Cleaning Air Fryer Accessories: Basket, Rack and Tray

# Cleaning Air Fryer Accessories: Basket, Rack and Tray — The Complete Guide

Keeping your air fryer accessories clean is one of the most important things you can do to extend the life of your appliance, maintain food quality, and ensure safe cooking. Yet it's also one of the most commonly neglected tasks in the kitchen. Grease builds up, food particles get stuck, and before long your air fryer basket is producing smoke, odd smells, and unevenly cooked meals.

In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly how to clean every air fryer accessory — basket, rack, tray, and more — using simple methods that won't damage non-stick coatings or warp your components. Whether you've just bought your first air fryer or you've been using one for years, this guide will help you keep it performing like new.

If you're still shopping for an air fryer, check out our buying guide and compare models to find the right one for your kitchen.

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Why Cleaning Your Air Fryer Accessories Matters

Air fryers work by circulating hot air at high speed around your food. When grease and food residue build up on the basket, rack, or tray, several problems can occur:

• Smoke and odours: Old grease burns at high temperatures, producing smoke and unpleasant smells that can transfer to your food.
• Uneven cooking: Residue on the basket can block airflow, leading to hot spots and inconsistently cooked meals.
• Reduced lifespan: Baked-on grease is harder to remove over time and can degrade non-stick coatings, shortening the life of your accessories.
• Food safety risks: Bacteria can grow in food residue left on surfaces between uses.

The good news? Cleaning air fryer accessories is straightforward when you do it regularly. A quick clean after every use prevents the need for heavy-duty scrubbing later.

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What You'll Need

Before you start, gather these cleaning supplies:

• Warm water and dish soap
• A soft sponge or non-abrasive cloth
• A soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works well for crevices)
• Baking soda (for stubborn grease)
• White vinegar (optional, for deodorising)
• Paper towels or a clean drying cloth
• Dish rack for drying

What to avoid: - Steel wool or abrasive scrubbing pads — these scratch and damage non-stick coatings - Harsh chemical cleaners or oven sprays — these can degrade coatings and leave residues - Putting accessories in the dishwasher unless the manufacturer explicitly states they are dishwasher-safe

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How to Clean the Air Fryer Basket

The basket is the most-used accessory and typically the dirtiest. Here's how to clean it properly after every use.

Step 1: Let It Cool

Always allow the basket to cool completely before cleaning — at least 20–30 minutes after cooking. Plunging a hot basket into cold water can warp the metal and damage non-stick coatings.

Step 2: Remove Loose Food Particles

Tip the basket upside down over a bin and gently tap to dislodge any loose crumbs or food bits. You can also use a dry paper towel to wipe out the interior.

Step 3: Soak in Warm Soapy Water

Fill your sink with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Submerge the basket and let it soak for 10–15 minutes. This softens any stuck-on grease and makes scrubbing much easier.

Step 4: Scrub Gently

Use a soft sponge or non-abrasive cloth to scrub the basket, paying attention to the mesh or perforated base where grease tends to accumulate. For stubborn spots, use a soft-bristled brush to work into the holes without scratching the surface.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry Thoroughly

Rinse the basket under warm running water until all soap residue is gone. Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel, then leave it on a dish rack to air dry completely before reassembling. Moisture trapped inside can cause rust over time.

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How to Clean the Air Fryer Rack

Many air fryers — particularly oven-style models — come with a wire rack or grill rack. These can be trickier to clean because food and grease get caught in the wire grid.

Soaking Method

For a lightly soiled rack, soaking in warm soapy water for 15–20 minutes is usually sufficient. Use a soft brush to scrub between the wires, then rinse and dry.

Baking Soda Paste for Stubborn Grease

For heavily soiled racks, make a paste from baking soda and a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the rack, leave it for 15–20 minutes, then scrub with a soft brush. The mild abrasive action of baking soda lifts grease without scratching.

Rinse thoroughly to remove all baking soda residue before drying.

Vinegar Soak for Odours

If your rack has developed a persistent odour, soak it in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water for 20–30 minutes. Vinegar is a natural deodoriser and helps break down grease. Rinse well afterwards.

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How to Clean the Drip Tray

The drip tray (also called the crisper plate or drawer base) sits beneath the basket and catches dripping fat and juices. It's essential to clean this after every use — neglecting it is one of the most common causes of smoke and burning smells.

After Every Use

Remove the drip tray and wipe it out with a paper towel while it's still slightly warm (but not hot). This removes most of the liquid fat before it solidifies.

Deep Clean

Wash the tray in warm soapy water, scrubbing with a soft sponge. For baked-on grease, use the baking soda paste method described above. Rinse and dry completely before replacing.

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How to Clean the Air Fryer Interior

While not technically an "accessory," the interior of the air fryer unit itself needs occasional cleaning too.

Important: Never submerge the main unit in water. It contains electrical components.

1. Unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool completely.
2. Use a damp cloth or sponge with a small amount of dish soap to wipe down the interior walls.
3. For the heating element (located at the top of the interior), use a soft brush or damp cloth to gently remove any grease or food splatter. Be careful not to bend or damage the element.
4. Wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove any soap residue.
5. Leave the drawer open and allow the interior to air dry completely before using again.

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Dealing with Stubborn Baked-On Grease

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, grease gets baked onto accessories and won't budge with regular washing. Here are some effective methods:

Boiling Water Soak

Place the accessory in a large pot or basin and pour boiling water over it. Add a few drops of dish soap and let it soak for 20–30 minutes. The heat helps loosen even the most stubborn residue.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Fizz

Sprinkle baking soda generously over the greasy area, then spray or drizzle white vinegar over the top. The fizzing reaction helps lift grease. Leave for 10–15 minutes, then scrub with a soft brush and rinse.

Overnight Soak

For extremely stubborn build-up, fill a container with warm soapy water, submerge the accessory, and leave it to soak overnight. By morning, most residue should wipe away easily.

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Dishwasher Safety: What You Need to Know

Many air fryer accessories are marketed as dishwasher-safe, but there are important caveats:

• Check your manual: Only put accessories in the dishwasher if the manufacturer explicitly states they are dishwasher-safe. This varies significantly between brands and models.
• Top rack only: If dishwasher-safe, always place accessories on the top rack, away from the heating element.
• Non-stick coatings: Repeated dishwasher cycles can degrade non-stick coatings over time, even on "dishwasher-safe" items. Hand washing is gentler and extends the life of your accessories.
• High-heat cycles: Avoid using high-temperature or sanitise cycles, as these can warp plastic components and damage coatings.

For most air fryer accessories, hand washing is the safest and most effective option.

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How Often Should You Clean Your Air Fryer Accessories?

The golden rule: the more frequently you clean, the easier each clean will be. A quick 5-minute wash after every use is far less effort than a 30-minute scrubbing session once a month.

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Tips to Reduce Cleaning Effort

Prevention is better than cure. Here are some practical tips to minimise mess and make cleaning easier:

Use Air Fryer Liners

Perforated parchment paper liners or silicone liners sit inside the basket and catch drips and crumbs. They're inexpensive, widely available, and dramatically reduce the amount of cleaning required. Check out our guide to accessories for recommended liner options.

Don't Overcrowd the Basket

Overcrowding causes food to steam rather than crisp, and it also leads to more dripping and splatter. Cook in batches for better results and less mess.

Pat Food Dry Before Cooking

Excess moisture on food leads to more steam and splatter inside the air fryer. Pat meat, vegetables, and other foods dry with paper towels before placing them in the basket.

Use a Light Coating of Oil

A light spray of oil on the basket before cooking helps prevent food from sticking and makes cleaning easier. Avoid aerosol cooking sprays that contain propellants, as these can damage non-stick coatings over time — use a refillable oil mister instead.

Clean While Still Warm

Cleaning the basket and tray while they're still slightly warm (not hot) makes removing grease much easier, as the fat hasn't fully solidified.

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Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-intentioned cleaning can cause damage if done incorrectly. Here are the most common mistakes:

Using abrasive scrubbers: Steel wool, scouring pads, and abrasive sponges scratch non-stick coatings, causing them to flake and degrade. Always use soft sponges or cloths.

Cleaning while hot: Thermal shock from cold water on a hot basket can warp metal and crack coatings. Always let accessories cool first.

Skipping the drip tray: Many people clean the basket but forget the tray. Neglecting the tray is the number one cause of smoke and burning smells.

Using harsh chemicals: Oven cleaners, bleach, and strong degreasers can damage non-stick coatings and leave chemical residues. Stick to dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar.

Not drying thoroughly: Reassembling accessories while still damp can lead to rust, especially on wire racks. Always dry completely before storing or using.

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Recommended Cleaning Products

You don't need anything fancy to clean air fryer accessories effectively. Here's what works best:

• Dish soap: Any standard dish soap works well. Look for a grease-cutting formula for heavily soiled accessories.
• Baking soda: A pantry staple that's mildly abrasive and excellent for lifting baked-on grease.
• White vinegar: Natural deodoriser and grease cutter. Dilute with water for soaking.
• Soft sponges: Look for non-scratch sponges specifically designed for non-stick cookware.
• Silicone brush: Gentle on coatings and effective for scrubbing mesh baskets.
• Microfibre cloths: Excellent for wiping down the exterior and interior walls without scratching.

For more product recommendations, visit our accessories page where we review the best cleaning tools and liners for Australian kitchens.

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When to Replace Your Air Fryer Accessories

Even with the best care, air fryer accessories don't last forever. Here are signs it's time to replace them:

• Flaking or peeling non-stick coating: If the coating is visibly flaking, replace the basket immediately. Ingesting coating flakes is not safe.
• Warping: A warped basket or tray won't sit correctly in the drawer, affecting cooking performance.
• Persistent odours: If cleaning no longer removes odours, the accessory may have absorbed grease too deeply to be salvageable.
• Rust: Surface rust on wire racks can sometimes be scrubbed away, but deep rust means it's time for a replacement.

Most air fryer manufacturers sell replacement baskets, trays, and racks separately. Check the manufacturer's website or contact their customer service for compatible parts.

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Final Thoughts

Cleaning your air fryer accessories doesn't have to be a chore. With a simple routine — a quick wash after every use, a deeper clean weekly, and occasional attention to the heating element and interior — your air fryer will stay in top condition for years to come.

The key takeaways: - Clean the basket and drip tray after every single use - Use soft sponges and avoid abrasive scrubbers - Baking soda and vinegar are your best friends for stubborn grease - Always dry accessories completely before reassembling - Use liners to dramatically reduce cleaning effort

For more tips on getting the most from your air fryer, explore our blog or check out our buying guide if you're considering an upgrade. And if you're looking for the best accessories to make cooking and cleaning easier, our accessories page has everything you need.

Happy cooking — and happy cleaning!