Category: Equipment & Tips
Aggressive scrubbing destroys nonstick coatings. Here is the tested method for cleaning your air fryer basket, grill plate, dehydrator racks, and air fryer baking pan without scratching, peeling, or shortening their lifespan.
The nonstick coating on your air fryer basket is not invincible. Wire brushes, steel wool, and abrasive sponges strip away the coating over time, creating rough spots where food sticks and burns. Once the coating is compromised, the problem compounds with each use.
This guide covers the tested cleaning methods for every type of air fryer accessory, from the main basket to add-ons like a grill plate for high protein air fryer meals, dehydrator racks for high protein air fryer meals, and baking pans.
Fill your air fryer basket with hot water and a tablespoon of dish soap immediately after cooking, while the basket is still warm (not hot). Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. The combination of warmth and soap loosens cooked on grease and protein residue without any scrubbing.
After soaking, use a soft sponge or silicone brush to wipe the surface clean. For stubborn spots, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the spot, and let it sit for 5 minutes before wiping. This works on the basket, an air fryer baking pan, and grill plates equally well.
**Air fryer baking pan**: These collect the most baked on residue because casseroles and egg bites cook directly on the surface. Soak immediately after use. If the pan is stainless steel rather than nonstick, you can use a slightly more aggressive scrub, but avoid steel wool. Bar Keeper's Friend works well on stainless.
**Grill plate**: The ridges on a grill plate trap fat and protein bits in the grooves. After soaking, use a soft bristle brush (like a dish brush, not a wire brush) to work between the ridges. A toothpick can clear any remaining debris from deep grooves.
**Dehydrator racks**: These have fine mesh that traps dried food particles. Soak them in warm soapy water for at least 20 minutes, then rinse with a strong stream of water. A soft toothbrush works well for the mesh sections. Dehydrator racks for high protein air fryer meals tend to accumulate dried marinade residue from jerky, so soaking is essential.
Never use oven cleaner sprays on air fryer components. The chemicals are too harsh for nonstick coatings and can leave residue that transfers to food. Avoid metal utensils inside the basket during cooking, as they scratch the coating. Nylon or silicone tongs and spatulas are the safe choice.
Dishwasher use is debatable. Some manufacturers say the basket is dishwasher safe, but the high heat and harsh detergents in dishwashers accelerate coating wear. Hand washing adds 2 minutes to your cleanup and extends the basket's lifespan by months.
The best way to reduce cleaning effort is to prevent buildup in the first place. Using [air fryer nonstick liners](/learn/air-fryer-accessories-essential-kit) or silicone liners catches grease and food particles before they bake onto the basket surface. For recipes with heavy marinades or cheese, liners pay for themselves in reduced cleaning time and longer basket life.
For a complete breakdown of which liners work best and how to position them properly, see our guide on [using air fryer liners without ruining crispiness](/blog/how-to-use-air-fryer-liners-without-ruining-crispiness) and our [essential accessories kit overview](/learn/air-fryer-accessories-essential-kit).