Quick answer: Unplug the air fryer and let it cool completely. Wipe the heating element with a soft cloth that is barely damp with plain water. Never submerge the unit, never spray liquid into it, and never use abrasive pads. Let everything dry fully before you plug it back in.
Why the top of your air fryer gets so greasy
The heating element sits at the top of the basket area, right where hot air circulates. When you cook fatty food, tiny drops of oil rise with the hot air and land on the element and the metal around it. Over time, the heat bakes that oil into a sticky, dark film. That film can cause smoke and bad smells during cooking, and it can make the element work harder than it should.
The good news: the element itself needs only gentle cleaning. You do not need to scrub it hard, and you should not try to make it look brand new. A clean, dry, undamaged element matters far more than a shiny one.
What you need
- A soft microfiber cloth
- Warm water
- A soft toothbrush or soft-bristle brush for tight spots
- Dish soap, for the removable basket and tray only
- A dry towel
Step-by-step: clean the heating element safely
1. Unplug it and let it cool completely
Unplug the air fryer from the wall. Wait until the whole unit is cool to the touch. Cleaning a hot or plugged-in appliance risks burns and damage, so never rush this step.
2. Take out the basket and tray
Remove the basket, tray, and any drip pan. Wash those parts separately with warm, soapy water, following your manual. Many baskets are dishwasher-safe, but check your manual first. Set them aside to dry.
3. Turn the unit upside down on a towel
Place a soft towel on the counter and rest the air fryer upside down on it. This gives you a clear view of the heating element and the metal guard around it, and it keeps grease from dripping into parts you cannot reach.
4. Wipe the element with a barely damp cloth
Dampen a soft microfiber cloth with plain water, then wring it until it is barely damp. Gently wipe the visible surface of the element and the guard around it. Work slowly and do not press hard or bend the coil. If the cloth picks up grease, rinse it, wring it again, and repeat.
Use plain water on the element first. Only use dish soap or another cleaner on the element itself if your manual says that cleaner is allowed. Some brands say to use only a soft, damp cloth on their heating elements, with no cleanser at all.
5. Use a soft brush for stubborn spots
For baked-on spots, use a soft toothbrush or soft-bristle brush, barely damp, and work gently. Do not use steel wool, scouring pads, or metal tools. Scratches on the coating make future grease stick even harder.
6. Wipe the inside walls and fan guard
While the unit is upside down, wipe the inside walls and the fan guard with the same barely damp cloth. Do not spray liquid into the fan, vents, or wiring, and do not remove fixed guards or panels to reach hidden grease.
7. Dry everything fully before you plug it back in
Wipe all cleaned surfaces with a dry cloth, then leave the unit open to air-dry. Only reassemble and plug it in once everything is completely dry. Wet electrical parts are a safety risk, so do not skip the drying time.
What never to do
- Never submerge the air fryer in water. The element is part of the appliance and cannot be removed. Water inside the unit can damage it permanently.
- Never spray cleaner or water directly into the element, fan, or vents. Always put moisture on the cloth, not into the machine.
- Never use oven cleaner, abrasive powder, or steel wool on the element. Harsh chemicals and abrasives damage coatings and can leave residue near food.
- Never remove fixed guards or panels. If grease sits somewhere you cannot safely reach, follow your manual or the maker’s service instructions instead of taking the unit apart.
- Never clean it while it is plugged in or hot.
How to keep it cleaner between deep cleans
- Wipe the basket and tray after every use, and wash them after greasy foods.
- Empty the drip tray often so fat does not overheat and smoke.
- After cooking fatty food, give the cooled interior a quick wipe before the grease hardens.
- Use liners only if your manual allows them, and never let a liner block the airflow.
Clean the element when you see buildup, smell old grease, or notice smoke during cooking. A quick wipe after greasy meals takes a minute and saves you a hard scrub later.
When to stop and get help
If the element is bent, damaged, or coated in grease you cannot reach without removing parts, stop. Do not force it. Contact the maker or an approved repair service. A damaged heating element is not a cleaning problem anymore, and trying to fix it yourself can make it unsafe.
Common questions
Can I use baking soda paste on the heating element?
Only if your manual allows a cleaner on the element. Plain water and a soft cloth is the safe default. Baking soda paste is fine for removable stainless parts, but it is not safe to assume it belongs on an electrical element.
Why does my air fryer smoke after cleaning?
Smoke usually comes from leftover fat in the drip tray or on the element. Make sure the tray is empty, the element is wiped, and everything is fully dry. If smoke continues, unplug the unit and check your manual.
How often should I clean the heating element?
Check it after greasy cooks and clean it when you see a film or smell old oil. There is no single schedule that fits every household, because it depends on what and how often you cook.