How to Clean Air Fryer: Dawn, Baking Soda & Hacks

If you’ve ever opened your air fryer after a week of heavy use and found a crusty grease situation staring back at you, you’re not alone. Built-up grease doesn’t just look unpleasant—it affects airflow, can make your food taste off, and according to Breville (a leading air fryer manufacturer), even causes smoke during cooking. This guide walks through the methods that actually work, from gentle everyday maintenance to tackling serious baked-on mess.

Tested methods: 5 (Dawn, baking soda, vinegar) ·
Recommended soak time: 10-20 minutes ·
Pro steps: 4 (Breville) ·
Common tools: Soft sponge, microfiber cloth ·
Top cleaner: Dawn dish soap

These four methods represent the most effective approaches based on manufacturer guidance and cleaning expert recommendations. The table below summarizes the key details for quick reference.

What is the best way to clean my air fryer?

The answer depends on how often you cook. Breville recommends a quick wipe-down after every use and a deeper clean every one to two weeks. If you’re cooking oil-heavy foods like fried chicken, clean more frequently.

Daily quick clean

• Unplug the air fryer and let it cool completely
• Remove the basket and pan
• Rinse under warm water, using a soft sponge with mild dish soap
• Wipe the interior with a damp microfiber cloth
• Dry every piece before reassembling

The implication: building this routine into your cooking schedule prevents the kind of buildup that turns a simple wipe-down into a 20-minute scrubbing session.

Deep clean routine

• Soak removable parts in warm soapy water for 10-20 minutes
• Use a soft toothbrush or skewer for tight corners
• Clean vents with a wooden skewer to prevent buildup over time
• Inspect the fan and heating element for residue

The pattern is clear: regular light maintenance prevents the kind of mess that requires aggressive soaking later. Breville notes that moisture left behind can damage the nonstick coating, so thorough drying is non-negotiable.

How do you get baked on grease off an air fryer?

Baked-on grease requires a two-step approach: soften the buildup, then scrub gently. According to Branch Basics, baking soda’s mildly abrasive texture cuts through grime without scratching nonstick surfaces.

Soak method

• Fill the sink or a basin with hot water
• Add a tablespoon of dish soap or 2 tablespoons of baking soda
• Submerge the basket and let it sit for 10-20 minutes
• Drain, then scrub with a soft sponge or toothbrush

Soft sponge technique

• Apply baking soda paste directly to stubborn spots
• Let it sit for 5-10 minutes (baking soda and water) or 10-15 minutes (baking soda and lemon juice)
• Scrub gently using circular motions
• Rinse thoroughly and dry completely

The implication: patience pays off. Letting the solution work means less physical scrubbing, which protects that nonstick coating from wear.

What’s the best thing to clean the inside of an air fryer?

For everyday interior cleaning, warm soapy water with a soft sponge handles most jobs. But when residue builds up, Branch Basics points out that white distilled vinegar does double duty: it deodorizes food odors while loosening stubborn grease.

Dish soap options

• Dawn dish soap: effective grease-cutting for regular maintenance
• Mild soap with warm water: sufficient for light soil
• Avoid harsh chemicals or oven cleaners—they can leave residues

Natural alternatives

• Baking soda and water paste: equal parts, let sit 5-10 minutes
• Baking soda and lemon juice: 2 tablespoons baking soda, juice of half a lemon, 1 teaspoon hot water
• Vinegar and water: equal parts, let sit 5-10 minutes
• Vinegar and baking soda paste: for extra stubborn messes, let sit about 10 minutes

“Lemon juice uses its natural antibacterial properties to deodorize air fryers when combined with baking soda.”

— Branch Basics

The catch: vinegar’s acetic acid can irritate lungs if sprayed. Pour the solution instead, and open windows during cleaning.

How to clean a really dirty air fryer?

When you’re facing weeks of neglected buildup, standard soaking won’t cut it. Branch Basics recommends combining multiple agents for heavy-duty degreasing.

Tough grease hacks

• Baking soda and vinegar paste: equal parts, apply directly to buildup, wait 10 minutes
• Lemon juice boost: adds abrasion and fresh scent to baking soda paste
• Hydrogen peroxide: use for stubborn discoloration (test on small area first)
• Hot water soak: 4 tablespoons baking soda, 1/4 cup vinegar, 2 cups boiling water, let cool then scrub

Heating element care

• Brush away crumbs with a soft brush—never wet the heating element
• Use a dry toothbrush or wooden skewer for tight spots around the fan
• Inspect during deep cleaning: even small residue affects cooking results
• Never submerge the main unit in water

What this means: the main unit requires dry cleaning only. Breville stresses that electrical components and water don’t mix.

What are air fryer cleaning hacks?

Beyond standard methods, several proven hacks simplify the process. The key is matching the hack to your specific mess type and air fryer model.

Baking soda and vinegar

• Pour 2 cups boiling water into the basket
• Add 4 tablespoons baking soda and 1/4 cup white vinegar
• Let the fizzing reaction work for 10-15 minutes
• Drain, scrub lightly, rinse, and dry

Brand tips for Ninja and Philips

• Ninja: removable crisper plate and mesh basket make corners accessible
• Philips: check manufacturer guidelines before using abrasive pastes
• All models: verify removable parts are dishwasher-safe if you prefer machine washing

“A quick clean of an air fryer should happen after every use and involves emptying crumbs, rinsing the basket, and wiping away grease before it hardens.”

— Breville

How to clean an air fryer without a basket

Some air fryer models have open baskets or drawer-style designs where the heating element is more exposed. Cleaning these requires extra care.

Interior top cleaning

• Wipe the interior walls with a damp microfiber cloth
• Use a soft toothbrush for the area around the heating element
• Never use wet cloths near the heating element or fan
• Dry immediately with a clean microfiber cloth

Heating element maintenance

• Brush dry crumbs with a soft-bristle brush only
• Check for grease splatter and gently wipe if present
• Ensure the element is completely cool before cleaning
• Refer to your manual for model-specific guidance

The implication: open-style air fryers need more frequent attention because the heating element is directly exposed to grease splatter during cooking.

How often should you clean an air fryer?

Breville recommends a quick clean after every use and a thorough deep clean every one to two weeks. For oil-heavy cooking, increase frequency. Branch Basics adds that a weekly wipe-down with a damp microfiber cloth keeps interior surfaces fresh between deep cleans.

Can you put an air fryer basket in the dishwasher?

Most air fryer baskets and removable parts are top-rack dishwasher safe, but check your specific model’s manual. Hand washing with warm soapy water extends the life of nonstick coatings and prevents warping from high dishwasher heat.

What not to use on air fryer?

• Metal utensils or abrasive scrubbers—will scratch nonstick surfaces
• Disinfectant sprays or toxic oven cleaners—leave harmful residues
• Submersion of the main unit—electrical hazard and damage risk
• Wet tools near the heating element or fan

The takeaway: avoiding these products and tools preserves your air fryer’s nonstick coating and prevents safety hazards that could shorten the appliance’s lifespan.

The 20-20 rule for air fryers

The 20-20 rule isn’t widely documented in manufacturer guides, but online communities reference a concept: let the air fryer cool 20 minutes before cleaning, then spend no more than 20 minutes on maintenance. The principle encourages regular light cleaning rather than infrequent heavy cleaning sessions. Breville’s official guidance aligns with this—quick cleans prevent the buildup that requires time-consuming deep cleans.

Steps: How to clean an air fryer in 4 steps

Related reading: Where to Learn Cooking Online · How to Childproof a House

Frequently asked questions

For most home cooks, the maintenance routine is straightforward: quick clean after each use, deeper soak weekly or bi-weekly, and immediate attention when grease buildup appears. The investment in a few extra minutes pays off in better cooking performance and a longer appliance lifespan.