The Air Fryer Steam Trick For Removing Stubborn, Caked-On Residue

If your air fryer is clinging onto last night's dinner, there is one lemon-and-vinegar steam trick that may become your fragrant, fun rescue mission. This clever method harnesses acidity and steam to dissolve grease while leaving a pleasant citrusy zing behind. The process is simple: squeeze half a lemon into a heatproof bowl, add about ¼ cup of white vinegar, and place the bowl inside the air fryer basket. Heat the unit to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes, then turn it off and let the bowl sit in the closed fryer for about 30 minutes.

The steam generated by the lemon and vinegar softens sticky residues, while the lemon's acidity helps break down the grease, and the scent neutralizes lingering odors. Why does it work? The power pair of vinegar and lemon juice makes cleaning magic together. The acetic acid in vinegar softens the fat molecules and grease, then the lemon adds mild citric acid while releasing volatile oils that not only help the cleaning process but also deodorize. There are many genius ways to clean your kitchen with fresh lemon, and countless vinegar hacks out there, but combining the two makes the whole thing work like a charm.

When mixing your lemon juice and white vinegar, be sure to use a heat-proof ramekin or mug. Once the air fryer is done and you've let your creation sit for half an hour, carefully remove the bowl (it'll be hot!), then wipe the basket and interior with a damp, soft cloth. Oh, and always start with regular cleaning first — this lemon-vinegar steam is a glamorous supplement, not a replacement.

There are several other steam-powered strategies that can rescue your air fryer from greasy grime. For instance, simply grab your dish soap and water for a quick and easy steam. Fill the fryer basket with warm water and a few drops of strong grease-cutting dish soap. Then, run the fryer on medium–high for a few minutes — just enough to steam the soapy suds around. The soapy steam lifts grease, softening residue for easy wiping. This method is speedy, with cleanup in 5 minutes. 

For a bubble power bomb, get your degreasing dish soap and throw in some vinegar and baking soda. This bubbly team-up is one of several baking soda cleaning methods. Fair warning, it's a bit messy, but oh-so-effective. Squirt dish soap around the basket, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda over it, and fill near to the brim with hot water. Wait a minute before adding 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. The fizz loosens stuck-on food while the water heats and steams. After about 10 minutes, rinse, then wipe gently with a soft sponge or a non-scratching brush.

Alternatively, go for the less-is-more approach and use plain old steamed-up water. This is minimalist magic at its best: simply fill the basket with water and turn your air fryer on high for a few minutes. The steam loosens debris, which you can then wipe away carefully. Or, mix warm water with either baking soda or vinegar, then heat in the air fryer at between 210 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 10 minutes. The team does much of the heavy lifting, followed by a wipe-down with a soft cloth or sponge.