Your air fryer works hard, and it shows—crumbs, grease splatters, funky smells that weren’t part of the recipe. Good news: you can get it spotless with vinegar, a sponge, and maybe a little dramatic eye roll. Air Fryer Cleaning Method, No pricey cleaners. No complicated steps. Just a quick routine that actually works and leaves your kitchen smelling less like “fried mystery” and more like “fresh start.”

Why Vinegar? Because It’s Cheap, Safe, and Weirdly Powerful

Vinegar brings the cleaning trifecta: it cuts grease, neutralizes odors, and won’t poison your dinner. You don’t need fancy sprays to get rid of baked-on oil. You need acidity and patience—vinegar has both.
Plus, you can use it often without ruining your air fryer. It doesn’t leave residue, it’s food-safe, and it costs pocket change. FYI: it also won’t disguise smells with fake “lemon meadow” nonsense. It just removes them.

What You’ll Need For Air Fryer Cleaning Method (Nothing Weird, Promise)

• White distilled vinegar (5% acidity is perfect)
• Warm water
• Dish soap (a drop or two)
• Soft sponge or microfiber cloth
• Soft brush or old toothbrush (for grates and corners)
• Paper towels or a dry towel
• Optional: baking soda for stubborn gunk, cotton swabs for tight spots

The Easy Vinegar Cleaning Method (Step-by-Step)

Follow this once a week if you use your air fryer regularly. Or whenever the smell becomes… persuasive.

1. Unplug and cool down. Don’t clean a warm unit. You like your fingerprints, right?
2. Remove the basket and tray. Toss crumbs in the trash. You’ll deal with grease in a minute.
3. Make a vinegar solution. Mix 1 part white vinegar to 1 part warm water. Add a drop of dish soap if you’re battling extra grease.
4. Soak the basket and tray. Submerge them in your vinegar mix for 10–15 minutes. No sink big enough? Lay them flat and pour the solution over them.
5. Wipe the interior. Dip a cloth in the solution, wring it out, and wipe the inside walls and bottom. Do not let liquid pool near the heating element.
6. Tackle the heating element (carefully). Flip the unit upside down (if safe) and wipe the element gently with a barely damp cloth. Follow up with a dry cloth. If unsure, check your manual.
7. Scrub the basket and tray. Use a soft brush for corners and mesh. Rinse well with warm water.
8. Dry everything completely. Water trapped behind the basket? Not the vibe. Wipe dry and let air dry for a few minutes.
9. Reassemble and run a quick air cycle. Optional but smart: run the empty fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to evaporate lingering moisture and clear any vinegar scent.

Got Stubborn, Baked-On Grease?

If the mesh looks like it went through a deep-fried apocalypse, try this:

• Make a paste: 2 parts baking soda + 1 part vinegar.
• Spread it on the greasy parts and let it sit for 10 minutes.
• Scrub gently with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly.

IMO, this beats metal scrubbers every time. Metal can scratch nonstick coatings, and once you scratch it, grease clings harder.

Quick Deodorizing Trick for Funky Smells

You cooked salmon and now everything smells like… salmon? Do this:

1. Place a small, oven-safe bowl inside the basket.
2. Add 1/2 cup vinegar + 1/2 cup water.
3. Run the fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3–5 minutes.
4. Let it sit to steam for another 5 minutes with the unit off.

This loosens residue and neutralizes odors. Wipe down afterward. No perfume cloud, just clean air.

What Not to Do (Because Repairs Are Expensive)

• Don’t soak the entire unit. Only the basket and tray go for a swim.
• Don’t use abrasive pads or metal tools. They scratch coatings and make future cleaning harder.
• Don’t spray cleaner directly inside. Spray the cloth instead to control moisture.
• Don’t use full-strength vinegar on rubber seals daily—dilute it to extend their life.
• Don’t forget to unplug. Electricity plus moisture equals “why is it sparking?”

Weekly Maintenance You’ll Actually Do

Keep it simple so you’ll stick with it:

• After each use: Dump crumbs, quick wipe with a damp cloth.
• Every 3–4 uses: Vinegar wipe-down inside + soak basket and tray.
• Monthly: Deep clean with baking soda paste on tough spots.
• As needed: Deodorize with vinegar steam if smells linger.

Oil Your Basket (Lightly) to Prevent Buildup

After cleaning and drying, rub a tiny bit of neutral oil on the basket’s nonstick surface with a paper towel. Food sticks less, cleanup stays easy. Think “shiny, not greasy.”

Vinegar vs. Other Cleaners: The Real Tea

You can absolutely use dish soap alone. But vinegar shines when:

• Odors won’t quit. Vinegar neutralizes smells better than soap.
• Grease feels sticky. Acidity cuts that film faster.
• You want food-safe peace of mind. No residues, no weird scents.

Could you use lemon juice? Sure—but it’s pricier, stickier, and less consistent. FYI, vinegar gives you reliable results with zero citrus pulp drama.

FAQ About Air Fryer Cleaning Method

Will vinegar damage my air fryer’s nonstick coating?

No, not when diluted and used properly. A 1:1 vinegar-water mix won’t harm nonstick coatings. Avoid abrasive scrubbers and long soaks on the coating, and you’ll keep it intact for the long haul.

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?

You can, but I don’t recommend it. ACV can leave a faint fruity scent and may discolor light surfaces. White distilled vinegar stays neutral and cleans just as well.

What if my air fryer still smells after cleaning?

Do a vinegar steam cycle, then wipe thoroughly. If that fails, check under the heating element and around the fan for hidden residue. A soft brush and a few cotton swabs with vinegar usually solve it.

Is it safe to put the basket and tray in the dishwasher?

Usually yes, if the manual says so. But dishwasher detergent can be harsh on nonstick over time. I prefer soaking in vinegar and warm water, then hand-washing. It’s gentler and just as effective.

How often should I deep-clean with vinegar?

If you fry often, aim for every week or every 3–4 uses. Light users can stretch it to every two weeks. Trust your nose and your eyes—grease sheen and lingering smells mean it’s time.

Can I mix vinegar and baking soda directly in the fryer?

Use the paste on removable parts only, not inside the main unit. The fizzing looks fun, but liquid can sneak into vents. Keep the science fair in the sink, not the machine.

Conclusion On Air Fryer Cleaning Method

Vinegar simplifies air fryer cleaning—cheap, safe, and surprisingly effective. A quick soak for the basket, a careful wipe for the interior, and an optional steam for smells, and you’re back to crispy bliss. Stick to this routine, and you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time eating. IMO, that’s the correct ratio for happiness.

Related Recipe: How to Make Korean Dumplings in the Air Fryer Crispy in 10 Minutes