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Air fryer cleaning checklist: what to do, and what never to do
A six-slide do-and-don't checklist for cleaning an air fryer safely: soak the basket, wipe the heating area, keep water out of the base. Plus the two cheap tools worth owning.
Quick answer: Unplug the air fryer, let it cool, then soak only the removable basket and tray in warm soapy water in the sink. Never put water or oven cleaner in the base, and wipe the heating area with a damp cloth after every cook. Always check your model's manual first.
At a glance
- SAFE FIRST – electricity and water do not mix: the soak is for the basket and tray only.
- SHORT HABIT, FEWER SCRUBS – a wipe after each cook stops grease from baking on over many cycles.
- PROTECT THE COATING – a non-scratch sponge and a soft-bristle brush listed as safe for non-stick cookware are enough.
- TWO CHEAP TOOLS – nothing here needs a special air fryer cleaner.
- POST-READY – the six-slide do-and-don't checklist is sized for TikTok photo mode and Instagram.
The do-and-don't checklist
Do
- Unplug the air fryer and let it cool completely.
- Remove the basket and drawer and soak them in warm soapy water in the sink; Tom's Guide describes a roughly 20-minute soak.
- Scrub with a non-scratch sponge and a brush for corners, rinse and dry completely.
- Wipe the heating-element area with a damp cloth after each cook once cool.
Don't
- Clean it while it is plugged in or hot.
- Put water, a dishwasher tablet or cleaner inside the base: the reference TikTok even warns against adding more than 1 inch of water in its own method.
- Use oven cleaner or a soaking-wet sponge near the heating element.
- Use abrasive pads on non-stick coatings.
Carousel kit: ready to post
Download each slide as a 1080 x 1350 image: slide 1, slide 2, slide 3, slide 4, slide 5, slide 6.
The kit fits TikTok photo mode (up to 35 images, title up to 90 characters) and an Instagram carousel (up to 10 images, caption up to 2,200 characters and up to 30 hashtags).
SellPix Social is not currently enrolled in Amazon Associates. These are standard Amazon.com product links; we do not earn commissions from them. Air fryer cleaning, the safe way: soak the basket, never the base. #airfryer #cleaninghacks #cleantok #kitchentips
The two tools
Scotch-Brite Zero Scratch Scrub Sponges, 6 Count
Everyday scrub sponges whose current Amazon listing calls them Zero Scratch and says they are safe on most surfaces, including nonstick cookware.
OXO Good Grips Soap Dispensing Dish Brush
A long-handled brush that holds dish soap in the handle and has a built-in scraper; the bristles are listed as safe for non-stick cookware.
| Scotch-Brite Zero Scratch, 6 count | OXO Soap Dispensing Dish Brush | |
|---|---|---|
| Use for | Flat surfaces | Corners and ridges |
| Coating safety | Listed as safe on non-stick cookware | Nylon bristles listed as safe on non-stick cookware |
| Replace | Inspect for wear; follow package guidance | Replaceable brush head |
| Avoid | Stainless steel exteriors | Heavy burnt-on residue that needs a stiffer brush |
FAQ
Can I put the air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Many baskets are dishwasher-safe, but check your manual; coatings differ.
How often should I clean my air fryer?
Wipe the heating area after each cook once it is cool, and wash the basket and tray as needed so grease does not bake on.
Is the dishwasher-tablet hack safe?
Tom's Guide describes it for the removable basket in the sink, not inside the appliance. We have not tested it.
Can I use vinegar or lemon?
Some creators run a water-and-vinegar or lemon steam cycle to reduce smells; follow your manual before doing so.
How we researched this
We did not buy or test these products. This guide is a research summary: product facts come from the Amazon listings and the makers' pages (read on 2026-10-09), and anything we call "tested" is credited to the person or publication that tested it. Prices, ratings and stock are not shown because they change daily; check the Amazon page.
Sources
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