How to clean an air fryer basket (non-stick, stainless or ceramic)
Most air fryer baskets are non-stick, and the wrong pad scratches the coating for good. Soak first, let a soft brush do the work, and match the scrubbing head to the surface — the table below shows which one to use where.
Step by step
- Unplug it and let it cool. Wait until the basket and the inside of the drawer are cool to the touch — around 30 minutes after cooking.
- Take the basket and crisper plate out. Check your air fryer's manual before using the dishwasher: many baskets are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing is gentler on a non-stick coating.
- Soak in hot, soapy water. Fill the sink or the basket itself with hot water and a few drops of dish soap and leave it for 10–15 minutes. Soaking loosens grease so you scrub less.
- Scrub with a soft head. Use a nylon brush for the holes and ridges of the crisper plate and a sponge for the basket walls. Light pressure is enough; on a spin scrubber, let the spinning head do the work.
- Treat burnt-on spots with baking soda. Mix baking soda with a little water into a paste, spread it on the stuck spots, leave it 10–15 minutes and scrub again with the soft head.
- Rinse and dry completely. Rinse off all soap and paste, then dry by hand or air-dry before putting the parts back, so no water sits in the drawer.
- Wipe the inside of the drawer. With the fryer unplugged and cool, wipe the inside and around the heating element with a damp cloth or a soft dry brush. Never pour water into the unit.
Which brush or pad on which surface
| Surface | Safe to use | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Non-stick basket and crisper plate | Nylon brush, sponge, polishing cloth | Steel wool, scouring pad, abrasive powders |
| Ceramic-coated basket | Sponge, nylon brush | Steel wool, scouring pad, abrasive powders |
| Stainless steel basket or rack | Nylon brush, scouring pad; steel wool for stubborn spots | Bleach, which can mark stainless |
| Cast iron pan or grate | Nylon brush; steel wool for rust, then dry and oil it | Long soaks, the dishwasher |
| Glass door or window | Sponge, polishing cloth | Steel wool, scouring pad |
| Plastic housing and touch panel | Damp cloth only | Any brush or pad, spraying water onto the panel |
Don't
- Don't use steel wool or a scouring pad on non-stick or ceramic coatings — scratches are permanent and food sticks to them.
- Don't use oven cleaner on the basket unless the manufacturer says it is safe; it can damage the coating.
- Don't put the main unit in water or under the tap — only the removable parts.
Questions
How often should I clean my air fryer basket?
Rinse or wipe the basket after each use so grease doesn't bake on, and give it a full soak-and-scrub clean every week or so if you use it most days.
Can I use a spin scrubber on a non-stick air fryer basket?
Yes, with a soft head — the nylon brush, sponge or polishing cloth. Keep the steel wool head for stainless steel and cast iron.
Why is my air fryer smoking?
Usually old grease or food crumbs burning in the drawer or on the heating element. Unplug it, let it cool, and clean the basket, the drawer and the area around the element.
