How to clean an air fryer in 4 steps

How to clean an air fryer countertop oven

Cleaning your countertop oven air fryer is a simple process. To keep your countertop appliance ready for each use, start by removing all trays, racks and parts and either wash them in the dishwasher or by hand. Then simply wipe the interior and exterior with a soft, damp cloth or mesh pad and dry.

Be sure to completely dry the inside and outside of your air fryer before using it again. Exact cleaning instructions will vary by model, so always make sure to follow the recommendations in your owner's manual.

Follow the steps below to continue using your air fryer to create tasty dishes like homemade empanadas or chocolate chip cookies.

Supplies

• Warm water

• Dish soap

Tools

• Cleaning cloths

• Nylon/polyester mesh pad or sponge (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the air fryer for cleaning

Begin by turning off and unplugging the appliance from the outlet. Before attempting to clean the air fryer, allow the appliance to cool completely before removing any parts for cleaning. Once cooled, open the door of the air fryer and collect all the removable parts, such as the air fryer basket and crumb tray.

Step 2: Clean the removable air fryer parts

Depending on the model of your appliance, you may be able to clean the air fryer basket in the dishwasher, as well as other air fryer countertop oven parts like the oven or broiling racks. However, handwashing is typically recommended.

Clean the air fryer basket and any other removable appliance parts, like pans and racks, using warm, soapy water and a damp sponge or cloth. Thoroughly rinse the parts with clean water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Step 3: Clean the air fryer interior

Wipe down the interior surfaces of the air fryer using a soft cloth. For heavy spatter, apply warm water to the cloth and scrub the interior gently.

Some air fryer countertop ovens like this model from KitchenAid brand have a nonstick coating on the inside walls of the appliance designed to help simplify cleanup.

Step 4: Clean the air fryer exterior

Clean the exterior of your air fryer countertop oven by wiping gently with a clean, damp cloth before drying thoroughly.

When cleaning any part of your air fryer, prevent scratches by avoiding harsh or abrasive cleaning agents, as well as metal scouring pads. To protect your air fryer from damage, only use warm, soapy water and soft cleaning tools, like sponges or cloths or any other supplies recommended in your owner’s manual.

How often should I clean my air fryer?

In general, most air fryers should be cleaned after each use to prevent flavor mixing between recipes. Getting in the habit of cleaning your air fryer countertop oven after each use can help prevent the build up of food and residue in the air fryer basket and on the interior walls.

How do I deep clean my air fryer?

It’s best to avoid using cleaning agents, abrasive cleansers or metal scouring pads on the inner or outer surfaces of the air fryer. Instead, deep clean parts by soaking in warm and soapy water to loosen grime before using with a soft bristle brush to clean the mesh of the air fry basket or pans and racks.

You may also be able to deep clean some parts of your air fryer with your dishwasher. KitchenAid^® countertop ovens with air fry, for example, feature a removable air fryer basket that can be placed in your dishwasher for convenient clean-up.

How do I degrease the walls and ceiling of my air fryer countertop oven?

If the walls and ceiling of your appliance don’t have a nonstick coating, remove heavy spatter, grease or sticky oil that’s accumulated inside by gently wiping the residue with a nylon/polyester mesh pad, sponge or cloth dampened with warm water. Dry the interior walls with a soft cloth. You may find additional cleaning instructions in your owner’s manual, so make sure to reference it.

Should I put aluminum foil in my air fryer to help keep it clean?

While using aluminum foil to line the internal surfaces of the air fryer to catch crumbs and drippings may seem like a good idea, it's best to avoid it. Covering internal parts of the unit can restrict the rapidly circulating flow of air throughout the unit and could cause the appliance to overheat. Learn more about how to use aluminum foil in an air fryer.

How can I minimize oil splatters and make my air fryer easier to clean?

Air frying your food allows you to use smaller amounts of oil, which can help streamline cleanup after cooking juicy meats or vegetables. Most air fryers also include a crumb or drip tray component that can help make the process of cleaning your air fryer easier.

Ensuring the crumb or drip tray is properly in place during each use can help reduce the amount of oil splatter on the bottom of the appliance.