Proper care extends the life of your air fryer for years and keeps its heating performance and food flavor at their best. The golden rule: clean the basket and tray after every use, because built-up grease is the number one cause of odors and smoke.

Let the appliance cool down completely, then wash the basket with warm soapy water and a soft sponge — and avoid steel wool, which scratches the non-stick coating. Most Nestly appliance baskets are dishwasher-safe, so make the most of that feature.

Every two weeks, unplug the appliance and wipe the internal heating element with a damp cloth, and dust off the external air vents. Before storing, make sure every part is completely dry to avoid trapped odors.