How do you clean the inside of an air fryer?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthy alternative to deep frying. By using rapid air circulation and high heat, air fryers can produce crispy, fried results using little to no oil. However, like any kitchen appliance, air fryers require regular cleaning to keep them performing their best.

Why it’s important to clean an air fryer

There are a few key reasons why cleaning an air fryer regularly is recommended:

Prevent buildup of grease and food debris – Air fryers get hot and will cook grease splatters and leftover crumbs into hardened deposits if not cleaned.
Avoid cooking odors and tastes – Grease and old food trapped in an air fryer will transfer smells and tastes to new batches of food.
Improve air circulation – Blocked air vents and a dirty fan will impede the air circulation that air fryers rely on to cook food properly.

Extend the life of the appliance – Regular cleaning helps maintain your air fryer and prevents costly repairs or replacements from damage due to extensive buildup.
Avoid messes – Burnt-on grease and food scraps are much more difficult to clean if left over long periods of time.
Prevent bacteria growth – Dirty air fryers can harbor harmful bacteria over time.

By thoroughly cleaning all parts of your air fryer on a regular basis, you can keep it working efficiently and prevent potential performance issues or hazards.

How often should you clean the air fryer?

Here are some general guidelines on air fryer cleaning frequency:

After each use – Wipe down the interior basket, pan, and any accessories used to remove visible grease and food debris after cooking.

Weekly – Do a more thorough cleaning of the removable parts including soaking and scrubbing to remove built up grease and residue.
Every few months – Deep clean the interior and exterior of the air fryer to sanitize it and remove odors. Check and clean the heating element area.
As needed – If you notice grease buildup, smells, lots of smoke, or other signs of dirtiness, clean your air fryer immediately to fix any issues.

You may need to clean your air fryer more or less often than these guidelines based on how frequently you use it and what types of foods you cook. The key is not to let grease or food buildup get out of control.

What you need to clean an air fryer

Having the right cleaning tools and supplies makes cleaning an air fryer much easier. Here is an overview of what you may need:

Soft cleaning cloths, sponges, or brushes – For wiping down the interior and exterior.

Hot, soapy water – The best cleaning solution for most air fryer messes.
Non-abrasive scrubbing sponge or brush – For tougher buildup on cooking baskets.
Cotton swabs – Helpful for getting into small cracks and crevices.

Baking soda – An effective and natural deodorizer.
Isopropyl rubbing alcohol – Can be used to sanitize the interior.
Old toothbrush or pipe cleaners – For cleaning around the heating element.

Air compressor or pressurized air canister – Useful for blowing out dust from hard to reach areas.

Avoid abrasive scouring pads or chemical cleaners which can scratch or damage the nonstick coating on many air fryer components. Also take care not to submerge or pour water into any vents or electrical elements.

How to clean the air fryer basket and pan

The cooking basket and pan are the most used (and abused) components of an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step process for cleaning them thoroughly:

Remove the basket and pan – Take out any removable parts from the main unit.
Dispose of cooking debris – Empty out any loose crumbs or food scraps into your garbage.
Wash with hot water – Place basket and pan in a sink and clean with hot water and dish soap using a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.

Scrub heavily soiled areas – Use a scrubbing brush or cleaning tool for any burnt-on grease spots.
Rinse thoroughly – Rinse away all soap residue with clean water.
Dry completely – Allow all parts to air dry fully before replacing into the air fryer.

Avoid putting smaller removable parts like the basket handle in the dishwasher which can damage these components over time from high heat and harsh detergents.

Tips for removing stubborn grease and food

Heavily baked-on grease or food remnants in an air fryer can be challenging to remove. Here are some tips for tackling stubborn, stuck-on messes:

Soak in warm water and dish soap – Letting severely dirty parts soak for 30-60 minutes helps soften burnt debris before scrubbing.

Use a paste of baking soda and water – The abrasive texture combined with water can help lift sticky buildup.
Spray with a degreasing cleaner – Foaming oven or grill degreasers work well for air fryer grease.
Use a non-metal scrubbing brush – Avoid anything that could scratch the basket coating while scrubbing.

Clean after each use – Don’t let food or grease sit for long periods before cleaning.
Replace basket or pan – If scrubbing isn’t effective, a heavily coated basket or pan may need replacement.

Avoid using very harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive scrubbers that could damage the appliance. With some time and effort, you can typically remove even the most stubborn air fryer grease buildup safely.

Cleaning the interior of the air fryer

The interior of the main air fryer unit also needs regular cleaning. Here are tips for cleaning inside the appliance:

Unplug before cleaning – Always unplug the air fryer and allow to fully cool before wiping out the interior.
Clean with a soft cloth – Use a soft, lint-free cloth and warm, soapy water to wipe down the inside.

Pay attention to crevices – Dip cotton swabs in isopropyl alcohol to sanitize hard-to-reach nooks and corners.
Check the heating element – Carefully dust around the heating element, do not get this area wet.
Rinse and dry completely – Make sure no water or moisture gets trapped anywhere inside.

Use baking soda for odors – Sprinkle some baking soda and wipe out; the odor removal properties work great.

Never hose down or soak the interior tub of the air fryer itself as the sensitive electrical components and heating coils can easily be damaged by water.

How to clean an air fryer with vinegar

White vinegar makes an excellent natural cleaner and degreaser for an air fryer. Here is a simple cleaning method using vinegar:

Mix warm water and vinegar – Combine equal parts warm water and white vinegar, about 1-2 cups each.
Remove basket and pan – Take out all removable parts.
Wipe down interior – Dip a cloth or sponge in the vinegar solution to clean inside the air fryer.

Soak parts in solution – Place the basket, pan, and other accessories in the vinegar water for 30 minutes.
Scrub and rinse – Scrub away any remaining grease or buildup and rinse all parts thoroughly.
Dry and reassemble – Allow parts to fully dry before putting back together.

The acetic acid in vinegar helps dissolve grease and food deposits, leaving everything clean with a streak-free shine. Any lingering vinegar smell will dissipate quickly. Always dilute vinegar with water before using.

How to clean an air fryer with lemon

The citric acid in lemon juice also works to break down oil and grease. Here is a simple cleaning method using lemon juice:

Squeeze fresh lemon juice – Juice 1-2 lemons into a bowl, around 1/4 to 1/2 cup juice.

Remove parts – Take out the basket, pan, and any removable accessories.
Soak in lemon juice – Soak parts in the lemon juice for 15-30 minutes to loosen grease.
Scrub and rinse – Use a soft sponge and warm water to scrub each part before rinsing clean.

Wipe down interior – Clean inside the air fryer tub with a lemon juice soaked cloth.
Dry and reassemble – Make sure all parts are fully dry before reassembling the air fryer.

The cleaning acids in lemon juice help remove stubborn grease and provide a fresh scent. Rinse all components fully to avoid lemon residue affecting the aroma of later air-fried foods.

Cleaning the outside of an air fryer

Don’t forget about the exterior when cleaning your air fryer. Here’s how to clean the outside:

Wipe with soft cloth – Use a lightly dampened soft cloth to wipe away dust and stains on the outside.
Clean display – For air fryers with an LCD display, carefully wipe with a microfiber cloth.

Use appliance cleaner – Foaming appliance cleaners are effective for stains on the exterior.
Degrease vents – Use a degreasing cleaner and cloth to remove grease buildup around the vents.
Remove stuck food – Use a damp cloth, toothpick, or cotton swab to gently loosen any food around edges or buttons.

Shine with polish – Optionally apply a small amount of appliance polish to really make stainless steel models gleam.

Take care not to get the exterior too wet when cleaning. Never submerge the main unit in water or use running water to clean the outside of an air fryer.

When to replace accessories

Over time, the constant high heat of air frying will take its toll on accessories like pans and baskets. Here are signs it may be time to replace accessories:

Flaking or peeling – Coatings that are flaking off into food indicate replacement is needed.
Warping – Warped or misshapen pans or baskets affect cooking performance.
Rusting – Rust spots that can’t be removed may warrant replacement.

Difficult to clean – Heavily baked-on food and grease that won’t scrub off means the non-stick is gone.
Holes or damage – Punctures, cracks, or thinning metal are red flags for replacement.

Only replace accessories with the exact make and model recommended by the air fryer manufacturer. Generic replacements may not fit correctly or perform safely.

Storing an air fryer

Here are some tips for storing your air fryer properly when not in use:

Unplug – Always unplug the air fryer before storage for safety.
Clean thoroughly – Make sure all parts have been cleaned before storing.

Dry completely – Eliminate any moisture which could allow mold or bacteria to grow.
Reassemble components – Replace the basket, pan, etc back into position before storage.
Store upright – Set the air fryer in an upright position on a sturdy shelf or cabinet.

Avoid stacking – Don’t place anything heavy on top of a stored air fryer.

Storing an air fryer with grease or food debris left inside for long periods will lead to bad smells and potentially costly clean-up. Maintaining cleanliness before storage keeps the appliance fresh and ready for its next use.

Common air fryer cleaning mistakes to avoid

It’s important to exercise caution when cleaning an air fryer to avoid damaging the appliance or making clean-up more difficult. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Not unplugging first – Always unplug an air fryer and allow it to fully cool before cleaning.
Submerging in water – Do not put the main unit under running water or soak in liquid.
Using metal scrubbers – Avoid anything that could scratch the basket coating.

Cleaning with bleach – Bleach can react with grease residue and damage components.
Washing accessories in the dishwasher – The harsh environment can deteriorate small parts over time.
Pouring water into vents – Getting electrical parts or heating elements wet could cause damage or electric shock.

Leaving grease to sit – Allowing grease and food to bake on makes cleaning much more difficult.

Pay attention to any manufacturer instructions for cleaning specifics as well. Taking proper precautions keeps your air fryer in the best condition.

Signs you need an air fryer repair or replacement

If your air fryer isn’t operating properly even after thorough cleanings, repairs or replacement may be necessary. Look for these signs of the need for appliance service or replacement:

Burning plastic smells – Could indicate an electrical issue or failing components.
Loud noises – Unusual banging or rattling noises point to internal damage.
Not heating up – If meals aren’t cooking, the heating element may have failed.

Circuit issues – An air fryer triggering electrical breakers or lights flickering means a faulty appliance.
Melted plastic – Evidence of melted plastic inside typically means a replacement is required.

An authorized service technician can best diagnose the issue and recommend if fixing or replacing the unit is more cost-effective.

Conclusion

While air fryers make cooking quick and easy, like any kitchen appliance they require regular cleaning and maintenance. Allowing grease, food debris, and residue to build up can lead to decreased performance and potential hazards. By following the proper cleaning procedures and recommended frequency, you can keep your air fryer in great working condition for crispy, delicious results on every use.