inspection: Shine a torch onto the upper heating element every weekend. Address small spots before they bake into hard carbon.
- Dry Storage Preparation: Always allow components to air-dry completely on a rack before sliding them back into the main unit. Trapping moisture breeds bacteria and creates stale odours.
If you find that your air fryer is too damaged, at SharkNinja we can help with new air-fryer accessories and draws and new air fryers, from single to dual zone models.