Cleaning the Ninja Foodi SP101 can feel like a surprise chore, especially when crumbs, grease, and onion bits build up in the tight space. I figured out how to clean Ninja Foodi SP101 only after my meals started picking up old smells, and I knew I needed a better routine. Through trial, error, and a lot of wiping inside the Ninja Foodi SP101 oven and SP101 air fryer parts, I finally found a simple method that works every time. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps I use so you can clean yours fast without stress. Stick around, and I’ll help you keep your Foodi SP101 fresh, safe, and ready for your next meal.
Why Cleaning Your Ninja Foodi SP101 Matters
The Ninja Foodi SP101 gets dirty quickly because the space inside is tight. Grease, crumbs, and food bits don’t fall far—they stick to the walls, racks, and tray. When these burn again and again, they cause smoke and strong smells.
My first deep clean surprised me. I found thick grease on the side walls and crumbs stuck under the rack. Once I cleaned it properly, the oven smelled fresh and cooked more evenly.
Grease buildup can:
- Change food flavor
- Slow down heating
- Cause smoke
- Make the oven smell bad
The Ninja Foodi SP101 oven and air fryer mode get dirty in different ways. The oven walls collect oil mist, while the air fryer basket traps grease and crumbs. Both need cleaning, but each part needs a gentle touch.
Quick tip: Wipe small messes as soon as you see them. This stops burnt smells before they start and saves time later.
What You’ll Need (My Recommended Cleaning Tools)
- Soft cloths or microfiber towels
- Vinegar + water mix (50/50)
- Dish soap
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Soft brush
- Optional: baking soda paste
- Avoid: harsh chemicals
- Avoid: metal brushes or scrubbers near heating elements
How to Clean Ninja Foodi SP101 – Full Step-by-Step
1. Unplug and Prepare the Oven Safely
Make sure the oven is cool and unplugged. This keeps you safe and makes the clean-up easy. I take out the racks, the crumb tray, and the air fryer basket so I have room to work. I also empty the crumb tray first because crumbs fall to the back and burn fast.
2. Clean the Crumb Tray (Most Forgotten Step!)
The crumb tray holds old crumbs, grease, and onion bits. These heat up again and make a burnt smell. I wash the tray with warm water and a bit of dish soap to clear light stains. If the stains stay stuck, I use a small mix of baking soda or a little vinegar to lift them.
3. How to Clean Inside the Ninja Foodi SP101 Oven
The inside needs care because the heat rods sit close to the walls. I use a soft cloth to wipe around them with a slow and light touch. A soft brush helps me reach tight spots, which is great for ninja foodi sp101 oven internal cleaning and foodi sp101 interior cleaning. Warm water works well on baked grease, and a warm cloth with vinegar helps if the back has burnt food stuck to it.
4. How to Clean the Ninja Foodi SP101 Air Fryer Components
Oil quickly coats the air fryer basket. To prevent the accumulation, I wash it with hot water and dish soap.Vinegar helps cut bad smells from strong food. I never soak the heat area of the Ninja Foodi SP101 air fryer, because this can harm the parts.
5. How to Clean Ninja Foodi SP101 With Vinegar (My Go-To Method)
A mix of half water and half vinegar works great on the SP101. It lifts grease fast and leaves no harsh smell. This mix clears strong food smells like onion and meat from the Ninja Foodi SP101 oven. I like this method because it is safe, cheap, and easy to use each time I clean.
Dealing With Tough, Burnt-On Grease (What Finally Worked for Me)
Burnt grease can be hard to clean, but there is an easy way to loosen it fast. I place a small cup of vinegar in the warm oven and let it steam. The steam lifts the stuck grease so I can wipe it off with no hard scrub. This is the fastest way I use when the mess feels tough.
For thick spots, I use a small baking soda paste. I spread a thin coat and let it sit for a short time. The paste helps break the grime so a soft wipe can clear it. This works well when the grease has baked on many times.
A Magic Eraser can help with smooth spots, but I use it with care. It can break fast and can scratch if I press too hard. I keep it away from the heat rods and vents to avoid harm. A soft touch makes it safe to use.
The top heat rods look like glass, so I do not scrub them. I wipe them slow with a soft, damp cloth. This keeps the oven safe and helps it heat well. A light wipe is all they need.
A short preheat can help too. I heat the oven to about 400°F so the warm air can loosen thin grime. When it cools, the wipe-down feels much easier. I use this when the mess is dry but not too thick.
How to Clean the Outside of the Ninja Foodi SP101
The outside cleans up fast if done right.
- Stainless steel should be cleaned with warm water and mild dish soap.
- Wipe with a microfiber cloth for fingerprints
- For shine, wipe with vinegar on the cloth (not sprayed on the unit)
Avoid vents and buttons. I use a dry cloth there to prevent moisture damage.
My Personal Routine to Keep It Clean (Without Daily Scrubbing)
I don’t deep clean every day. Instead, I follow a simple routine:
- Weekly: clean crumb tray and air fryer basket
- After each use: quick wipe of crumbs and splashes
- Use trays for dripping foods
- Shake crumbs off bread before toasting
The worst smell I ever had came from onions burning in the back. Now I check the tray every time—and that problem never returned.
Common Mistakes When Cleaning the Ninja Foodi SP101
Avoid these common errors:
- Scrubbing heating rods too hard
- Spraying water into vents
- Soaking non-washable parts
- Using harsh oven sprays
- Flipping the oven without emptying the crumb tray
I made a few of these mistakes early on. Once I stopped, cleaning became easy.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning the Ninja Foodi SP101 does not have to feel hard. Small steps can keep it clean and make it last long. This makes the work feel light and easy.
I found my own way to clean it over time. You will find your way too. The goal is to keep the mess low and make each clean short.
Do not worry if the oven gets dirty. It gets dirty fast with crumbs and grease. A quick wipe can fix most of it in seconds.
Simple habits help a lot. Shake the crumb tray. Wipe the glass. Wash the basket when you can. These small steps make a big change.
I hope my tips help you feel calm and sure as you use your Ninja Foodi SP101. A clean oven cooks well, smells fresh, and feels nice to use. You can keep it clean with small steps each day.
visit official website for instructions
FAQs
How do you deep clean the Ninja Foodi SP101?
To deep clean it, take out all the parts and wipe each area with warm soap and water. Use a soft cloth for big spots and a small brush for tight spots. Vinegar helps lift thick grease. This keeps the oven clean with little work.
Can I use vinegar to clean the Ninja Foodi SP101?
Yes, you can use vinegar to clean it. Mix half water and half vinegar, then wipe the walls and glass. It cuts smell and grease fast. It is safe and easy to use.
What is the best cleaner for the Ninja Foodi SP101 air fryer basket?
Warm water and dish soap work best on the basket. They clear oil and crumbs fast. Vinegar helps with strong smells. You do not need harsh spray to make it clean.
Is the Ninja Foodi SP101 dishwasher-safe?
Some small parts can go in the dishwasher, but the main oven cannot. Do not soak the heat area or vents. Wipe them with a damp cloth. This keeps the oven safe and dry.
How do I clean baked-on grease from the SP101 oven?
Use a warm cloth with vinegar to loosen the grease. Let it sit for a short time, then wipe. A small bit of baking soda paste helps with tough spots. These steps work well and keep the oven safe.
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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.
