5 Methods to Clean a Greasy Air Fryer Basket

Keeping your air fryer basket clean ensures better-tasting food and prolongs the life of your appliance. Grease and food residue can build up quickly, but with the right cleaning method, your air fryer can look and smell fresh again. Here are five effective methods to clean a greasy air fryer basket using simple household ingredients.

1:Baking Soda + Lemon Paste

What You’ll Need:

• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• Juice of 1 lemon

Steps:

1. Mix baking soda and lemon juice into a thick paste.
2. Spread the paste all over the greasy parts of the basket.
3. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes to break down grease.
4. Scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge or brush.
5. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry completely.

Why It Works:

Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive cleaner, while lemon’s natural acidity dissolves grease and leaves a fresh scent.

2:Vinegar + Lemon Juice Steam

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Heatproof bowl

Steps:

1. Mix vinegar and lemon juice in a heatproof bowl that fits inside your air fryer basket.
2. Place the bowl inside the air fryer and set it to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
3. Let the steam loosen up the grease and residue.
4. After cooling, remove the basket and wipe it clean with a soft cloth or sponge.

Why It Works:

Steam from vinegar and lemon lifts built-up grease and softens hardened food particles effortlessly.

3:Dawn Steam Cleaning

What You’ll Need:

• 2 cups hot water
• A few drops of Dawn dish soap

Steps:

1. Pour hot water and dish soap into the air fryer basket.
2. Let it soak for about 10 minutes.
3. Place the basket back in the air fryer and set it to 300°F (150°C) for 3–5 minutes.
4. Once cooled, scrub and rinse thoroughly.

Why It Works:

The heat from the steam helps loosen grease, while the Dawn soap cuts through oily residue effectively.

4:Dawn + Baking Soda + Vinegar

What You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon Dawn dish soap
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• ½ cup white vinegar

Steps:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until foamy.
2. Apply the mixture to the greasy parts of the basket.
3. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
4. Scrub gently, rinse with warm water, and dry.

Why It Works:

This triple combo is powerful — Dawn dissolves grease, baking soda scrubs grime, and vinegar breaks down tough buildup.

5:Dawn Powerwash + Baking Soda + Hydrogen Peroxide

What You’ll Need:

• Dawn Powerwash spray
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide

Steps:

1. Spray Dawn Powerwash directly onto the greasy basket.
2. Sprinkle baking soda over it, then drizzle hydrogen peroxide.
3. Let it bubble and sit for 10 minutes.
4. Scrub and rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Why It Works:

Hydrogen peroxide lifts stains and sanitizes, while Dawn Powerwash and baking soda tackle grease with ease.

Bonus Tips:

• Always unplug your air fryer before cleaning.
• Avoid metal scouring pads to prevent scratching the basket.
• Clean your air fryer after every few uses to prevent buildup.

With these five cleaning methods, you can keep your air fryer basket spotless and ready for your next delicious meal!