Your air fryer oven is a kitchen superstar, churning out crispy fries, juicy chicken, and perfectly roasted veggies with minimal oil. But let’s be real – with all that deliciousness comes inevitable grease, burnt-on food, and sticky grime. A dirty air fryer not only looks unappealing but can also affect performance and even emit smoke. That’s why finding the best cleaner for air fryer oven is crucial for keeping your appliance in tip-top shape.
Cleaning your air fryer regularly isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about hygiene, efficiency, and extending the life of your beloved gadget. Stubborn grease and food residue can reduce airflow, leading to uneven cooking and potentially a fire hazard. Plus, who wants their next meal tasting like the last one’s burnt bits?
But with so many cleaning products out there, how do you choose the right one? Do you need a heavy-duty degreaser or something more gentle and fume-free? We’ve done the legwork for you, diving into the top contenders to help you pick the best cleaner for air fryer oven needs. Let’s get that air fryer sparkling clean!
What to Look For in an Air Fryer Oven Cleaner
Before we dive into the products, here’s a quick checklist of what makes a great air fryer cleaner:
- Effectiveness: It needs to cut through grease and baked-on food.
- Safety: Fume-free options are a big plus, especially for indoor use. Non-toxic or biodegradable formulas are also great.
- Ease of Use: Spray-and-wipe or minimal scrubbing is ideal.
- Versatility: Can it be used on other kitchen appliances like ovens or grills?
- Material Compatibility: Is it safe for the specific surfaces of your air fryer (non-stick, stainless steel, heating elements)?
Our Top 10 Picks for the Best Cleaner for Air Fryer Oven
1. Zep Fume Free Air Fryer & Oven Cleaner, R49312-24 fl oz
This Zep cleaner stands out for its professional-strength formula that tackles tough grime without the harsh chemical fumes. If you’re sensitive to strong smells or simply prefer a more pleasant cleaning experience indoors, this product is a fantastic choice. It’s designed to make your air fryer and oven look like new, breaking down baked-on messes with surprising ease.
- Key Features:
- FUME-FREE FORMULA: Professional-strength cleaner without harmful fumes.
- VERSATILE CLEANING: Effectively removes baked-on grease, grime, and food residue from air fryers, ovens, and cooking surfaces.
- EASY APPLICATION: Convenient spray bottle for precise application and complete coverage.
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Breaks down tough grease on contact, requiring minimal scrubbing.
- BIODEGRADABLE INGREDIENTS: Contains biodegradable components.
- Pros:
- No harsh fumes, making it safe and comfortable for indoor use.
- Powerful on stubborn baked-on grease and food.
- Easy spray application reduces effort.
- Biodegradable formula is a plus for the environment.
- Cons:
- “Minimal scrubbing” implies some effort is still required for the toughest spots.
- May not be as instant as some super heavy-duty chemical options.
- User Impressions: Users frequently praise this cleaner for its effectiveness without the overwhelming smell typically associated with oven cleaners. Many appreciate its ability to make deep cleaning less of a chore.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Easy Off Heavy Duty Oven Cleaner, Destroys Tough Burnt on…
When you’re facing seriously tough, burnt-on messes that seem impossible to remove, Easy Off Heavy Duty Oven Cleaner is often the go-to. This powerhouse is formulated to penetrate and dissolve even the most stubborn residues in as little as three minutes, making it a champion for occasional deep cleaning sessions when your air fryer oven has seen better days.
- Key Features:
- HEAVY DUTY OVEN CLEANER: Specially formulated to penetrate tough, burned-on grease and food in as little as 3 minutes.
- MULTIPURPOSE: Use to clean ovens, oven doors, barbecue grills, broilers, broiler pans, and stainless-steel surfaces.
- FOR OCCASIONAL DEEP CLEANING: Great for occasional deep cleaning or everyday tough spot cleanings.
- EASY TO USE: Just spray on the stain, wait, and wipe.
- Pros:
- Extremely powerful for the most challenging baked-on grime.
- Fast-acting, with results visible in minutes.
- Highly versatile, usable on many kitchen surfaces beyond the air fryer.
- Cons:
- Known for having strong fumes, so good ventilation is essential.
- Primarily designed for heavy-duty, occasional cleaning rather than light daily use.
- User Impressions: Customers rave about its unmatched power on old, baked-on grease and carbon. They often report that it dramatically reduces scrubbing time for severe messes, though the strong smell is a common trade-off.
- See it on Amazon here
3. MEMBER´S MARK Oven, Grill and Fryer Cleaner (32 oz, 3 pk.)
For those who go through a lot of cleaner or manage multiple appliances, the Member’s Mark Oven, Grill and Fryer Cleaner in a 3-pack offers incredible value. This commercial-grade solution is designed to tackle the tough grease and food residues that accumulate in busy kitchens, making it a practical choice for keeping your air fryer, oven, and grill consistently clean without breaking the bank.
- Key Features:
- Evaxo Oven, Grill and Fryer Cleaner (32 oz, 3 pk.)
- Pros:
- Excellent bulk value with three large bottles.
- Commercial strength suggests powerful cleaning capabilities.
- Versatile for use across ovens, grills, and fryers.
- Cons:
- Limited specific details on fume levels or specific use instructions provided in the features.
- Might be overkill for very light cleaning tasks.
- User Impressions: Buyers appreciate the cost-effectiveness of this multi-pack and its general effectiveness on a variety of greasy cooking surfaces. It’s often chosen for its reliability in handling everyday kitchen grease.
- See it on Amazon here
4. CLEANING HEROES Oven and Grill Cleaner, 32 Fl Oz – Grease Blaster
If you want to feel like a “cleaning superhero,” this product promises to blast away grease in minutes. The Cleaning Heroes Oven and Grill Cleaner is an all-around kitchen appliance champion, tackling everything from ovens and grills to deep fryers and, of course, air fryers. It aims to make stubborn build-up dissolve quickly, leaving you with sparkling clean surfaces effortlessly.
- Key Features:
- Blast Away Grease in Minutes: Tough grease and fat residues dissolve within minutes.
- Ultimate Kitchen Appliance Cleaner: Perfect for ovens, stoves, hoods, grills, deep fryers, burners, grates, and air fryers.
- Powerful BBQ Cleaner and Degreaser: Apply, wait 15 minutes, and wipe away the grime.
- Easy-to-Use Grill Cleaner Spray: Squirt or brush onto greasy surface, let sit, and rinse off.
- Say Goodbye to Grease and Fat: Ideal for every kitchen appliance, ensuring a deep, thorough clean.
- Pros:
- Very fast acting, with significant results in minutes.
- Highly versatile for a wide range of kitchen appliances.
- Promises minimal scrubbing for tough jobs.
- Effectively removes even the most stubborn carbon and grease.
- Cons:
- No explicit mention of being fume-free, so good ventilation is recommended.
- “Superhero” branding might be a bit dramatic for some users.
- User Impressions: Users are consistently impressed by how quickly this cleaner works to dissolve tough grease, often mentioning how it saves them considerable scrubbing time and effort on various kitchen items.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Zep Home Pro Air Fryer & Microwave Cleaner, R49306-24 oz
Another excellent offering from Zep, this “Home Pro” version is specifically tailored for air fryers and microwaves, making it an ideal choice for frequent, worry-free cleaning. It boasts a fume-free formula and is safe for daily use, meaning you can keep your smaller appliances spotless without the worry of harsh chemicals or strong odors.
- Key Features:
- VERSATILE CLEANING: Specially formulated for air fryers, microwaves, and conventional ovens.
- FUME-FREE FORMULA: Advanced cleaning solution works effectively without producing harsh or unpleasant fumes.
- EASY APPLICATION: Convenient trigger spray bottle allows precise application and coverage.
- DAILY USE SAFE: Professional-grade formula suitable for regular cleaning and maintenance.
- BIODEGRADABLE: Features an innovative biodegradable formula.
- Pros:
- Designed for daily or regular use, promoting consistent cleanliness.
- Completely fume-free, enhancing user comfort and safety.
- Biodegradable ingredients are environmentally conscious.
- Easy spray application for quick clean-ups.
- Cons:
- Might not be as potent for extremely old or severe baked-on carbon compared to heavy-duty industrial cleaners.
- More focused on air fryers and microwaves, less on heavy grills.
- User Impressions: Reviewers love this product for its ability to clean effectively without any harsh smells, making it perfect for quick daily wipes or regular maintenance. Its fume-free nature is a standout feature for many.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Method Heavy Duty Degreaser, Lemongrass Scent, Oven Cleaner
For those seeking an eco-friendly approach without compromising on power, Method’s Heavy Duty Degreaser is a breath of fresh air – literally, with its invigorating lemongrass scent! Made with plant-based grease cutters and packaged in 100% recycled plastic, this cleaner powers through tough grease and burnt-on messes while being kinder to the planet and your nose.
- Key Features:
- Contains (1) 28oz spray bottle of heavy duty degreaser.
- Heavy duty kitchen degreaser made with plant-based grease cutters.
- Powers through grease, oil, burnt-on messes and stubborn splatters.
- Cleans plus cuts through grease on stove tops, range hoods, microwaves, burner grates and drip pans.
- Cruelty free. Tested by people, not on animals.
- Bottle (minus nozzle) made of 100% recycled plastic (PCR).
- Lemongrass fragrance is a crisp, clean, aromatic scent.
- Proudly doing business with a purpose.
- Pros:
- Environmentally conscious (plant-based, biodegradable, recycled bottle).
- Pleasant, natural lemongrass scent, no harsh chemical odors.
- Cruelty-free and ethically produced.
- Still delivers heavy-duty degreasing power.
- Cons:
- May require a bit more dwell time or light scrubbing for extremely set-in grime compared to harsher chemical alternatives.
- May not be as readily available in bulk packs.
- User Impressions: Customers consistently praise the Method degreaser for its effective cleaning without any unpleasant chemical smells. The eco-friendly aspect and the fresh scent are major selling points, making cleaning feel less like a chore.
- See it on Amazon here
7. XANGNIER Air Fryer Cleaner Brush Kits, 6 Pcs Air Fryer Cleaning Solution
Hold up! While this isn’t a liquid cleaner, the XANGNIER Air Fryer Cleaner Brush Kit is an indispensable companion for achieving a truly deep clean. No chemical cleaner, no matter how potent, can perfectly reach every nook, cranny, and the heating element of your air fryer. This comprehensive set of specialized brushes ensures you can meticulously remove all food residues, extending your air fryer’s life and efficiency.
- Key Features:
- Air Fryer Cleaning Solution (brush kit): Specific tools for stubborn stains on heating element, basket, crisper plate, and hard-to-reach areas.
- Efficient and Time Saving: Complete kit of various sizes and types of brushes.
- Comprehensive Deep Cleaning without Dead Ends: Crevice brushes, cleaning cloth, and different sized brushes for every corner.
- Extend the Life of Your Air Fryer: Effectively removes dirt to maintain optimal condition.
- Easy to Operate: Ergonomically designed for easy holding and use.
- Package Includes: 1 long-handled nylon brush, 1 double-sided sponge brush, 1 nylon toothbrush, 1 cleaning cloth, 2 small crevice cleaning brushes.
- Pros:
- Provides specialized tools for a thorough, mechanical clean.
- Essential for reaching heating coils and tiny crevices.
- Helps remove physical debris that liquid cleaners might miss.
- Contributes to extending the lifespan of your appliance.
- Cons:
- Not a standalone chemical cleaner for dissolving grease; works best in conjunction with a spray cleaner.
- Requires manual effort and scrubbing.
- User Impressions: Users find this kit incredibly useful for tackling the often-neglected heating element and tight spots of their air fryers. They emphasize how these tools allow for a level of cleaning that spray cleaners alone cannot achieve, leading to a truly spotless appliance.
- See it on Amazon here
8. Zep Home Pro Fume-Free Oven, Air Fryer, & Microwave Cleaner
Another excellent fume-free option from Zep’s Home Pro line, this cleaner is versatile enough for your oven, air fryer, and microwave. It’s professionally formulated to eliminate tough baked-on grease and grime, all while being gentle on your senses. This cleaner offers the best of both worlds: powerful performance for both deep cleans and everyday spot cleaning, without any harsh odors.
- Key Features:
- TACKLES GREASE: Professionally formulated to eliminate tough baked-on grease, grime, and food residue.
- CONTAINS BIODEGRADABLE SURFACTANTS: Ideal for home while tough on grease and grime.
- FUME-FREE VERSATILE FORMULA: Great for both everyday spot-cleaning and for those routine deep-cleanings.
- EASY TO USE: Just spray, let sit, and then wipe.
- Pros:
- Completely fume-free for comfortable indoor use.
- Versatile for multiple kitchen appliances and types of cleaning (daily vs. deep).
- Contains biodegradable surfactants, making it more eco-friendly.
- Simple spray-and-wipe application.
- Cons:
- While effective, it might require a slightly longer dwell time for the absolute toughest, neglected spots compared to the most aggressive chemical cleaners.
- User Impressions: Users highly recommend this cleaner for its excellent balance of effectiveness and user comfort. They particularly value its fume-free nature, allowing them to clean without needing to open all windows, and its reliable performance on baked-on food.
- See it on Amazon here
9. Member’s Mark Commercial Oven, Grill and Fryer Cleaner, 32 oz
For those situations where you need serious firepower to cut through layers of baked-on food, grease, and carbon deposits, Member’s Mark Commercial Oven, Grill and Fryer Cleaner steps up to the plate. Designed with commercial kitchens in mind, this 32 oz bottle provides robust cleaning capabilities for the heaviest of cleaning tasks in your air fryer, oven, or grill.
- Key Features:
- Removes baked-on food and grease.
- Removes carbon deposits.
- Pros:
- Commercial-grade strength for very tough, stubborn messes.
- Effectively tackles difficult carbon deposits.
- Versatile for use across ovens, grills, and fryers.
- Cons:
- “Commercial” often implies strong chemicals, so proper ventilation is advised (no mention of fume-free).
- Very basic feature description, so specific usage details need to be inferred.
- User Impressions: Customers lean on this product for its raw power, stating it’s highly effective for very dirty appliances where other cleaners might fall short. It’s a go-to for heavy-duty deep cleaning.
- See it on Amazon here
10. Goo Gone Oven and Grill Cleaner – 28 Ounce
Goo Gone is famous for dissolving sticky messes, and their Oven and Grill Cleaner brings that same magic to baked-on grease and carbon in your air fryer. What makes this product particularly user-friendly is its “stay-in-place foam” formula. This foam clings to surfaces, ensuring the cleaner works where you spray it, rather than dripping away, making for a more efficient and less messy clean. It’s also fume-free and biodegradable!
- Key Features:
- STAY-IN-PLACE FOAM: Foam spray clings to surfaces, making cleaning easier.
- WORKS ON: Self-cleaning, non-self-cleaning, and stainless-steel ovens. Indoor and outdoor grills, oven cooking racks, pots and pans, burner drip pans, and rotisserie and toaster ovens.
- DISSOLVES GREASE, FOOD AND CARBON DEPOSITS: Penetrates and breaks down tough food spills and burnt-on carbon deposits.
- FUME-FREE: No offensive odors. Biodegradable formula, surface safe on most kitchen surfaces.
- MADE IN THE USA.
- Pros:
- Unique foam consistency clings to vertical surfaces, preventing drips.
- Fume-free and biodegradable for a safer cleaning experience.
- Effective on a wide variety of tough residues, including carbon.
- Versatile for many kitchen appliances.
- Cons:
- May require a longer dwell time than some aggressive chemical cleaners for super tough stains.
- While versatile, air fryers aren’t its primary advertised target (though it works perfectly).
- User Impressions: Users consistently praise the clinging foam feature, noting how it simplifies the cleaning process by staying put. They also appreciate the fume-free formula and its ability to dissolve stubborn grime without a harsh odor.
- See it on Amazon here
Conclusion
Keeping your air fryer oven clean is key to its longevity and your continued enjoyment of perfectly cooked meals. Whether you opt for a heavy-duty degreaser like Easy Off for those tough, set-in messes, a fume-free and eco-friendly option like Zep or Method for regular upkeep, or even a specialized brush kit like XANGNIER for detailed cleaning, the right best cleaner for air fryer oven can make all the difference.
Remember, a little regular maintenance goes a long way in preventing extreme build-up. So pick the cleaner that best fits your cleaning style and get ready to enjoy a sparkling clean air fryer that performs its best every single time!
FAQ Section
Q1: How often should I clean my air fryer oven?
A1: For light use, wipe down the basket and drawer after every few uses. For heavy or greasy cooking, a quick clean after each use is recommended. A deep clean with a dedicated cleaner should be done every 1-2 weeks, or whenever you notice significant grease buildup or residue.
Q2: Can I use regular oven cleaner in my air fryer?
A2: Yes, many regular oven cleaners are safe for air fryers, especially those labeled for “conventional ovens” or “multiple kitchen appliances.” However, always check the product’s instructions and your air fryer’s manual to ensure compatibility, especially with non-stick coatings. Fume-free options are generally preferred for smaller, less ventilated appliances like air fryers.
Q3: What’s the difference between “fume-free” and “heavy-duty” cleaners?
A3: “Fume-free” cleaners are formulated to work without releasing strong, unpleasant chemical odors, making them safer and more comfortable for indoor use. “Heavy-duty” cleaners are designed for maximum power against the toughest baked-on grease and carbon, often containing stronger chemicals that might produce more fumes. You might choose fume-free for regular maintenance and heavy-duty for occasional, extreme cleaning challenges.
Q4: Are there natural or DIY cleaning solutions for air fryers?
A4: Yes! For light cleaning, a paste of baking soda and water can be effective. White vinegar mixed with water is great for cutting grease and deodorizing. Lemon juice can also help. However, for very tough, baked-on grime, these natural solutions might require more scrubbing and dwell time than commercial cleaners.
Q5: How can I prevent grease buildup in my air fryer?
A5: To minimize buildup, always preheat your air fryer, use parchment paper liners or aluminum foil specifically designed for air fryers (be careful not to block airflow!), and avoid overfilling the basket. Wiping down the basket and drawer after each use with a paper towel can also significantly reduce accumulation.
Q6: Can I put air fryer parts in the dishwasher?
A6: Most air fryer baskets and drawers are dishwasher-safe, especially if they have a non-stick coating. However, always check your specific air fryer’s manual. The main unit and heating element should never be submerged in water or put in the dishwasher.
Q7: Is it safe to use abrasive scrubbers on my air fryer?
A7: It’s generally not recommended to use abrasive scrubbers (like steel wool or harsh scouring pads) on air fryer baskets or trays, especially if they have a non-stick coating. These can scratch and damage the surface, making it less effective and potentially releasing harmful particles. Stick to soft sponges, microfiber cloths, or specialized brushes (like those in the XANGNIER kit) for cleaning.