Air fryers have completely changed the way people cook. They’re quicker, healthier and more convenient than traditional ovens or deep fryers, and can handle everything from crispy chips to juicy chicken with little to no oil. Therefore, it’s no surprise they’ve become a kitchen essential for many families across the UK.
But with daily use comes the unavoidable downside – cleaning them. Even with careful cooking, grease and food residue can quickly build up inside the basket and around the heating element. Over time, that grime becomes harder to remove, especially in the tray and tricky corners. Many air fryer owners scrub for ages, soak parts in hot water, or even try dishwasher cycles, but still struggle to get them fully clean.
Now one mum has shared a trick that could make the job much easier and take just two minutes using items you probably already have at home.
Lina, a mum of two and passionate home cook who runs the YouTube channel Lovingly Lina, revealed the method in her video titled ‘The best & easiest way to clean a greasy air fryer’.
She said: “This is the easiest way to clean your air fryer. Start by pouring some baking soda, dish soap, then boil some water and pour it all over until it’s covering the tray.
“Then put on your air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204C) for about two minutes. Take it out and give it a good rinse and that’s it. It’s as good as new.”
Experts at UK Cleaning Supplies also recommend using baking soda for stubborn grease, advising people to make a paste and leave it to sit before scrubbing gently with a soft brush.
They say the key to keeping your air fryer clean is regular maintenance. After each use, the unit should be unplugged, cooled down and wiped clean.
Removable parts like the basket and tray should be hand-washed with warm soapy water, avoiding scouring pads or abrasive cleaners that could damage the non-stick surface.
For deep cleaning, they suggest focusing on the heating element, using a soft brush or damp cloth with a small amount of dish soap, and then drying everything thoroughly before putting it back together.
While many air fryer parts are labelled as dishwasher-safe, experts advise hand-washing to protect the coating and extend the life of the appliance.
Those who watched Lina’s video were quick to try the method for themselves.
One viewer said: “Just did and it worked for me. Great job.” Another added: “I just tried this and it worked sooo well! You saved me from 15 minutes of scrubbing!”
Others were impressed but said it may take more than one go. One person wrote: “I just tried this on an exceptionally greasy air fryer, and I’m impressed with the results. I’ll have to do a few washes, but I’m hopeful it will clear up.”
However, not everyone was convinced. One viewer said: “Some air fryers don’t hold liquid. One of mine does, and the other one doesn’t.
“I tried this cleaning method on both of them, and it worked OK in the one model. My other model, from a different brand, left a lake on my countertop!”
Another warned: “Doing this repeatedly can mess up the sensor so your air fryer might stay stuck on ‘open’ and will be inoperable. Wipe up the grease and do the first part she did without air frying.”