Air fryers are amazing for quick, crispy meals with less oil, but there’s one downside every beginner notices sooner or later — grease. After a few uses, the basket, rack, and tray can look sticky and dark. If you’re new to air fryers, you might wonder: How to clean an Air Fryer right basket? Can I damage it? Why does grease build up so fast?
The good news is that learning how to clean an air fryer basket is much easier than it looks. You don’t need harsh chemicals, special tools, or hours of scrubbing. With the right routine and a few beginner-friendly tips, you can keep your air fryer clean, safe, and smelling fresh. Regular cleaning also helps prevent issues like smoke, plastic smells, and unusual noises during cooking.
In this guide, we’ll walk step by step through simple methods to remove grease from the basket, rack, and tray. You’ll learn what to clean after every use, how to deal with stubborn grease, and what mistakes to avoid. If grease has been holding you back from enjoying your air fryer, this article will make cleaning feel totally manageable.
Why Grease Builds Up in an Air Fryer Basket
Grease buildup is completely normal, especially for beginners. Even though air fryers use less oil, fat still melts and drips during cooking. Grease can build up faster when cooking fatty foods or using foil or liners incorrectly.
Common reasons grease sticks to the basket and tray:
- Cooking frozen foods like fries, nuggets, or wings
- Using marinades or seasoned meats
- Skipping cleaning after each use
- Letting grease cool and harden
Over time, this grease can turn into a sticky layer that’s harder to remove. If ignored, it can cause smoke, bad smells, and uneven cooking. If you notice smoke while cooking, grease residue is often the reason — here’s why your air fryer may be smoking and how cleaning helps prevent it.
That’s why knowing how to clean an air fryer basket properly from the start saves you effort later.
What You Should Clean After Every Use
As a beginner, it helps to know exactly which parts need attention. You don’t have to scrub the whole machine every time.
Focus on these parts:
- Air fryer basket
- Inner rack or crisper plate
- Drip tray (if your model has one)
The heating element and outer body don’t need daily cleaning unless there’s visible splatter. However, grease splashed upward can eventually cause smells or smoke if left untouched.
A quick wash after every use prevents grease from baking on and becoming stubborn.
How to Clean an Air Fryer Basket (Basic Daily Method)
This is the easiest method and perfect for everyday cleaning.
What you’ll need
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- Soft sponge or cloth
Step-by-step
- Unplug the air fryer and let it cool completely.
- Remove the basket, rack, and tray.
- Add warm water and a few drops of dish soap.
- Let the parts soak for 5–10 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a soft sponge.
- Rinse well and dry completely before putting them back.
Avoid metal scrubbers. They can scratch the non-stick coating and make future cleaning harder.
How to Remove Stubborn Grease from the Air Fryer Basket
Sometimes grease doesn’t come off with simple soap and water. That’s okay — it happens to everyone.
Baking soda method
This is beginner-safe and very effective.
- Mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste
- Apply it to greasy areas
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes
- Gently scrub with a soft sponge
- Rinse and dry
This method breaks down grease without damaging the coating.
Vinegar steam trick
If grease is stuck around edges:
- Put a bowl of water with a little vinegar in the air fryer
- Run it at 180°C (350°F) for 3–5 minutes
- Let it cool
- Wipe the basket and tray
The steam loosens grease and makes wiping easier.
Can You Put an Air Fryer Basket in the Dishwasher?
Many beginner air fryer users ask this question.
The answer: sometimes, but not always.
Check your manual first. Some baskets are dishwasher-safe, but frequent dishwasher use can wear down the non-stick coating faster.
If you do use a dishwasher:
- Place the basket on the top rack
- Avoid high-heat drying cycles
- Don’t mix with heavy pots and pans
Hand-washing is usually gentler and helps the basket last longer.
Common Cleaning Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid
Cleaning seems simple, but these mistakes can shorten your air fryer’s life.
Avoid:
- Using steel wool or hard brushes
- Spraying cleaner directly inside the air fryer
- Cleaning while the unit is still hot
- Letting grease build up for weeks
Heavy grease buildup can also cause a burning plastic smell — here’s why an air fryer may smell like plastic and how cleaning helps fix it.
A little care goes a long way. Gentle, regular cleaning is better than aggressive scrubbing once in a while.
How to Prevent Grease Buildup in the Future
Prevention is easier than deep cleaning.
Use aluminum foil correctly
Aluminum foil can help catch grease, but only when used properly — blocking airflow can cause smoke and uneven cooking.
Clean while it’s still fresh
Grease is easiest to remove when it hasn’t cooled completely.
Don’t overload the basket
Overcrowding causes grease to splash and stick everywhere.
Wipe after cooking fatty foods
Even a quick wipe with a paper towel helps reduce buildup.
How Often Should You Deep Clean Your Air Fryer?
For beginner users, this is a good rule of thumb:
- Light cleaning: after every use
- Deep cleaning: every 1–2 weeks
Deep cleaning includes soaking, checking corners, and wiping the inside walls.
If you cook greasy foods often, you may need to deep clean weekly.
Does a Cheaper Air Fryer Get Greasier?
Not necessarily. Grease buildup depends more on usage than price.
However, budget models may have:
- Thinner non-stick coating
- More crevices where grease hides
Can Grease Cause Loud or Unusual Noises?
Yes. Grease buildup can interfere with airflow and the fan, sometimes causing rattling or loud sounds.
If your air fryer makes strange or loud noises, cleaning the basket and interior is one of the first things you should try.
Quick Cleaning Checklist for Beginners
Save this list for easy reference:
- Let the air fryer cool
- Remove basket and tray
- Soak in warm soapy water
- Use a soft sponge only
- Dry completely before reassembling
Following this routine makes cleaning almost effortless.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Air Fryer Clean Without Stress
Learning how to clean an air fryer basket doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, even if you’re a beginner. With simple daily habits, gentle tools, and occasional deep cleaning, grease never becomes a big problem. The key is consistency, not perfection.
A clean basket means better-tasting food, less smoke, and a longer-lasting air fryer. Once cleaning becomes part of your routine, it only takes a few minutes and saves you from tough scrubbing later. If smoke or smells persist after cleaning the basket, grease on the heating element may be the cause — cleaning it safely can make a big difference.
If you want to make air fryer cooking even easier, explore more beginner tips and helpful guides on our site. The more you know, the more you’ll enjoy using your air fryer — without dreading the cleanup.
