How to Clean a Greasy Air Fryer Basket in Under 10 Minutes

The Easy, No-Scrub Air Fryer Cleaning Method

Air fryers are absolute lifesavers for quick meals, but cleaning the stubborn, baked-on grease from the basket is easily the worst part of using them. Worse yet, using abrasive scrubbers like steel wool will permanently scrape off the delicate non-stick coating. Luckily, you can melt away the toughest grease in under 10 minutes using simple household ingredients.

What You Need

• Liquid dish soap (preferably a grease-cutting brand)
• Baking soda (2 tablespoons)
• Hot water
• A non-scratch sponge or microfiber cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Step 1: Let the basket cool slightly. Never plunge a piping-hot air fryer basket directly into cold water, as extreme temperature changes can warp the metal or crack the non-stick coating. Let it cool until it is warm to the touch.
• Step 2: Add the cleaning agents. Squirt a generous tablespoon of dish soap into the bottom of the basket. Sprinkle two tablespoons of baking soda evenly over the greasy grate and the bottom chamber.
• Step 3: Fill with hot water. Pour hot tap water into the basket until the greasy grate and dirty surfaces are fully submerged.
• Step 4: Let it soak for 5 to 7 minutes. The heat from the water combined with the grease-cutting properties of the dish soap and the gentle alkalinity of the baking soda will naturally break down the baked-on oils. You will actually see the grease begin to float to the surface.
• Step 5: Wipe away the residue. Empty the dirty water into the sink. Take your non-scratch sponge and gently wipe down the basket and grate. The loosened grease and food particles should slide right off without any heavy muscle power.
• Step 6: Rinse and dry thoroughly. Rinse the basket under warm running water to remove any soapy residue. Dry it completely with a clean towel, or pop it back into the air fryer base and run it for 2 minutes at 350°F to evaporate all moisture.

Pro-Tips to Prevent Future Grease Buildup

To keep your air fryer cleaner for longer, follow these simple rules:

• Stop using aerosol cooking sprays. Commercial aerosol sprays contain propellants like lecithin that build up over time, creating a sticky, chemical film that is incredibly difficult to remove. Switch to a refillable oil mister filled with pure avocado or olive oil.
• Use parchment liners. For messy, sticky foods like marinated wings or melted cheese, use air-fryer-safe perforated parchment paper liners to catch the mess before it hits the metal grate.