Are you looking for how to clean grease from air fryer basket? Keeping your air fryer in good condition is key to enjoying healthier and tastier meals while also maintaining its performance.

Over time, grease and food residues can build up on the basket and even grease build up on the kitchen cabinets & gas grill, which can lead to unwanted odours similar to burnt smells in rooms, affect cooking efficiency, and even leave residue in your meals.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to remove stubborn grease step-by-step and share tips on maintaining a spotless air fryer basket for longer-lasting results.

How Often Should You Clean Your Air Fryer Basket?

The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you use your air fryer and the types of food you cook. For good hygiene and best performance:

• Light Clean After Every Use: Wipe down or do a quick wash of the basket and pan after each use to remove any leftover food particles or oils.
• Deep Clean Weekly: If you use your air fryer several times a week, consider doing a more thorough clean at least once weekly to avoid any baked-on grease or food residues.

Cleaning regularly can save you from dealing with difficult grease later on, keeping your air fryer running smoothly and enhancing the flavours in your food.

Why Does Grease Buildup in the Air Fryer Basket?

Air fryers work by circulating hot air, which can cause grease, oils, and small food particles to stick to the basket, especially at high temperatures. With repeated use, grease can harden on surfaces, making it challenging to remove with just a quick rinse.

This buildup not only makes cleaning harder over time but can also affect the quality of your food and the efficiency of your air fryer.

Step By Step Guide On How to Clean Grease from Air Fryer Basket

Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Before you start cleaning, gather these essential supplies to make the process quick and effective:

• Mild Dish Soap: Helps to break down light grease without damaging the basket’s surface.
• Baking Soda: Naturally abrasive, perfect for tackling stubborn, baked-on grease.
• White Vinegar: A powerful, natural degreaser that also eliminates odours.
• Soft-Bristle Brush or Sponge: Ideal for scrubbing without scratching non-stick surfaces.
• Microfiber Cloth: For drying and polishing to avoid water spots and streaks.

Having these items on hand will ensure that you can tackle any level of grease buildup without damaging your air fryer.

Step 2: Pre-Soak the Air Fryer Basket

To start, remove the basket from the air fryer and give it a quick rinse to remove loose crumbs. Next:

1. Fill a Sink with Hot, Soapy Water: Use mild dish soap and hot water to help break down oils.
2. Submerge the Basket and Pan: Allow them to soak for 10–15 minutes. This will soften any hardened grease and make scrubbing easier.
3. Rinse Lightly: After soaking, give them a quick rinse to remove any loose grease.

Soaking is a simple way to reduce scrubbing time and ensure a cleaner basket.

Step 3: Apply Baking Soda and Vinegar for Stubborn Grease

For areas with heavy grease buildup, baking soda and vinegar work wonders. Here’s how to use them effectively:

1. Sprinkle Baking Soda Over Greasy Areas: After soaking, sprinkle baking soda on the areas with the most stubborn grease.
2. Spray or Dab with Vinegar: Add white vinegar to the baking soda, letting it bubble. This reaction helps break down tough, baked-on grease.
3. Let it Sit: Allow the mixture to sit for 5–10 minutes to work on the grease.
4. Gently Scrub: Using a soft-bristle brush or non-abrasive sponge, scrub the basket. Avoid using steel wool or any abrasive scrubbing pads, as they can scratch and damage the basket’s surface.

Baking soda and vinegar are excellent natural cleaners that make grease removal easy without needing harsh chemicals.

Step 4: Scrub and Remove Remaining Grease Residue

If there’s still residual grease, a gentle but thorough scrubbing is essential. Here’s how to finish off any remaining residue:

1. Focus on Stubborn Spots: For any areas with hardened grease, continue scrubbing with the baking soda and vinegar mixture.
2. Avoid Abrasive Tools: Avoid steel wool or harsh scrubbing tools, which can scratch or strip the basket’s coating.
3. Rinse with Warm Water: Once you’re satisfied, rinse the basket thoroughly with warm water to remove any cleaning residues.

If grease persists after multiple cleanings, it may be a sign of neglect, and more frequent maintenance will help prevent it in the future.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry the Basket Properly

Once the grease has been removed, it’s important to rinse and dry the basket thoroughly:

1. Rinse with Clean, Warm Water: Ensure all soap, baking soda, and vinegar are rinsed away to avoid leaving residues on the basket.
2. Dry Completely: Use a microfiber cloth to dry the basket, or place it on a rack to air dry. Microfiber cloths help prevent water spots and leave the basket shiny.

Leaving your air fryer basket to dry completely is essential, as residual moisture can encourage rust or streaks, especially on stainless steel parts.

Tips for Keeping Your Air Fryer Basket Clean Longer

To make cleaning easier and prevent grease buildup, consider adopting a few maintenance habits:

• Quick Clean After Each Use: A quick rinse or wipe-down prevents grease from hardening.
• Use Baking Paper or Liners: These can reduce the amount of food and grease that comes in contact with the basket, making it easier to clean.
• Avoid Overloading: Cooking too much at once can increase splattering, so try to avoid overfilling the basket.

Incorporating these habits will keep your air fryer in top condition and make regular cleaning a breeze.

Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

When cleaning your air fryer, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Using Abrasive Tools: Avoid steel wool or rough scouring pads that can scratch the non-stick coating.
• Skipping Regular Cleaning: Regular cleaning makes deep cleaning quicker and prevents stubborn buildup.
• Soaking Too Long: Prolonged soaking, especially with vinegar, can cause wear on certain parts, so stick to recommended soak times.

Following these tips will help maintain the quality and functionality of your air fryer basket over time.

Essential Cleaning Supplies for Air Fryer Basket

Cleaning Item	Purpose	Benefit
Mild dish soap	General grease removal	Gentle on surfaces
Baking soda	Tackles stubborn grease	Non-abrasive
White vinegar	Dissolves grease and odours	Natural and effective degreaser
Soft-bristle brush	Scrubbing without scratching	Safe for non-stick surfaces
Microfiber cloth	Drying and polishing	Prevents water spots

Conclusion

Keeping your air fryer basket clean is straightforward with the right tools and routine. By following these steps and tips on how to clean grease from air fryer basket, you’ll ensure your air fryer remains efficient and safe to use, delivering delicious, healthy meals every time.

Regular maintenance can go a long way toward preventing stubborn grease buildup and preserving the appliance’s quality over time.

FAQs About Air Fryer Basket Cleaning

1. Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?

Many air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe, but it’s best to check the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging the coating.

2. What if my air fryer basket has burnt-on residue?

Use the baking soda and vinegar method for burnt-on residue, and soak it longer if needed to loosen the burn marks.

3. How often should I clean my air fryer basket?

Ideally, after every use with a deep clean once a week, depending on frequency and type of use.

4. Are there any cleaners to avoid for my air fryer?

Avoid using harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive powders as they can damage the coating on your basket.