An air-fryer basket can look reasonably clean while grease remains around its edges or beneath a removable plate. Let the appliance cool and disconnect it according to its instructions before cleaning. Keep electrical parts dry and follow the manual for the exact model.
Remove the components that are designed to come out. A drawer, basket and crisping plate may have different cleaning requirements, so check each one. Dishwasher suitability for one component does not automatically apply to the whole assembly.
Wash food-contact parts with the recommended detergent and a suitable soft cleaning tool. Avoid abrasive pads or metal implements that can damage a coating. If residue is stubborn, use a permitted soaking method rather than scraping aggressively.
Look underneath and around the edges
Clean the spaces where grease and crumbs collect, including any approved removable plate and its supports. Do not dismantle a heating element, fan housing or electrical assembly unless the manufacturer explicitly provides a user-cleaning procedure for that part.
Inspect the appliance interior using the manual's method. A damp cloth may be appropriate for some surfaces, but immersion or running water can be unsafe for electrical sections. Allow all cleaned parts to dry as required before reassembly.
Check the coating and components for damage. A loose part, cracked handle or deteriorating cooking surface needs attention beyond ordinary washing. Use manufacturer support or correct replacements rather than improvising a repair.
Liners do not eliminate cleaning
Paper, foil and reusable liners have appliance-specific restrictions. Some manufacturers prohibit particular materials, and unsecured liners can move in circulating air. Follow the exact manual instead of assuming a liner advertised online is compatible.
Even an allowed liner may leave grease underneath or around it. Inspect the basket after use and clean as needed rather than carrying residue into the next meal. Never treat a disposable liner as protection for a damaged basket.
Once everything is clean and dry, refit parts in their correct positions. Keep the appliance's required ventilation space clear when it returns to the counter.
A short cleanup after each meal is easier than removing several layers of baked-on residue later. The routine should follow the machine's design: cool, disconnect, remove approved parts, clean, dry and reassemble, without introducing cleaning methods intended for a different model.