What Is the Best Way to Clean Your Air Fryer?
A Close Look at the Ninja Air Fryer Double Basket and 4 Other Brands
What is the best way to clean your air fryer? It’s a question you probably don’t ask until you’ve already used it a dozen times, and maybe — just maybe — started noticing a weird smell or some greasy buildup. Especially if you’v e got something like the Ninja Air Fryer Double Basket, which kind of invites daily use with its two-zone design. It’s a great appliance… until it’s cleaning time. And that’s when things get real.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the actual, realistic process of keeping your air fryer clean — not just “wipe it down and hope for the best,” but what really works, and what’s worth your effort. And we’ll also compare the Ninja Double Basket with four other popular models, to see how each one stacks up when it’s time to scrub.
But first, let’s talk about why cleaning matters more than we think.
Why Cleaning Your Air Fryer Properly Actually Matters
Look, it’s easy to think, “It’s just hot air and a little oil… how dirty can it get?” But here’s the thing: every time you cook, even something simple like frozen fries, bits of food, oil, and grease get trapped in tiny crevices — sometimes places you didn’t even know existed.
If you ignore that buildup, it adds up. Over time, it’ll start to mess with the taste of your food. Fries might start smelling like last week’s chicken. And let’s be honest — no one wants to eat anything that tastes like it’s been reheated in a dirty toaster oven.
But that’s not all. Dirty air fryers:
- Heat unevenly
- Smoke when in use
- Develop weird odors
- And in rare cases, can even become a fire hazard
Honestly, I didn’t realize how much it affected performance until my machine started making this strange humming noise — and then stopped halfway through cooking.
How Most People Clean Their Air Fryer (And What They Miss)
Let’s be real for a moment: most of us are not deep cleaning our air fryers every night. Usually, it’s more like…
The Standard Quick Wipe
You remove the basket, maybe rinse it off under warm water, and run a sponge through the drawer. Maybe. If you’re feeling motivated.
That works — kind of. But not for long.
The Overlooked Spots
There are places inside the air fryer most people never touch:
- The heating element up top
- The inner walls (especially in the back)
- Cracks in the basket or crisping plate
- Fan vents where grease collects
Over time, these areas collect oil vapor, food particles, and all sorts of grime. And when you turn on your machine? That grime heats up and smells terrible.
Dishwasher vs. Hand Washing Debate
Some parts are dishwasher-safe. But not all. And sometimes dishwasher cleaning still leaves residue behind. Even worse? Repeated dishwasher cycles can wear down nonstick coatings.
So yes, there’s more to it than “toss it in and forget.”
Ninja Air Fryer Double Basket – Cleaning Pros & Cons
Alright, now let’s talk about the star of this article: the Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer — or as most people call it, the Ninja Air Fryer Double Basket.
It’s powerful, fast, and super convenient. But when it comes to cleaning?
Well… it’s a bit of a mixed bag.
What’s Great About It:
- Dual Baskets = Smaller Portions per Side
If you only use one basket, you have less to clean. That’s already a win. - Nonstick Interior
The baskets and crisper plates both have a solid nonstick coating. Easy to rinse, and food rarely sticks unless it’s overcooked. - Straightforward Design
You don’t have a rotisserie or lots of mechanical parts like in some other models.
The Downsides:
- Double the Parts, Double the Mess
If you use both baskets, that’s two baskets and two crisper plates to scrub. After a big meal, it feels like twice the effort. - Hard-to-Reach Edges
Grease collects around the lip of each drawer. It’s not super visible… until it’s sticky. - The Control Panel Area
This part’s not meant to get wet, obviously, but it’s really easy to splash or get oily fingerprints on. Cleaning around it is awkward.
Personally? I love using both zones at once. I just wish I didn’t dread cleaning up afterward.
Comparing 4 Other Air Fryer Brands for Cleaning Ease
Let’s now compare how the Ninja Double Basket stacks up against four other well-known air fryer brands. Cleaning shouldn’t be the only factor when choosing an air fryer — but it’s one of those things that feels way more important after a month of use.
Cosori Pro II Smart Air Fryer
Cleaning Pros:
- Touchscreen means fewer grooves for gunk to hide
- Wide basket and smooth edges
- Dishwasher-safe components
- Inner tray removes easily
Cleaning Cons:
- The wire mesh insert catches grease and crumbs
- Sometimes too large to fit easily in smaller sinks
Verdict:
Cosori makes cleanup fairly easy — as long as you don’t forget the mesh tray. If you do? That thing bakes on grime like it’s its job.
Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer
Cleaning Pros:
- Accessories are removable
- Polished interior surfaces
- Not many seams where food gets stuck
Cleaning Cons:
- Coating isn’t as durable with abrasive scrubbing
- Rotating basket (in some models) takes extra effort
- Harder to fit in compact dishwashers
Verdict:
Efficient, but not the most convenient. If you’re rough with sponges (or just forget to clean right after cooking), this one wears faster than you’d expect.
Philips Premium Airfryer XXL
Cleaning Pros:
- High-quality materials = less staining
- Fewer parts than others
- Big enough to prevent spills
Cleaning Cons:
- Larger body takes up more cleaning space
- Can be bulky to handle in small sinks
- Pricier model, so replacing worn parts hurts more
Verdict:
Cleaning is straightforward, but its size can make things awkward. That said, Philips nailed the material quality — food doesn’t cling as much here.
CHEFMAN 8-Quart Dual Basket Air Fryer
Cleaning Pros:
- Removable basket and trays
- Simple shape, few tight crevices
- Most parts are dishwasher-safe
Cleaning Cons:
- Plastic casing holds odors
- Grease builds up fast on vents
- Nonstick coating isn’t as tough as others
Verdict:
Pretty user-friendly overall. But you might find yourself deep cleaning more often due to odor buildup.
GoWISE USA 7-Quart Electric Air Fryer
Cleaning Pros:
- Simple construction = less confusion
- Minimal digital controls
- Small basket makes rinsing quick
Cleaning Cons:
- Build quality isn’t top-tier
- Basket mesh feels flimsy over time
- Manual dials harder to keep clean
Verdict:
Good budget pick, but not ideal if you plan to use it daily and clean it weekly. Parts feel a bit more disposable.
So, Which Air Fryer Is the Easiest to Clean?
That depends on what you care about most. Is it fewer parts to scrub? Dishwasher-safe components? Or just not having grease all over your hands at the end?
Here’s a quick side-by-side breakdown to help:
| Brand | Dishwasher Safe | # of Parts | Nonstick Quality | Cleaning Time | Annoying Spots |
| Ninja Double Basket | Yes (baskets) | 4 | Good | Moderate | Drawer edges, vents |
| Cosori Pro II | Yes | 3–4 | Great | Quick | Mesh tray |
| Instant Vortex Plus | Partially | 4–5 | Decent | Slow | Coil, rotating drum |
| Philips XXL | Yes | 2–3 | Excellent | Quick | Oversized body |
| CHEFMAN Dual Basket | Yes | 4 | Fair | Moderate | Greasy fan, odor |
| GoWISE 7-Quart | Some parts | 3–4 | Weak | Fast | Dials, mesh insert |
So, what’s the takeaway?
If you hate cleaning, the Philips or Cosori might save you a few minutes each time. But if you want flexibility — and don’t mind a little extra elbow grease — the Ninja Dual Basket is still one of the most useful models out there. Just be prepared to get in there with a sponge more often than you’d like.
What Is the Best Way to Clean Your Air Fryer? (Any Brand)
Here’s where things get hands-on. Whether you’re using a Ninja, a Cosori, or something completely different, these steps work.
You don’t need anything fancy. In fact, a few simple tools will do:
What You’ll Need
- A soft sponge or non-scratch scrubber
- Dish soap (avoid strong degreasers that can eat nonstick)
- A soft brush or old toothbrush
- Baking soda (for sticky buildup)
- A microfiber cloth or paper towel
- (Optional) Cotton swabs for corners
Daily Quick Clean (After Each Use)
Let’s say you just finished cooking fries.
- Unplug and cool down — Never clean while it’s hot. Wait at least 15–20 minutes.
- Remove baskets and trays
- Dump crumbs and wipe grease — Do this over the trash or sink.
- Rinse parts under warm water — Add a drop of soap if needed.
- Wipe the interior with a damp cloth — Don’t forget the back wall.
- Dry with paper towels or air dry
Takes under 5 minutes. But if you skip it more than twice? You’ll regret it later.
Weekly Deep Clean (Once a Week)
This is where the real stuff happens.
- Disassemble everything — Trays, baskets, racks, etc.
- Soak in warm soapy water (10–15 min)
- Use a soft brush to scrub corners
- Wipe heating element gently — Use a dry or slightly damp cloth. Never wet it directly.
- Clean the exterior — Control panel, handle, buttons
- Check the vent and fan areas — Light brushing can help dislodge crumbs
- Dry all parts fully before reassembling
Monthly Maintenance Clean
Not everyone does this. But once a month, it’s worth going a step further.
- Use baking soda paste on any stubborn stains (mix with a little water)
- Remove lingering odors by air-frying a lemon slice or wiping with vinegar
- Inspect the nonstick coating — If it’s peeling, it may be time to replace a part
- Vacuum the fan vent (gently) if your model has an open slot near the back
How to Clean the Ninja Air Fryer Double Basket – Step-by-Step
Alright — let’s zoom in on the Ninja Double Basket specifically. It’s a great machine, but with double the cooking space comes double the cleaning. Here’s how I usually handle it:
Step 1: Unplug and Let It Cool
Always the first step. The heating element can stay warm longer than you expect. Give it 20 minutes. Go scroll your phone or something.
Step 2: Pull Out Both Baskets
Remove both baskets and the crisper plates inside. If you cooked meat or something greasy, expect some pooled oil underneath.
Step 3: Soak the Crisper Plates
These trap crumbs and grease. They’re dishwasher-safe, but I find hand-washing lasts longer. Soak them in warm, soapy water while you clean other parts.
Step 4: Wipe the Interior of Each Drawer
Use a sponge or soft cloth. Avoid anything sharp — the nonstick is decent but not invincible.
Focus on the lip edges where oil tends to collect.
Step 5: Clean the Main Unit
Don’t skip this. Wipe the top of the heating area, gently. Then wipe the control panel and outside shell with a damp cloth.
Optional: Use a cotton swab for the narrow spaces around the drawer handles. It’s oddly satisfying.
Step 6: Dry Everything Thoroughly
Use a microfiber cloth if you can. If water sits in the drawers, it’ll leave marks or start to smell later.
What Not to Do with the Ninja:
- Don’t put the base in water — obvious, but worth saying
- Don’t scrub the heating coil directly
- Don’t spray cleaner inside the basket while it’s in the base
- Don’t skip cleaning the drawer edges — they build up grime quickly
Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Air Fryer
Even when you do clean your air fryer regularly, it’s surprisingly easy to mess up. I’ve done a few of these myself. Learn from my bad decisions:
Soaking the Entire Basket in Water (Including the Handle Area)
It seems innocent — just dunk the whole thing in the sink, right?
But water sneaks into the handle joints or where the basket meets the outer layer. Days later? Mold. Or rust. Sometimes both.
Using Steel Wool or Abrasive Pads
No matter how greasy the basket is, don’t reach for steel wool. It scratches the nonstick surface, and once that’s damaged, you’re basically cooking on raw metal.
It’ll start to stick more. And clean worse.
Skipping the Heating Element Entirely
It’s high up and easy to forget. But over time, oil vapor floats upward and bakes onto it.
You don’t need to scrub it — just a soft cloth once a week makes a big difference.
Using Harsh Chemical Sprays Inside
Keep the bleach in the bathroom. Inside your air fryer, stick to mild soap or white vinegar. Strong chemicals can damage the surface and leave residue that might… well, cook into your food later.
Reassembling While Parts Are Still Wet
If you’re in a rush, it’s tempting to just wipe and go. But moisture trapped between parts can lead to that musty, sour smell later. Let it fully dry — 10 more minutes won’t kill you.
Does Ease of Cleaning Change Which Air Fryer You Should Buy?
Honestly? It kind of should.
I didn’t think about it when I bought my first air fryer. I just went for the biggest, most powerful one I could find on sale. It worked great — until I realized how hard it was to scrub down after every meal.
If you love experimenting with new recipes or cook almost every day, cleaning ease matters more than you’d expect.
That said, here’s how I’d break it down:
- Choose Ninja Double Basket if you want flexibility and don’t mind spending 5–10 extra minutes cleaning
- Choose Philips if you want effortless clean-up with high-quality parts
- Choose Cosori if you like modern design and dishwasher-safe ease
- Skip CHEFMAN and GoWISE if you cook oily foods daily — they hold smells faster
At the end of the day, every air fryer gets dirty. It just depends how much effort you’re willing to put in to keep it clean and working well.
FAQ – Quick Answers to Common Questions
(Optimized for Google voice search and snippet-friendly formatting)
Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Yes, in most models. Baskets and trays are usually top-rack dishwasher-safe. But always check your manual — some coatings wear down faster with frequent dishwasher use.
How do I clean baked-on grease from my air fryer?
Soak the part in warm, soapy water for 15–20 minutes. Use a soft brush and baking soda paste (baking soda + water) to gently scrub off the grease without damaging the surface.
What is the best way to clean your air fryer?
The best way is to wipe it down after every use, deep clean once a week, and check the heating element monthly. Soak removable parts, avoid harsh scrubbers, and never skip drying everything completely.
How do I clean my Ninja Double Basket air fryer?
Remove both baskets and trays. Soak them in warm water with dish soap. Wipe the inside walls, heating coil area, and the control panel with a damp cloth. Let everything dry before putting it back.
How often should I clean my air fryer?
- Light wipe-down: after every use
- Deep clean: once a week
- Heating coil and vents: once a month
Can I use vinegar to clean my air fryer?
Yes, diluted white vinegar (mixed with water) is safe for wiping down the inside. Don’t pour it inside the base — just use it on a cloth or sponge.
What happens if I don’t clean my air fryer?
Grease and food residue will build up, causing bad smells, uneven cooking, smoke, and possibly even damage to the heating element over time.
Final Thoughts: Just Clean It. You’ll Be Glad You Did.
So… what is the best way to clean your air fryer?
Start simple. Wipe it down. Soak the trays. Get the crumbs out of the vents. Don’t overthink it, but don’t ignore it either.
If you’ve got a Ninja Air Fryer Double Basket, you already know it’s a beast in the kitchen. But it deserves some care if you want it to last. Cleaning it might take a few extra minutes — but it’s still easier than cleaning an oven or deep fryer.
And once it’s clean? You’re back to crispy fries and perfect salmon — without the burnt smell of last week’s bacon.
Enjoy healthy meal!