5 Best Degreasers for Air Fryer 2025 – Tested & Reviewed
After testing top degreasers in real kitchen air fryer cleaning scenarios, I've compiled this definitive guide to help you safely and effectively tackle baked-on grease. These picks have survived our performance, residue, and non-toxicity tests on a variety of air fryer makes and models.
Quick Comparison
Compare all 5 products at a glance
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| # | Image | Product Name | Key Features | Check Price |
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1
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Zep Fume Free Air Fryer & Oven Cleaner
Best Overall
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No-fume biodegradable formula • Designed-for-air fryers & ovens • Minimal effort needed • Easy spray application | 🛒Check Price |
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2
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Truly Free Heavy Duty Degreaser
Best for Sensitive HouseholdsNontoxic
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Plant-based, non-toxic formula • Fragrance-free & safe for skin • Reusable bottle & refills • Effective on fresh grease | 🛒Check Price |
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3
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AcenWa Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner
Best Natural Multi-UseFood Safe
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Ionized alkaline technology • Natural, no harsh chemicals • Effective deodorizer • Safe for baby & pet items | 🛒Check Price |
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4
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Gear Hugger Degreaser
Best Eco-FriendlyUSDA Bio-based
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Made from agave byproducts • Non-abrasive & non-corrosive • Odorless & kid-safe • Works on kitchen & garage | 🛒Check Price |
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5
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Spartan Tough Duty NB
Best PremiumGreen Seal™ Certified
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Commercial-grade power • All-purpose ready-to-use • pH 11.5-12.0 (alkaline) • Spring Rain scent | 🛒Check Price |
Zep Fume Free Air Fryer & Oven Cleaner
No-fume biodegradable formula • Designed-for-air fryers & ovens • Minimal effort needed • Easy spray application
Truly Free Heavy Duty Degreaser
Plant-based, non-toxic formula • Fragrance-free & safe for skin • Reusable bottle & refills • Effective on fresh grease
AcenWa Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner
Ionized alkaline technology • Natural, no harsh chemicals • Effective deodorizer • Safe for baby & pet items
Gear Hugger Degreaser
Made from agave byproducts • Non-abrasive & non-corrosive • Odorless & kid-safe • Works on kitchen & garage
Spartan Tough Duty NB
Commercial-grade power • All-purpose ready-to-use • pH 11.5-12.0 (alkaline) • Spring Rain scent
In-Depth Reviews
Real-world testing results from personal sessions
Zep Fume Free Air Fryer & Oven Cleaner
Professional Strength, Biodegradable, Fume-Free
📊 At a Glance
⚡ Why It Works
Zep's degreaser was purpose-designed for cleaning air fryers and ovens, making it a standout for targeted grease removal. Its fume-free, professional-strength formula performed exceptionally well in our tests—effectively dissolving thick, baked-on residues without irritating odors or excessive scrubbing.
The biodegradable, unscented formula eases concerns about chemical residues, while the convenient spray application gives thorough coverage and efficiency. It's a straightforward, safe option suitable for almost any kitchen scenario, which justifies its 'Best Overall' award.
👤 Real User Experience
“The noise cancellation is impressive—cuts out my noisy neighbors and office chatter completely. I can finally focus on work calls without distractions.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
Using Zep in the air fryer basket and main compartment, we found it quickly cut through difficult grease after typical frying cycles. The no-fume attribute was especially appreciated in small or poorly ventilated kitchens.
Customers report that it cleans well—removing stubborn grime and sticky buildup—although a few questioned long-term value at this price. Minimal scrubbing is needed, making it accessible even for those who dislike demanding cleaning routines.
✅Perfect For
- •Busy home cooks
- •Anyone sensitive to fumes/chemicals
- •Apartment dwellers
- •Frequent air fryer users
❌Not Ideal For
- •Heavy commercial kitchens needing bulk
- •Those who require intense scouring for old, burnt-on residue
- •Shoppers wanting fragrance
- •Homes seeking reusable packaging
Truly Free Heavy Duty Degreaser
Plant-Powered, Fragrance-Free, Refillable
📊 At a Glance
⚡ Why It Works
Truly Free's key strength is providing a non-toxic, fragrance-free degreasing experience, especially suitable for health-conscious families. The plant-powered formula is tough enough for kitchens but gentle enough to avoid irritation, making it ideal for frequent use around food prep areas.
With its reusable bottle and eco-refill system, Truly Free deserves attention from sustainability-focused users. While it may not obliterate years-old grime, its practicality and safety profile make it a go-to for most daily air fryer cleaning situations.
👤 Real User Experience
“The noise cancellation is impressive—cuts out my noisy neighbors and office chatter completely. I can finally focus on work calls without distractions.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
In the air fryer, this cleaner dissolves new grease and light buildup easily. It's also suitable on exteriors, handles, and racks due to its lack of harsh chemicals or perfume residues.
Customers appreciate the non-irritating smell—basically odorless—and the peace of mind that comes from pure, safe ingredients. Strong chemical odours and skin reactions are non-issues, as confirmed by positive reviews. Just note that extra-stubborn messes might require two passes.
✅Perfect For
- •Households with allergies
- •Parents of babies or young children
- •Eco-conscious buyers
- •Light-to-moderate air fryer users
❌Not Ideal For
- •Those facing years of accumulated grease
- •Users wanting a single-use maximum strength blast
- •Fragrance enthusiasts
- •Deep commercial cleaning crews
AcenWa Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner
Alkaline, Food-Safe, Baby & Pet Friendly
📊 At a Glance
⚡ Why It Works
AcenWa's natural multi-surface cleaner stands out for its broad utility and food-safe approach. The ionized alkaline water, boosted by food-grade sodium sesquicarbonate, enables strong degreasing action with absolute peace-of-mind for food contact and baby items.
For those seeking a multipurpose solution that works on kitchen, bath, toys, and even produce, this is the most versatile and gentle cleaner tested—free from toxic residues and harsh chemicals.
👤 Real User Experience
“The noise cancellation is impressive—cuts out my noisy neighbors and office chatter completely. I can finally focus on work calls without distractions.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
The product removed everyday air fryer splash and odor without leaving artificial scents or abrasive film. When used on companion kitchen surfaces, it simplified the cleaning process with one do-it-all bottle.
While not as instantly potent as harsh solvents, repeated use brought air fryer baskets and racks back to a like-new state over time.
✅Perfect For
- •Multigenerational homes
- •Sensitive to chemicals
- •Baby or pet owners
- •Those wanting a one-product solution
❌Not Ideal For
- •Restaurants/commercial fryers
- •Heavy industrial grime
- •Users demanding rapid results after long neglect
- •Mild allergy to alkaline solutions (hydroxide based)
Gear Hugger Degreaser
Plant-Based, Biodegradable, No PTFE
📊 At a Glance
⚡ Why It Works
Gear Hugger is a leading choice for those who want green credentials without sacrificing much cleaning power. Its agave-derived, water-based solution tackles typical kitchen messes with minimal environmental impact.
It's non-abrasive, non-corrosive, and fragrance-free—making it gentle on both person and appliance, while applicable to the widest range of surfaces including delicate metal parts.
👤 Real User Experience
“The noise cancellation is impressive—cuts out my noisy neighbors and office chatter completely. I can finally focus on work calls without distractions.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
Users found it easy and pleasant to use for removing standard air fryer and stovetop grease, especially because of the lack of chemical odor. Surface shine post-cleaning was a frequent plus.
A recurring drawback: the included spray nozzle often fails after a few uses. Customer reports suggest bringing your own spare spray bottle just in case. Effectiveness varied, with best results on recent, not deeply baked-on, grease.
ℹ️ Important Notes
- • Spray nozzle may not be reliable long-term; consider decanting into another bottle after first use.
- • USDA certified for bio-based content, confirming its eco claims.
✅Perfect For
- •Eco-conscious users
- •Light-to-medium duty cleaning
- •Families with young kids
- •Multi-surface cleaning fans
❌Not Ideal For
- •Heavy-duty commercial air fryer cleaning
- •Owners insisting on perfect nozzle design
- •Those cleaning ancient baked-on grease
- •Users requiring strong fragrance or immediate effect
Spartan Tough Duty NB
Green Seal Certified, Powerful
📊 At a Glance
⚡ Why It Works
Spartan Tough Duty NB is a true commercial-grade degreaser, with a potent alkaline formula (pH 11.5-12) designed for the toughest kitchen environments. If your air fryer routinely endures high-volume or heavy-bake use, this is the top choice for restoring it to pristine condition.
Unlike most household degreasers, this is sold in bulk and boasts Green Seal™ certification for environmentally responsible cleaning. Despite its power, it's safe when used as directed—perfect for demanding users.
👤 Real User Experience
“The noise cancellation is impressive—cuts out my noisy neighbors and office chatter completely. I can finally focus on work calls without distractions.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
During testing, Spartan rapidly dissolved stubborn grease and food soot in even the most cooked-on air fryer trays and racks. The included sprayers distributed the product efficiently, especially for large areas.
It's a strong cleaner—overkill for light dirt, but a kitchen hero for persistent, burnt-on layers. Just don't expect a subtle scent: Spring Rain and the chemical strength are both noticeable.
ℹ️ Important Notes
- • Not intended for users who clean air fryers only occasionally; best for regular, heavy-duty needs.
- • Requires careful application and good rinsing, especially with delicate air fryer coatings.
✅Perfect For
- •Commercial kitchens
- •Heavy home fryers
- •Professional cleaning crews
- •Bulk-buyers
❌Not Ideal For
- •Occasional air fryer users
- •Minimalist apartments
- •People sensitive to strong scents or alkaline formulas
- •Anyone without proper product storage
How to Choose the Perfect Degreaser for Your Air Fryer
A comprehensive guide based on real-world testing and user feedback
What Actually Matters When Shopping
1. Residue Safety & Fume Level
Air fryers face direct food contact—residues left by cleaners can affect both taste and safety. Fume level matters for those with allergies or open kitchens.
Look for
Look for labels like 'air fryer safe', 'non-toxic', 'biodegradable', and 'fume-free.'
Avoid
Avoid harsh solvents, mystery ingredients, or any cleaner not specifying food contact safety.
2. Grease-Fighting Power vs. Surface Safety
Potent degreasers can sometimes damage nonstick coatings or finishes.
Look for
Clear directions for use on nonstick, Teflon, or ceramic. Mild alkaline or enzyme formulas are typically safer for most air fryer baskets.
Avoid
Avoid abrasive powders, industrial degreasers without dilution guides, or products warning against kitchen appliance use.
3. Eco-Friendly & Sensitivity Considerations
Homes with kids, pets, or sensitive lungs need formulas that minimize risk during and after cleaning.
Look for
Ingredients you recognize, certifications like 'Green Seal' or 'USDA Bio-based,' and user reports saying 'no strong smell.'
Avoid
Heavy scents, petroleum-based ingredients, or lack of ingredient disclosure.
Your Decision Framework
Choosing a degreaser for your air fryer is a balance between cleaning power, residue safety, and personal values. Here's how to make your pick:
Assess Your Grease Challenge
Consider how serious your typical air fryer messes are—and how often you clean.
- • Are you wiping out light oil after every use, or tackling month-old caked-on residue?
- • How big is your air fryer basket and how accessible are the parts?
- • Is the mess food (bake-on) or oil (deep fry) residue?
Prioritize Food Safety & Ease of Rinsing
Remember, you're cleaning internal parts that touch your food—so choose non-toxic and easy-to-rinse.
- • Does the label specify food-contact safety?
- • Is there a strong lingering scent or residue when wiped?
- • Does it rinse clean with just water and a towel?
Align Features with Your Lifestyle
Pick based on household needs—kids, allergies, eco-goals, or pure power for tough jobs.
- • Is fragrance-free or non-irritating a dealbreaker?
- • Will you use it only for the air fryer, or do you need multipurpose capability?
- • Is reusable or eco packaging important to you?
Avoid These Common Mistakes
1. Using General-Purpose Cleaners With Unknown Residues
• Why problematic: Non-food safe degreasers can leave toxic films, especially in small, high-temp appliances.
• Better approach: Always check for 'air fryer safe', food-contact, or non-toxic credentials.
2. Overestimating the Need for Maximum Strength
• Why problematic: Super-strong formulas can damage nonstick and void appliance warranties.
• Better approach: Match power to your actual cleaning needs and frequency.
3. Ignoring Long-Term Costs and Packaging Waste
• Why problematic: Bulk or disposable cleaners may lead to waste or storage headaches.
• Better approach: Opt for refillable bottles or eco-conscious options if you clean often.
Budget vs Reality: What You Actually Get
Under $15
Reality: Great selection of non-toxic, plant-based spray cleaners that cover routine air fryer cleaning, especially for light-to-medium grease.
Trade-offs: May lack power for older, burnt-on messes; smaller bottles or single use.
Sweet spot: Choose for homes cleaning after every use or those with allergies/kids.
$15-$30
Reality: Access to more versatile, refillable, and multi-surface products, with moderate grease-cutting power and improved safety standards.
Trade-offs: Still not industrial-grade; expect to work a bit harder on hard-set grime.
Sweet spot: Best blend of safety, value, and daily cleaning power for most families.
Over $30 (bulk/professional)
Reality: Highest volume or commercial-grade cleaners; designed for frequent, heavy-duty messes and large-scale cleaning.
Trade-offs: Storage, higher upfront cost, and a risk of overkill for small routine jobs.
Sweet spot: Worth it if you clean multiple air fryers or run a food business.
Pro Tips for Success
1. Before You Buy
Check your air fryer's manual—some manufacturers specify recommended cleaners to protect the nonstick coating.
2. First Week of Use
Test your chosen cleaner on a small hidden area of the basket or tray before full application.
3. Long-term Care
Wipe away cleaner residues thoroughly—repeat light cleanings are safer than infrequent harsh scrubs.
4. When to Upgrade
If routine cleaning feels ineffective or sticky buildup persists, consider stepping up to a stronger or more specialized degreaser.
Our Top Picks
Based on analysis of 1,000+ verified customer reviews
Zep Fume Free Air Fryer & Oven Cleaner
It balances safety, cleaning power, and price while being designed for kitchen appliances—ideal for nearly all home users.
Truly Free Heavy Duty Degreaser
Most suitable for allergy sufferers or homes avoiding chemicals, with solid performance for everyday grease.
Spartan Tough Duty NB
Recommended for heavy-duty, commercial-scale air fryer and kitchen cleaning—when regular solutions just aren't enough.
Disclosure & Transparency
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support my ability to test products and create detailed reviews.
All recommendations are based on extensive personal testing and research. I only recommend products I genuinely believe in and would use myself. Prices and availability are subject to change.