How to Season and Maintain Your Air Fryer

# How to Season and Maintain Your Air Fryer

Your air fryer is one of the most versatile appliances in your kitchen — but like any good tool, it needs a little care to keep performing at its best. Whether you've just unboxed a brand-new model or you've been using yours for months, knowing how to properly season and maintain your air fryer will extend its lifespan, improve cooking results, and keep your food tasting great.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about seasoning your air fryer basket, establishing a cleaning routine, and avoiding the common mistakes that shorten the life of these popular appliances. For more tips on getting the most from your appliance, check out our blog and buying guide.

---

Why Seasoning Your Air Fryer Matters

Many people are familiar with seasoning cast iron pans, but fewer realise that air fryer baskets — particularly those with non-stick coatings — can also benefit from a light seasoning process. Seasoning creates a thin layer of polymerised oil on the cooking surface, which:

• Reduces sticking — food releases more easily, especially proteins and battered items
• Protects the coating — a light oil layer acts as a buffer against scratches and wear
• Improves flavour — a well-seasoned basket imparts a subtle, neutral cooking surface that doesn't interfere with your food's natural taste
• Extends basket life — proper care means you won't need to replace your basket as frequently

If you've just purchased a new air fryer, seasoning it before first use is a smart habit to adopt. Check out our air fryer reviews to see which models have the most durable non-stick coatings.

---

How to Season a New Air Fryer Basket

Seasoning a new air fryer basket is a simple process that takes less than 15 minutes. Here's how to do it:

What You'll Need

• A small amount of neutral cooking oil (canola, vegetable, or light olive oil work well)
• A paper towel or pastry brush
• Your air fryer

Step-by-Step Seasoning Process

Step 1: Wash the basket first Before seasoning, wash the basket and any accessories with warm soapy water to remove any manufacturing residue or packaging oils. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

Step 2: Apply a thin layer of oil Using a paper towel or pastry brush, apply a very thin, even layer of neutral oil to the inside of the basket and the tray or rack. You want just enough to coat the surface — not so much that it pools or drips.

Step 3: Run the air fryer empty Place the basket back in the air fryer and run it at 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes. This polymerises the oil and bonds it to the surface.

Step 4: Allow to cool Let the basket cool completely before using it for the first time. You may notice a slight smell during this process — this is normal and will dissipate quickly.

Step 5: Repeat periodically You don't need to season your basket every time you cook, but repeating this process every few months — or whenever the basket starts to look dull or food begins sticking — will keep it in top condition.

> Tip: Avoid using extra virgin olive oil for seasoning, as it has a lower smoke point and can leave a sticky residue at high temperatures.

---

Establishing a Regular Cleaning Routine

Consistent cleaning is the single most important thing you can do to maintain your air fryer. Grease and food residue that builds up over time can cause smoke, unpleasant odours, and even affect the taste of your food.

After Every Use

• Remove and wash the basket and tray — Most air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, but hand washing with warm soapy water and a soft sponge is gentler on the non-stick coating.
• Wipe down the interior — Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe out any crumbs or splatter from inside the cooking chamber.
• Clean the exterior — A quick wipe with a damp cloth keeps the outside looking clean and prevents grease from building up around the controls.

Weekly Deep Clean

Even with regular after-use cleaning, a more thorough weekly clean is recommended for frequent users:

Cleaning the heating element: The heating element sits above the cooking chamber and can accumulate grease over time. With the air fryer unplugged and completely cool, turn it upside down and use a soft brush or damp cloth to gently clean around the element. Never submerge the main unit in water.

Soaking stubborn residue: If food has baked onto the basket, fill it with warm soapy water and let it soak for 10–15 minutes before scrubbing. Alternatively, place a small bowl of water with a few drops of dish soap inside the basket and run the air fryer at 180°F (82°C) for 3 minutes — the steam helps loosen residue.

Deodorising: If your air fryer has developed an odour, cut a lemon in half and rub it around the inside of the basket, then run the fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 3 minutes. Alternatively, a small bowl of white vinegar placed inside during a short run can neutralise lingering smells.

For a comprehensive guide on cleaning accessories, visit our accessories page.

---

Common Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-intentioned air fryer owners can inadvertently damage their appliance. Here are the most common mistakes — and how to avoid them:

Using Abrasive Scrubbers

Steel wool, abrasive sponges, and harsh scouring pads will scratch and damage the non-stick coating on your basket. Once the coating is scratched, food will stick more easily and the basket may need to be replaced sooner. Always use soft sponges, silicone brushes, or microfibre cloths.

Putting Non-Dishwasher-Safe Parts in the Dishwasher

Always check your model's manual before putting any parts in the dishwasher. While many baskets are dishwasher-safe, the high heat and harsh detergents in dishwashers can degrade non-stick coatings over time. Hand washing is always the safer option for extending basket life.

Ignoring the Heating Element

The heating element is often overlooked during cleaning, but grease buildup here is a leading cause of smoke and burning smells. Make it part of your monthly maintenance routine to check and clean the element.

Overfilling the Basket

Overfilling doesn't just affect cooking results — it can also cause grease and food particles to splatter onto the heating element, creating smoke and residue that's harder to clean. Always follow the manufacturer's recommended fill levels. For guidance on cooking techniques, visit our recipes section.

Using Cooking Sprays with Propellants

Aerosol cooking sprays that contain propellants (like PAM) can damage non-stick coatings over time. Instead, use a refillable oil mister or brush oil directly onto your food before placing it in the basket.

---

Caring for Specific Air Fryer Types

Different air fryer designs require slightly different maintenance approaches:

Basket-Style Air Fryers

The most common type, basket-style air fryers (like the Ninja Dual Zone or Philips series) have a removable basket and tray. These are generally the easiest to clean. Focus on: - Washing the basket and tray after every use - Checking the basket handle for grease buildup - Inspecting the basket for scratches or peeling coating regularly

Oven-Style Air Fryers

Oven-style models have a larger cooking chamber with multiple racks and trays. These require more thorough cleaning: - Remove all racks and trays and wash separately - Wipe down the interior walls and door with a damp cloth - Check the door seal for food debris

Dual-Zone Air Fryers

Dual-zone models have two separate baskets, which means double the cleaning. The good news is that each basket can be cleaned independently. See our compare models page for a breakdown of the best dual-zone options and their maintenance requirements.

---

Extending the Life of Your Air Fryer

Beyond seasoning and cleaning, a few additional habits will help your air fryer last for years:

Use Parchment Liners

Perforated parchment paper liners sit in the bottom of the basket and catch drips and crumbs, making cleanup significantly easier. They also reduce wear on the non-stick coating. Make sure to use liners specifically designed for air fryers — they have holes to allow airflow.

Avoid Metal Utensils

Always use silicone, wooden, or plastic utensils when handling food in the basket. Metal utensils can scratch the non-stick coating, leading to premature wear.

Store Properly

When not in use, store your air fryer in a clean, dry location. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of it, and if possible, keep the basket slightly ajar to allow any residual moisture to evaporate.

Check for Wear Regularly

Periodically inspect the basket for signs of peeling, flaking, or significant scratching of the non-stick coating. If the coating is visibly damaged, it's time to replace the basket — most manufacturers sell replacement baskets separately, which is more cost-effective than buying a whole new unit.

Follow Manufacturer Guidelines

Always refer to your specific model's user manual for maintenance recommendations. Different brands and models have different requirements, and following the manufacturer's guidance will keep your warranty valid. For model-specific advice, browse our air fryer reviews.

---

When to Replace Your Air Fryer

Even with excellent maintenance, air fryers don't last forever. Signs that it may be time for a replacement include:

• Persistent burning smells that don't resolve after thorough cleaning
• Visibly damaged or peeling non-stick coating that can't be replaced
• Inconsistent heating — food cooking unevenly despite correct settings
• Electrical issues — sparking, tripping circuit breakers, or unusual noises
• The unit is more than 5–7 years old and parts are no longer available

If you're in the market for a new model, our buying guide covers the best air fryers available in Australia across every budget and household size.

---

Quick Reference: Air Fryer Maintenance Schedule

---

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your air fryer doesn't require a lot of time or effort — but the payoff is significant. A well-maintained air fryer cooks more evenly, lasts longer, and produces better-tasting food. By establishing a simple cleaning routine, seasoning your basket periodically, and avoiding common mistakes, you'll get years of reliable performance from your appliance.

Whether you're cooking crispy chips, roasting vegetables, or baking a quick dessert, a clean and well-maintained air fryer makes every meal better. For more tips, recipes, and product recommendations, explore our full blog and accessories guides.

*Happy cooking — and happy cleaning!*