How to Clean a Microwave Air Fryer After Greasy Food

A microwave only deals with splashes. A combo also gets grease blown around by a fan, with a heater in the roof. Good Housekeeping warns that air frying can make these units messier than a standard microwave. Your own manual comes first.

Time: a few minutes to wipe, plus about 20 minutes if your model has a steam cycle.

You need: a soft cloth or sponge, dish soap, hot water, a dry cloth, and maybe a microwave-safe bowl and a lemon.

What are the steps?

1. Unplug it and let it cool

   Panasonic says to unplug the oven before cleaning, or leave the door open if you can't reach the outlet. Its manual warns that all inside surfaces are very hot during and after air fry, convection, combo and broil.

2. Wash the accessories

   Do this every time you cook something greasy. Dishwasher rules differ, as the table below shows. Panasonic says let the glass tray cool before it goes into water.

3. Wipe the walls and floor

   Panasonic says to wipe the walls and floor with a cloth squeezed in hot soapy water to remove grease. Follow with a clean damp cloth.

4. Do the roof and the door last

   This is the part most guides skip. Wipe the roof gently with a damp cloth once it is cool. Keep the waveguide cover clean, but don't take it off, as Panasonic warns. Clean door seals with a mild, non-abrasive soap on a sponge or soft cloth.

5. Steam off what is left

   Use your own model's method from the table. Then wipe the inside while it is still damp, taking care with the hot bowl.

6. Dry everything and reassemble

   Panasonic asks you to wipe all surfaces dry, including vent openings, seams and under the glass tray, because residue and condensation can cause rust or arcing. Don't let water seep into the vents. Put the roller ring and tray back.

What does each manual say?

The Panasonic manual is for the NN-CD87, sister of the HomeChef. For Ninja we read only the UK edition. Check the guide that came with your unit. See manuals to find yours.

What should I never do?

• Don't spray inside. Panasonic says no spraying directly inside. Breville warns off sprays and harsh cleaners. Ninja's UK guide says put cleaner on the sponge, not the surface.
• Don't use corrosive chemicals or oven cleaner. Panasonic says they will damage the appliance.
• Don't use metal scouring pads. Panasonic, Breville and Ninja's UK guide all warn against them. Pieces can touch electrical parts.
• Don't use a steam cleaner. Panasonic and Ninja's UK guide rule it out. A built-in steam program is different.
• Don't line the inside with foil to keep it clean. Panasonic and Breville both say it causes overheating. See metal and foil.
• Don't assume a liner is allowed. Panasonic warns paper containers may melt or burn on the rack under the heater. Check your manual.

What mistakes are common?

1. Waiting for it to smell. Breville warns leftover food, grease or fat can make the inside overheat. The wipe is more than cosmetic.
2. Washing only the basket. Grease also lands on the walls and roof.
3. Following a basket-fryer guide. Soaking tips don't carry over. Panasonic warns against letting water seep into the vents.
4. Assuming every part is dishwasher safe. The answer can differ by part.

How do I make less mess?

Panasonic puts the wire rack over the enamel tray so fat drips through, which causes less splatter and smoke when broiling. Its air fry setup also stacks the basket on the rack on the tray. Keep the drip tray in place. Ninja's UK guide recommends oils like canola, avocado and vegetable to limit smoke, and advises against olive oil, butter, margarine and cooking spray for that model.

Still choosing a combo? Cleaning is fair to weigh. Good Housekeeping suggests a smooth inside with fewer nooks. See how to use a combo and accessories.

More on this one in small kitchen combos.