Cleaning an air fryer heating element is mostly about gentle, regular maintenance so you remove grease without damaging the coil or electronics. Done right, it also prevents smoking, weird smells, and uneven cooking over time.

What you’ll need

  • Soft sponge or cloth (non‑abrasive).
  • Mild dish soap or all‑purpose kitchen cleaner that is safe for small appliances.
  • Soft‑bristle brush or old toothbrush for stuck‑on bits.
  • Microfiber cloth for drying.
  • Optional: a little baking soda paste for stubborn grease (never on bare electrical contacts).

Step‑by‑step: basic safe clean

  1. Unplug and cool completely
    • Always disconnect the air fryer and wait until everything is fully cool before opening and cleaning to avoid burns and electrical hazards.
  1. Remove basket and tray
    • Take out the basket, tray, and any crisper plate so you can see and reach the heating element at the top or bottom.
 * Wash those removable parts in warm soapy water with a soft sponge and let them dry.
  1. Shake or vacuum loose debris
    • Tip the unit gently over a sink or trash can and tap the sides lightly so loose crumbs and flakes fall out, instead of wetting them and making sludge.
  1. Wipe the element gently
    • Dampen a soft sponge or cloth in warm, soapy water, squeeze it so it is damp (not dripping), and gently wipe the heating coil and surrounding metal.
 * If there is splatter shield mesh over the element, wipe that shield rather than forcing anything under or behind it.
  1. Use a soft brush for stuck grease
    • For baked‑on residue, use a soft brush or toothbrush with soapy water and light pressure instead of anything abrasive.
 * Work around the coil carefully; do not bend or scratch the element coating.
  1. Rinse and dry carefully
    • Go over the area with a clean damp cloth to remove soap, making sure nothing drips into vents or electrical parts.
 * Dry thoroughly with a microfiber cloth and leave it open to air‑dry before reassembling.
  1. Reassemble and “burn off”
    • Once fully dry, reinsert tray and basket.
 * Some cleaners recommend running the empty air fryer for a few minutes to burn off any faint residue and check for smoke before cooking food again.

Dealing with heavy buildup

  • Grease that won’t budge
    • Make a light baking soda paste (baking soda + a bit of water), dab it on greasy metal near the element, let sit briefly, then wipe with a damp cloth.
* Keep paste away from bare wiring or temperature sensors and avoid packing it into vents.
  • Food or film melted on the element
    • If a piece of plastic film or food has burned onto the coil, wait until it is fully cool, then pick off loose pieces with fingers or a wooden/plastic tool—never metal.
* Very stubborn, charred residue may require several gentle clean‑and‑reheat cycles; if the element looks badly damaged or pitted, contact the manufacturer rather than scraping aggressively.

Safety do’s and don’ts

  • Do
    • Clean light splatter from the heating area every few uses to reduce smoke and fire risk.
* Check your specific model’s manual; some have removable shields that must be taken off before cleaning behind them.
  • Don’t
    • Don’t spray cleaner directly onto the element; apply cleaner to a cloth first.
* Don’t submerge the main body in water.

* Don’t use steel wool, sandpaper, or harsh abrasives on the element—these can damage coatings or create hot spots and are generally not recommended even if a few forum users suggest them.

Quick SEO‑friendly notes

  • The key phrase how to clean air fryer heating element usually focuses on unplugging, cooling, wiping with mild soap, and avoiding abrasives or soaking.
  • Recent guides emphasize regular quick cleans as “latest” best practice to avoid the smoky, greasy build‑up people often complain about in forum discussion and trending videos.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.