How to Clean an Airfryer Properly, According to Experts

Learn the best way to clean your air fryer and how often you should clean it.

When you're a fan of all things frying, the air fryer is not just a trendy kitchen appliance but a game-changer. Air fryers need very little oil to get the job done, so not only can you enjoy all your fried favorites with less fat and fewer calories, but there won't be a lot of oil and dirt left to clean up afterward.

Because air frying is convenient and efficient, cleaning your air fryer may not be as urgent as the cleaning required by traditional deep frying methods. However, it is important to maintain these benefits by cleaning at least the basic components of your air fryer after each use.

“If your air fryer isn't cleaned after each use, leftover food particles can stick to places they shouldn't and potentially ruin the appliance,” says Cyrus Bedwyr, kitchen and oven cleaning expert at Fantastic Services. A dirty air fryer heats slower, uses more energy, and requires a lot more elbow grease to clean.

You're also more likely to get foodborne illnesses if you use dirty kitchen equipment: "If you don't clean your air fryer regularly, old food particles and germs will accumulate in the basket and contaminate the food you put in it.

What Not to Do When Cleaning an Air Fryer?

When cleaning your air fryer, never use utensils to remove stuck food. “Your air fryer comes with a nonstick coating that is very easy to scratch and wear away when scraped with kitchen tools,” says Bailey Carson, Handy cleaning manager. The same goes for steel wool, metal cleaners or abrasive sponges.

You should also not use disinfectant to clean your fryer, as disinfectants are generally not safe for food-contaminated surfaces. "If you choose to use a sanitizing solution to keep your air fryer germ-free, double-check the label to make sure it's approved for food-contaminating surfaces," says Hutchings. “A few of the approved disinfectants are chlorine, iodine, and quaternary ammonium.”

The high heat of the dishwasher is another great way to sanitize your air fryer; Before placing your basket, tray and pan, be sure to check your air fryer user manual to see if your basket, tray and pan are dishwasher safe, adds Hutchings.

Also, be sure to unplug your fryer before wiping it down, and avoid submerging the main unit in yours to avoid shocking yourself or shorting out the unit.

How Often Should You Clean Your Air Fryer?

Ideally, your air fryer should be cleaned after each use to avoid burnt food and debris buildup. However, there are some parts where occasional cleaning will be sufficient.

“The parts of your air fryer that need to be washed after each use are the basket, tray, and pan,” says Bedwyr. “These can be washed by hand or added to the next dishwasher load, depending on the model of air fryer.” It's also a good idea to wipe down the interior after each use.

Bedwyr says that because air fryers require a minimal amount of oil to operate, there's not a lot of oily residue left behind after each use, so you don't need to clean the outside of the appliance as often as the inside.

Feel free to wipe down the exterior of your air fryer after every few uses.

Your air fryer's heating coil can be checked for oil residue every few months. "If you notice it gets a little dirty, unplug the appliance and clean the coil with a damp cloth," says Bedwyr, and let it dry thoroughly before using your air fryer again. You can find the supplies you need for your Air Fryer at Kitchenlive.co.