Why air fryers get so greasy
An air fryer works by blowing very hot air around food in a small chamber. Fat that drips from the food collects in the drawer, and fine droplets are carried up to the heating element and fan guard above the basket. Every time you cook, that layer is reheated, darkens and becomes stickier.
Left alone, it can start to smoke, make food taste stale and – in the worst cases – produce a burning smell from the element. A clean air fryer also cooks more evenly, because air can move freely through the basket holes.
Everyday cleaning after use
Let the air fryer cool for at least 20–30 minutes and unplug it. Pour away any fat from the drawer into kitchen paper and put it in the bin – not down the sink, where it sets and contributes to blocked drains.
Wash the basket, any crisping plate and the drawer in hot water with washing-up liquid, using a soft sponge or brush. Most removable parts are dishwasher safe on many models, but hand washing tends to make non-stick coatings last longer. Dry everything completely before putting it back.
Deep cleaning a greasy basket and drawer
If the basket has sticky brown residue that washing-up liquid won't shift, soak it for 30–60 minutes in very hot water with a dishwasher tablet or a good squeeze of washing-up liquid. Then work the mesh or holes with a soft washing-up brush or an old toothbrush.
For stubborn patches, make a thick paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, spread it over the residue, leave it for 15 minutes and then scrub gently. Rinse thoroughly so no powder is left in the holes.
- Do use soft sponges, nylon brushes and wooden or silicone tools
- Don't use wire wool, metal scourers or abrasive cream on non-stick coatings
- Don't use oven cleaner unless the manufacturer specifically says it's suitable
- Don't immerse the main body of the air fryer in water
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How to clean the heating element and inside the unit
This is the part most people never clean. With the air fryer unplugged and completely cold, take out the basket and turn the main unit upside down (or look up into it with a torch). You'll see the heating coil and, behind it, the fan guard.
Wipe the area with a damp, well wrung-out cloth or sponge with a drop of washing-up liquid. A soft brush helps get between the coils. For baked-on grease, dab on bicarbonate paste with a brush, leave it for ten minutes and wipe it away with a damp cloth, rinsing the cloth often. Never pour water into the unit, and make sure everything is dry before you plug it back in.
Finish by wiping the inside walls of the chamber and the outside of the appliance, including the handle and control panel, with a barely damp cloth.
Liners, foil and other shortcuts
Perforated paper liners and silicone liners can catch a lot of the drips and make daily cleaning easier. Use ones designed for air fryers, never preheat the air fryer with a loose liner inside (it can blow up into the element), and keep the holes clear so air can circulate.
Foil is allowed in many air fryers but can block airflow and scratch coatings if crumpled. Follow your manual. Cooking sprays containing lecithin are known for leaving a gummy layer on non-stick baskets; a brush of ordinary oil on the food itself avoids that.
How often to give it a deeper clean
Wash the basket and drawer after every use, or at least after anything fatty. Clean the heating element and inside the unit roughly once a month if you use the air fryer daily, or whenever you notice smoke or a smell when it heats up.
If the air fryer is part of a wider kitchen reset, it's worth adding it to the list when you book a deep clean. Many cleaners will do small appliances such as the air fryer, toaster and microwave if you ask in advance – mention it when you request quotes so it's included in the time.
