Keeping your air fryer clean inside not only ensures better cooking results, but also boosts safety and the longevity of your appliance. With hot oil splatters, crumbs and baked-on grease building up inside, choosing the right cleaner is essential. In this guide I share what types of cleaners work best, what to avoid, and how you can safely clean your air fryer’s interior for top performance.
Why the Right Cleaner Matters:
The interior of an air fryer is exposed to high heat, oil splatter, and small food particles. Over time this can cause:
- Persistent grease residue that impacts airflow and crisping.
- Burnt flavour or unpleasant odors if bits of food are left behind.
- Potential damage to the non-stick or coated surfaces if harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers are used.
So the ideal cleaner for your air fryer interior must do three things: remove grease effectively, be safe for food-contact surfaces, and be non-abrasive so it won’t damage the coating.
What to Look For in a Cleaner?
Here are key features your cleaner should have:
- Food-safe formulation: Avoid cleaners that leave toxic residue or strong chemical smells. Some oven cleaners are not designed for small countertop appliances and may leave dangerous fumes.
- Degreasing power: Look for products that advertise “grease cutting” or “baked-on fat removal”.
- Non-abrasive formula: Scrubbers and harsh powders may scratch coatings. Opt for mild cleaning agents plus soft tools.
- Safe for high heat surfaces: The air fryer’s interior gets very hot, so the cleaner should be safe for surfaces exposed to heat.
- Ease of use: Sprays or pastes that can be applied and then wiped off are preferable to heavy scrubbing.
Recommended Cleaners and Methods
Based on my testing and research, here are strong contenders and methods you can use:
- Mild dish soap + warm water: The simplest and safest go-to for routine cleaning. Use a non-abrasive sponge, warm soapy water, wipe the interior and dry thoroughly. Great after every use.
- Baking soda paste: For tougher baked-on grease, mixing baking soda with a little water into a paste works well. Apply to affected areas, let it sit, then gently scrub with a soft brush and wipe clean.
- Water + white vinegar spray: A 1:1 or 3:1 water to vinegar spray can help break down grease and disinfect the interior. Apply to a damp cloth and wipe rather than spraying directly near the heating element.
- Dedicated appliance degreaser sprays: There are specialty products labelled for air fryer, oven or fryer interior cleaning. For example, “Zep Fume Free Air Fryer & Oven Cleaner” is cited as a top pick for baked-on grease removal.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
Here’s how I personally clean the inside of my air fryer using the right cleaner:
- Unplug and cool the air fryer fully.
- Remove basket/tray and clean separately.
- Wipe the interior (walls, bottom, underside of lid) with a soft sponge dipped in warm soapy water.
- For stubborn spots: apply a baking soda paste or spray the vinegar solution, let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Use a soft brush (like a toothbrush) to gently clean around corners, vents, and heating element housing, avoiding direct contact with the element itself.
- Wipe again with clean damp cloth, then dry every surface thoroughly.
- Reassemble only when everything is dry to avoid risk of shocks or odors.
What to Avoid:
- Abrasive scrubbers or steel wool – these scratch coatings.
- Harsh oven cleaners not rated for air fryer interiors – there are many complaints of chemical smell or damage afterwards.
- Spraying water or cleaner directly onto heating element – this can damage the component or create risk.
Quick Tips for Maintaining Cleanliness
- After each use, wipe the interior with a damp cloth before the grease cools and hardens.
- Use liners or silicone mats in your basket to reduce drips and buildup.
- Clean deeper every 2-3 weeks if you cook greasy foods. Heavy users may need weekly attention.
Final Word
There isn’t necessarily one “magic bottle” of cleaner that works universally best for all air fryers. The best cleaner is one you can trust to safely remove grease, respect the appliance’s coatings, and be simple enough so you’ll actually use it regularly. In my experience: mild dish soap for everyday cleaning, baking soda and vinegar for tough spots, and a specialty degreaser for extreme baked-on mess can cover all your needs.
Get into the habit of cleaning your air fryer interior before grime becomes permanent, and you’ll enjoy crisp, tasty food with less smoke, less odor, and a longer-lasting appliance.
