How to Clean an Air Fryer (Including the Heating Element)
Air fryers cook in their own grease splatter, so they need cleaning often — and a smoking air fryer is almost always built-up grease on the heating element, not a fault. Here is how to clean it properly.
After Every Use: Basket and Drawer
Let it cool, then wash the basket and drawer with warm soapy water and a soft sponge (most are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing preserves the nonstick coating). Never use metal utensils or abrasive scrubbers — they wreck the nonstick.
Clean the Heating Element
Grease splatters up onto the heating coil and burns, which is what makes an air fryer smoke. Unplug it, let it cool, turn it upside down, and wipe the element with a damp cloth and a little dish soap or a soft brush. Do this every few uses if you cook fatty foods.
Wipe the Interior and Exterior
Wipe the inside cavity and the exterior with a damp cloth. For stuck-on grease, a baking-soda paste works. Make sure everything is fully dry before reassembling and plugging in.
Parts & Tools
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FAQ
Almost always grease built up on the heating element burning off, or fatty food dripping. Unplug it, cool it, and clean the element and basket. Add a little water to the drawer under fatty foods to cut smoke.
Most are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing with a soft sponge preserves the nonstick coating longer. Never use metal scrubbers.
Always unplug an appliance and shut off its water supply before servicing. This guide is informational and not a substitute for a qualified technician.