Remove the basket properly
A photograph of a closed air fryer says little about washing up. Inspect how basket, rack and drawer separate. Check which parts are genuinely removable and whether a release catch is involved. A button that could be pressed while carrying the assembly deserves attention in the way you support it.
Look at edges, corners and openings where food may remain. A smooth accessible surface is easier to reach than a complicated shape with narrow channels. That does not mean sharp tools should be used to get into every gap. The coating and permitted cleaning method determine which implements are appropriate.
Dishwasher or hand washing
Check dishwasher suitability for each component. A broad description may refer only to the basket, not every part of the appliance. Also establish whether large components fit your dishwasher without obstructing other items. Permission to machine-wash offers limited convenience if one drawer occupies almost the entire lower rack.
For hand washing, sink size matters. You need to turn and rinse the part without spilling water across the counter. Let hot pieces cool as instructed before handling them for cleaning. Do not immerse the electrical housing, and keep water away from areas not approved for wet cleaning, even when a nearby removable part is washable.
Above the food
Grease and crumbs can reach beyond the basket. Read how the cavity and the area around the heating element should be cleaned. Disconnect power and follow the specified cooling and cleaning steps. Do not invent a dismantling procedure merely to reach an awkward corner that is not intended for user access.
Check replacement parts too. A rack plate or basket may be obtainable but must match the correct model. Keep the identifier. The most suitable purchase for your kitchen is not necessarily the one making the most non-stick claims, but the one whose permitted cleaning routine you can complete comfortably after normal use. That helps prevent small deposits from accumulating repeatedly.
