How to Degrease an Air Fryer to Remove Stubborn Stickiness and Old Odors Fast

An air fryer is so quick and easy to use that you might forget to clean it when you’re done—but thoughtful maintenance is key for the appliance's functionality and longevity. Grease and residue can eventually come into contact with the air fryer's heating elements and potentially ignite. It's also a breeding ground for odors, mold, and bacteria that could be transferred to your food. "Imagine heating up french fries that taste like last night’s salmon,” says cleaning expert Derek Christian.

Degreasing is a critical part of cleaning your air fryer, though it takes particular care, especially when it comes to the nonstick surfaces and heating elements. Below, we consulted cleaning and appliance experts to find out how to best degrease an air fryer without causing any damage to its components.

How to Degrease an Air Fryer, Step-by-Step

“It’s very important to degrease your air fryer because it can very quickly build up residue from food, oils, and fats,” explains cook and recipe developer Emmy Clinton. “This can affect cooking, lead to bad smells that get into food, and cause smoke.” 

Clinton warns against using chemical cleaners or harsh materials to scrub your air fryer, as they can do more harm than good. Some simple household essentials are all you need.

Materials Needed:

• Dawn dish soap (or other degreasing dish soap)
• Warm water
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Non-abrasive sponge or rag
• Rubber gloves
• Silicone or nylon cleaning brush (or an old toothbrush)
• Microfiber cloth

Instructions:

1. After use, unplug your air fryer and allow it to cool completely. Then, disassemble any of the removable parts
2. Fill your sink with warm, soapy water. Soak suitable removable parts for 20 to 30 minutes to loosen any stubborn grease.
3. Mix baking soda with a little water to make a paste. Using rubber gloves, rub the baking soda paste over the interior of the air fryer, being careful to avoid the heating components.
4. Let the paste sit for 10 to 20 minutes, leaving it on longer for heavily greased or soiled areas.
5. Spray the interior of your air-fryer with white vinegar until the baking soda fizzes. The baking soda helps dissolve grease, while the vinegar should eliminate odors. Let sit for 10 minutes.
6. Gently scrub the interior using a non-abrasive sponge or dampened rag, paying special attention to stubborn, greasy spots. Use a plastic or silicone scraper, an old toothbrush, or a nylon cleaning brush for hard-to-reach crevices. (Never use knives or metal tools to avoid damage to electrical elements and non-stick coatings.)
7. Dry completely with a clean microfiber cloth before reassembling.

Simple Habits That'll Prevent Future Grease Buildup

To make degreasing easier, try these sensible tips to prevent grease and residue from building up in the first place.

• Clean your air fryer every time you use it. This means washing any parts that come in contact with food (like the tray or basket) with warm, soapy water and wiping the interior with a damp cloth.
• Use smaller amounts of oil when cooking, suggests Clinton, to instantly cut down on excess residue.
• Line the interior with parchment paper. This will make cleanup a breeze.
• Avoid using non-stick sprays in your air fryer. These can cause a gummy grease residue, says appliance expert Dennis Godynuk. 

Maintaining a clean, grease-free air fryer will ensure your appliance remains safe and functional for future meals—a small price to pay for all the convenience it offers!