You Need to Clean Your Air Fryer Filter Right Now (Here’s How to Do It)

It’s easy to forget about your air fryer filter, especially when all the attention usually goes to cleaning the basket or tray. But here’s the thing—your air fryer filter keeps your appliance running smoothly. It catches grease, food particles, and even smoke residue, keeping it from building up inside and affecting performance. If not cleaned regularly, your air fryer won’t cook food evenly or develop a stale, greasy smell. No one wants that! Learn how to clean your air fryer filter to keep your appliance running longer.

Related: Can You Put Aluminum Foil in an Air Fryer?

Start with a Cool Air Fryer

Metal and mesh filter can be fragile when hot. Always unplug your air fryer and wait for it to cool down before starting. Dealing with a greasy, warm filter isn’t fun anyway so letting everything cool down gives the grease time to solidify, making it easier to clean.

Remove the Filter (If Possible)

If your air fryer has a removable filter, this is where things get easier. You’ll usually find the filter near the back or bottom of the appliance. Gently pull it out and inspect it for any grease buildup or food debris. If the filter looks grimy, you know it’s time for a thorough clean.

For models with non-removable filters, don’t worry. You can still give it a proper clean without taking it out. We’ll get to that in a bit.

Soak and Scrub Removable Filters

Once you’ve taken out the filter, soak it in a sink full of warm, soapy water. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to help break down any stubborn grease. After soaking, gently scrub away any debris with a soft sponge or brush. You want to avoid anything too abrasive since damaging the filter can reduce its effectiveness over time.

After scrubbing, rinse it thoroughly under warm water until there’s no soap left. You don’t want soap residue lingering in your air fryer filter—it could leave an odd taste in your food the next time you use the appliance.

For Non-Removable Filters

If your air fryer’s filter doesn’t come out, it’s still easy to clean with the right approach. First, use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works wonders) to brush off any loose crumbs or particles from the filter. Next, grab a damp cloth with a little dish soap and gently wipe down the filter area.

For any areas with stubborn grease buildup, a mixture of water and white vinegar can help loosen things up. Let it sit on the filter for a few minutes, then wipe away any residue with a clean, damp cloth.

Dry It Completely

Drying your air fryer filter is just as important as cleaning it. Water left in the filter can cause rust or interfere with the air circulation the next time you use it. Removable filters can be air-dried while non-removable filters can be wiped down with a dry cloth.

Cleaning your air fryer filter doesn’t have to be a complicated or time-consuming chore. With just a little regular care, you’ll not only keep your air fryer running smoothly, but you’ll also ensure that your food keeps tasting as fresh as ever. A clean filter really makes all the difference!