Keeping the inside of your Ninja air fryer clean is essential for optimal performance, food safety, and extending its lifespan. Cleaning typically involves addressing both the removable components and the main internal cavity.
Preparation is Key
Before you begin cleaning any part of your air fryer, always ensure safety first:
- Unplug: Make sure the air fryer is completely unplugged from the power outlet.
- Cool Down: Allow the unit ample time to cool down completely after use. Attempting to clean while hot can cause burns or damage the appliance.
Cleaning the Removable Parts (Basket & Drawer)
The basket and outer drawer (depending on your model) are the parts that come into direct contact with food. These are typically dishwasher safe, but hand-washing is also effective and often recommended to preserve the non-stick coating.
As mentioned in the reference, you will need to:
- Remove: Take out the basket and drawer from the main unit.
- Scrub & Rinse: The reference specifically notes, "Now we just scrub rinse."
- Fill your sink or a basin with warm water and a small amount of dish soap.
- Use a non-abrasive sponge, brush, or cloth to gently scrub away food particles and grease from all surfaces of the basket and drawer.
- For stubborn, baked-on food, consider soaking the basket and drawer in hot, soapy water for 15-30 minutes before scrubbing. This helps loosen residue.
- Rinse both parts thoroughly under running water to remove all soap residue.
- Dry: Dry the basket and drawer completely with a soft cloth or allow them to air dry thoroughly before reassembling.
- Reassemble: Once clean and dry, you can then "put the drawers back. In." to the main unit.
Cleaning the Main Internal Cavity
This part refers to the inside walls, ceiling, and the area beneath the heating element within the main air fryer unit.
The reference states, you should "And wipe it down with a cloth like me." This action applies well to cleaning the internal surfaces of the main unit.
Here’s how to safely clean the main cavity:
- Wipe Walls and Base: Use a damp (not wet), non-abrasive cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior walls and the base of the cavity. You can dip the cloth in warm, soapy water, ensure it is well-wrung out to prevent excess moisture, and then carefully wipe the interior surfaces.
- Avoid the Heating Element: Be very careful not to directly touch or wet the heating coil located at the top of the cavity. Water or cleaning solutions on the heating element can cause damage or malfunction.
- Stubborn Residue: For tough spots on the interior walls (avoiding the element), a paste of baking soda and water can be applied with a cloth or soft brush. Let it sit for a few minutes, then gently wipe away with a damp cloth.
- Final Wipe: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any soap or baking soda residue from the walls.
- Air Dry: Leave the air fryer drawer/lid open for a period to ensure the inside cavity is completely dry before storing or using again. This prevents mold or mildew growth.
Quick Cleaning Tips & Tools
| Area to Clean | Recommended Tools & Cleaners | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Removable Parts | Warm soapy water, Non-abrasive sponge/brush, Soaking basin | Can often be cleaned in the dishwasher (check manual) |
| Main Cavity Walls | Damp cloth, Mild dish soap or baking soda paste | Always ensure the cloth is wrung out; avoid the heating element |
| Heating Element | (Consult your Ninja manual for specific instructions) Dry brush (use with extreme caution) | Generally should not be cleaned with liquids. Best to avoid touching. |
By following these steps, incorporating the essential techniques of wiping down surfaces and scrubbing/rinsing the removable components as demonstrated in the reference, you can effectively clean the inside of your Ninja air fryer, keeping it fresh and ready for your next meal.
