Ninja Foodi Dual Zone
A practical air fryer (7.6L, dual zone, 6 functions) that crisps food fast with little oil and costs less to run than an oven.
How to Clean an Air Fryer (UK Step-by-Step)
Cleaning an air fryer takes only a couple of minutes if you do it after each use, and it keeps food tasting fresh and stops smoke from baked-on grease. Here is a simple step-by-step routine, including how to shift stubborn residue.
Quick answer
Let the air fryer cool, then wash the drawer and crisper plate in warm soapy water (or the dishwasher if they are marked dishwasher-safe). Wipe the inside of the machine and the heating element with a damp cloth, dry everything, and reassemble. Clean after every use to stop grease building up.
What you'll need
- Warm water and washing-up liquid
- A soft sponge or cloth (not a metal scourer)
- A soft brush or old toothbrush for the crisper plate holes
- Bicarbonate of soda for baked-on grease
- A dry tea towel
Step by step
1. Unplug and cool - never clean a hot air fryer. 2. Remove the drawer and crisper plate and tip out any crumbs. 3. Soak and wash them in warm soapy water; use a soft brush on the plate holes. If they're dishwasher-safe, the top rack is fine. 4. Wipe the inside of the machine with a damp, well-wrung cloth to lift grease from the walls and base. 5. Clean the heating element at the top gently with a damp cloth once cool - a soft brush shifts stuck-on bits. 6. Dry everything fully and reassemble.
Baked-on grease and smells
For stubborn, baked-on grease, make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and a little water, spread it on the residue, leave for a few minutes, then scrub gently and rinse. Avoid metal scourers and harsh abrasives, which scratch the non-stick coating. If your air fryer smokes during cooking, it is usually old grease burning off - a clean after each use prevents it.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone
A practical air fryer (9.5L, dual zone, 6 functions) that crisps food fast with little oil and costs less to run than an oven.
#3 
Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone
A practical air fryer (9.5L, dual zone, 6 functions) that crisps food fast with little oil and costs less to run than an oven.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put air fryer parts in the dishwasher?
Many drawers and crisper plates are dishwasher-safe - check the manual or the base of the part. Even when they are, hand-washing is gentler on the non-stick coating and makes it last longer.
How do you clean baked-on grease from an air fryer?
Use a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water: spread it on, leave a few minutes, then scrub gently with a soft sponge and rinse. Repeat for tough spots rather than reaching for a metal scourer.
How often should you clean an air fryer?
Wash the drawer and plate after every use, and wipe the interior and element every few uses or whenever you see grease. Regular cleaning prevents smoke and keeps food tasting fresh.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone (our score 9.6/10) - A practical air fryer (7.6L, dual zone, 6 functions) that crisps food fast with little oil and costs less to run than an oven..