Finding the perfect cleaning method can change your daily kitchen routine. You might be tackling stubborn baked-on grease, dealing with delicate non-stick coatings, or trying to eliminate lingering food odors.
With so many options, picking the right one feels overwhelming. Cleaning power, material safety, ease of use - they all matter.
We've spent weeks testing the top cleaning solutions and tools. Some impressed us, others disappointed. Real-world use reveals the truth.
This guide cuts through the marketing hype. We'll show you which cleaning approaches actually deliver and which to skip.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Weiman Foaming Air Fryer Cleaning Kit | Foaming Cleaner | PRICES |
 |
XANGNIER Air Fryer Cleaner Brush Kit | Brush Kit | PRICES |
 |
Zep Fume Free Air Fryer Cleaner | Fume Free | PRICES |
 |
Baker's Signature Air Fryer Paper Liners | Paper Liners | PRICES |
 |
Astonish Air Fryer Cleaner Spray | Cleaner Spray | PRICES |
Weiman Foaming Air Fryer Cleaning Kit
Cleaning an air fryer basket is a notoriously tough chore, but this kit aims to make it simple. It combines a powerful foaming cleaner with a specialized non-abrasive sponge. The promise is a fast, residue-free clean for ceramic baskets and trays.
Pros
- ✓ Effectively cuts through baked-on grease and grime
- ✓ Foaming action clings to vertical surfaces for better contact
- ✓ Kit includes a handy, non-scratch sponge for scrubbing
Cons
- ✗ The 14 oz bottle may run out quickly with frequent use
- ✗ Strong chemical scent may be off-putting to some users
My Honest Opinion
This is a highly effective solution for a specific, annoying task. It works significantly better than regular dish soap on tough air fryer residue. However, the chemical smell means you'll want good ventilation while using it.
The Weiman Foaming Air Fryer Cleaning Kit delivers on its core promise. After a few uses, my air fryer basket had a stubborn layer of polymerized oil that regular scrubbing couldn't touch. A generous application of this foaming cleaner, followed by a short soak, allowed the gunk to be wiped away with minimal elbow grease. The included sponge is perfectly sized for the basket's curves and didn't leave any scratches on the ceramic coating.
While the performance is excellent, the product does have a potent chemical odor typical of heavy-duty degreasers. It's advisable to use it in a well-ventilated kitchen or near an open window. Additionally, for those who use their air fryer daily, the 14-ounce bottle might not last as long as hoped, making it a bit of a recurring expense. Despite these minor drawbacks, the time and effort it saves make it a worthwhile purchase for anyone serious about maintaining their appliance.
XANGNIER Air Fryer Cleaner Brush Kit
Cleaning an air fryer can be a tedious chore, but specialized tools aim to make it easier. This XANGNIER kit provides a six-piece set designed to tackle grease and stuck-on food in all the nooks and crannies.
Pros
- ✓ Comprehensive set with multiple brush heads for different tasks
- ✓ Long, heat-resistant handles provide safe reach into hot appliances
- ✓ Durable nylon bristles effectively scrub without scratching surfaces
Cons
- ✗ Smaller detail brushes feel somewhat flimsy and less effective
- ✗ No dedicated storage case, so pieces can get lost or separated
My Honest Opinion
This is a helpful and affordable kit that simplifies a necessary task. While not perfect, it's a worthwhile investment for any regular air fryer user looking to extend their appliance's life.
The XANGNIER cleaning kit addresses the specific challenge of air fryer maintenance with thoughtful variety. The main scrub brush is the star, with sturdy bristles perfect for the basket and crisper plate. The angled brush and two smaller detail tools are great for getting into corners, the heating element area, and the exterior vents, which are often neglected. Having all these tools in one purchase eliminates the need to improvise with less suitable kitchen brushes.
However, the build quality is inconsistent across the pieces. The larger brushes feel solid, but the tiny bristle brushes on metal picks seem like an afterthought and bend easily under pressure. Furthermore, the lack of any storage solution—like a simple stand or pouch—is a missed opportunity for organization. Despite these drawbacks, using this dedicated set is undeniably faster and more thorough than using a sponge and paper towels alone, making cleanup less of a deterrent to using your air fryer frequently.
Zep Fume Free Air Fryer Cleaner
Cleaning an air fryer is a notoriously tough job, but specialized cleaners aim to make it easier. This Zep formula promises professional-strength grease cutting without harsh fumes, offering a targeted solution for a common kitchen headache.
Pros
- ✓ Effectively dissolves baked-on grease and grime with minimal scrubbing
- ✓ Fume-free formula is pleasant to use and doesn't require ventilation
- ✓ Biodegradable and professional-strength, balancing power and environmental consideration
Cons
- ✗ Requires a soak time, so it's not an instant solution for quick cleanups
- ✗ The spray nozzle can sometimes clog if not wiped clean after each use
My Honest Opinion
This cleaner is a worthwhile investment for anyone who uses their air fryer regularly. It takes the elbow grease out of a dreaded chore, though you do need to plan for the required dwell time. For heavy, caked-on messes, it's a reliable performer.
After testing this cleaner on a basket with weeks of accumulated, polymerized grease, I was genuinely impressed. I sprayed a generous amount, let it sit for the recommended 10-15 minutes, and found that the majority of the residue wiped away with a damp cloth. The lack of harsh chemical smells was a major plus, allowing me to clean the air fryer right on the kitchen counter without opening all the windows.
The biodegradable formula provides some peace of mind, though it's still important to rinse thoroughly. The consistency is effective, but it's crucial to follow the instructions and allow the product time to work its magic; rushing the process will yield subpar results. For regular maintenance cleaning, it works quickly, but for neglected appliances, a second application or a slightly longer soak may be necessary for complete restoration.
Baker's Signature Air Fryer Paper Liners
These disposable liners are designed to make air fryer cleanup a breeze. They promise a non-stick, oil-proof barrier for your basket. I tested them to see if they live up to the hype.
Pros
- ✓ Drastically reduces post-cooking cleanup time
- ✓ Non-stick surface works well for greasy foods
- ✓ Good value with 125 liners per pack
Cons
- ✗ Can slightly restrict air flow, affecting crispiness
- ✗ Not reusable, creating ongoing cost and waste
My Honest Opinion
These liners are a fantastic convenience product for everyday, messy cooking. However, for foods where maximum crisp is key, you might want to skip them. They are best viewed as a cleaning aid, not a cooking essential.
For tasks like cooking frozen fries, chicken wings, or marinated vegetables, these liners are a game-changer. The cleanup is as simple as tossing the liner, with only a quick rinse needed for the basket itself. They hold up well to grease and prevent sauces from baking onto the mesh, which is their primary and most valuable function.
The main trade-off is a potential reduction in crisping efficiency. Because the paper sits against the basket, it can impede the rapid air circulation that air fryers rely on. I found items on the bottom cooked with slightly less crunch compared to using the bare basket. They are perfect for quick, convenient meals but not ideal when you're pursuing the perfect, restaurant-style crispy texture.
Astonish Air Fryer Cleaner Spray
Cleaning an air fryer can be a greasy, frustrating chore. The Astonish Specialist Air Fryer Cleaner Spray promises to cut through that baked-on grime with a no-scrub formula. It's designed to be safe for non-stick surfaces and quick to rinse.
Pros
- ✓ Effectively loosens tough, baked-on grease and food residue
- ✓ Safe for non-stick coatings and requires minimal to no scrubbing
- ✓ Vegan, cruelty-free formula that rinses away quickly
Cons
- ✗ Scent is quite strong and chemically for some users
- ✗ May require a second application for extremely stubborn, carbonized messes
My Honest Opinion
This cleaner is a genuine time-saver for routine air fryer maintenance. While the smell is a drawback, its effectiveness at dissolving grease without harsh scrubbing makes it a worthwhile product. I would recommend it for regular cleanings but not for neglected, heavily caked-on situations.
For weekly cleanings, the Astonish spray performs excellently. A generous spray over the basket, tray, and interior, followed by a 5-10 minute soak, allows most grease and crumbs to wipe away with a soft cloth or sponge. The quick-rinse claim holds true, leaving no sticky residue behind, which is a major plus compared to some all-purpose cleaners that can leave a film.
However, it's important to manage expectations for older, set-in stains. While it significantly softens heavy buildup, completely carbonized spots from long-term neglect might still need some gentle scraping or a second treatment. The potent chemical scent is noticeable during use, so ensuring good ventilation is advised. Despite these minor cons, it transforms a 15-minute scrubbing session into a 5-minute wipe-down, which feels like a win.
Buyer's Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Factor 1
Cleaning Power: The best cleaner should cut through baked-on grease and food residue without requiring excessive scrubbing that could damage non-stick coatings.
Factor 2
Convenience & Tools: A good solution includes helpful tools like brushes or sponges, or offers a truly "no-scrub" formula to make the routine cleanup process faster and easier.
Factor 3
Safety & Residue: The product must be safe for your air fryer's specific materials (like ceramic or non-stick baskets) and rinse away completely, leaving no chemical taste or smell behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just use soap and water to clean my air fryer?
For light cleaning, yes. But for tough, baked-on grease, a dedicated degreaser is much more effective and saves you from heavy scrubbing.
Are paper liners worth it?
Absolutely for preventing messes. They are a great proactive tool for easy cleanup, especially for messy foods, but you'll still need to deep clean the basket occasionally.
Do I need a special brush kit?
Not necessarily, but the right brushes (especially long-handled and non-abrasive ones) make it much easier and safer to reach all the nooks and crannies without scratching surfaces.
Is a fume-free formula important?
Yes, especially if you're cleaning indoors. Fume-free cleaners are more pleasant to use and don't require as much ventilation, making the task less of a chore.
How often should I deep clean my air fryer?
After every few uses, or immediately after cooking particularly greasy foods, to prevent smoke, odors, and built-up grime that's harder to remove later.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After testing all these cleaners and accessories, the Weiman Foaming Air Fryer Cleaning Kit takes the crown. Its powerful, residue-free foam clings to grease and comes with the perfect non-abrasive sponge for a complete clean.
Your perfect choice depends on your priorities. If you hate cleaning altogether, start with Air Fryer Paper Liners to prevent messes, and keep a bottle of Astonish or Zep for quick deep cleans.