This Cleaning Hack Is a Genius Way to Clean Your Air Fryer Super Fast
Updated: Apr. 18, 2023
Air fryers are a modern go-to for quick meals, but cleaning them isn't always a walk in the park.
With one air fryer, you can make a variety of dishes from crafting the perfect grilled cheese to making the crispiest chicken wings. But after you’ve used your air fryer a couple of times, it’s easy to spot the caked-on food and grease, which can be a major pain to clean. So if you want to skip some scrubbing, here’s a smart hack for cleaning an air fryer quickly for a speedy refresh.
How to Clean Your Air Fryer Quickly
Who else should you get a quick cleaning hack from but celebrity chef Ming Tsai? No more wondering how to clean your air fryer quickly—the restaurateur (@chefmingtsai) shared a “daily reminder to clean your air fryer” TikTok video, which has since garnered nearly 30,000 likes as of publication.
@chefmingtsai Your daily reminder to clean your air fryer #airfryertiktok #airfryerhack #cleaningvideo #cheftips ♬ Lofi Vibes – Gentle State
Here are the steps to this simple cleaning process:
- First, remove the cooking drawer of your air fryer.
- Fill the cooking drawer with hot water until it covers the cooking rack. Make sure not to get it too full.
- Next, add a couple of pumps of dish soap.
- Remove the cooking drawer from the sink and push it back into the air fryer.
- Turn your air fryer on and select a high temperature.
- When ready, press the start button to turn it on.
- Let the cycle go. When it’s done, open the cooking drawer and empty it of the soapy water. Then, rinse the drawer and the rack thoroughly.
- Dry your air fryer and reassemble it.
I Tried It—Here’s What I Thought
I followed the steps in the TikTok video created by Chef Tsai and was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was. First, I filled my air fryer’s cooking drawer with hot water and soap, selected the proper settings and ran it for 15 minutes. This cycle was over before I knew it, and when I removed the drawer, all the soap bubbles had dissipated.
The drawer was left with hot water, so I carefully poured it into the sink. Then, I rinsed it out as instructed and removed the rack. As Tsai stated in his TikTok video, this easy cleaning method doesn’t eliminate all the caked-on grease and food on the rack of the air fryer, but it does a wonderful job of removing any grease from the tub itself.
My rack wasn’t extremely dirty to begin with, but I did notice there was some food residue that needed scrubbing off. I gave this part a quick scrub with a kitchen scourer and rinsed it. While this hack won’t remove stuck-on food residue on the air fryer’s rack, it will effectively clean the tub.
I’d recommend using this cleaning method once you’ve finished cooking a meal or two in your air fryer to keep it nice and clean inside. It’s simple enough to do and requires minimal effort on your part, so it’s something you can easily add to your kitchen routine. As for the dirty rack, try scrubbing this after your wash to keep all the elements sparkling clean.
Air-Fryer Recipes You'll Love
Air-Fryer Chicken Wings
You can't go wrong with these crispy air-fryer chicken wings. Our spice rub has a nice kick from the cayenne seasoning. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Oh, and if you're tired of cooking in batches, these stackable air-fryer racks are just what you need.
Chicken Parmesan
Quick, simple and oh-so-tasty, this air-fryer recipe is the perfect weeknight dish to have on hand. It's just as crispy as the classic, if not crispier! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Air-Fryer Meat Loaf
If you're looking for a hearty meal perfect for two, then look no further. This air-fryer meat loaf cooks quickly. Plus, it's easy to double for sandwiches the next day. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Using the air-fryer is a genius way to make these golden, toasty sandwiches. I think this method gets the cheese the gooiest. If I'm making only one air-fryer grilled cheese, I'll also pop in a few fries with the sandwich. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs
This air-fryer recipe creates meat that is crispy on the outside but super juicy on the inside. The paprika and garlic seasoning blend comes through beautifully. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Breakfast Cookies
I used to buy brand-name breakfast cookies from the supermarket, but since I found this recipe, I've enjoyed making my cookies more than buying them. —Linda Burciaga, tasteofhome.com
Chickpea Meatballs
Being a vegetarian, it's been hard for me not to lean toward heavier, carb-laden foods. This recipe for chickpea meatballs satisfies my cravings and doesn't leave me with a heavy feeling. —Sara Willen, Cypress, Texas
Air-Fryer French Fries
This low-calorie, air-fryer recipe is perfect because I can whip it up at a moment's notice with ingredients I have on hand. The fries are so crispy, you won't miss the deep fryer! —Dawn Parker, Surrey, British Columbia
Chicken Cordon Bleu
My son loves this air-fryer chicken cordon bleu. My recipe has all the yummy flavors in a 30-minute meal. Leftovers freeze well, too. —Ronda Eagle, Goose Creek, South Carolina
Air-Fryer Quesadillas
I like to make these air-fryer quesadillas for party appetizers. Just cut them into thinner triangles. You can also switch up the cheese and the salsa to suit your taste. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Mini Chimichangas
My family raves about these air-fryer chimichangas. Infused with green chiles, the beefy snacks are guaranteed to liven up the party! —Kathy Rogers, Hudson, Ohio
Air-Fryer Puff Pastry Danishes
These simple jam-filled pastries are perfect for a holiday brunch spread. They were my dad's favorite, so the recipe will always be close to my heart. —Chellie Helmke, Jackson Center, Ohio
Banana Bread
Yes, you can make banana bread in the air fryer! This easy air-fryer recipe is a cinch to put together. Eat it while it's still warm or at room temperature with a spread of butter. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs
This is a wonderful alternative to boiling eggs on the stovetop. These air-fryer hard-boiled eggs are just as easy and super quick—a perfect way to put your air fryer to use! —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Buffalo Cauliflower
I love Buffalo wings, but sometimes I'm looking for something a little different. Enter the cauliflower! This air-fryer Buffalo cauliflower is fantastic as an appetizer or as a side dish. —Emily Tyra, Lake Ann, Michigan
Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken Breasts
My husband is not crazy about chicken, but one of his favorite snacks are Jalapeno Poppers, so I created this dinnertime recipe to give our chicken plenty of flavor. He loves it cooked this way and best of all is the quick cooking with little cleanup! — Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Cookie Pie
My mom used to make cookie bars for every school even growing up. This is my updated version. It takes half the time and tastes just like Mom used to make. — Ashley Long, Mission, Kansas
Air-Fryer Garlic Bread
This air-fryer garlic bread turns out perfectly toasted in a hurry. I use fresh garlic, but substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if you don't have any fresh on hand. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Air-Fryer Carrots
I love roasting carrots to bring out their sweetness. I think thyme really complements the flavor of these air-fryer carrots, but feel free to mix it up and use other herbs, like rosemary or tarragon. —Marlene Schott, Devine, Texas
Air-Fryer Potato Chips
For Christmas one year, I received an air fryer. Potato chips are simple to make in it and are an essential, crispy side for lunch. —Melissa Obernesser, Oriskany, New York
Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders
I added all of the components of a loaded baked potato—cheddar, potato, bacon, sour cream and chives—to this air-fryer recipe. Every kid will love this quick and easy dish! —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida
Cinnamon Breakfast Bites
These scrumptious breakfast treats are so quick and easy to make and the air fryer gives this a crispy, sugary coating that's hard to resist.—Ruth Hastings, Louisville, Illinois
Pork Tenderloin Medallions
I needed to use up meat in my fridge, but I didn't want to wait for it to roast. I tried this air-fryer recipe, and not only was it quick, but my family loved it. You can play with different preserves to make your favorite flavors. —Lynn Caruso, Gilroy, California
Air-Fryer Latkes
Hot, crispy potato latkes are such a treat, but who wants to deal with all the oil and grease? I tried making air-fryer latkes and they came out just as good without all the cleanup. —Nancy Salinas, Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Homemade Air-Fryer Churros
Serve these cinnamon-sugar air-fryer churros fresh and hot with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. They're sure to become a family favorite! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Air-Fryer Pickles
Enjoy deep-fried pickles? You’ll love this version even more. Dill pickle slices are coated with panko bread crumbs and spices, then air-fried until crispy. Dip them in ranch dressing for an appetizer you won’t soon forget. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Fish and Fries
Looking for the best air-fryer fish recipes? Try these simple fish and chips. The fish fillets have a fuss-free coating that's healthier but just as crunchy and golden as the deep-fried kind. Simply seasoned, the crispy fries are perfect on the side. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado (Try these other air-fryer fish recipes, too!)
Air-Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken
I live in Tennessee and absolutely love our state's famous Nashville hot chicken. To make cooking it easier, I thought I’d try air-frying. I’m so glad I did—this Nashville hot chicken recipe is almost better than the original. —April Lane, Greeneville, Tennessee
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
I am crazy about chocolate chips, and this chewy cookie has enough to satisfy me. My husband and kids love these cookies. This big batch is perfect for our family. —Diane Neth, Menno, South Dakota Check out these other air-fryer desserts you’ll want to make tonight.
Air-Fryer Egg Rolls
My mom taught me how to make egg rolls, and since she passed away I think of her every time I make them. These air-fryer egg rolls taste so good, you'll never want a fast-food egg roll again. —Jenniffer Love, South Waltham, Massachusetts
Air-Fryer Southern-Style Chicken
I call this America’s best air-fryer recipe. The secret is in the herby, golden brown breading that makes the chicken super moist and flavorful. —Elaina Morgan, Rickman, Tennessee
Air-Fryer Ravioli
While visiting a friend in St. Louis, Missouri, I tried fried ravioli at almost every restaurant we visited. When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and I think this air-fryer recipe comes pretty close. —Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Air-Fryer Apple Fritters
An air fryer makes these easy apple fritters healthier than old-fashioned fritters, yet they are still just as delicious. They're a quick and easy dessert that includes a scrumptious brown butter glaze! —Alyssa Castriotta, North Scituate, Rhode Island
Pork Tenderloin
I originally developed this air-fryer recipe to cook on the stove and finish in the oven, but you can make it even quicker in an air fryer—and it's just as tasty. —Lynn Faria, Southington, Connecticut
Garlic-Rosemary Brussels Sprouts
This air-fryer recipe is my go-to Thanksgiving side dish. It's healthy and easy, and it doesn't take very much time or effort to make. I usually use rosemary for my turkey, so this lets me use up some of the leftover herbs! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Air-Fryer Taquitos
I love these any-occasion air-fryer taquitos. Spice them up by adding sliced jalapenos, if desired. —Mark Webber, Valdez, Alaska
Honey Cinnamon Roll-ups
This cinnamon treat reminds me of baklava; but with only a few easy ingredients, it's a fraction of the work. My Aunt Adele shared the recipe with me, and I think of her whenever I make it. It's one of my favorite air-fryer snacks! —Sue Falk, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Cheesy Breakfast Egg Rolls
Whether you have to run out the door in the morning or you take a few minutes to relax at the table, these breakfast egg rolls will hit the spot. The egg and sausage mixture can be made the night before, so in the morning, just roll, fry and go! —Anne Ormond, Dover, New Hampshire
Air-Fryer Cowboy Casserole
When it starts to get cold, I love to make this quick and creamy Tater Tot bake. It's a delightful homey dinner that's easy to put together. I make it ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator. Then I just pop it into the air fryer when I get home. —Donna Donhauser, Remsen, New York
Sweet Potato Fries
I can never get enough of this air-fryer recipe! Even though my grocery store sells them in the frozen foods section, I still love to pull sweet potatoes out of my garden and slice them up fresh! —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Scotch Eggs
These air-fryer Scotch eggs are amazing hot right after cooking, but I also love eating them cold for a snack before a soccer or baseball game. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas
Air-Fryer Pork Schnitzel
This air-fryer recipe is one of my husband's favorites because it reminds him of his German roots. Cooking pork schnitzel in an air fryer is genius because we can eat in a jiffy. —Joyce Folker, Paraowan, Utah
Air-Fryer Stuffed Pork Chops
These air-fryer stuffed pork chops are one of my favorite dishes to serve guests. I know they'll love them! —Lorraine Darocha, Mountain City, Tennessee
Air-Fryer Cod
This air-fryer cod recipe will convert even the biggest fish skeptic. It's healthy and delicious—no breading needed! —Kim Russell, North Wales, Pennsylvania
Pork Chops
These air-fryer pork chops get their rich flavor from Creole seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Bonus: They're low in carbs, too! —Dawn Parker, Surrey, British Columbia
Ground Beef Wellington
Trying new air-fryer recipes—like this Wellington—is one of my favorite hobbies. I replaced the filet mignon with ground beef, while still keeping the beefy goodness. —Julie Frankamp, Nicollet, Minnesota
Breaded Summer Squash
This Air-fryer recipe for summer squash comes out beautifully crisp. You don't have to turn the fried pieces, but do keep an eye on them. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
Turkey Croquettes
I grew up with a family that looked forward to Thanksgiving leftovers. But we didn't just reheat turkey and spuds in the microwave—we took our culinary creativity to a new level with recipes like these air-fryer turkey croquettes. Serve them with a crisp green salad for an unforgettable meal. —Meredith Coe, Charlottesville, Virginia
Air-Fryer Red Potatoes
Roasting is one of my favorite ways to prepare veggies. Some fragrant rosemary, fresh or dried, gives these air-fryer red potatoes a distinctive but subtle taste. The dish is simple to prepare yet elegant in color and flavor. It's a wonderful addition to any menu. —Margie Wampler, Butler, Pennsylvania
Originally Published: April 18, 2023
