How to clean an air fryer properly (and make the non-stick basket last for years)
An air fryer is the easiest appliance in the kitchen to keep clean — and the easiest to wreck. The basket's non-stick coating is what makes clean-up a three-minute job, and it fails for exactly five reasons, all avoidable. Here is the routine we recommend to RD-1012W owners.
After every cook: the three-minute clean
- Unplug and let the basket cool for 10 minutes. Never put a hot basket in cold water — the thermal shock is what makes coatings peel.
- Tip out crumbs and pour off any fat into a jar (not the sink).
- Fill the basket with warm water and a drop of washing-up liquid; leave it while you eat.
- Wipe with a soft sponge, rinse, and dry with a cloth. Done.
Weekly: the crisper plate and the drawer
Lift out the crisper plate and wash both sides. Fat collects underneath it and around the rim of the drawer — that is where old-fat smells come from. Both parts are dishwasher-safe on the top rack.
Monthly: the heating element
With the basket out and the appliance unplugged and cold, turn the unit upside down or look up into the cavity. If you can see brown splashes on the coil or the fan guard, wipe them with a damp microfibre cloth and a little washing-up liquid. Never use a spray inside the cavity, and never immerse the main unit.
The five things that ruin a non-stick basket
- Metal tools. Tongs with silicone tips, wooden or nylon utensils only.
- Aerosol cooking sprays. The propellant and emulsifiers bake onto the coating and leave a sticky film that never washes off. Use a refillable pump bottle of oil or brush it on.
- Scouring pads. Even the "non-scratch" ones. If something is stuck, soak it longer.
- Empty runs at maximum heat. Preheating is fine; running the basket empty for 10 minutes at 200 °C is not.
- Thermal shock. Hot basket, cold water — see step 1.
Stuck-on food and burnt sugar
Marinades with honey or sugar caramelise and stick. Make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, spread it on the spot, leave for 20 minutes, then wipe. For stubborn residue on the outside of the basket, white vinegar on a cloth works.
What about foil and liners?
Perforated paper liners are fine and make clean-up easier for saucy food. Never cover the whole base with foil — the air has to circulate under the food, and a sheet of foil can lift into the heating element. If you use foil, keep it small and weigh it down with the food.
Signs the basket needs replacing
Flaking or bubbling coating, or food sticking even when oiled, mean the coating has reached the end of its life. Small scratches are cosmetic. Replacement baskets are covered under the guarantee if the coating fails within the period without misuse — see the RADOCO guarantee.
Keep to the routine above and a basket will comfortably outlast the 18-month guarantee — most of ours are still going after three years of daily use.
Frequently asked questions
Can the air fryer basket go in the dishwasher?
The RD-1012W basket and crisper plate are dishwasher-safe. Use the top rack and a normal cycle; skip the "intensive" programme, which is very hot and shortens the life of any non-stick coating.
Why does my air fryer smoke?
Almost always fat or crumbs on the heating element from a previous cook. Unplug, let it cool, and wipe the element with a damp cloth. Cooking very fatty food with no water in the drawer can also cause smoke — add a tablespoon of water under the crisper plate.
How do I get rid of the smell of fish?
Cook half a lemon, cut side up, at 180 °C for 3 minutes. Then wash the basket as normal.