Quick answer: Unplug the air fryer, remove the basket and pan, and let the entire appliance cool. Open the manual for your exact model before tilting it or touching the heater area. Wipe only the surfaces the maker identifies as accessible, using a soft sponge or approved brush with minimal moisture. Do not spray cleaner upward, bend the element, remove guards, or operate the fryer until the interior is dry and reassembled.
Smoke can come from more than the heater
White smoke during a fatty cook often comes from hot grease in the pan. A few crumbs caught near the element can smell burned on the next cycle. Persistent electrical odor, sparks, a glowing connection, or smoke from the controls is different: unplug the unit and move to manufacturer support rather than performing another cleaning cycle.
Start with the removable parts. A dirty basket, crisper plate, pan, or drawer edge can send residue back into the airflow. Clean those components according to the manual before assuming the upper heater is the only problem.
Check what your model permits
| Instruction you find | What it means |
|---|---|
| Maker shows the unit upside down on a cloth | Use that orientation only after unplugging and cooling, with removable parts out |
| Maker specifies a soft or medium brush | Work around the accessible element without bending it |
| Maker says wipe with a damp cloth | Dampen the cloth, not the appliance; avoid dripping |
| No heater cleaning procedure | Do not invent a disassembly route; contact support for model guidance |
Philips publishes an accessible-element routine for some Airfryer models. Ninja’s AF100 guidance calls for unplugging and using a cleaning brush on the heater. Neither instruction gives permission to open the cabinet, remove the fan guard, or soak the electrical body.
A controlled heater-area clean
- Unplug from the wall and wait until every metal surface is cold.
- Remove the drawer, pan, basket, and approved removable accessories.
- Place the appliance in the exact stable orientation described by the manual.
- Brush loose dry crumbs down and out; keep one hand from pressing on the element.
- Use a soft sponge or cloth with hot water only if the maker permits it, wringing it until it cannot drip.
- Wipe the surrounding interior, not electrical connectors or hidden cavities.
- Return the unit upright and allow it to dry fully before reassembly.
Oven cleaner, steel wool, wire brushes, knives, and caustic degreasers do not belong in this job. They can damage coatings, leave residue in the airflow, or deform a component. Do not create steam inside a model unless its manual provides a steam-clean feature and specific steps.
Run a cautious post-clean check
Inspect the element without touching it. It should not look bent, loose, or coated with cleaner. Reinstall dry parts. If the manufacturer includes a short empty run after cleaning, follow its temperature, time, and ventilation directions; otherwise skip that improvisation.
Stop the test immediately for electrical odor, arcing, unusual fan noise, or smoke that does not clear as a tiny missed crumb burns away. Let the appliance cool, unplug it, and request service. A heating guard or connection is not a homeowner-cleaning part.
Reduce upper-cavity splatter next time
Do not overfill the basket, and keep light parchment or food from lifting into the element. Drain excess pan grease between batches when the manual allows. Wipe the cool accessible interior regularly so a thin film does not become a baked layer. Our air-fryer basket guide covers the coated removable parts; the toaster crumb-tray guide explains a similar unplug-and-cool routine for another countertop appliance.
Bottom line
Clean the heater area only as far as the model’s instructions take you. Begin with the basket and pan, use controlled moisture and soft tools on approved surfaces, and keep guards, wiring, and cabinet screws closed. Smoke with an electrical character is a service signal, not a reason to scrub harder.
Sources
Photo: Airfryer Convert by Adam Bruderer, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY 2.0; resized for this guide. The pictured model is illustrative and not a product test. Reviewed by the Gohall Clean Team on September 4, 2026.