No One Knows This Quick Way to Make Your Air Fryer Shine
If your air fryer basket has a stubborn layer of grease and baked-on food, you don’t need to spend ages scrubbing it. A simple hot-water soak with dishwashing liquid can loosen much of the residue and make the final cleaning much easier.
Manufacturers such as Philips recommend soaking a dirty basket or pan in hot water with dishwashing liquid for about 5–15 minutes, depending on the model and how stubborn the residue is. (Philips)
The Easy Cleaning Method
What You Need
Hot water
A few drops of grease-cutting dishwashing liquid
A soft, non-abrasive sponge
A soft cloth
A soft brush for hard-to-reach areas
Step 1: Let the Air Fryer Cool
Turn the appliance off, unplug it, and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
Remove the basket and pan so they can cool faster. (Philips)
Step 2: Soak the Basket
Place the basket in the pan and fill it with hot water and dishwashing liquid.
Let it soak for approximately 10 minutes. The warm, soapy water helps loosen grease and stuck-on food. (Philips Documents)
For particularly stubborn residue, a slightly longer soak may be useful, provided your manufacturer’s instructions allow it.
Step 3: Wipe Gently
Use a soft, non-abrasive sponge to remove the loosened grease and food particles.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing. Many air-fryer baskets and pans have a non-stick coating, which can be damaged by abrasive cleaning materials or metal utensils. (Philips)
Step 4: Clean the Inside
Wipe the inside of the air fryer with a damp, soft sponge or cloth.
For food residue around the heating element, use a soft or medium-bristle brush rather than a hard brush or steel-wool scrubber. (Philips)
Step 5: Rinse and Dry
Rinse the removable parts thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before putting the air fryer back together.
What You Should NOT Use
Avoid:
Steel wool
Metal scrubbers
Knives or sharp objects
Very abrasive cleaning powders
Hard brushes
These can scratch or damage non-stick surfaces. (Philips USA)
Also, don’t immerse the main electrical air-fryer unit in water. Clean the exterior and control panel with a damp cloth instead.
Can You Put the Basket in the Dishwasher?
Some air-fryer baskets and pans are dishwasher-safe, but not every model is the same. Check your appliance’s manual before putting removable parts in the dishwasher. Philips, for example, states that many of its removable air-fryer parts are dishwasher-safe. (Philips)
The Best Habit for Keeping It Clean
Don’t wait until grease has built up for weeks.
Cleaning the basket and removing excess oil after each use can prevent stubborn buildup and can also help reduce smoke during future cooking. (Philips Documents)
Final Thoughts
You don’t need an elaborate “secret” recipe to make a dirty air fryer look clean again.
Hot water + dishwashing liquid + a short soak + a soft sponge is a simple method recommended by appliance manufacturers for loosening stuck-on food and grease.
The key is to let the soaking do the hard work instead of attacking the non-stick coating with abrasive tools. (Philips)
