A well-loved air fryer is a well-used air fryer — and a well-used air fryer needs a regular clean. Grease builds up quickly, leftover food particles can start to smoke, and that lingering smell from last night's fish fingers has no place near tonight's pudding.
The good news is that cleaning an air fryer is much simpler than most people expect. This step-by-step guide covers everything: the basket, the crisper plate, the heating element, the interior, and the exterior — plus answers to the questions we're asked most often.
How Often Should You Clean Your Air Fryer?
The short answer: the basket and crisper plate should be cleaned after every use. A deeper clean of the interior, heating element, and exterior should happen every few uses — or any time you notice smoke, odours, or visible grease build-up.
| Part | How Often | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Basket & crisper plate | After every use | Prevents grease and food residue hardening |
| Interior chamber | Every 3–5 uses | Removes splatter that causes smoke and odours |
| Heating element | Every 3–5 uses | Burnt-on grease on the element causes smoke |
| Exterior & control panel | Weekly or as needed | Keeps the appliance hygienic and presentable |
What You'll Need
You won't need any special products. Everything below is likely already in your kitchen:
How to Clean an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step
Unplug and Allow to Cool
Before you do anything else, switch off the air fryer and unplug it from the socket. Never attempt to clean it while it's still plugged in.
Allow the appliance to cool for at least 30 minutes after use. The basket, crisper plate, and interior can retain heat for longer than you'd expect — especially after cooking at higher temperatures.
Clean the Basket and Crisper Plate
Remove the basket and crisper plate from the air fryer. These are the parts that collect the most grease and food residue, and they need cleaning after every use.
- Fill your sink with warm water and add a small squeeze of washing-up liquid.
- Submerge the basket and crisper plate and leave them to soak for 10–15 minutes. This softens any stuck-on food and makes cleaning much easier.
- Use a soft sponge to wash both parts thoroughly. For crevices, grooves, or the underside of the crisper plate, use a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush.
- Rinse well with clean warm water to remove all soap residue.
- Dry with a clean tea towel or kitchen roll, or leave to air dry completely before reassembling.
Clean the Interior and Heating Element
With the basket removed, you'll be able to see inside the air fryer chamber. Grease and food splatter collect here over time and are the most common cause of smoke and unpleasant odours during cooking.
- Dampen a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and a drop of washing-up liquid.
- Wipe down the interior walls and base of the chamber carefully.
- For the heating element (located at the top of the interior), use a soft-bristle brush to gently dislodge any grease or crumbs. Wipe with a lightly damp cloth.
- Follow up with a clean damp cloth to remove any soap residue.
- Dry the interior thoroughly with kitchen roll before reassembling. Moisture left near the heating element can cause issues when the appliance is next used.
Wipe Down the Exterior
The outside of your air fryer picks up grease, dust, and fingerprints over time — particularly around the handle and control panel.
- Wipe the outer casing with a lightly damp microfibre cloth. A tiny drop of washing-up liquid on the cloth can help with greasy patches.
- For the control panel, use a dry or barely damp cloth. Avoid getting moisture into button gaps or touchscreen areas.
- Clear any dust from the air vents using a dry soft brush. Blocked vents restrict airflow and can affect cooking performance.
Dry Thoroughly and Reassemble
This step matters more than it might seem. Before reassembling your air fryer, make absolutely sure that:
- The basket and crisper plate are completely dry — no damp patches
- The interior chamber is dry, especially around the heating element
- No cleaning cloths or kitchen roll have been left inside
Once everything is dry, slot the crisper plate back into the basket and slide the basket back into the air fryer. Store in a dry, well-ventilated spot — not in a cupboard that traps moisture.
How to Remove Stubborn Grease and Burnt-On Food
If soaking alone doesn't shift it, there are two household ingredients that work brilliantly on stubborn air fryer grease — and you almost certainly have both of them already.
Bicarbonate of Soda Paste
Mix 30g of bicarbonate of soda with 15ml of water to form a thick, spreadable paste — these are COSORI's own recommended quantities. Apply the paste directly to the affected area of the basket or crisper plate using a sponge, leave it to sit for 15 minutes, then scrub gently and rinse thoroughly with soap and warm water. Bicarbonate of soda is mildly abrasive but won't damage the non-stick coating when used with a soft sponge or brush.
White Vinegar and Cornstarch Paste (for the Interior)
For stubborn grease inside the air fryer chamber, COSORI recommends this method: mix 230ml of white vinegar with 15g of cornstarch in a small pot and heat over a medium hob until the mixture thickens. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then apply the paste to the affected areas and leave for around 20 minutes. Wipe away with kitchen roll or a soft cloth. This is particularly effective on the interior walls where liquid cleaners can be difficult to control.
Lemon Juice
A natural alternative to vinegar. Squeeze some lemon juice onto a soft cloth and wipe the interior. It's particularly effective against fishy or lingering food smells, and leaves the air fryer smelling fresh.
What Not to Do When Cleaning Your Air Fryer
- Don't use metal scourers or abrasive pads — they scratch and permanently damage the non-stick coating
- Don't submerge the main unit in water — only the basket and removable accessories should go near water
- Don't use high-pressure water — the force can damage seals and push moisture into electrical components
- Don't clean it while it's still hot — always allow at least 30 minutes to cool
- Don't put it away damp — trapped moisture encourages mould and can damage the appliance over time
- Don't skip the heating element — this is the most overlooked part, and grease build-up here is the most common cause of smoking
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Yes — COSORI's inner and outer baskets are dishwasher-safe. That said, COSORI recommends hand washing with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge as standard practice. Dishwashers use high heat and strong detergents that can shorten the lifespan of the basket coating over time, so hand washing will keep your baskets in better condition for longer.
My new air fryer has a plastic smell — how do I get rid of it?
This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. Before cooking for the first time, follow these steps: first, remove all plastic protective films from the air fryer. Then wash the basket with washing-up liquid and allow it to dry fully. Run the empty air fryer at 205°C for 10 minutes. If a smell remains, place 1–2 sliced lemons flat in the basket (or add 100ml of olive oil instead), then run at 200°C for 15 minutes. Allow the basket to cool before giving it a final wash.
Why does my air fryer smell when I use it?
The most common cause is grease or food residue built up on the basket, crisper plate, or heating element. A thorough clean using the steps above should resolve it. For persistent odours, wipe the interior with a white vinegar solution or leave a bowl of lemon water inside after cleaning and run it briefly at a low temperature.
How do I clean the heating element on my air fryer?
Turn the air fryer upside down once it's completely cool and unplugged. Use a soft-bristle brush — an old toothbrush is ideal — to gently dislodge any grease or crumbs from around the heating coil. Wipe carefully with a lightly damp cloth, then dry thoroughly before using the appliance again. Never use water directly on the element.
My air fryer is smoking — what should I do?
A little white smoke is usually caused by grease on the heating element or pooled in the base of the drawer. Switch off the appliance immediately, allow it to cool, and clean the basket, crisper plate, and interior thoroughly. For fatty foods, adding a small amount of water (1–2 tablespoons) to the bottom of the drawer — below the basket — during cooking can help reduce smoke by preventing grease from burning.
Can I use cooking spray in my air fryer?
Avoid aerosol cooking sprays — they contain propellants that can damage the non-stick coating over time, causing it to peel or degrade. Instead, lightly brush or drizzle a small amount of oil directly onto the food, or use a refillable oil mister.
How do I clean an air fryer that hasn't been cleaned in a long time?
Start by soaking the basket and crisper plate in hot soapy water for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for very stubborn build-up. Apply a bicarbonate of soda paste to any baked-on areas and leave for 20 minutes before scrubbing gently. For the interior, use a white vinegar solution and a soft brush to work through the grease layer by layer. It may take more than one pass, but the appliance will be recoverable in most cases.
Want to get more from your air fryer? Explore the full COSORI range — built for everyday British kitchens.
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