How To Clean a Ninja Air Fryer

Ninja air fryers are popular and the company is a household kitchen appliance brand.

There are key steps to maintain the quality and ensure the durability of a Ninja air fryer.

One of the key steps is to know how to clean your Ninja Air fryer.

There are six major Ninja Air fryer models available in the market.

Although they vary in size and functionality, cleaning the different sections is similar.

In this article, I’ll detail how to clean a Ninja Air fryer, while mentioning the differences between specific Ninja Air fryer models.

Steps to Clean your Ninja Air Fryer

1. Unplug your Ninja Air Fryer

To clean an air fryer, first, unplug the appliance and let it cool down completely.

It is always important to unplug an appliance before cleaning it to prevent the risk of electric shock.

Unplugging your Ninja air fryer before cleaning it will also prevent the possibility of water or other cleaning liquids coming into contact with electrical components.

Water could damage the appliance or pose a safety hazard.

Additionally, unplugging the air fryer will prevent it from accidentally turning on while you are cleaning it, which could be dangerous.

Unplugging an air fryer before cleaning it is a simple but important safety precaution.

2. Disassemble the Removable Parts

Remove the basket and any other removable parts.

It is generally a good idea to separate the parts of an air fryer before cleaning it for several reasons.

First, separating the parts makes it easier to clean each component, as you can clean them more thoroughly and more easily reach all surfaces.

This will ensure that the air fryer is thoroughly clean and free of any debris or food particles.

Second, separating the parts can also make it easier to dry the air fryer after cleaning.

Allowing the individual components to air dry thoroughly will help to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria, which can be harmful to your health.

Finally, separating the parts of an air fryer can also help to prevent damage to the appliance during the cleaning process.

For example, if you are using a cleaning brush or sponge, it is easy to accidentally scratch or damage the surface of the air fryer if the parts are not separated.

By separating the parts, you can clean them more carefully and avoid damaging the air fryer.

3. Clean the Removable Parts

Ninja air fryers have different designs and accessories.

The accessories that come with an air fryer can vary depending on the specific model.

The main removable parts with Ninja air fryers are the air fryer basket(s), crisper plate, and cooking pot with the Ninja Speedi.

Some air fryers may also come with additional accessories, such as a measuring cup, a cooking rack, or skewers for grilling.

It is always a good idea to check the product specifications or packaging to see which accessories are included with a particular air fryer.

Irrespective of the type of Ninja air fryer you have, you need to thoroughly clean each part.

Read this article if you’re having trouble removing the crisper tray from your Ninja air fryer.

It is recommended to clean the air fryer basket and crisper plate with soap and water.

With my Ninja AF161 Max XL air fryer, I use Dawn dish soap with warm water and a sponge.

Gently wash the air fryer basket to remove food particles, grease, and oils.

If food residue is stuck on the crisper plates or baskets, place them in a sink filled with warm, soapy water and allow them to soak before cleaning.

Don’t try to scrub the air fryer basket hard as you may cause the air fryer basket to peel.

Next, rinse with running water and set aside.

I repeat the same process with the crisper plate.

Aside from handwashing the air fryer basket and the other air fryer accessories, you can use a dishwasher to clean them.

However, take note of the dishwasher-safe components of your air fryer to prevent any damage.

The table below shows the different Ninja air fryer models, their components, and whether they are dishwasher-safe or not.

Use this as a guide depending on the model you have.

Air Fryer Model	Air Fryer Part	Cleaning Method	Dishwasher Safe
Ninja Foodi Dualzone	Main Unit	Wipe clean with a damp cloth	No
	Crisper Plate	The crisper plates can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.	Yes
	2 Baskets	The baskets can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.	Yes
Ninja Speedi	Main Unit	Wipe clean with a damp cloth	No
	Crisper Tray	Can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.	Yes
	Cooking Pot	Can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.	Yes
	Cooker base & Control panel	Wipe clean with a damp cloth	No
	Condensation Catch	Can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.	Yes
Ninja AF150	Main Unit	Wipe clean with a damp cloth	No
	Crisper Plate	Can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.	Yes
	Basket	Can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.	Yes
	Multi-layer Rack	Can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.	Yes
Ninja AF101	Main Unit	Wipe clean with a damp cloth	No
	Crisper Plate	Can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.	Yes
	Basket	Can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.	Yes
Ninja AF161	Main Unit	Wipe clean with a damp cloth	No
	Crisper Plate	Can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.	Yes
	Basket	Can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.	Yes
Ninja AF080	Main Unit	Wipe clean with a damp cloth	No
	Crisper Plate	Hand wash only	No
	Basket	Can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.	Yes

Note: The Shark Ninja recommend handwashing your air fryer basket and pots to extend their life.

4. Clean the Ninja Air Fryer Interior

To clean the inside of the air fryer, wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge and dry it thoroughly.

 Be sure to pay special attention to the heating element and the area around it, as this is where food particles can accumulate.

Accumulated food around the fan and heating element contributes to an air fryer smoking.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners or steel wool to clean your Ninja air fryer.

These can damage the surface. Additionally, you can use a soft brush or toothbrush to remove any stuck-on food particles.

5. Clean the Ninja Air Fryer Exterior

To clean the exterior of the air fryer, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge and dry it thoroughly.

Also, avoid using abrasive cleaners that can damage the exterior surface.

If the exterior of the air fryer is particularly dirty or greasy, you can use mild dish soap to help remove the grime.

Be sure to wipe down and dry the air fryer thoroughly after cleaning the exterior to avoid leaving any soap residue.

As with the interior of the air fryer, use a soft brush or toothbrush to help remove any stuck-on food particles.

6. Dry the Clean Ninja Air Fryer Parts

The most important part after cleaning is to dry the Ninja air fryer sections.

Many people overlook this step and it leads to damage if the air fryer is stored without fully drying.

If the air fryer is not dried thoroughly after cleaning, moisture can accumulate inside the appliance and cause rust to form on the metal parts.

This is why it’s important to let the air fryer air dry completely after washing the basket and other removable parts, as well as wiping down the interior and exterior of the appliance.

7. Assemble your Clean Ninja Air Fryer

Once the air fryer is clean, reassemble all the parts and it’s ready to use again.

Conclusion

How to clean your Ninja air fryer is straightforward irrespective of the model of Ninja you have.

The most important step is to separate the different air fryer sections to ensure you give each part the needed attention.

You will require a cloth, sponge, soap, and warm water to clean and wipe down your Ninja air fryer.

If you decide to use a dishwasher, ensure that the removable sections are dishwasher-safe.   

Cleaning the air fryer not only removes dirt but also helps to remove any smell in the appliance.