Can You Use Oven Cleaner in an Air Fryer Safely

No, you should never use oven cleaner in an air fryer—the harsh chemicals can damage non-stick coatings, release toxic fumes, and create a serious safety hazard. Air fryers require gentle, food-safe cleaning methods like warm soapy water or baking soda paste to protect their surfaces and ensure safe cooking.

Key Takeaways

• Never use oven cleaner in an air fryer—it’s unsafe and damages surfaces.
• Always unplug the air fryer before cleaning to prevent electrical hazards.
• Use mild dish soap and warm water for safe, effective cleaning.
• Avoid abrasive tools like steel wool to protect non-stick coatings.
• Clean after every use to prevent buildup and maintain performance.
• Check the manual for manufacturer-recommended cleaning methods and products.

Why Cleaning Your Air Fryer Is More Important Than You Think

Let’s be honest—cleaning kitchen appliances is nobody’s favorite chore. I remember the first time I used my air fryer. I was thrilled with how crispy the chicken wings came out without all the oil. But then I opened it after dinner, saw the greasy basket and splatters inside, and thought, *Ugh. Now what?* Like many of us, I’ve stood there, scrub brush in hand, wondering if I could just grab the heavy-duty oven cleaner from under the sink and blast the mess away. After all, it worked on my oven door last month, right?

The truth is, we all want fast, effective cleaning solutions, especially for appliances that get messy fast. Air fryers, with their compact design and high-heat cooking, tend to collect baked-on grease and food residue quickly. But here’s the catch: can you use oven cleaner in an air fryer? It’s a question I asked myself—and one I’ve since researched deeply. The short answer: it’s risky, and in most cases, not worth it. In this post, I’ll walk you through why, what to do instead, and how to keep your air fryer sparkling without damaging it or risking your health.

What Is Oven Cleaner and How Does It Work?

The Chemistry Behind Oven Cleaners

Oven cleaners are powerful chemical agents designed to break down tough, carbonized grease and food residue. Most commercial oven cleaners contain sodium hydroxide (lye), a strong alkaline substance, or potassium hydroxide, both of which are highly corrosive. These ingredients work by saponifying fats—essentially turning grease into soap through a chemical reaction. That’s why oven cleaners can dissolve years of baked-on gunk in minutes.

Many also contain surfactants, solvents, and sometimes ammonia to help lift grime and penetrate porous surfaces. Some are formulated as foams or gels to cling to vertical oven walls, ensuring maximum contact time. While effective, these ingredients are not gentle. They’re designed for stainless steel oven interiors, which are built to withstand harsh chemicals and high heat.

Why Oven Cleaners Are Made for Ovens—Not Air Fryers

Here’s the key difference: ovens are sealed, insulated boxes with thick metal walls and high heat tolerance. Air fryers, on the other hand, are compact, multi-component appliances with non-stick coatings, plastic parts, heating elements, and sensitive electronics. The materials used in air fryers—like Teflon, aluminum, and plastic—are far more vulnerable to chemical damage.

For example, sodium hydroxide can etch or corrode aluminum, which is common in air fryer baskets and trays. It can also break down non-stick coatings, causing them to flake into your food. And if residue lingers, it can release toxic fumes when heated again. I once tried a “quick fix” with a degreaser on my old grill pan—ended up with a sticky, peeling surface. Lesson learned.

So, while oven cleaner might seem like a shortcut, it’s like using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut. Overkill, and potentially destructive.

The Risks of Using Oven Cleaner in an Air Fryer

Damage to Non-Stick Coatings

Most air fryer baskets and trays have a non-stick coating, usually PTFE (Teflon) or ceramic. These coatings are delicate. Oven cleaners, especially alkaline or acidic formulas, can degrade or strip them over time. Once the coating is damaged, food sticks more easily, cleaning becomes harder, and the risk of coating particles ending up in your food increases.

I spoke with a kitchen appliance technician who told me he’s seen dozens of air fryers with flaking baskets—all traced back to improper cleaning. “People think they’re saving time,” he said, “but they’re actually shortening the life of their appliance.” A $100 air fryer ruined by a $6 can of cleaner? Not worth it.

Corrosion of Metal Components

Many air fryers use aluminum or aluminum-coated steel in their baskets and interiors. Sodium hydroxide in oven cleaners reacts with aluminum, producing hydrogen gas and weakening the metal. This can lead to pitting, warping, or even holes in the basket. I once left a metal spoon in a pot of vinegar overnight—woke up to a pitted mess. Oven cleaner is far stronger.

Even stainless steel parts can be affected if the cleaner is left too long or not rinsed thoroughly. And don’t forget the heating element—some cleaners can leave a residue that burns off the next time you use the fryer, creating smoke and bad smells.

Toxic Residue and Fumes

This is the biggest concern: health risk. If oven cleaner isn’t completely rinsed off, it can leave behind chemical residue. When you heat the air fryer again, that residue can vaporize and contaminate your food. Symptoms of exposure to sodium hydroxide fumes include coughing, throat irritation, and nausea.

Imagine cooking chicken tenders for your kids and unknowingly releasing lye fumes into the air. Not a scenario I’d ever risk. Plus, many oven cleaners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can linger in the kitchen, especially in small, poorly ventilated spaces.

And let’s not forget the environmental impact. Harsh chemicals flushed down the drain can harm waterways and aquatic life. Safer options exist—why not use them?

Safe and Effective Air Fryer Cleaning Methods

The 5-Step Deep Cleaning Routine

Cleaning your air fryer doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a few simple steps, you can keep it spotless without risking damage. Here’s my go-to method, which I do weekly:

• Unplug and cool down: Always start with a cold air fryer. Never clean it while it’s hot or plugged in.
• Remove and soak: Take out the basket, tray, and crisper plate. Soak them in warm, soapy water for 15–30 minutes. I use a few drops of dish soap and a cup of white vinegar—cuts through grease naturally.
• Scrub gently: Use a soft sponge or non-abrasive scrub pad. Avoid steel wool or harsh scrubbers. For stubborn spots, make a paste of baking soda and water—it’s mildly abrasive but safe for non-stick surfaces.
• Wipe the interior: Dampen a microfiber cloth with soapy water and wipe the inside of the air fryer. For grease buildup, spray a mix of 50/50 water and vinegar, wait 5 minutes, then wipe.
• Dry and reassemble: Let all parts air-dry completely before putting them back. Moisture can cause rust or electrical issues.

This routine takes about 20 minutes and keeps my air fryer in great shape. I do it every Sunday after meal prep—it’s become part of my routine.

Natural Cleaning Solutions That Work

If you prefer to avoid chemicals altogether, here are some effective natural alternatives:

• Baking soda paste: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with water to form a thick paste. Apply to greasy areas, let sit 10 minutes, then scrub with a soft sponge. Rinse well.
• White vinegar spray: Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar. Spray on surfaces, wait 5 minutes, then wipe. Great for cutting grease and disinfecting.
• Lemon juice and salt: Cut a lemon in half, dip in salt, and use it to scrub the basket. The acid helps break down residue, and salt adds gentle abrasion. Rinse thoroughly.
• Dish soap soak: For really tough messes, add a few drops of dish soap to a bowl of warm water. Soak the basket for up to an hour. The enzymes in the soap help dissolve grease.

I keep a small spray bottle of vinegar under the sink and a box of baking soda in the pantry. These two ingredients solve 90% of my kitchen cleaning problems—and they’re safe for my air fryer.

When to Use Commercial Cleaners (Safely)

While I avoid oven cleaners, there are air fryer-safe degreasers on the market. Look for products labeled “non-abrasive,” “food-safe,” or “for non-stick cookware.” Brands like Bar Keepers Friend (gentle formula), Weiman, and CLR make cleaners designed for sensitive surfaces.

Always follow the instructions: spray, wait the recommended time (usually 1–3 minutes), then wipe with a damp cloth. Never let the cleaner sit for more than directed. And always rinse with water afterward—even food-safe cleaners should be removed.

Pro tip: Test any new cleaner on a small, hidden area first. If the coating changes color or feels sticky, stop using it.

How to Handle Tough Grease and Burnt-On Food

The Soak-and-Scrape Method

Got a basket that looks like it survived a grease fire? Don’t panic. The soak-and-scrape method is your best friend. Here’s how:

1. Fill a sink or large bowl with hot water (not boiling—it can warp plastic parts).
2. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda and a few drops of dish soap.
3. Submerge the basket and tray. Let soak for 1–2 hours.
4. After soaking, use a plastic or silicone scraper to gently lift off burnt bits. Avoid metal—it can scratch.
5. For stubborn spots, reapply the baking soda paste and scrub with a soft brush.

I once had a basket with a thick layer of caramelized cheese (don’t ask how). Two hours in a baking soda soak, plus a silicone spatula, and it came off like butter. No chemicals needed.

Using a Steam Cleaner (Optional)

If you own a steam cleaner (like a handheld garment steamer), it can be a game-changer for air fryer cleaning. The high heat and steam loosen grease without chemicals. Just aim the nozzle at greasy areas, let the steam work for 1–2 minutes, then wipe with a microfiber cloth.

Note: Don’t use steam on the heating element or electrical parts. Focus only on the basket, tray, and removable interior surfaces. And always unplug the air fryer first.

One friend of mine uses her steam cleaner weekly. She says it cuts her cleaning time in half and keeps the non-stick coating smooth. Worth the investment if you cook with your air fryer daily.

Preventing Buildup: Daily and Weekly Habits

Use Parchment Paper or Liners

One of the easiest ways to avoid cleaning messes is to prevent them in the first place. I use air fryer parchment paper liners or silicone mats for almost every meal. They catch drips, prevent sticking, and can be tossed or wiped clean after use.

Look for liners with pre-cut holes to allow airflow—they’re designed specifically for air fryers. I buy a pack of 100 for under $15 and use them for everything: chicken, veggies, even baked goods. They’re a small investment that saves hours of scrubbing.

Wipe Down After Every Use

I know it sounds tedious, but a quick wipe after each use makes a huge difference. After my air fryer cools (10–15 minutes), I grab a damp microfiber cloth and wipe the basket and tray. It takes 2 minutes and stops grease from hardening.

I keep a small spray bottle of water and vinegar on the counter—just a quick spritz and wipe. No need to soak or scrub later. This habit has reduced my deep cleaning time from 30 minutes to 10.

Deep Clean Monthly (Or After Messy Meals)

Even with daily wipes, I do a full deep clean once a month—or after cooking fatty foods like bacon or fried chicken. I check the heating element for dust, wipe the exterior, and clean the fan area with a dry toothbrush.

This monthly ritual keeps my air fryer running efficiently and prevents long-term buildup. It’s like giving your car an oil change—small maintenance now avoids big problems later.

Cleaning Frequency and Maintenance Schedule

Task	Frequency	Tools Needed	Notes
Wipe basket and tray	After every use	Damp cloth, vinegar spray	Wait until cool. Prevents grease hardening.
Soak and scrub basket	Once a week	Soap, baking soda, soft sponge	Use warm water. Avoid metal scrubbers.
Clean interior and exterior	Weekly	Microfiber cloth, vinegar spray	Unplug first. Never immerse the unit.
Deep clean with baking soda paste	Monthly	Baking soda, water, soft brush	For stubborn residue. Rinse thoroughly.
Inspect heating element and fan	Monthly	Dry toothbrush, compressed air	Remove dust. Do not wet.
Replace parchment liners	As needed	Parchment paper or silicone mats	Use pre-cut liners for airflow.

The Bottom Line: Skip the Oven Cleaner

So, can you use oven cleaner in an air fryer? Technically, you can—but you absolutely should not. The risks far outweigh any perceived convenience. Oven cleaners are too harsh for the delicate materials in air fryers and can damage non-stick coatings, corrode metal, and leave behind toxic residue. One mistake could ruin your appliance or put your health at risk.

The good news? Safe, effective cleaning methods are simple and affordable. A little dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar go a long way. Add in daily wipes and weekly soaks, and your air fryer will stay clean, safe, and ready to use—without the chemical drama.

Remember, cleaning isn’t just about looks. It’s about performance, longevity, and health. Your air fryer works hard to make delicious, healthier meals. Treat it well, and it’ll keep serving you crispy chicken, golden fries, and roasted veggies for years to come. And when in doubt? When it comes to air fryers, gentle is always better than aggressive. Skip the oven cleaner. Your kitchen—and your taste buds—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use oven cleaner in an air fryer without damaging it?

No, using oven cleaner in an air fryer is not safe. The harsh chemicals can corrode the non-stick coating and internal components, leading to permanent damage.

What happens if I accidentally used oven cleaner in my air fryer?

If oven cleaner residue remains, it can release toxic fumes during cooking. Immediately wash all parts thoroughly with warm, soapy water and check the manufacturer’s guidelines for further steps.

Are there safer alternatives to oven cleaner for cleaning an air fryer?

Yes, use a mixture of baking soda and water or vinegar to gently scrub away residue. These natural cleaners are effective and won’t harm your air fryer’s surfaces or release harmful fumes.

Why is oven cleaner unsafe for air fryers?

Oven cleaners contain caustic ingredients like lye or ammonia, which react poorly with aluminum and non-stick coatings. These chemicals can also linger and contaminate food during high-heat cooking.

How do I remove baked-on grease from my air fryer without oven cleaner?

Soak removable parts in warm, soapy water, then scrub with a soft sponge and baking soda paste. For stubborn residue, steam-clean with a bowl of vinegar inside the basket before wiping.

Can using oven cleaner in an air fryer void the warranty?

Most air fryer warranties prohibit using abrasive or chemical cleaners like oven cleaner. Check your manual—damage caused by improper cleaning methods typically isn’t covered.