Tips for Cleaning Air Fryer Baskets

Air fryers are great for cooking a range of tasty foods in a healthier way. But one of the drawbacks is that, like all kitchen appliances, they need cleaning—and this can often be a time-consuming process that could damage your equipment if you don’t use the right approach. Check out our tips for cleaning air fryer baskets to keep your appliance spotless and ready to go next time you want to cook up a storm.

When Should I Clean an Air Fryer?

Ideally, you should clean your fryer after every use, immediately after it has cooled down. A dirty fryer not only harbours bacteria but can increase the risk of smoking and bad smells in the kitchen as the food debris that is caught up in the basket’s holes burns. Also, once food debris and grease set, they are much harder to remove and require a little more elbow grease to get rid of.

Can You Put Air Fryer Baskets in Dishwashers?

Some air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe, but you will have to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific brand and model of air fryer. Traditional air-fryer baskets tended to be mesh-like and too fragile for the dishwasher. However, many of the modern air fryer pans and baskets are dishwasher safe and can be cleaned effectively and conveniently using this method.

How to Clean Air Fryer Baskets by Hand

Once you have safely removed the basket from the fryer and emptied the food from it, you can immediately plunge the basket into hot, soapy water to soak while you eat your meal. After you have finished eating, use a non-stick scrubber or brush to gently wipe the basket which removes any debris or grease with the minimum of effort.

Removing baked-on food may require a longer soak and using a non-abrasive sponge or brush to get rid of those stubborn crusty bits. Try not to scrape too harshly if you don’t want the non-stick coating on the basket to come off and be sure not to use steel wool or other highly abrasive materials.

Can I Use an Oven Cleaner on an Air Fryer?

Oven cleaners should not be used for cleaning air fryers. The chemicals are too harsh and the fumes from them are likely to ruin your air fryer and the taste of your food.

How To Clean Baked-on Grease From Air Fryer Baskets Without Harsh Chemicals or Scrubbing

Baked-on grease can be troublesome to remove from air fryers without using harsh chemicals or scrubbing—both of which can damage your appliance. Fortunately, using everyday, natural products you are likely to have in your kitchen you can clean air fryers with vinegar and baking soda, as well as lemons.

Vinegar is an acid that can break down grease and grime as well as kill bacteria. Baking soda is mildly alkaline and causes grease and dirt to dissolve. It is also slightly abrasive and helps to dislodge particles that are stuck on surfaces. Used together, vinegar and baking soda produce a chemical reaction that cuts through grease and leaves surfaces squeaky clean.

Lemons are another acidic natural cleaning agent. They also contain antibacterial and antiseptic properties and with their pleasant, citrus smell provide an invigorating and refreshing aroma.

By combining these products with dishwasher soap, you can make a highly effective cleaner that removes grime and grease from kitchen appliances in a gentle way as they all have powerful cleaning properties that break down grease and fats.

Step by Step Instructions to Clean Air Fryers With Vinegar and Baking Soda

To de-grease your air fryer basket using these products: 

1. Squeeze soap detergent directly onto the sides of the basket, using a brush to spread a thin layer over the whole basket.
2. Dust baking soda over the basket, coating every surface. With a soft bristle brush or old toothbrush, work the soap/baking soda paste into all the crevices before returning the basket to the fryer.
3. Sprinkle more baking soda in the pan.
4. Add around half to one cup of vinegar. You should see a bubbling effect, which shows that the mixture is working.
5. Next, cut a lemon in half and add it to the pan with a cup of boiling water. Stir the mix and leave overnight.
6. In the morning, you should find the combination of detergent, baking soda, vinegar and lemon have melted the grease away and you can simply discard the mix and rinse the pan and basket.

How to Clean Air Fryer Heating Elements

Heating elements cannot be removed and so they present a particular problem for cleaning. Fortunately, we have some hints on how to clean heating elements in these appliances. As an example, let’s take a look at how to clean Philips air fryers.

1. Make sure your appliance is completely cool and unplug it.
2. Remove the basket and turn the appliance upside down.
3. Make a solution of baking soda, water, vinegar and lemons in a spritzer bottle and spray onto the heating element. Leave the solution for a couple of minutes and then flip the appliance right side up and leave for 30 minutes or so.
4. Using a soft-bristled brush, clean around the heating element, rinsing the brush regularly to remove the dirt and grease. Wipe the area using a microfibre cloth or sponge. If stubborn stains remain you may need to repeat the process.

How to Clean Air Fryer Lids With Fans

If you are wondering how to clean a Ninja air fryer lid that has a fan in it, just add 250 ml of water to the pan with two lemons sliced in half. Place in the pot and pressure cook for 10 minutes. Take the pressure lid off and close the air fry lid for 5-10 minutes. The steam will loosen the grease so you can remove it using a soft-bristled brush and a sponge.

The Bottom Line

Make sure you know how to clean baked on grease from your air fryer and follow our cleaning tips for keeping your air fryer and other kitchen appliances in great condition. We are always happy to hear from you so get in touch with us by leaving any questions or comments below.