The air fryer has become one of the most widely used appliances in the kitchen. Although it allows you to cook with less oil than other methods, that does not mean it doesn’t accumulate grease. Food juices, small splatters, and food residues can stick to the basket, the grate, and other removable parts.
To clean an air fryer, you must first unplug it and wait for it to cool down completely. Then, remove the basket and removable parts, clear away solid residues, and clean only the parts compatible with El Milagrito Multi-Purpose Degreaser, following both the product instructions and those of the appliance manufacturer. The product must never be sprayed inside the electrical unit or onto the heating element.
Why is it important to clean your air fryer?
Frequent cleaning helps prevent:
- Sticky grease buildup.
- Stuck-on food residue.
- Smoke during operation.
- Odors from previous meals.
- Carbonized dirt that is difficult to remove.
- Flavor transfer between different foods.
- Performance loss due to a lack of maintenance.
It is highly recommended to remove residue and clean the used parts after every single use, rather than waiting for multiple layers of grease to build up.
What parts of an air fryer can be cleaned
An air fryer is usually made up of:
- Removable basket.
- Interior grate or tray.
- Inner pan/drawer.
- Appliance exterior.
- Control panel.
- Interior of the main unit.
- Heating element and electrical components.
The basket, grate, and pan are usually the parts that accumulate the most grease. However, every model features different materials, coatings, and manufacturer guidelines.
Before using any product, consult the manufacturer’s manual. Check which parts are removable, whether they have a non-stick coating, and what cleaning methods are authorized.
How to clean an air fryer step-by-step
1. Unplug the fryer and let it cool down
Turn off the appliance, unplug it, and wait until it is completely cold. Never clean an air fryer that is plugged in, hot, or recently used. Place it on a stable, dry surface before disassembling the parts.
2. Remove the basket and detachable parts
Pull out the basket, the grate, and any removable tray. Do this following the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid forcing any tabs or mechanisms. Do not submerge the main body of the appliance, the cord, or the plug in water.
3. Clear away crumbs and food residue
First, remove loose residues with paper towels or a cloth. Do not use knives, metal spatulas, or sharp objects to scrape off food, especially if the parts have a non-stick coating. Removing these residues first allows the product to work directly on the built-up grease.
4. Check material compatibility
Read the cleaning instructions for the appliance as well as the directions on the El Milagrito Multi-Purpose Degreaser bottle. If you have doubts about the basket or tray coating, test it first on a small, inconspicuous area. Do not use the product if the appliance manufacturer advises against applying it to those specific parts.
5. Apply El Milagrito Multi-Purpose Degreaser to compatible parts
Apply the product following the packaging instructions and only onto removable parts made of compatible materials. To control the amount better, you can also apply it to a cloth or a soft sponge. Do not spray the product toward the inside of the electrical unit, the air vents, the fan, the control panel, or the heating element.
6. Let it sit for the recommended time
Allow the product to work according to the instructions on the packaging, without letting it dry on the parts. This dwell time helps loosen the grease and stuck-on residue, reducing the need for heavy scrubbing.
7. Wipe gently
Wipe down the basket, grate, and tray with a cloth or soft sponge. Pay special attention to corners, slots, and spots where grease builds up. Do not use metal scouring pads, hard brushes, or sharp tools, as they could damage the non-stick coating.
8. Rinse the parts completely
Rinse the parts intended to come into contact with food thoroughly with plenty of water, following the instructions of both the manufacturer and the product. Make sure to completely remove all grease and any cleaning residue.
9. Let dry before reassembling the fryer
Dry the parts with a clean cloth or let them air dry completely. Do not put them back in place while they are still damp. The interior of the appliance, the connections, and the main unit must remain dry.
10. Clean the exterior carefully
To remove grease or marks from the exterior, apply a small amount of product onto a cloth, provided the material is compatible. Wipe with the cloth without allowing moisture to enter the control panel, ventilation slots, or seams. Afterwards, wipe away any remaining residue following the product directions and dry the surface.
How to remove heavily stuck-on grease from the basket
When the basket has a layer of old, baked-on grease, do not try to scrape it off. It is better to repeat a gentle cleaning process:
- Remove solid residue.
- Apply El Milagrito Multi-Purpose Degreaser according to the instructions.
- Let it sit for the indicated time.
- Clean with a soft sponge or cloth.
- Rinse completely.
- Repeat the process if grease remains.
- Dry before reassembling the appliance.
If the coating is peeling, scratched, or damaged, consult the manufacturer’s guidelines before continuing to use the basket.
How to clean an air fryer’s heating element
The heating element is part of the electrical system and requires special care. Do not spray El Milagrito Multi-Purpose Degreaser or any liquid directly onto it.
If the manufacturer permits cleaning this area, exclusively follow the procedure outlined in the manual, always with the appliance unplugged and completely cold. If you have any doubts, avoid tampering with it and contact technical support or the manufacturer.
Common mistakes when cleaning an air fryer
- Cleaning it while it is still hot: Besides the risk of burns, sudden temperature changes can warp or damage certain parts.
- Submerging the main unit: The motor, heating element, fan, and electrical connections must never be submerged or directly sprayed.
- Spraying product onto the heating element: Cleaning products should not be applied directly to electrical or heating components.
- Using metal scouring pads: These can scratch the non-stick coating and reduce the lifespan of the basket.
- Not rinsing the parts: Surfaces that come into contact with food must be completely rinsed and free of cleaner residue.
- Assembling the fryer while it is still damp: All parts must be dry before putting them back and plugging in the appliance.
- Waiting too long to remove grease: Cleaning is much easier when done after every use, once the fryer has cooled down.
How to prevent grease from building up
To keep your air fryer in top shape:
- Remove crumbs and debris after every use.
- Clean the basket and grate regularly.
- Do not overload the appliance.
- Prevent food from coming into contact with the heating element.
- Periodically check the vents and areas specified by the manufacturer.
- Clean exterior splatters before they dry.
- Perform a deeper cleaning when you notice a sticky surface or stuck-on residue.
A consistent routine prevents dirt from burning on and makes appliance maintenance much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Fryer Cleaning
Unplug the appliance, let it cool, remove the detachable parts, and clear away food residue. Clean the compatible parts, rinse them completely, and let them dry before reassembling. Always follow the manufacturer’s manual.
It can be used on compatible parts and surfaces by following the instructions on the packaging and from the appliance manufacturer. It must not be sprayed on the heating element, fan, connections, or inside the electrical unit.
Apply El Milagrito Multi-Purpose Degreaser according to the instructions, let it sit for the indicated time, and wipe with a soft sponge. Rinse completely and repeat the process if necessary, without scratching the coating.
The main unit must not be submerged or have water or product applied directly to it. For any interior cleaning, exclusively follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Degreaser should not be sprayed directly onto the heating element. Consult the appliance manual and only use the procedure expressly authorized by the manufacturer.
It is best to remove residue and clean the used parts after every use once they have cooled down. The frequency of a deeper cleaning will depend on how often you use it and the types of food cooked.
It depends on the model and the type of coating. Check the manual to see if the basket and other parts are dishwasher safe.
Remove grease and food residue after each use, avoid overloading the basket, and check that there is no residue near the heating element. If smoking persists, turn off and unplug the appliance and consult the manufacturer.