Your Ninja Air Fryer makes weeknight dinners fast and fun—but figuring out how to clean Ninja Air Fryer properly can feel like a puzzle. I still remember the first time I tried to scrub mine; the basket was greasy, the heating element looked impossible to reach, and I nearly gave up halfway. Over time, though, I learned a few simple tricks that make cleaning so much easier, and I promise you don’t need fancy tools or endless scrubbing.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to clean a Ninja Air Fryer step by step—from the basket to the inside chamber, and even the tricky heating element. Along the way, I’ll share pro tips, quick fixes, and deep-cleaning methods I use to keep mine fresh and safe. Stick with me, and you’ll see how a few minutes of care can save you hours of frustration and keep your air fryer cooking like new.
why You Should Clean Your Ninja Air Fryer Regularly
Cleaning your Ninja air fryer matters for four simple reasons:
- Better taste – Old grease causes burnt smells and off flavors
- Food safety – Crumbs and oil can grow bacteria
- Longer lifespan – Clean parts wear down more slowly
- Less smoke – A clean heating element prevents burning grease
Quick answer:
👉 A clean Ninja air fryer cooks better, smells fresh, and lasts longer.
What You Need Before You Start
You do not need special tools. I use these basics every time:
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- Soft sponge or microfiber cloth
- Baking soda
- Old toothbrush or soft brush
- Lemon (optional, for odor removal)
Safety reminder:
✔ Always unplug the Ninja air fryer and let it cool for 15–20 minutes.
How to Clean Ninja Air Fryer – Step by Step
Step 1 – Unplug and Cool Down
Always unplug your Ninja air fryer and let it cool for 15–20 minutes. I once rushed this step and nearly burned my hand on the basket. Cooling down protects both you and the appliance.
Step 2 – Clean the Ninja Air Fryer Basket and Crisper Tray
Take out the crisper tray and the basket. Use a gentle sponge and warm water with mild dish soap to clean them. Don’t use steel wool or rough scrubbers since they might harm the non-stick coating. Soak the pieces for around 10 minutes if food is trapped.
Most Ninja baskets are dishwasher-safe, but I prefer handwashing. From experience, handwashing keeps the coating smoother and lasting longer.
Step 3 – Clean the Inside of the Air Fryer
Wipe the internal walls with a moist cloth or sponge and some light soap. A paste made of baking soda and water works well on tough grease and won’t scratch. The safest way to clean the unit is to wipe it down gently, not throw water on it.
Step 4 – Clean the Heating Element
This is the most important phase. To make the heating element easily accessible, turn the air fryer upside down. To get rid of crumbs, use a toothbrush or soft brush. Grease may be removed with a moist towel after a gentle scrape with baking soda and lemon paste.
Cleaning the heating element reduces smoke and keeps heat flowing evenly.
Step 5 – Exterior Wipe Down
Finish by wiping the outside with a damp microfiber cloth. Keep water away from buttons and the control panel. I do this after nearly every use—it takes seconds and keeps the fryer looking new.
How to Deep Clean a Ninja Air Fryer
If you use your Ninja air fryer often, quick cleaning isn’t always enough. Deep cleaning removes hidden grease and odors and resets the fryer to like-new condition.
Baking Soda and Lemon Method
Mix baking soda with water and a squeeze of lemon to make a paste. Apply it to greasy spots, let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then scrub gently. This saved me when my basket smelled like fish even after soap.
Dishwasher Tablet Soak
For heavy buildup, fill the basket with hot water and add half a dishwasher tablet. Let it soak for 30 minutes. The first time I tried this, grease lifted with almost no scrubbing.
Monthly Deep Clean Routine
I deep clean my Ninja air fryer once a month. You may not see grease right away, but regular deep cleaning prevents smoke, odors, and uneven cooking.
Cleaning Different Ninja Air Fryer Models
Ninja Dual Air Fryer
Clean each basket separately. Treat them like two mini fryers. Washing them one at a time prevents grease transfer.
Ninja Foodi Air Fryer
The Foodi traps odors in the lid and silicone ring. I remove and wash them often. Skipping this step causes lingering smells fast.
Ninja Flip / Air Fryer Oven
Racks and trays collect baked-on grease. Soak them in hot soapy water for 20–30 minutes before scrubbing. Skipping the soak makes cleaning much harder.
My Personal Tips to Keep Your Ninja Air Fryer Clean Longer
- Wipe the basket and interior right after cooking
- Use parchment paper liners to reduce grease
- Never spray oil directly inside the fryer
- Gently wipe the heating area once a week
These small habits prevent buildup and save time later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Reassembling while parts are wet
❌ Using steel wool or abrasive pads
❌ Spraying oil inside the unit
❌ Skipping heating element cleaning
visit official website for instructions
Conclusion
At the end of the day, cleaning your Ninja Air Fryer isn’t nearly as tough as it looks. The trick is to do it often—wipe it down after each use, give the basket a quick wash, and deep clean once in a while. Regular care keeps it smelling fresh, cooking safely, and running like new.
Think of it this way: a clean air fryer is like a fresh kitchen—it makes cooking more enjoyable. You’ll avoid burnt smells, protect your food’s flavor, and save yourself from costly repairs down the line. In short, cleaning isn’t just about tidiness, it’s about safety, taste, and long-lasting performance.
I’ve learned that little habits—like wiping the heating element or rinsing the basket right away—make all the difference. Trust me, five minutes now will save you hours of scrubbing later.
So, what about you? Do you have a clever hack for keeping your Ninja Air Fryer spotless—maybe a trick with baking soda, or a shortcut after frying something greasy? Share your cleaning tips—I’d love to hear them, and I’m sure other readers will too.
FAQs About Cleaning Ninja Air Fryers
How do I clean my Ninja air fryer?
Unplug it, let it cool, then wash the basket and tray with warm soapy water. Wipe the inside and outside with a soft cloth.
Can I put the Ninja air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Yes, most baskets and trays are dishwasher safe. But handwashing is best to keep the non-stick coating safe.
How do you clean the heating element on a Ninja air fryer?
Turn the unit upside down. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub off grease. Wipe with a damp cloth, never soak it in water.
What’s the best way to remove burnt grease?
Make a paste of baking soda and water or lemon. Apply it, let it sit, then scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge.
How often should I deep clean my air fryer?
Do a light clean after each use. Deep clean once a month or sooner if you cook greasy foods often.
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Hi, I’m Rob Newaz Khan. I share practical, experience-based guidance on kitchen appliances such as air fryers and coffee makers. My content is built around real home use, common user questions, and manufacturer best practices, with the goal of helping readers use their appliances safely, fix everyday issues, and make better decisions in the kitchen.
