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How to clean an air fryer

A quick wipe after each use keeps your air fryer working well and stops smells building up. Here is the everyday routine, a monthly deep clean and the mistakes to avoid.

Air fryer drawer and crisper plate going into a dishwasher

Before you start

Switch off and unplug the air fryer, then let it cool for at least 30 minutes. Never put the main unit in water or under a tap.

After every use (5 minutes)

  1. Take out the drawers and crisper plates and pour away any fat.
  2. Wash them in warm soapy water with a soft sponge, or put them in the dishwasher. On the Smart Chef, both drawers and both crisper plates are dishwasher safe.
  3. Wipe the outside and the touchscreen with a damp cloth, then dry.
  4. Let everything dry fully before you put the drawers back.

Deep clean (about once a month)

  1. Baked-on grease: soak the drawers for 15–20 minutes in hot water with washing-up liquid, then use a soft brush. For stubborn marks, use a paste of bicarbonate of soda and a little water, leave it for 10 minutes, then rinse.
  2. Viewing window: clean the inside of the window with a soft cloth and warm soapy water, or the bicarbonate paste. Do not scrape it.
  3. Inside the unit: with the drawers out, look up at the heating element. Wipe the area gently with a damp, well wrung-out cloth or a soft brush. Never use water sprays near the element.
  4. Dry everything well, then run the empty air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 180°C to drive off any moisture.

What to avoid

  • Metal scourers, wire wool or abrasive cleaners. They damage the non-stick coating.
  • Metal tools inside the drawers. Use silicone or wooden utensils.
  • Aerosol cooking sprays. Many of them leave a sticky layer on non-stick surfaces. Use a pump spray or brush on a little oil instead.
  • Putting the main unit in the dishwasher or in water.

Getting rid of smells

A new air fryer can smell slightly the first few times as the coating settles. Run it empty for 10 minutes at 200°C in a ventilated room. For fish or food smells afterwards, wash the drawers. Then put half a lemon in a drawer with a little water and run it for 3–4 minutes at 180°C.

Questions about your Smart Chef? Contact our support team and we reply within one working day.

Updated 2 November 2026

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