Keeping your air fryer clean starts with knowing which accessories and liners work best during cooking. So, what can you put in the air fryer to keep it clean? The answer is simpler than you think, and it saves you a lot of scrubbing later.
The right liner catches grease, crumbs, and sticky sauces before they touch the basket. That means less soaking, less scraping, and a machine that lasts longer.
Below you’ll find the best options, how to use them, and the mistakes that cause more mess instead of less.
What Can You Put In The Air Fryer To Keep It Clean
You have several safe choices. Each one suits a different type of food. Pick the right one and cleanup takes under a minute.
Perforated Parchment Paper Liners
These are the most popular option for a reason. The holes let hot air move around the food while the paper catches oil and crumbs.
- Buy liners sized for your basket, or trim them to fit
- Never let paper stick up above the food, it can touch the heating element
- Best for fries, nuggets, fish sticks, and vegetables
Always weigh the paper down with food before you start. Loose paper can fly up into the coil and burn.
Silicone Liners And Inserts
Silicone liners are reusable and dishwashable. They sit in the basket like a shallow bowl and hold sauces, marinades, and juicy meats.
- Great for chicken wings, meatballs, and anything coated in sauce
- Choose one with raised ridges so air still flows underneath
- Hand wash or toss in the dishwasher after each use
One downside: silicone blocks some airflow. Food may cook a bit slower, so add a few extra minutes.
Aluminum Foil
Foil works well for messy foods, but you need to use it right. Crumple it slightly and shape it into the basket with the edges turned up.
- Line the bottom only, never cover the whole basket
- Leave gaps so air can still circulate
- Good for fish, cheese dishes, and greasy leftovers
Do not use foil with acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus for long cooks. It can pit the metal over time.
Ramekins And Small Oven-Safe Dishes
Small ceramic or glass dishes fit inside most baskets. They are perfect for dips, melted cheese, or a single egg.
- Check that the dish is oven safe to at least 400 degrees
- Leave space around the dish for air movement
- Use oven mitts when you pull it out
This trick keeps sauces from dripping into the basket and burning onto the nonstick coat.
Bread Slices And Tortillas
This sounds odd but it works. A slice of bread under a greasy item soaks up the oil. A tortilla does the same job and adds crunch.
- Place bread under burgers, sausage, or bacon
- Use a tortilla under fish or chicken strips
- Toss the bread after cooking, no washing needed
It’s a cheap liner you already have in the kitchen.
What You Should Never Put In Your Air Fryer
Some items cause fires or damage the coating. Avoid these no matter how tempting they seem.
- Loose parchment that is not weighed down
- Plastic wrap, wax paper, or paper towels
- Regular plates that are not oven safe
- Anything that blocks the entire bottom of the basket
- Wet batter without a liner, it drips and burns
If you smell burning plastic, unplug the unit right away and let it cool before you check inside.
How To Use Liners The Right Way
Follow these steps for a clean basket every time.
- Pull out the basket and check it is dry.
- Pick a liner that matches your food type.
- Place the liner flat on the bottom, edges down.
- Add food on top so the liner stays put.
- Set the temperature and time as normal.
- Check food halfway and shake gently if needed.
- Remove the liner and toss or wash it.
- Wipe the basket with a damp cloth while it is still warm.
That last step is the real secret. A quick wipe before the grease hardens saves you ten minutes of scrubbing later.
Extra Habits That Keep Your Air Fryer Clean
Liners do most of the work, but a few habits help even more.
Clean The Basket After Every Use
Warm grease wipes off in seconds. Cold grease turns into glue. Rinse the basket with hot water and a drop of dish soap, then dry it fully.
Wipe The Heating Element
Grease can build up on the coil above the basket. Unplug the unit, let it cool, then wipe the coil with a soft damp cloth. Never spray water directly into the machine.
Soak The Crisper Plate
The plate with all the holes traps oil in the gaps. Soak it in hot soapy water for ten minutes, then scrub with a soft brush.
Use A Drip Tray Under The Basket
Some models have a tray below the basket. Line it with foil or a paper liner to catch drips before they bake on.
Degrease With Baking Soda
For stuck on residue, make a paste with baking soda and water. Rub it on with a sponge, wait five minutes, then rinse. It lifts grease without harsh chemicals.
Avoid Cooking Sprays
Many aerosol sprays leave a sticky film that ruins the nonstick surface. Use a light brush of oil instead, or rely on your liner.
Quick Comparison Of Liners
- Parchment paper: cheap, disposable, best for dry foods
- Silicone liner: reusable, best for saucy foods, slower cook
- Foil: easy, best for greasy foods, avoid acids
- Ramekin: best for dips and small portions
- Bread or tortilla: free, best for a quick soak up
Most homes keep two or three of these on hand. Rotate them based on what you cook that day.
Final Tips For A Cleaner Air Fryer
You do not need fancy gear. A pack of parchment liners and one silicone insert cover almost every meal.
Liner first, food second, quick wipe third. That order keeps your basket looking new for years.
If you cook greasy food often, check the coil once a week. A little upkeep now prevents smoke and bad smells later.
Pick your liner, use it correct, and your air fryer stays clean with almost no effort. A small change in routine makes a big difference in how much time you spend at the sink.