Cleaning an Air Fryer Basket: 3 Easy Methods

Step aside, deep fryer. The air fryingr has become the ideal appliance for preparing crispy and delicious food without oil.

Although air fryers make cooking healthier and easier, cleanup can be a pain. Unlike you ovenwhich can take a long time without proper cleaning, your air fryer basket needs to be scrubbed after every use. Here’s what you need to know about cleaning an air fryer basket.

What you need

Hot water
Mild dish soap
Non-abrasive sponge
Soft brush (optional)
*Vinegar (optional)
* Baking soda (optional)

Do not mix vinegar with baking soda.

3 Ways to Clean an Air Fryer Basket

Cleaning an air fryer basket isn’t the most difficult household task you’ll ever tackle, but it does take some time and the right tools so it’s ready for the next batch of treats you’re about to prepare.

While it is always best to read the owner’s manual that comes with your air fryer, these are the most common ways to clean an air fryer basket.

Always allow your air fryer to cool completely before attempting to wash it.

Basic hand washing method

Wash hands It may take some time, but it is always a safe bet for kitchen appliances.

You are not lazy if you soak the basket of your air fryer for a while with warm soapy water. It is recommended by many experts and most likely in the owner’s manual as well.

Once you have allowed the air fryer to cool, remove the basket and take it to the sink.
Fill the basket with warm water and add some mild detergent to create foam. Let it soak for at least 10 minutes.
Scrub stains gently with a non-abrasive sponge.

Dishwashing method

Many brands make air fryer baskets that are dishwasher safe, but check your owner’s manual before making assumptions about yours.

Remove any large food particles from the air fryer basket.
Add it to the top rack and run a wash cycle.
If the basket is not dry after the cycle, wipe it with a dry cloth or allow it to air dry before placing it back in the air fryer.

Deodorizing and disinfecting stubborn dirt and odors

If a long soak in the sink or dishwasher isn’t enough to remove odors and stuck-on residue, try this:

If you have a portable steam cleaner, feel free to point it at the basket of your air fryer. Follow the directions on your steamer for a safe, chemical-free way to deep clean your appliance.
Mix vinegar with water in a 1-1 ratio and spray on the affected areas. Scrub lightly with a sponge.
Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply to the affected areas, let it sit for a while and then scrub.

Make sure that the basket of your air fryer is completely dry before placing it back in the appliance.

Professional tips for maintaining an Airfryer

Here are some quick maintenance tips to keep your air fryer in top condition for many meals to come:

Let it cool completely. Never attempt to clean an appliance while it is still hot.
Remove loose food particles. Shake the air fryer basket well to remove larger ingredients.
Stick to mild cleaning products. Use only gentle, non-abrasive cleaning products such as a sponge, brush or cloth; nothing with hard bristles that could scratch the metal.
Choose natural ingredients for a deeper cleanse. While soaking in sudsy water made with Dawn dish soap can help, consider using vinegar or baking soda for a deeper clean. Just don’t use them together unless you want your air fryer to look like a buzzy science experiment!
Allow it to dry completely before replacing the parts. Reassembling an air fryer while the basket is wet is a surefire way to develop rust and even mold – two ingredients you should definitely avoid. not want to be included in your next meal. The easiest way is to let removable parts air dry. Clean parts that cannot be removed with a damp cloth and then with a dry one.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best cleaning products for an air fryer basket?

The best cleaning products are the gentlest ones you have on hand: consider mild dish soap, a non-abrasive sponge, and a soft cloth to clean the outside. Tough stains may require a soft brush, but remember: softer is better to avoid scratching or damaging the metal parts of your air fryer.
How often should I clean the basket of my air fryer?

You should clean the basket of your air fryer after every use. However, if you’re in the middle of a cooking frenzy, you may want to clean your basket every few batches so that crumbs and food particles don’t get stuck.
Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?

It depends on the brand of air fryer. Always read the user manual carefully to see if you can put the air fryer basket in the dishwasher. If it is indeed safe, it is usually only presented as a top rack item.
What should I do if my air fryer basket has stubborn stains?

Try soaking it in warm, soapy water first and then gently scrubbing it with a sponge or soft brush. If that doesn’t remove the stains, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply to the affected areas and scrub again.
How can I prevent food from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Although many people promote frying for its oil-free cooking method, a little oil will keep food from sticking. You can simply add oil to your ingredients, or you can spray the basket with vegetable oil before adding the food. You can also use perforated parchment paper that allows air circulation. After you have finished frying and the appliance has cooled down, clean the basket as soon as possible to prevent food residues from sticking.