THE Best 5 Ways to Clean Your Air Fryer
What is the best way to clean your air fryer? Honestly, it depends — on the model, how often you use it, and let’s be real, how much patience you have. Especially if you’ve got something like the Ninja Double Basket, with its twin compartments and all those moving parts.
But whether you’re using the Ninja, a COSORI, or even a Chefman, one thing’s for sure: a neglected air fryer is a gross air fryer. And when it’s gross, your food starts tasting… off. You might not notice it right away, but it sneaks up on you.
So this article? It’s a deep dive into the cleaning side of air fryers — focusing mainly on the Ninja Double Basket, but also comparing how it holds up against other top brands when it comes to keeping things tidy.
Why Cleaning Your Air Fryer Properly Actually Matters
Most of us buy air fryers to make life easier. Faster meals. Less oil. Less mess… in theory.
But here’s the catch: all that crispy goodness leaves behind grease, crumbs, and burnt bits. Over time, they build up. And not just in the basket — but in the heating element, fan, and those sneaky crevices you forget exist.
Not cleaning your fryer regularly leads to:
- Bad smells (you know the one — old, oily, kind of smoky)
- Smoky kitchens from burnt residue
- Slower cooking times
- A shorter lifespan for your machine
And yes, even if you “only” air fry veggies.
The Basics – Everyday Cleaning Steps (All Models)
1. Unplug and Let It Cool This feels obvious, but you’d be surprised. Never clean your air fryer while it’s hot.
2. Remove the Basket/Tray Take out the removable parts (basket, crisper plate, tray) and soak them in warm, soapy water.
3. Use a Non-Abrasive Sponge Scrub gently to avoid scratching the nonstick coating.
4. Wipe the Interior Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the inside walls. Avoid harsh chemicals.
5. Clean the Heating Element Tilt the unit gently. Wipe the heating element with a damp cloth or soft brush to remove any residue.
6. Exterior Touch-Up Wipe the outside with a slightly damp cloth. Dry everything before plugging back in.
Special Focus – Cleaning the Ninja Double Basket Air Fryer
The Ninja DualZone is incredibly popular — and for good reason. Two independent baskets mean you can cook two different meals at once. But cleaning it? Not quite double the effort, but close.
What Makes It Tricky?
- Two baskets to clean instead of one
- Dual crisper plates (the things that keep food elevated)
- More condensation buildup between the baskets
Cleaning Tips Just for the Ninja
- Remove the baskets and plates after every use. It’s tempting to reuse them without a full clean, but don’t.
- Use a long-handled brush to get into corners, especially under the crisper plates.
- Check the basket sensors — those little latches and tracks get crumbs easily.
- Don’t submerge the main unit. Ever.
- Dishwasher safe? The baskets and plates usually are, but check your manual. Hand-washing extends life, though.
Comparing Cleanup – Ninja vs Other Brands
Let’s look at how the Ninja stacks up against four other common air fryers when it comes to cleanup.
1. Chefman 8-Qt Dual Basket
- Ease of cleaning: Fair
- Basket coating: Less durable than Ninja
- Issue: Grease builds up quicker in corners
- Pro tip: Clean immediately after cooking fatty foods
2. Instant Vortex Plus 6-Qt
- Ease of cleaning: Great
- Basket coating: Solid nonstick
- Issue: Fan gets gunked up over time
- Pro tip: Use a pastry brush to clean the fan vent
3. COSORI Pro II 5.8-Qt
- Ease of cleaning: Very good
- Basket coating: Easy to rinse
- Issue: Some food sticks around vent holes
- Pro tip: Shake basket over sink before washing
4. Philips Essential XL
- Ease of cleaning: Excellent
- Basket coating: Premium feel
- Issue: None really, just a bit small
- Pro tip: Rinse immediately to avoid drying residue
The Tools That Make Cleaning Easier
You don’t need fancy gadgets, but these help:
- Soft bottle brush (gets into corners)
- Baking soda + vinegar (for deep cleaning)
- Microfiber cloths
- Dish soap with degreaser
- Silicone sponge (gentle but effective)
Deep Cleaning – Once a Month (or So)
Even if you’re good about everyday cleaning, you still need to deep-clean now and then.
Steps:
- Make a baking soda paste with water.
- Apply it to sticky spots inside the basket or tray.
- Let it sit 15–30 minutes.
- Scrub with a soft brush.
- Rinse, dry, and reassemble.
You can also use vinegar + hot water soak for metal parts.
Final Thoughts — So Which Air Fryer Is the Best to Buy?
By now, we’ve looked at a lot. From cooking performance and ease of use, to how annoying cleanup might get — and even whether or not you’ll burn your fingers taking it off the counter.
So, which air fryer is the “best buy”?
Well… that depends on what actually matters most to you. But here’s how they stack up:
Ninja Foodi DualZone (Double Basket)
- Best for multitasking meals and families
- Easy to clean but needs counter space
Chefman Dual Basket 8-Qt
- Budget-friendly
- Functional, but more upkeep needed
Instant Vortex Plus 6-Qt
- Great single-basket option
- Compact and consistent
COSORI Pro II 5.8-Qt
- Excellent for beginners
- Smooth cleanup
Philips Essential XL
- Premium feel, high-quality
- Expensive but hassle-free
The Honest Takeaway
What is the best way to clean your air fryer?
Honestly — it starts before the cooking even begins. Picking the right model matters.
If you hate cleaning, go for smoother baskets with fewer parts. If you cook daily, you need something durable, easy to wipe down, and dishwasher-safe.
The Ninja Double Basket? It’s versatile, yes. But know what you’re signing up for.
Air fryers aren’t magic. But with a little upkeep? They get pretty close.
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