Image source: Cosori
If your air fryer has started smoking, smelling burnt, or cooking unevenly, the heating element is often the hidden culprit. Grease splatter and food residue can build up above the basket over time, affecting airflow, flavor, and even safety. Brands like Breville and Cosori both stress that regular cleaning helps maintain performance, reduce odors, and lower the risk of grease-related smoke near the heating area. Breville Cosori
Why the Heating Element Gets So Dirty
The heating element sits above the cooking chamber, so it catches oil mist, crumbs, and tiny food particles every time hot air circulates. That buildup can eventually create burnt smells, extra smoke, and patchy browning. Breville Instant Pot
What You’ll Need
You do not need harsh oven cleaner or metal scrubbers. Most manufacturers recommend a soft sponge, mild dish soap, warm water, a microfiber cloth, and a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush for hard-to-reach spots. Philips Breville Cosori
How to Clean an Air Fryer Heating Element Safely
1. Unplug it and let it cool completely
Always switch the air fryer off, unplug it, and let it cool before cleaning. Philips suggests making sure the unit is no longer hot, while Cosori recommends allowing about 10–15 minutes to cool. Salter also advises unplugging and cooling completely before cleaning. Philips Cosori Salter
2. Remove the basket and tray
Take out all removable parts first so you can clearly access the top interior. If they’re greasy, wash or soak them separately in warm soapy water while you work on the main unit. Philips Breville
3. Turn the air fryer upside down on a soft towel
This is one of the best hacks because it gives you a direct view of the heating element. Philips specifically recommends placing a soft cloth down first and turning the appliance upside down to avoid scratches. Instant Pot suggests carefully tilting or turning the unit, depending on the model, to access the area near the element. Philips Instant Pot
4. Wipe the area with a soft sponge or cloth
Use a soft sponge or cloth with hot water or diluted dish soap to lift grease from the interior and around the element. Keep the cloth damp, not dripping. Cosori warns against applying water directly to the heating element, and Philips recommends a soft sponge with hot water for the inside and heating element. Cosori Philips
5. Use a soft brush for stuck-on residue
If you spot baked-on bits, use a soft- to medium-bristle brush or a soft toothbrush. Avoid wire brushes, steel wool, or anything abrasive. Philips says a soft to medium bristle brush can remove residue, but explicitly warns against steel wire or hard bristles because they can damage the coating. Philips
6. Dry thoroughly before reassembling
Moisture and electrical components are a bad mix. Wipe everything dry and make sure the interior is fully dry before putting parts back. Breville notes that leftover moisture can harm surfaces, and Salter says all parts should be completely dry before use. Breville Salter
7. Run it empty for a few minutes
A clever final step from Philips: after cleaning, run the air fryer upright for a few minutes without food. This can help loosen any last bits you missed so they fall into the pan, and it helps dry the inside. Philips
Image source: Cosori
7 Smart Cleaning Hacks for Stubborn Grease
Hack 1: Clean after every use, not after every disaster
Quick cleaning beats deep scrubbing later. Breville recommends a quick clean after every use, and Instant Pot says this habit helps prevent grease from hardening into stubborn buildup. Breville Instant Pot
Hack 2: Use baking soda only on removable parts
Baking soda paste is useful for greasy baskets and trays, but not for electrical areas or directly on the heating element. Instant Pot recommends a bicarbonate of soda paste for stuck-on grime in removable parts, and Cosori suggests baking soda paste for tough basket stains. Instant Pot Cosori
Hack 3: Soak the basket while you clean the top
If the basket is crusted with grease, let it soak for 15–30 minutes in warm soapy water before scrubbing. That way you tackle two jobs at once. Philips suggests soaking stuck-on residue for 5–10 minutes, while Instant Pot recommends a longer soak for deeper cleaning. Philips Instant Pot
Hack 4: A dry toothbrush works well for crumbs
Before using a damp cloth, sweep away dry crumbs with a soft toothbrush. This prevents turning crumbs into greasy sludge when you wipe. Instant Pot specifically recommends a soft brush or dry toothbrush to remove loose debris near the heating area. Instant Pot
Hack 5: Don’t spray cleaner directly inside
Spraying liquid straight onto the upper interior can push moisture toward electrical parts. Instead, apply soap and water to the cloth or sponge first. That approach aligns with Cosori’s warning to avoid applying water directly to the heating element. Cosori
Hack 6: Use parchment liners correctly
Perforated parchment paper can help reduce grease splatter in the basket, but it must be weighed down by food and kept away from the heating element. Cosori warns that parchment paper should not touch the heating element, and Instant Pot says liners should never block airflow. Cosori Instant Pot
Hack 7: Schedule a deeper clean every 1–2 weeks
If you use your air fryer often, don’t wait until it smokes. Breville recommends a deep clean every one to two weeks depending on use, while Instant Pot suggests a monthly deep clean at minimum. Breville Instant Pot
Image source: Expert Reviews
What Not to Do
Never use steel wool, metal utensils, hard-bristle brushes, or harsh chemicals on the heating area or non-stick parts. Never submerge the main unit in water. And never reassemble the fryer while it’s still damp. These are the most common mistakes flagged by manufacturers because they can damage coatings, affect performance, or create safety issues. Philips Breville Cosori
Quick Cleaning Routine to Keep It Easy
For everyday maintenance, wash the basket and tray after each use, wipe the interior, and check the heating area for crumbs. For heavier use, do a deeper clean every week or two so grease never gets the chance to bake on. That small routine keeps your air fryer cooking cleaner, smelling fresher, and lasting longer. Breville Salter
