Some models are much easier to clean an air fryer than others…
…according to our tests. This is the quickest way to clean an air fryer.
Deep-frying can be a disaster. Sure, the food tastes great…
…but the oil tends to splatter, and then there’s the spent fat to deal with.
An air fryer, on the other hand, cooks with hot air…
…and very little best oil, making cleanup a breeze.
But you’re not completely free of responsibility.
Any oil or fat rendered by the food drips down into the bottom…
….of the pull-out basket drawer during air-frying.
After a few batches of fries, you might not notice the grease…
…building up in the drawer and on the heating element…
…but as your food cooks, you may notice odors or even see smoke.
Those bits trapped in the holes of the basket will continue….
…to cook and may burn to a crisp.
As a result, you must clean an air fryer after each use.
The nooks and crannies on some air fryer components,,,
,,,as well as the crevices on the exterior, are difficult to clean, according to our testers.
As reflected in our air fryer ratings, only one of the 34 models…
…currently in our ratings receives an Excellent rating in our cleaning test…
…and only a dozen more receive a Very Good rating.
In terms of clean an air fryer ease, the majority receive a Good…
…or lower rating, implying that some elbow grease is required.
Here is Grace’s experience…
I have a quiet new air fryer but it is, you can say, broke now…
I font know what exactly happened. But it’s become weird…
…after I put it in the dishwasher. I really need to know how to…
…clean an air fryer the next time I have it.
Read your user manual. Every air fryer brand will have their own set of rules.
staysnached
Here is how you can clean an air fryer…
How to Clean an Air Fryer
We noted this in our ratings because many of the air fryers we tested…
;;;23 out of 34, claim to have dishwasher-safe components.
Clean an air fryer tips specific to your air fryer will be found…
…in the owner’s manual, but here’s what Larry Ciufo…
…who tests air fryers for CR, recommends:
- Don’t delay cleaning, or you’ll come to regret it. “If you leave the crumbs and bits of food in the basket and drawer overnight, it will be a nightmare to clean an ait fryer,” Ciufo warns. “When you’re finished cooking, unplug the air fryer, set it aside to cool, and then empty the oil from the pullout drawer and discard it.” Clean the grate, basket, and drawer while they’re still hot if you’re air-frying food with a sticky sauce, such as marinated ribs. The mess will come off easier.
- Clean the removable components with warm, soapy water. Use a soft sponge or cloth—no abrasives. If food is stuck on any of the parts, soak them in hot water and dish detergent to loosen the food, then clean.
- Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to poke out food that may be stuck in the basket or grate. Dry the components separately.
- Clean the inside of the air fryer using a damp cloth dipped in warm soapy water. The basket and drawer should still be removed. Check the heating element for grease and food debris and wipe clean. (Some manufacturers say you can use a soft brush—but not steel wire—to remove stuck-on food.) Dry, then reassemble.
- Wipe the exterior. Use a damp cloth or sponge, then dry the appliance.
Anyway, if you are looking for a great air fryer, here’s what I recommend you!
- Critically Acclaimed: COSORI Pro Air fryer (Red Dot Award, 2019) features 13 one-touch cooking functions and rapid 360° air circulation to provide crispy results using less oil
- Less Oil: The air fryer uses up to 85% less oil than traditional deep frying methods while maintaining the same delicious taste, making it the perfect gift for family members and friends
- Large Capacity: The air fryers spacious 5.8-quart square baskets can fit a whole 5-pound chicken. Additionally, the corner spaces provide more cooking footprint and flexibility than round designs. Cook the perfect amount of food for 3–5 people in one go
- 13 Cooking Functions: 11 presets, Preheat, and Keep Warm help you cook meat, veggies, desserts, and more to perfection. Just choose your preset with 1 easy tap and youre ready to cook. You can also set temperature and cook time for personal recipes
- Safe Materials: The removable, nonstick baskets are dishwasher safe, PFOA free, and BPA free. To find additional and replacement accessories for your air fryer, search for C158-6AC and C158-FB
- 100 Included Recipes: Find inspiration for every meal with 100 original, Cosori chef-created recipes
- Convenient Design: The air fryer produces crispy results in less time than a conventional oven and includes a shake reminder function. Preheat the air fryer before adding your ingredients for improved texture
- Fully Certified: The air fryer is ETL Listed and has a power rating of 120V/1700W and a temperature range of 170°–400°F. Please note that this voltage only applies to the US and Canada
- California Roots: Based in California, Cosori is proud to call the Golden State our home
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
- 6-in-1 Appliances: Air fryer, broiler, roaster, dehydrator, plus baking and reheating
- 6 Smart Programs: Customizable one-touch programs for air frying, roasting, broiling and more
- Easy-to-Use Display: Touchscreen shows each stage of cooking
- Easy-Clean Basket: Non-stick air fry basket holds enough food for a small family
- Fast Preheating: Little to no preheating time. Adjustable Temperature: select from 95 to 400 °
- 6-Portion Capacity: Perfect for growing families
- Compact Design: Countertop-friendly size fits any kitchen
- Stainless-Steel Accents: Perfectly combines function and style
- No Worry Operation: Built-in safety features including Overheat Protection and auto-
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
How to Deal With Lingering Odors
When a food emits a strong odor while cooking…
…the odor may linger in your air fryer even after it has been cleaned.
The food basket and drawer should be soaked in soapy water…
…for 30 to 60 minutes before cleaning again, according to NewAir…
….the manufacturer of Magic Chef air fryers. If the odor persists…
…cut a lemon in half and rub it all over the basket…
….and drawer for 30 minutes before rewashing.
Be Careful With Nonstick
The nonstick coating on some air fryer components flakes off over time…
…according to customer complaints on our website and elsewhere.
Although we haven’t seen this (our tests evaluate performance right out of the box)..
…our advice for other nonstick cookware applies here as well…
Metal utensils, steel wool, and other abrasives can scratch…
…or chip the nonstick coating, so avoid using them.
Also, don’t use the air fryer if the nonstick coating is flaking…
Instead, contact the manufacturer’s customer service department…
…and request a replacement basket, or try returning the air fryer to the store.
What Not to Do When You Clean an Air Fryer
Always avoid using utensils to remove stuck-on food from your air fryer….
Handy’s head of cleaning Bailey Carson says that the nonstick coating…
…on your air fryer is very easy to scratch and wear away when scraped by utensils.
Steel wool, metal scrubbers, and abrasive sponges are also suitable….
You shouldn’t use disinfectant to clean an air fryer…
…since disinfectants aren’t typically safe for food-contact surfaces.
If you decide to use a sanitizing solution to prevent germs….
…from spreading to your air fryer, check the label to make sure….
…it’s been approved for food-contact surfaces, advises Hutchings.
Chlorine, iodine, and quaternary ammonium are approved sanitizers….
For air fryer baskets, trays, and pans, the dishwasher is another great sanitizer…
…just make sure you check your manual first.
Be sure your air fryer is unplugged before wiping it down….
…and avoid submerging the main unit in water….
….to prevent electrical shocks or short circuits.
How Often You Should Clean an Air Fryer
In order to prevent charred food and gunk buildup…
…your air fryer should be cleaned after every use. There are certain parts…
…however, where an occasional cleaning will suffice.
The basket, tray, and pan of your air fryer must be cleaned after each use…
….says Bedwyr. Depending on the model of air fryer, these can either….
…be washed by hand or thrown into the dishwasher.
Wiping down the interior after each use is also recommended….
According to Bedwyr, since air fryers use minimal oil to operate….
…there isn’t as much greasy residue left behind after use….
…so you don’t have to clean the appliance’s exterior as often as its interior.
You should wipe down your air fryer’s exterior after each use…
If there is oil residue on your air fryer’s heating coil….
…you can clean it every couple of months. If you see the coil has become dirty…
…Bedwyr recommends unplugging the air fryer…
…and wiping it down with a damp cloth. Let it thoroughly dry before re-using it.
Sum Up
Your air fryer is likely one of your favorite kitchen appliances…
…and it comes in so handy to cook foods quickly and without excessive oil.
You can have crisped fish sticks or chicken wings made without oil…
…and perfect al dente zucchini noodles, or leftovers reheated to perfection.
After every use, air fryers should be cleaned. Even after using minimal…
…or no added oil, food bits and grease can accumulate..
…and cause your air fryer to smell, or even begin to smoke.
Following are some tips from the Good Housekeeping Institute…
…to make cleaning your air fryer a breeze…
…whether you use a basket-style or tray model:
- Once the air fryer has cooled completely, unplug it and turn it off. The drawer should be pulled out and the basket or tray taken out.
- If your air fryer is dishwasher-safe, place the drawer and basket or tray, depending on what your air fryer has, upside down in the dishwasher, preferably on the top shelf.
Conclusion
how do you usually clean a air fryer?
Share with us your experience when you clean an air fryer!
Or, if you have more questions about how to clean an air fryer…
…feel free to leave a comment!
Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.