How to Clean an Air Fryer: Remove Grease and Burnt-On Food

Greasy air fryer basket? Burnt-on food that won't budge? Learn how to clean an air fryer properly, remove stubborn grease and protect non-stick surfaces with our easy step-by-step guide.

The quick answer: To clean an air fryer, switch it off, unplug it and allow it to cool completely. Remove the basket and tray, clear away loose food debris and wash with warm, soapy water. For stubborn grease and baked-on residue, use a specialist non-caustic air fryer cleaner such as GLEAN Air Fryer Foaming Cleaner. Apply to suitable cooled surfaces, allow the foam to work according to the label, then wipe and rinse thoroughly. Avoid abrasive scourers that could damage the non-stick coating.

By the GLEAN team · Updated October 2026

Air fryers have become a kitchen essential in homes across the UK. They're convenient, versatile and make everything from crispy chips to roast chicken with less added oil than traditional deep frying.

But even without a pan full of oil, air fryers still get greasy.

Cooking oils, food juices, crumbs and burnt-on residue build up in the basket, tray and surrounding surfaces. Leave them too long and they become harder to remove, causing unpleasant cooking smells and making the appliance less pleasant to use.

The good news? Cleaning your air fryer doesn't have to involve endless scrubbing or harsh abrasive cleaners.

This guide explains how to clean an air fryer, remove stubborn grease, care for non-stick coatings and keep your appliance looking its best.

Why Do Air Fryers Get So Greasy?

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food to cook it quickly and evenly. Although they generally require less added oil than deep-fat frying, grease and food residue still collect during cooking.

Common causes include:

• Cooking oils and fats: Oil from foods such as chips, sausages and chicken settles on the basket and tray.

• Food crumbs: Breadcrumbs, seasoning and small pieces of food collect beneath the basket.

• Burnt-on residue: Repeated heating can make grease and food deposits harder to remove.

• Overfilled baskets: Crowded food can release additional moisture and grease, creating more mess.

• Infrequent cleaning: Leaving grease between cooking sessions allows residue to build up.

Over time, these deposits can cause unwanted smells, smoke during cooking and a sticky coating on removable parts.

Regular cleaning is the simplest way to prevent a small amount of grease becoming a stubborn cleaning job.

What You'll Need to Clean an Air Fryer

Before starting, gather a few simple cleaning essentials:

• Warm water and washing-up liquid

• A soft sponge or non-abrasive cloth

• Microfibre cloth or kitchen towel

• A soft cleaning brush for awkward areas

• Rubber gloves

• GLEAN Air Fryer Foaming Cleaner 500ml for stubborn grease and food residue

Important: Always unplug your air fryer and let it cool completely before cleaning. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, especially for removable parts, non-stick coatings and electrical components.

How to Clean an Air Fryer Step by Step

Whether you own a Ninja, Philips, Tower, Tefal or another air fryer, the basic cleaning principles are similar. Always check your specific appliance's cleaning instructions first.

1. Switch Off and Let the Air Fryer Cool

Unplug your air fryer and allow it to cool completely.

Never apply cleaning sprays to a hot appliance. Hot surfaces can cause cleaners to evaporate rapidly and may create unnecessary fumes or damage.

Once cool, carefully remove the basket, crisper plate and any other detachable cooking accessories.

2. Remove Loose Food and Grease

Use kitchen towel to remove loose crumbs, food particles and excess cooking oil.

Pay particular attention to:

• The bottom of the air fryer basket

• Removable crisper plates

• Corners and grooves

• Areas where cooking juices collect

Removing loose debris first makes the deeper cleaning process easier.

3. Wash the Basket and Tray

Use warm water, washing-up liquid and a soft sponge to remove everyday grease.

For food that is stuck to the surface, allow the removable basket or tray to soak in warm, soapy water for around 10–15 minutes, provided the manufacturer's instructions permit it.

Avoid metal scourers, sharp utensils and abrasive pads. These can scratch or damage protective non-stick coatings.

If grease remains after washing, move on to a specialist cleaner.

4. Remove Stubborn Grease with GLEAN Air Fryer Foaming Cleaner

For stubborn deposits, a specialist air fryer cleaning spray can make the job easier.

GLEAN Air Fryer Foaming Cleaner uses a non-caustic foaming formula designed to break down grease, food residue and baked-on deposits.

The foam coats the affected surface, helping the cleaning ingredients work on greasy build-up before wiping.

How to use GLEAN Air Fryer Foaming Cleaner:

1. Make sure the appliance is unplugged and all surfaces are completely cool.

2. Remove loose food debris and excess grease.

3. Shake the 500ml aerosol thoroughly.

4. Spray evenly onto suitable removable surfaces from approximately 15–20cm away.

5. Allow the foam to work for the time specified on the product label.

6. Wipe away the loosened grease with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge.

7. Rinse food-contact surfaces thoroughly with clean water to remove cleaning residue.

8. Repeat if necessary for particularly stubborn deposits, following the label instructions.

Why use a foaming cleaner?

Unlike thin liquids that quickly run off surfaces, foam helps coat greasy areas and provides more controlled coverage.

GLEAN's non-caustic, non-abrasive formulation is designed for air fryer baskets and trays, including suitable non-stick surfaces.

Always check appliance compatibility and test an inconspicuous area where appropriate.

Do not spray into vents, electrical parts, fans or heating elements.

GLEAN Air Fryer Foaming Cleaner 500ml

Non-caustic foaming cleaner for air fryer baskets, trays, ovens, grills and BBQs. 500ml £11.99.

Shop Air Fryer Cleaner

5. Clean the Inside of the Air Fryer

With the basket removed, check the inside of the appliance for grease and food deposits.

Use a slightly damp, soft cloth or sponge to wipe accessible interior surfaces, following the manufacturer's guidance.

Take particular care around the heating element and fan.

Never spray cleaning chemicals directly onto electrical components or immerse the main air fryer unit in water.

For grease around the heating element, refer to your appliance manual. Some manufacturers recommend a damp sponge or soft brush rather than a chemical cleaning spray.

6. Rinse, Dry and Reassemble

Once cleaning is complete, thoroughly rinse any food-contact components and remove all traces of cleaning product.

Allow the basket, tray and other removable parts to dry completely before replacing them.

Your air fryer is now ready for its next cooking session.

How to Remove Burnt-On Grease from an Air Fryer

Burnt-on grease can be particularly frustrating. It often appears as a dark, sticky layer around the basket edges, crisper plate or tray.

Ordinary washing-up liquid may struggle to remove older deposits without repeated scrubbing.

The best approach depends on how heavily the grease has built up.

Avoid trying to scrape stubborn deposits away with knives, metal utensils or wire wool.

A scratched non-stick coating is more than a cosmetic problem. Damaged surfaces can become harder to clean and may require replacement components.

Is a Non-Caustic Air Fryer Cleaner Better?

Many traditional heavy-duty oven cleaners contain highly alkaline, caustic ingredients designed for difficult baked-on deposits.

These products are not necessarily appropriate for delicate air fryer components or non-stick baskets.

A non-caustic air fryer cleaner provides an alternative formulated specifically for grease removal without relying on caustic cleaning chemistry.

GLEAN Air Fryer Foaming Cleaner is designed to:

• Break down stubborn cooking grease and food residue.

• Help loosen baked-on deposits.

• Provide convenient foaming coverage.

• Clean suitable non-stick baskets and trays without abrasive scrubbing.

• Support regular appliance cleaning.

• Work across a range of compatible kitchen cooking surfaces.

Non-caustic does not mean chemical-free or suitable for every material. Always read the label, follow the instructions and rinse food-contact surfaces thoroughly.

Can You Use GLEAN Air Fryer Cleaner on Ovens, Grills and BBQs?

Yes. One of the advantages of GLEAN Air Fryer Foaming Cleaner is that it isn't limited to air fryers.

The formula is also designed for several other grease-prone kitchen surfaces.

Suitable applications include:

• Ovens: Compatible interior surfaces, trays and racks.

• Grills: Removable grill components and suitable cooking surfaces.

• BBQs: Suitable grates, hoods and exterior surfaces.

• Stovetops: Compatible areas affected by cooking grease.

• Extractor hoods: Greasy surfaces and appropriate removable components.

• Kitchen splashbacks: Suitable hard surfaces affected by cooking oil.

Always use the cleaner on completely cool surfaces, test an inconspicuous area and follow the relevant appliance manufacturer's guidance.

For removable cooking surfaces, thoroughly rinse away all cleaner before returning them to use.

Common Air Fryer Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Some popular cleaning methods can do more harm than good.

Using abrasive scourers

Wire wool, metal brushes and abrasive pads can scratch non-stick coatings. Choose a soft sponge or suitable non-abrasive cleaning tool instead.

Cleaning the appliance while hot

Always allow the air fryer to cool completely. Cleaning sprays should never be applied to hot cooking surfaces.

Spraying cleaner into the heating element

Heating elements, fans and electrical components should be cleaned according to the appliance manufacturer's guidance, not sprayed directly with degreasers.

Using unsuitable oven cleaners

Not every oven cleaner is suitable for an air fryer. Check the cleaner's recommended surfaces and the air fryer's manual before use.

Leaving cleaning product behind

Air fryer baskets and trays come into direct contact with food. Thorough rinsing is essential after using cleaning products.

Allowing grease to build up

The longer grease stays on cooking surfaces, the more difficult it can become to remove. Regular maintenance saves time and effort.

How Often Should You Clean an Air Fryer?

The right cleaning routine depends on how frequently you use your air fryer and what you're cooking.

As a general guide:

Cooking bacon, sausages, burgers or other fatty foods may leave more residue than heating bread or vegetables.

A quick clean after each use is usually easier than tackling several weeks of hardened grease.

How to Keep Your Air Fryer Cleaner for Longer

A few simple habits can help prevent grease and food residue building up.

• Don't overload the basket. Leave enough space for air to circulate properly.

• Remove grease after cooking. Once cool, wipe away excess oil and food debris.

• Use accessories correctly. Only use liners or accessories approved for your appliance, and never block airflow.

• Clean removable parts regularly. Don't allow food residue to build up between uses.

• Avoid excessive oil. Use only as much as your recipe requires.

• Deal with stubborn grease early. A suitable specialist cleaner can help before deposits become heavily baked on.

Regular care helps keep your air fryer clean, fresh and ready for everyday cooking.

Why Choose GLEAN Air Fryer Foaming Cleaner?

If you regularly use your air fryer, you already know that stubborn grease can be harder to remove than the meal was to cook.

GLEAN Air Fryer Foaming Cleaner 500ml is designed to make that cleaning job more manageable.

Its specialist foaming formula helps lift cooking grease and food deposits without the need for aggressive abrasive scrubbing.

Key benefits:

• Non-caustic foaming formula.

• Designed for air fryer baskets, trays and suitable non-stick surfaces.

• Helps remove stubborn grease and baked-on food residue.

• Convenient aerosol application.

• Also suitable for compatible ovens, grills, BBQs and other kitchen surfaces.

• Available in a handy 500ml size.

Whether you're tackling a greasy air fryer basket after Sunday lunch or giving your kitchen appliances a deeper clean, GLEAN offers a practical solution for removing stubborn cooking residue.

Shop GLEAN Air Fryer Foaming Cleaner 500ml

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to clean an air fryer?

The best way to clean an air fryer is to unplug it, allow it to cool completely and remove the detachable basket and tray. Wash away everyday grease with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. For stubborn deposits, a specialist non-caustic air fryer cleaner such as GLEAN Air Fryer Foaming Cleaner can help loosen grease before wiping and rinsing.

How do you remove stubborn burnt-on grease from an air fryer?

Start by soaking removable parts in warm, soapy water if the manufacturer permits it. For stubborn grease, apply a compatible specialist degreaser, allow it to work according to the instructions, then gently wipe away the softened residue. Avoid metal scrapers or abrasive pads.

Can I use oven cleaner in an air fryer?

Not every oven cleaner is suitable for air fryers. Some heavy-duty formulas may be too aggressive for non-stick coatings and other delicate components. Choose a cleaner specifically approved for the surfaces you want to treat, and always check the appliance instructions.

Is GLEAN Air Fryer Foaming Cleaner safe for non-stick baskets?

GLEAN Air Fryer Foaming Cleaner is a non-abrasive formula intended for suitable non-stick air fryer baskets and trays. Always check the appliance manufacturer's recommendations, avoid damaged coatings and rinse treated food-contact surfaces thoroughly after use.

Can I clean my air fryer with bicarbonate of soda and vinegar?

Bicarbonate of soda and vinegar are often suggested as household cleaning alternatives, but mixing them creates a fizzing reaction that does not necessarily remove stubborn cooking grease effectively. Abrasive scrubbing with bicarbonate can also be unsuitable for delicate coatings. A cleaner formulated for grease removal may be a more practical option. Never mix household cleaning products with GLEAN Air Fryer Foaming Cleaner.

How often should I deep clean my air fryer?

Clean the basket and tray after each use. Check regularly for sticky grease and baked-on deposits, particularly if you cook fatty foods. A more thorough clean every week or as needed can help prevent heavier build-up.

Can GLEAN Air Fryer Cleaner be used on a Ninja air fryer?

GLEAN is formulated for suitable air fryer baskets and trays, including non-stick surfaces. However, Ninja appliances vary by model and material. Always check your specific Ninja manual and the cleaner's label before use. Do not spray electrical components, fans or heating elements.

Do I need to rinse my air fryer after using a foaming cleaner?

Yes. All food-contact surfaces should be thoroughly rinsed with clean water after cleaning to remove any remaining product residue. Allow the components to dry completely before reassembling the appliance.

Keep Your Air Fryer Clean with GLEAN

Cleaning your air fryer doesn't need to be a difficult or time-consuming job.

Regular washing keeps everyday grease under control, while a suitable foaming cleaner can help tackle stubborn food deposits when ordinary washing-up liquid isn't enough.

With its non-caustic formula and convenient application, GLEAN Air Fryer Foaming Cleaner is designed to make everyday kitchen cleaning easier, helping you spend less time dealing with burnt-on grease and more time enjoying your cooking.

Discover GLEAN Air Fryer Foaming Cleaner

Explore more specialist cleaning solutions in the GLEAN Indoor Cleaners collection.

Burnt-on grease in the basket? Spray, leave, wipe

Non-caustic foaming cleaner for air fryer baskets, trays, ovens, grills and BBQs. 500ml £11.99.

Shop Air Fryer Cleaner