Air fryers are convenient, but cleaning them properly is often overlooked. Scrubbing the basket is just the beginning. Grease, crumbs, and food particles hide in spots you rarely check—leading to smoke, odors, or uneven cooking.
Here’s a guide to the hidden spots everyone forgets to clean, plus step-by-step tips on how to properly clean your air fryer.
Hidden Spots You Probably Miss
1. Under the Basket Tray
Grease and crumbs fall beneath the tray and harden if ignored. Always remove and wash both sides with 
warm, soapy water.
2. The Heating Element
Food splatters rise and settle on the element, causing smoke during preheating. Gently wipe it with a damp microfiber cloth or soft brush (air fryer unplugged).
3. The Outer Rim of the Basket Drawer
Edges where the basket slides in collect sticky residue. Wipe these with a damp paper towel after each use.
4. The Fan Area
Crumbs can get trapped behind the fan, affecting airflow. Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove buildup.
5. Underneath the Air Fryer
Check the base for grease or crumbs that have escaped. A quick wipe keeps both the counter and appliance clean.
6. Control Buttons and Handle
Fingerprints and oil build-up can harbor bacteria. Clean with a damp cloth and mild dish soap.
7. Between the Basket and Drawer
Small gaps trap oil and crumbs. Slide a paper towel or soft brush along the seam to dislodge hidden buildup.
How to Properly Clean Your Air Fryer
- Unplug and Cool Down – Never clean while it’s hot.
- Disassemble – Remove basket, tray, and any removable inserts.
- Soak – Let basket and tray soak in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes.
- Scrub Gently – Use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to clean all surfaces, including hidden spots listed above.
- Wipe the Exterior – Damp cloth with mild soap for the outside, buttons, and handle.
- Clean the Heating Element – Carefully wipe with a damp cloth or brush.
- Dry Completely – Air dry or towel dry all pieces before reassembling.
Final Tip
A weekly deep clean focusing on these hidden spots keeps your air fryer running longer, prevents smoke and odors, and ensures every meal tastes perfect. With the right habits, cleaning becomes fast, easy, and thorough.
Bonus Tip: Keep a Mini Cleaning Kit Nearby
Create a small air fryer cleaning kit right in your kitchen. Include a soft brush, microfiber cloth, non-abrasive sponge, and a small spray bottle of water with a few drops of dish soap or lemon juice. Having these tools within reach makes it easy to do a quick wipe-down between uses, so cleaning never feels like a big chore.
This tip reinforces the “preventive cleaning” angle and encourages readers to maintain their air fryer with minimal effort.
The Air Fryer Hack That Makes Leftovers Taste Fresh Again
We’ve all been there: you open the fridge, staring at last night’s dinner, and sigh. Reheated leftovers on the microwave? Meh. Somehow, that perfectly crispy chicken, roasted veggies, or pizza slice just turns soggy and sad. But what if I told you there’s a simple trick to bring your leftovers back to life, making them taste almost like they were just cooked? Enter: the air fryer. 
Why the Air Fryer Works for Leftovers
Air fryers have become kitchen staples, and for good reason. They circulate hot air at high speed, which crisps up food without the need for extra oil. While everyone loves them for fries and wings, the real magic happens when you use them for leftover meals.
Unlike the microwave, which tends to steam food and make it soggy, the air fryer restores the texture and flavor of your leftovers. That leftover pizza crust? Crispy again. Cold roasted potatoes? Fluffy on the inside, golden outside. Even vegetables regain a slight crunch and depth of flavor that’s usually lost in reheating.Read more here
