How to Clean an Air Fryer: Basket, Coil and Grease
Step-by-step air fryer cleaning from Cosori and Ninja: the basket, stubborn grease, the inside and coil, and which parts can go in the dishwasher.
Short answer: Here is how to clean an air fryer: unplug it and let it cool, wash the basket and crisper plate in hot, soapy water with a non-abrasive sponge, wipe the inside with a slightly moist sponge, wipe the outside with a damp cloth, and let everything dry before you plug it back in. For stubborn grease, Cosori suggests a baking soda paste left on for 15 minutes. Check your manual before using the dishwasher, because the rule changes by model. Cosori and Ninja both say to clean after every use.
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Short answer: Here is how to clean an air fryer: unplug it and let it cool, wash the basket and crisper plate in hot, soapy water with a non-abrasive sponge, wipe the inside with a slightly moist sponge, wipe the outside with a damp cloth, and let everything dry before you plug it back in. For stubborn grease, Cosori suggests a baking soda paste left on for 15 minutes. Check your manual before using the dishwasher, because the rule changes by model. Cosori and Ninja both say to clean after every use.
How to clean an air fryer after every use
These steps follow the Cosori TurboBlaze and Premium II Plus manuals and Ninja's DoubleStack support page. All three agree on the basics.
- Unplug and cool. Cosori says to let the unit cool completely, and pulling out the basket speeds that up.
- Wash the basket and crisper plate. Use hot, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. If food is stuck, soak the parts in warm, soapy water first.
- Wipe the inside. Use a slightly moist, non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Do not immerse the unit in water.
- Clean the heating coil if needed. Cosori says to remove any food debris from it. Make sure the coil is completely dry before you turn the air fryer on.
- Wipe the outside and control panel. A damp cloth is enough. Ninja says never to submerge the main unit.
- Dry everything. Air dry or towel dry all parts before you put them back.
How to remove stubborn grease from an air fryer basket
Cosori's manuals give a specific recipe:
- Mix 2 US tablespoons of baking soda with 1 US tablespoon of water to make a spreadable paste.
- Spread it on the basket and crisper plate with a sponge and scrub.
- Leave it for 15 minutes, then rinse.
- Wash with soap and water before you cook again.
Ninja's advice for stuck food is simpler: soak the parts in warm, soapy water, then use a soft sponge. Start with the soak, since it uses less effort, and move to the paste if grease remains.
Can you put an air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
It depends on the model, so check your manual first.
| Air fryer | Basket or drawer | Crisper plate | What the maker says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosori TurboBlaze | Dishwasher-safe | Dishwasher-safe | Hand washing with hot, soapy water is also fine |
| Cosori Premium II Plus | Dishwasher-safe | Dishwasher-safe | Hand washing with hot, soapy water is also fine |
| Ninja DoubleStack (SL200 series) | Conflicting answers | Dishwasher-safe | Hand washing is recommended to extend drawer life |
Ninja's FAQ page contradicts itself on this model. One answer says the drawers and crisper plates can go in the dishwasher or be washed by hand, and recommends hand washing to extend the life of the drawers. Another answer on the same page says the drawers are hand wash only. If you own this model, hand wash the drawers. It is the option both answers allow.
What to avoid
- Metal utensils and abrasive cleaners. Cosori says the basket and crisper plate have a nonstick coating, so avoid both.
- Putting the main unit in water. Both makers warn against this.
- Turning it on while the coil is wet. Cosori says the coil must be completely dry first.
- Skipping the crisper plate. Ninja says it should always be used, whichever function you choose, so wash it and put it back.
Can you line an air fryer to make cleanup easier?
Often yes, with limits. Cosori says lining the basket with foil, but not the crisper plate, may make cleanup easier. Ninja says parchment paper and aluminum foil are safe to use in the drawer on its DoubleStack models. Other models may differ, so check your manual.
Next step: Find your model number, check its manual for the dishwasher rule, and then wash the basket tonight while the grease is fresh.
FAQ
How often should you clean an air fryer?
After every use. Cosori says to clean the basket and interior after each use, and Ninja says the unit, drawers and crisper plates should be thoroughly cleaned after every use.
Why are there water spots on my Cosori basket window?
Cosori says this is normal after washing on the TurboBlaze. Running the air fryer for 15 minutes dries the basket completely.
Can you clean an air fryer with baking soda?
Yes, on the basket and crisper plate. Cosori's manuals give the paste recipe above. They do not call for using it on the inside of the unit, where a slightly moist sponge is the instruction.
How we researched this guide
We read the Cosori TurboBlaze and Premium II Plus user manuals and Ninja's SL200 series FAQ on November 7, 2026. We did not clean these machines ourselves. These are three models, so if yours is different, follow its own manual.
Sources
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