# How to Season and Maintain Your Air Fryer
You've just unboxed your shiny new air fryer — or perhaps you've had one sitting on your bench for a while and you're wondering why food keeps sticking or why it doesn't perform quite like it used to. The answer often comes down to two things: proper seasoning and consistent maintenance.
Like a good cast iron pan or a quality wok, your air fryer benefits enormously from a little upfront care and a regular cleaning routine. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about seasoning your air fryer basket, keeping it clean, and extending its lifespan so you get years of crispy, delicious results.
If you're still shopping for the right model, check out our buying guide and compare models to find the best fit for your kitchen.
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Why Seasoning Your Air Fryer Matters
Seasoning an air fryer isn't quite the same as seasoning a cast iron skillet, but the principle is similar: you're creating a thin layer of polymerised oil on the cooking surface that helps prevent food from sticking and protects the non-stick coating from wear.
Most air fryer baskets come with a factory-applied non-stick coating — typically PTFE (Teflon) or a ceramic alternative. While these coatings are durable, they can degrade over time if not properly cared for. A light seasoning before first use and after deep cleans helps:
- Reduce sticking — especially for delicate foods like fish, eggs, and pastry
- Protect the non-stick surface — extending the life of the coating
- Eliminate that new appliance smell — burning off any manufacturing residues
- Improve heat distribution — a lightly oiled surface conducts heat more evenly
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How to Season Your Air Fryer for the First Time
Before you cook your very first meal, take 10 minutes to season your air fryer properly. Here's how:
Step 1: Wash All Components
Remove the basket, tray, and any accessories. Wash them in warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely. Never put these parts in the dishwasher for the first wash — hand washing is gentler on the coating.
Step 2: Apply a Thin Layer of Oil
Using a paper towel or pastry brush, apply a very thin layer of high-smoke-point oil to the inside of the basket and the tray. Good options include:
- Canola oil — affordable and widely available
- Grapeseed oil — high smoke point, neutral flavour
- Avocado oil — excellent for high-heat cooking
- Light olive oil — works well but avoid extra virgin, which has a lower smoke point
Avoid butter, coconut oil, or any oil with a low smoke point for seasoning — they'll burn and leave a sticky residue.
Step 3: Run the Air Fryer Empty
Place the basket back in the unit and run it at 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes. You may notice a slight smell — this is normal and is simply the oil polymerising and any factory residues burning off. Make sure your kitchen is well ventilated.
Step 4: Let It Cool and Wipe Down
Allow the basket to cool completely, then wipe away any excess oil with a clean paper towel. Your air fryer is now seasoned and ready to use.
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Regular Cleaning: The Foundation of Good Maintenance
The single most important thing you can do to maintain your air fryer is clean it after every use. Grease and food residue left to bake on over multiple cooking sessions becomes increasingly difficult to remove and can cause smoking, unpleasant odours, and degraded performance.
After Every Use
- Unplug and allow to cool — never clean a hot air fryer
- Remove the basket and tray — shake out any loose crumbs
- Soak in warm soapy water — 10–15 minutes is usually enough to loosen residue
- Scrub gently with a soft sponge — avoid abrasive scourers or steel wool, which will scratch the non-stick coating
- Rinse thoroughly and dry completely — moisture left inside can cause rust on metal components
- Wipe the interior of the main unit — use a damp cloth to clean the heating element area and interior walls
Weekly Deep Clean
Even with daily cleaning, grease can accumulate in hard-to-reach spots. Once a week (or every 5–6 uses), do a more thorough clean:
- Check the heating element — use a soft brush or damp cloth to remove any grease splatter from the coil. Always do this with the unit unplugged and fully cooled.
- Clean the exterior — wipe down the outside with a damp microfibre cloth
- Inspect the drawer mechanism — make sure the basket slides in and out smoothly and that no food debris is caught in the rails
- Check for odours — if your air fryer smells stale, place a small bowl of water with a few slices of lemon inside and run it at 350°F (177°C) for 3 minutes
For more detailed cleaning advice, see our guide on cleaning air fryer accessories.
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Can You Put Air Fryer Parts in the Dishwasher?
This is one of the most common questions we get, and the answer is: it depends on your model.
Many modern air fryer baskets and trays are marketed as dishwasher-safe, but frequent dishwasher use can accelerate wear on the non-stick coating. The high heat and harsh detergents in dishwashers are harder on coatings than gentle hand washing.
Our recommendation:
- Hand wash whenever possible — it's gentler and takes only a few minutes
- Use the dishwasher occasionally — if your model supports it and you're short on time
- Never put the main unit in the dishwasher — it contains electrical components and will be permanently damaged
If you're concerned about chemical coatings, check out our article on PFAS-free and ceramic-coated models — these are increasingly popular in Australia and tend to be more durable.
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Re-Seasoning: When and How
Over time, even with careful cleaning, the seasoning layer on your basket will wear away. Signs that it's time to re-season include:
- Food sticking more than usual
- The basket surface looking dull or patchy
- Increased smoking during cooking
- After a deep clean with baking soda or vinegar
To re-season, simply repeat the original seasoning process: apply a thin layer of oil and run the unit empty at 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes. You can do this as often as needed — monthly is a good habit for heavy users.
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Protecting the Non-Stick Coating
The non-stick coating is the most vulnerable part of your air fryer. Once it's scratched or chipped, it can't be repaired — and a damaged coating may need to be replaced entirely (or the unit replaced). Here's how to protect it:
Use the Right Utensils
Always use silicone, wooden, or plastic utensils inside the basket. Metal tongs, forks, and spatulas will scratch the coating. If you're flipping food mid-cook, invest in a good pair of silicone-tipped tongs — they're inexpensive and make a big difference.
Avoid Aerosol Cooking Sprays
This surprises many people, but aerosol cooking sprays (like PAM) can actually damage non-stick coatings over time. The propellants and additives in these sprays leave a residue that builds up and becomes sticky. Instead, use a refillable oil mister or brush oil directly onto your food before placing it in the basket.
Don't Overcrowd the Basket
Overcrowding doesn't just affect cooking results — it also puts stress on the basket as you try to stir or flip food. Cook in batches when needed, and use accessories like racks and skewers to maximise space without forcing food in. Browse our accessories page for options that suit your model.
Use Liners Wisely
Parchment paper liners and silicone liners can protect the basket from sticky foods and make cleanup easier. However, never use liners without food on top — they can fly up into the heating element and cause a fire. Always ensure liners are weighted down by food.
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Troubleshooting Common Maintenance Issues
My Air Fryer Is Smoking
Smoking is usually caused by excess grease in the basket or on the heating element. Clean the unit thoroughly, and if the problem persists, try adding a small amount of water to the bottom drawer (beneath the basket) to catch dripping fat during cooking.
There's a Burning Smell
A burning smell after cleaning often means soap residue wasn't fully rinsed away. Run the unit empty at 300°F (149°C) for 3 minutes to burn off any residue, then wipe down with a damp cloth.
The Basket Is Sticking
If food is sticking despite regular use, it's time to re-season. Also check that you're not using aerosol sprays, which can cause build-up. A light coat of oil on the basket before each use also helps.
The Drawer Doesn't Slide Smoothly
Check for food debris caught in the rails or around the basket edges. Clean thoroughly and ensure the basket is properly seated. If the mechanism feels stiff, a tiny amount of food-safe silicone lubricant on the rails can help.
For more troubleshooting tips, visit our air fryer troubleshooting guide.
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How Long Should an Air Fryer Last?
With proper care, a quality air fryer should last 3–5 years or more. Budget models may have thinner coatings and less durable components, while premium brands like Ninja, Philips, and Cuisinart are built to withstand years of daily use.
The most common reasons air fryers fail prematurely:
- Damaged non-stick coating — from abrasive cleaning or metal utensils
- Electrical issues — often from moisture getting into the unit
- Heating element failure — usually from grease build-up causing overheating
- Mechanical wear — the basket drawer mechanism wearing out from heavy use
All of these are largely preventable with the maintenance habits outlined in this guide.
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Seasonal Maintenance Checklist
Here's a simple checklist to keep your air fryer in top condition throughout the year:
After Every Use: - ☐ Wipe out crumbs and loose debris - ☐ Wash basket and tray in warm soapy water - ☐ Dry completely before reassembling
Weekly: - ☐ Deep clean the basket and tray - ☐ Wipe down the heating element (unplugged) - ☐ Clean the exterior - ☐ Check for odours
Monthly: - ☐ Re-season the basket if needed - ☐ Inspect the non-stick coating for scratches or chips - ☐ Check the power cord for any damage - ☐ Test all functions to ensure everything is working correctly
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Choosing an Air Fryer That's Easy to Maintain
If you're in the market for a new air fryer, maintenance should be a key consideration. Look for:
- Dishwasher-safe components — saves time on cleanup
- Ceramic or PFAS-free coatings — more durable and easier to clean
- Wide basket openings — easier to reach all surfaces when cleaning
- Removable drip trays — catch grease before it bakes onto the basket
Our buying guide covers all of these factors in detail, and you can compare models side by side to find the best option for your needs and budget. We also have a dedicated reviews section where we test real-world cleaning and maintenance across popular Australian models.
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Final Thoughts
Seasoning and maintaining your air fryer doesn't require much time or effort — but the payoff is enormous. A well-maintained air fryer cooks better, lasts longer, and is far more enjoyable to use than one that's been neglected.
Start with a proper first-use seasoning, clean after every cook, protect the non-stick coating, and re-season periodically. Follow these simple habits and your air fryer will reward you with years of crispy, flavourful meals.
For more tips, recipes, and product recommendations, explore our blog or head to our recipes section for inspiration on what to cook next.
