Best 6 Easy To Clean Air Fryers According to 5 Models

Like any other kitchen appliance, you need to clean your air fryer after every use. Cleaning the appliance keeps it in good working condition. And it also prevents food contamination. An easy-to-clean air fryer will hence give you an easy time.

With such a model, you spend less time cleaning. You can hence use more time cooking and trying our new recipes. But what kind of air fryers are easy to clean, how do you choose them? You will get a clear answer after reading till the end(5 models).

Most air fryer manufacturers will tell you their air fryers are the easiest to clean. But this is not always the case. We asked a few air fryer users from our Facebook forum to give us their views on the easiest air fryers to clean. We have used this info, plus our additional research, to compile a list of the easiest air fryers to clean.

Let’s jump straight in!

6 Best Easy-to-Clean Air Fryers – Reviews

1. PowerXL Self-Cleaning Air Fryer Oven 

The PowerXL Self-Cleaning Air Fryer Oven is a self-cleaning air fryer model. You will hardly need to do much when maintaining it. This will be a perfect model if you hate cleaning up after air frying. You also have many other choices if you like this brand, check the best 10 Powerxl air fryers.

Pros

• Cooks super fast
• Simplified one-step cooking
• Multifunctional design
• Hassle-free cleanup

Cons

• Smaller capacity than expected

Main Features and Key Benefits

The main highlight of this PowerXL air fryer is the Neat ‘n Clean Technology™. The technology allows it to self-clean. It makes the cleanup process almost effortless for you. 

This unique technology uses steam to loosen food particles and grease. You can then easily wipe them off and leave the appliances sparkling clean. All this only takes a few minutes. And it makes this one of the easiest air fryers to clean in the market.

Besides effortless cleaning, the air fryer also has 8 presets. The presets ensure hassle-free operation. For instance, a preset for pizza means you can make your favorite pizzas with one press.

Also, the air fryer has a minimalistic digital interface with a few knobs. The knobs are also clearly marked. This will be an easy appliance to figure out for anyone.

Actual Cooking Performance and Experience

This air fryer makes some of the most delicious homemade pizzas. Although it will not fit a full-size 12-inch or larger pizza, it makes up for this with great taste. The pizzas always have an extra crunchy crust and perfectly cooked ingredients.

But you will also love the speed. The air fryer oven gets up to 450°F and maintains consistent heat throughout the cooking. Chicken wings and french fries will cook to perfection in a little over 15 minutes. And most pizzas cook in under 10 minutes.

2. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer 

Cleaning the Ninja Air Fryer should only take just a few minutes. For starters, it comes with a high gloss finish, making the surfaces easy to clean. Also, the basket and crisper tray are both dishwasher-safe.

Pros

• Quiet operation
• Does not dry out food
• Exterior surfaces do not get hot when cooking
• Makes leftovers taste as good as fresh
• User-friendly controls

Cons

• No auto shut off when you remove the basket
• Rubber smell when new

Main Features and Key Benefits

You will hardly ever need to spend much time cleaning this Ninja air fryer. Everything about it is meant to give you an easy time. For instance, the high gloss finish wipes easily. Also, it does not stain and is fingerprint resistant.

The air fryer also has a nonstick interior surface. Food will not cling to the surface. You can quickly wipe any grime with a damp microfiber cloth. Also, the rack, basket, and crisper plate are dishwasher-safe.

This air fryer can also cook almost anything. It supports a wider temperature range (105 to 400°F). And it has several cooking functions, from air frying to dehydration. You can use it daily for all your cooking needs.

You can also cook a decent amount of food on this 4-quart air fryer. There is enough room for at least 2 pounds of French fries or wings. It can even cook a small whole chicken.

Actual Cooking Performance and Experience

If you want to make some delicious air-fried foods without making a mess, this Ninja air fryer is perfect. You can make some of the crispiest and most delicious battered chicken wings. And you do not have to do much.

The air fryer also cooks super fast. For instance, you can make frozen sweet potato fries in as little as 10 minutes. Better still, there is little to do as there is a dedicated air fry preset. And you never even have to thaw the fries before cooking.

The dehydration function is also simple and effective. The air fryer comes with a rack to ensure you get extra space. Your beef jerky and apple chips always dehydrate to perfection.

3. Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 4QT Air Fryer Oven   

Cleaning up this 4QT Instant Vortex air fryer takes little effort. The provided accessories are nonstick to prevent grim and food particles from sticking. And they are also dishwasher-safe.

Pros

• Both air fryer and accessories clean easily
• Does not take up a lot of counter space
• Allows for temperature and time adjustment in the middle of cooking
• Comes with some simple instructions
• Clean, sleek finish

Cons

• Has a plastic smell when new

Main Features and Key Benefits

The stainless steel finish on this Instant Vortex air fryer gives it a clean and sleek. It will look fantastic in your kitchen. Plus, stainless steel is an easy-to-clean material that will not stain easily.

The provided accessories (a basket and tray) are also easy to clean. They both have a heavy-duty nonstick coating. The coating ensures you never have to deal with stuck food particles. And both are also dishwasher-safe to further simplify cleanup for you.

This air fryer is also built for versatility. You can use it for baking, dehydrating, and much more besides air frying. And it will also have a dedicated preset for all the cooking functions. This ensures you have an easy time setting it up when cooking.

Cooking should also be much faster as this model hardly requires any preheating. It will be ready to cook in just a couple of minutes. You can reduce the time it takes to cook foods like fries and finger snacks. They all take a little over 10 minutes.

Actual Cooking Performance and Experience

This air fryer will serve you well if you prefer to spend less time in the kitchen. You can cook most foods in under 20 minutes as it reaches optimal cooking temperature fast. Fries, onion rings, and tater tots hardly take 15 minutes.

Better yet, you cook from frozen to plate without thawing. And cooking frozen food does not even slow it down. But the best part is that this air fryer always makes things extra crispy. If you love chicken wings, this air fryer will make the crispiest ones. Plus, they always get that perfect golden brown color.

4. Cosori 4 Qt Air Fryer 

The small profile of this Cosori 4Qt Air Fryer makes it easy to handle when cooking and cleaning. Also, the accessories have a non-stick coating and are dishwasher safe. You can hence be sure cleaning up is a breeze.

Pros

• Has an on/off button
• Outside does not get hot
• Foods cook very quickly
• Clear instructions and well-illustrated recipes

Cons

• Can be a little too loud

Main Features and Key Benefits

The size and finish of this Cosori air fryer indicate that it will be super easy to maintain. You can quickly take it apart for cleaning. And its compact size means you will have an easy time handling it.

The basket and crisper tray have a nonstick coating like our previous models. The coating is very effective at preventing food from sticking. And it doesn’t contain any PFOA or BPA. The nonstick coating and dishwasher-safe accessories make cleanup even more hassle-free.

This air fryer is also one of the most versatile in this review. It supports at least 7 cooking functions and also gets hotter. You can easily tweak the temperature to 450°F. The high temperature also speeds up cooking. It allows you to cook foods from frozen to plate super fast.

You can always be sure your food will taste great and be healthier. The air fryer uses Even Heating Technology to keep the temperature consistent. This tech improves cooking outcomes. Plus, it has a shake reminder to ensure you always remember to give your fries a toss.

Actual Cooking Performance and Experience

The variety of foods you can cook on this air fryer is impressive. You can cook everything from dumplings to mini pizzas and nuggets. Plus, it also gets hot enough to allow you to broil steaks quickly. The steaks even have a slight char and are still quite juicy.

We also love the amount of space on this air fryer. Despite being a 4-quart model, it has more cooking space. You can easily fit over 12 chicken wings or even a small whole chicken. And the best part is that everything will cook to a golden brown and crispy perfection.

5. Cosori Pro Gen 2 5.8QT Air Fryer 

The premium look of the Cosori Pro Gen 2 Air Fryer can be intimidating. But it is surprisingly easy to maintain. The smooth surface does not get dirty or stain easily. Plus, you can quickly wipe it clean with a damp microfiber cloth.

Pros

• Easy programming when cooking
• Multiple safety features
• Holds a lot of food
• Looks amazing in the kitchen

Cons

• The basket can be a little wiggly

Main Features and Key Benefits

Cosori makes this air fryer for mess-free cooking. You can make all your favorite air-fried foods without making a huge mess. This, in turn, ensures you will have an easy time cleaning the appliance afterward. 

The accessories like basket and crisper plate are also easy to remove. Plus, like all the others on this list, they have a nonstick coating and are dishwasher-safe. And so cleaning them should be a breeze.

You can also cook more food on this air fryer. The 5.8-quart capacity allows you to cook a 5-pound chicken and over 3 pounds of french fries. This will be a perfect model for cooking up to 5 people.

And you can always be sure of getting perfect cooking outcomes every time. The air fryer uses an NTC sensor to maintain consistent temperature as the food cooks.

Actual Cooking Performance and Experience

There is no beating this air fryer if you are looking for a baking alternative for your convection oven. Everything from chocolate chip cookies to small cakes and pies is always tastier. And the best part is that it never dries them out.

We were also impressed with the cooking speed. This is more so when cooking different kinds of meats. You can get a perfect medium-rare steak in just 6 minutes. Or crispy golden brown chicken thighs in a little over 15 minutes.

6. Cosori 10QT Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo 

This larger Cosori 10QT Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo will take more time and effort to clean. At least when you compare it to the other models above. Still, the cleanup is a breeze. All the accessories are dishwasher-safe, and the basket is also nonstick.

Pros

• Highly versatile
• Perfectly positioned vent to prevent overheating
• Dissipates food smells quickly
• Supports WiFi control

Cons

• Larger footprint
• The fan can be quite loud

Main Features and Key Benefits

The easily accessible interior makes this Cosori air fryer oven easier to clean. There are no hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. And so you can easily give the interior a thorough cleanup without doing much.

Moreover, the basket is nonstick, and all the accessories are dishwasher-safe. You can hence spend more time enjoying the food and less time cleaning up.

This air fryer has the largest capacity in this review. The 10-quart capacity is enough for cooking for up to 7 people. You can easily fit a large chicken in there or cook several pounds of french fries. This is also our most versatile model, with up to 14 cooking functions.

Operating the air fryer should also be easy and convenient. Besides the highly intuitive interface, you can also operate the air fryer via WiFi. Or even voice using either Alexa or Google Assistant.

Actual Cooking Performance and Experience

You will love this air fryer if you hate food smells lingering in your kitchen long after cooking. The powerful fan dissipates the strongest smells super fast. You hardly notice any pungent smells, even when cooking fish.

Another interesting thing about it is that it keeps everything juicy. If you cook drumsticks or chicken wings, they will get nice and crunchy. But they remain juicy and tender inside.

Which Air Fryer Type is the Easiest to Clean? The 5 MODELS

The ease of cleaning an air fryer is largely subjective. Still, some specific air fryer types will be easier to clean than others. These air fryers will have the following features:

1. Nonstick Basket and Interior

An air fryer with a nonstick interior and a nonstick basket will be easier to clean. A nonstick basket means food will not stick. This makes it easier for you to clean after cooking.

Nonstick interior surfaces also simplify cleaning for you. These surfaces make it easy to wipe off any residue that accumulates during cooking. Food splutters will also not cling to nonstick surfaces. This further gives you an easy time when cleaning.

2. Removable Parts

You will also easily clean your air fryer if it comes with removable parts/accessories. If you can remove accessories, you can quickly clean them in a dishwasher or sink.

Plus, removable parts mean you will have more room to access the interior. The accessories and air fryer surfaces should then take less effort to clean.

3. Dishwasher Safe

Besides being removable, the parts will give you an easy time if they are dishwasher-safe. It means you only need to place them on the top rack of your dishwasher to wash them.

You should check the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure the parts are dishwasher-safe. Otherwise, you can damage them or even ruin your dishwasher.

Note: If unsure whether the accessories are dishwasher-safe, clean them by hand.

4. Drip Tray

A drip tray will help contain the mess when cooking. It ensures you can easily clean the appliance afterward. It will be even more useful when cooking foods that produce a lot of drippings, such as chicken.

If the drip tray is removable and dishwasher-safe, it will be even better for you. Besides containing the mess, such a drip tray will also be easy to clean.

5. Smooth Surfaces

You also need to pay attention to the ease of cleaning the air fryer’s surfaces. Remember that you have to wipe the interior and exterior surfaces with a damp cloth.

A model that comes with smooth surfaces is easier to wipe clean. Also, surfaces resistant to stains and fingerprints are even easier to clean.

How to Clean an Air Fryer (Step by step)

Cleaning your air fryer does not have to be hectic. You only need to know how to do it correctly and ensure you have everything you need. Here is an overview of the things you will need and clear step-by-step directions:

What You Will Need

• Nonabrasive sponge
• Microfiber cloth
• Paper towels
• Dish soap
• Baking soda, lemon, and vinegar (optional)
• Dishwasher (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

• Step 1: Allow the Air Fryer to Cool Completely

You need to give the air fryer enough time to cool before removing the basket for cleaning. Remember that most models will get to at least 400°F, which is quite dangerous to handle when hot.

Also, you do not want to put a hot air fryer basket under cool water. The thermal shock can easily damage the basket and render your air fryer useless.

• Step 2: Remove the Basket and Start By Wiping Off any Visible Crumbs/Grease

Once the appliance gets cool enough, you can take out the basket. You should then use a paper towel to wipe off any grease or crumbs you can see. Removing the visible grime makes the basket easier and quicker to clean.

• Step 3: Wash the Basket Thoroughly With Warm, Soapy Water

You can now wash the basket with a sponge or microfiber cloth. Using warm, soapy water makes removing the grease in the basket easy.

Also, ensure you use a mild, non-toxic soap for your safety. And once the basket is clean enough, you can rinse it with warm, running water.

Pro Tip: Fill up the air fryer basket with warm, soapy water and allow it to soak for 20 minutes. This will help remove any tough debris and make it easy to wash off.

• Step 4: Use a Sponge to Scrub Off Any Tough Debris and Stains

If your basket still has some stuck debris after step no 3 above, you can scrub it off with the nonabrasive sponge. Messy foods like chocolate and breading/butter usually require some extra scrubbing. But, if you combine this with soaking, the mess should be easy to remove.

• Step 5: Allow the Basket to Dry As you Wipe the Rest of the Appliance

The last step is to allow the basket enough time to dry or even dry it with a clean cloth. As the basket dries, you should use this time to clean the rest of the air fryer. You will need to wipe the interior and exterior surfaces with warm, soapy water. And use a soft microfiber cloth to prevent scratches.

Note: If the basket is dishwasher-safe, you can skip steps 3, 4, and 5. Simply place it on the top rack of your dishwasher to clean it.

How to Degrease An Air Fryer

Grease can be annoying to remove. Your regular air fryer cleaning routine might not be very helpful. Also, you need to be careful when doing it to ensure you do not damage the air fryer’s nonstick coating. The best way to do this is by avoiding harsh cleaning chemicals.

The easiest way to degrease an air fryer basket is by soaking it in warm, soapy water. A 20 to 30-minute soak should be adequate in most instances. You can remove any grease clinging to the surfaces with a gentle scrub. But make sure you use a soft bristle dish brush.

If the soak does not work, try using a baking soda paste to break down the grease. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply the paste generously on the grease residue. Give it a few minutes to work and clean your air fryer as you normally do.

Alternatively, you can use a store-bought degreaser. It can also remove any grease, and grime stuck on your air fryer basket and surfaces.

Best Degreaser for Air Fryer: Mrs. Meyer’s All-Purpose Cleaner Spray 

Mrs. Meyer’s All-Purpose Cleaner Spray is a multipurpose cleaner. It makes it easy to remove grease and all kinds of grime from your air fryer. The cleaner will be perfect for degreasing the air fryer basket and surfaces.

For starters, the degreaser is made from safe ingredients. The ingredients include essential oil and plant-derived cleaning ingredients. It does not contain any harmful compounds like parabens and phthalates. Also, there are no artificial colors. This degreaser will clean your air fryer without leaving any harmful compounds.

This product also works super fast. Unlike many others, you do not have to spray and leave it for several minutes. Degreasing is almost instant. You will spend little time cleaning your air fryer.

Plus, it also has a pleasant and fresh scent. Besides decreasing your air fryer, it will also leave it smelling fantastic.

Can You Put Water in An Air Fryer?

It can be tempting to put water in your air fryer. Especially when dealing with tough stains. But it is not a good idea. 

Some people will add water to the basket and put it back in the air fryer to heat up. While this can work, it is quite risky. Remember that an air fryer is still an electrical appliance. The water can easily damage if it ends up in the wrong place.

It is okay to soak the basket or submerge it in water. But you should avoid adding water to the air fryer and never submerge it in water.

Why Do You Need to Clean an Air Fryer After Every Use?

Like any other appliance, it seems obvious you have to clean your air fryer. But do you know why keeping your air fryer clean is important? Here are a few key reasons:

1. Prevent food contamination 

Air fryers have several nooks and crannies where food particles can hide. Cleaning the air fryer ensures you take them out so they do not contaminate your next cooking. Also, removing the food particles ensures they do not keep burning.

2. Eliminate lingering odors 

You do not want your kitchen smelling fish many hours after you finish cooking. A thorough cleanup of the air fryer after cooking is the only way to eliminate this.

3. Keep the air fryer in good working condition 

Some food particles, crumbs, and grease end up in the heating element. If you do not clean them out, they can affect the performance of the heating element. Cleaning helps keep it in optimal working condition.

How Often Do You Need to Clean an Air Fryer?

The frequency of cleaning your air fryer largely depends on how you use it and how often you cook. For light uses that do not involve messy and greasy foods, a light wipe with a paper towel after every use is enough. But you still need to give it a deep clean at least once a month.

That said, you are always better off cleaning your air fryer after every use. Cleaning the accessories after every use prevents grease and grime from building up. And so you will have an easy time cleaning it after your next use.

Pro Tips for Using and Cleaning an Air Fryer

1. Use parchment paper and foil 

Covering air fryer baskets and trays with parchment paper or foil contains the mess. It also prevents food from sticking. All this makes cleanup a breeze.

2. Add water to the drawer when cooking fatty foods 

Adding some water to the drawer below the basket ensures grease from the food will not get too hot. And so it will not start smoking when air frying.

3. Use a baking soda solution to clean the air fryer  

A baking soda and water solution is a good alternative to dish soap. It is non-toxic and will not leave any strong smells.

4. Use skewers and toothpicks when cleaning 

You need something sharp to clean air fryer nooks and crannies. Skereer or toothpicks are perfect. Just be careful not to damage the air fryer when using them.

5. Use the air fryer to dry the accessories 

Pop back the basket, tray, and drawer into the air fryer after cleaning them. You should then switch the air fryer on for around 3 minutes. This will dry both the accessories and the air fryer interior.

Wrap Up

So which air fryer from our list above do you think will be the easiest to use?

The truth is you will have an easy time no matter what mode you choose. The choice is all about your preferences. But consider other things like the cooking capacity and functions you want.

Once you make up your mind, you can purchase one today and enjoy hassle-free cleanups. And remember to share this article. Sharing will help other air fryer enthusiasts also looking for easy-to-clean air fryers.