There’s a universal moment of joy every air fryer owner experiences: pulling out a basket of perfectly golden, crispy fries or chicken wings, hearing that satisfying crunch, and knowing you did it with a fraction of the oil. But what comes next? The dreaded cleanup. If you’ve ever stared at a greasy, food-caked basket and wondered about the best way on How To Clean Air Fryer Basket Properly, you’re in the right place. It’s one of the most common questions we get here at Airfryer House, and getting it right is the secret to delicious food and a long-lasting appliance.
Let’s be honest, cleaning is nobody’s favorite part of cooking, but a pristine basket is more than just about looks. It’s about taste, safety, and performance. I remember my first air fryer; I was so excited about the oil-less cooking that I overlooked the cleaning for a few days. Soon, my kitchen started smelling like burnt-on remnants of last Tuesday’s salmon every time I turned it on. That’s when I learned that proper maintenance is non-negotiable.
Why a Clean Air Fryer Basket is Non-Negotiable
Keeping your air fryer basket clean is crucial for a few key reasons. First and foremost, it directly impacts the flavor of your food. Old grease and food particles can burn during the next cooking cycle, imparting a bitter, acrid taste to whatever you’re making. You want to taste those fresh herbs on your potatoes, not the ghost of chicken wings past.
Second, it’s a matter of performance and safety. A buildup of grease can obstruct airflow, which is the very technology that makes your air fryer work its magic. In more extreme cases, this buildup can start to smoke at high temperatures, setting off your fire alarm and creating an unpleasant, hazy kitchen. For anyone curious about this, understanding how to avoid smoke in air fryer is directly linked to maintaining a clean device. A clean basket ensures efficient, smoke-free cooking every time.
What You’ll Need: Your Cleaning Toolkit
The good news is you don’t need a shelf full of harsh chemicals. The best tools for the job are likely already in your kitchen.
- Non-Abrasive Sponge or Cloth: Your basket’s best friend. This will protect the non-stick coating.
- Soft-Bristle Brush: An old toothbrush works wonders for getting into the nooks, crannies, and mesh of the basket.
- Mild Dish Soap: A quality grease-cutting soap is essential.
- Baking Soda: The powerhouse for tackling stubborn, baked-on gunk.
- White Vinegar (Optional): Another natural degreaser that works well with baking soda.
- Microfiber Towel: For drying the basket completely to prevent water spots or rust.
The Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Air Fryer Basket Properly
Ready to make your basket sparkle like new? Follow these simple steps. This method is the gold standard for getting the job done effectively without damaging your appliance.
- Unplug and Cool Down Completely: This is a critical safety step. Never attempt to clean a hot appliance. Once you’re done cooking, unplug the air fryer and let the basket and drawer cool down for at least 30 minutes. Plunging a hot basket into cool water can cause thermal shock, potentially warping the metal or cracking the non-stick coating.
- The Initial Wipe and Soak: Remove the basket from the drawer. Use a paper towel to wipe out any large, loose food particles and excess oil. Then, place the basket in your sink and fill it with enough hot, soapy water to cover the soiled areas. Let it soak for 10-20 minutes. This simple step does most of the heavy lifting, loosening up the grease and making scrubbing much easier.
- The Gentle Scrub: After soaking, take your non-abrasive sponge and mild dish soap. Gently scrub the inside and outside of the basket. Use your soft-bristle brush to carefully clean the mesh or holes, ensuring all food residue is dislodged. Remember, the goal is to be firm enough to clean but gentle enough to protect the surface.
- Tackling Stubborn, Baked-On Grease: Sometimes, a simple soak and scrub aren’t enough for that really stubborn, polymerized grease. Don’t reach for steel wool! Instead, try one of these two methods.
The Baking Soda Paste Method
This is my go-to for tough spots. Mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste. Apply this paste directly to the baked-on grease and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. The mildly abrasive nature of the baking soda will help lift the grime without scratching the surface. After it has sat, use your soft sponge or brush to scrub the area gently before rinsing.
The Vinegar and Baking Soda Fizz
For an extra boost, sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the tough spots in the basket, then gently pour a small amount of white vinegar over it. You’ll get a satisfying fizzing reaction. This chemical reaction helps to break down and lift the grease. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently and rinse thoroughly.
- Rinse and Dry Thoroughly: Once you’re satisfied that the basket is clean, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap and cleaning residue. This is an often-overlooked but vital step. Use a soft microfiber towel to dry the basket and drawer completely before reassembling your air fryer. Air drying can sometimes leave water spots, and putting away a damp basket can encourage rust or mildew.
|
Our Picks for the Best Air Fryer in 2026
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
|
||
| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chefman TurboFry® Touch Air Fryer, XL 8-Qt Family Size, One-Touch Digital Control Presets, French Fries, Chicken, Meat, Fish, Nonstick Dishwasher-Safe Parts, Automatic Shutoff, Stainless Steel |
|
| 2 | Ninja | Air Fryer | 4 QT Capacity | 4-in1 Roast, Crisp, Roast, Reheats, & Dehydrates | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Includes 20 Easy & Healthy Recipes | Compact | Grey | AF101 |
|
| 3 | Chefman 12-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven with Digital Timer, Touchscreen, and 12 Presets - Family Size Countertop Convection Oven, Dishwasher-Safe Parts |
|
| 4 | Chefman Air Fryer TurboFry 7-Qt, 6-in-1 High-Powered 450°F Cooking for Crispier Results, Compact Space-Saving Design, Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Reheat, Dehydrate, Defrost, Fast & Even Cooking – Black |
|
| 5 | CHEFMAN 6 Quart Dual Basket Air Fryer Oven with Easy View Windows, Sync Finish, Hi-Fry, Auto Shutoff, 2 Independent 3Qt Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Frying Baskets, Digital Double Air Fryer - Black |
|
| 6 | Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate | 5QT Capacity fits up to 4lbs of French Fries | 400F Max Temp | Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate | 120V | Grey | AF141 |
|
| 7 | CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving Compact Air Fryer with Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket, Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Digital Timer and Shake Reminder – Black |
|
| 8 | Ninja | Indoor Grill and Air Fryer| Foodi Smart XL | 6-in-1 Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate & Crisp |Smart Thermometer & Splatter Shield | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Black/Silver | FG551 |
|
| 9 | Chefman TurboFry Touch Dual Air Fryer, Maximize The Healthiest Meals With Double Basket Capacity, One-Touch Digital Controls And Shake Reminder For The Perfect Crispy And Low-Calorie Finish |
|
| 10 | bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, EverGood™ Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Adjustable Temperature, 6 Preset Cooking Options, 60 Min Auto Shutoff w Audible Tone, 3.3lb Capacity, Oatmilk |
|
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Basket
Knowing how to clean air fryer basket properly also means knowing what not to do. Avoid these common pitfalls to extend the life of your appliance.
- Using Abrasive Tools: Never use steel wool, metal scourers, or abrasive sponges. They will strip away the non-stick coating, causing food to stick more in the future and potentially flaking into your food.
- Submerging the Main Unit: This might seem obvious, but only the removable basket and drawer are meant to be washed. The main air fryer unit contains electrical components and should only be wiped down with a damp cloth.
- Using Harsh Chemical Cleaners: Oven cleaners and other harsh chemicals are too aggressive for the materials used in most air fryer baskets and can damage the coating. Stick to dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar.
- Forgetting to Clean the Heating Element: Occasionally, you should check the heating element inside the main unit. Unplug the appliance, turn it upside down, and use a damp cloth or soft brush to gently wipe away any grease splatters.
“Many people don’t realize that the type of dish soap matters. A high-quality, pH-neutral, grease-cutting soap is your best bet. It cleans effectively without being overly harsh on the delicate non-stick surface, ensuring your basket lasts for years.” – Chef Benjamin Carter, Kitchen Appliance Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about air fryer maintenance.
Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Yes, many air fryer baskets and drawers are listed as dishwasher-safe. However, we recommend hand-washing as the preferred method. The high heat and harsh detergents in a dishwasher can degrade the non-stick coating over time. If you do use a dishwasher, place it on the top rack.
What’s the best way to remove that stuck-on, burnt smell?
If a burnt smell lingers after cleaning, try this trick. Cut a lemon in half, place it in the basket, and run the air fryer at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for 10-15 minutes. The lemon steam will help neutralize odors. Alternatively, a paste of baking soda and water left in the basket for a few hours can also absorb stubborn smells.
How do I clean the small holes or mesh in the basket effectively?
A soft-bristle brush, like an old toothbrush, is the perfect tool for this. During the soaking stage, use the brush to gently poke through and scrub around the holes to dislodge any trapped food particles. This ensures proper airflow is maintained.
Is it safe to use oven cleaner on my air fryer basket?
No, absolutely not. Oven cleaners contain extremely harsh chemicals that are designed for durable porcelain enamel. Using them on your air fryer basket will almost certainly destroy the non-stick coating and could leave behind toxic residue.
Why is my air fryer basket getting rusty?
Rust typically forms if the protective coating has been scratched or chipped away, exposing the metal underneath to moisture. This is often caused by using metal utensils or abrasive scrubbers. To prevent it, always dry your basket thoroughly after washing and avoid tools that can cause scratches.
Your Ticket to Tastier Meals
Mastering how to clean air fryer basket properly is a simple skill that pays huge dividends. It transforms a potentially annoying chore into a quick, easy routine that guarantees better-tasting food, a safer kitchen, and a reliable appliance that will serve you well for years to come. So the next time you finish enjoying that perfectly crispy meal, take a few minutes to give your basket the care it deserves. Your future self—and your taste buds—will thank you.