7 Best Cleaners for Ninja Air Fryer 2026

If you’ve ever wrestled with caked-on grease in your Ninja air fryer, the XANGNIER 6-piece cleaning kit is a game-changer. This isn’t just another sponge and brush combo—it’s a purpose-built arsenal designed to tackle every nook, from the heating element to the crisper plate’s tiny crevices. The long-handled nylon brush reaches high areas safely, while the double-sided sponge brush effortlessly lifts oil stains without scratching non-stick surfaces. For those who dread post-cooking cleanup, this set transforms a tedious chore into a quick, satisfying routine.

In real-world testing, the crevice brushes proved indispensable for dislodging food particles stuck in the basket’s mesh, and the nylon toothbrush handled control panel grime with precision. The included microfiber cloth wipes down exteriors and touchscreens without streaks, rounding out a truly comprehensive kit. While the brushes are durable, aggressive scrubbing on hardened residue may require pre-soaking—this set excels at mechanical removal but doesn’t include chemical assistance. Still, for daily maintenance and deep cleans, it outperforms makeshift kitchen sponges and toothbrushes.

Compared to basic single-brush tools, the XANGNIER kit offers unmatched versatility, rivaling pricier sets like the AcenWa or Air Fryer Cleaning Tools 8-Pc. It’s ideal for frequent air fryer users who want a dedicated, all-in-one solution without relying on disposable liners or harsh sprays. While it lacks the chemical punch of degreasers like Zep or CLEANING HEROES, its mechanical cleaning power and thoughtful design make it the most reliable hands-on tool in the lineup—especially when paired with a non-toxic spray for maximum efficiency.

When baked-on grease refuses to budge, the Zep Fume Free Air Fryer & Oven Cleaner steps in like a silent powerhouse. This professional-strength formula delivers heavy-duty degreasing action without the throat-burning fumes of traditional oven cleaners—making it one of the safest yet most effective options for indoor use. The 24 fl oz spray bottle delivers precise coverage, clinging to vertical surfaces inside your Ninja air fryer basket, heating chamber, or oven walls. With just a few minutes of dwell time, it melts through carbonized residue, drastically reducing scrubbing effort.

In testing, the cleaner broke down weeks-old oil splatter and charred food remnants after a 5–10 minute wait, requiring only light wiping with a cloth or sponge. It works equally well on stainless steel, ceramic, and non-stick coatings, and didn’t discolor or damage any surfaces. While it performs best on cooled appliances, its fume-free design allows for quicker ventilation cycles—perfect for those who clean right after dinner. However, extremely thick buildup may need a second application or light brushing to fully release.

Against competitors like CLEANING HEROES, Zep trades raw aggression for user safety and ease of use, making it the smarter pick for routine deep cleans rather than emergency rescue missions. It outshines sprays like AcenWa in grease-cutting speed and beats wipe-based solutions in penetration depth. If you want maximum cleaning power without hazardous vapors, Zep strikes the ideal balance between performance and peace of mind—especially for households with kids or respiratory sensitivities.

For the ‘set it and forget it’ cleaner, the ECFVTP parchment liners are a revelation—turning messy air frying into a near-zero cleanup experience. These food-grade, heat-resistant liners fit snugly in Ninja DZ201 and DZ401 models, forming a leak-proof barrier that catches oils, marinades, and food fragments before they bake onto the basket. Roasting wings, baking fish, or reheating frozen fries? Just drop in a liner, cook as usual, then toss it—no scrubbing, no soaking, no stress.

Made from oil-proof, non-stick parchment, these liners withstand temperatures up to 450°F (230°C) without warping or leaching chemicals. In real use, they prevented sticking and made post-meal cleanup take seconds. However, they require careful placement: preheating with an empty liner can cause it to lift and touch the heating element, risking burn or fire. Always load food first, and ensure it weighs the liner down. They’re not a fix for existing gunk—just a brilliant preventive shield.

Compared to brush sets or sprays, these liners are the ultimate time-saving hack, outperforming even wipe solutions for sheer convenience. While they don’t clean like the XANGNIER kit or Zep, they eliminate the need for cleaning in the first place—making them perfect for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who hates scrubbing. When paired with occasional deep cleans, they extend the life of your air fryer and preserve non-stick coatings far better than aggressive tools.

When speed is king, the Lys kitchen cleaning wipes deliver a wipe-and-go victory for light air fryer maintenance. These pre-moistened, heavy-duty cloths are infused with a degreasing formula that tackles surface grease, fingerprints, and light food splatter in seconds—perfect for quick wipe-downs after cooking. Unlike sprays that drip or brushes that store bacteria, these wipes offer hygienic, no-rinse convenience, doubling as microwave, stove, and countertop cleaners for a unified kitchen routine.

Each wipe grabs onto oily residues without smearing, and the pack of 160 ensures long-term use across multiple appliances. They’re gentle enough for control panels and glass surfaces, leaving no streaks—ideal for keeping your Ninja air fryer’s exterior spotless. But they’re not built for caked-on or baked-in grime; heavily soiled baskets still need soaking and scrubbing. For best results, use them daily as a preventive measure, not as a deep-clean substitute.

Compared to the Zep spray or CLEANING HEROES degreaser, these wipes are weaker on stubborn buildup but unbeatable for daily upkeep. They’re the fastest, most portable option in the lineup—great for renters, dorm kitchens, or anyone avoiding bulk cleaners. While they can’t replace a brush or spray for deep maintenance, their versatility and ease of use make them a smart companion to more intensive tools. Think of them as oral hygiene for your air fryer—daily flossing, not a root canal.

For health-conscious households, the AcenWa Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner stands out as a non-toxic powerhouse that refuses to compromise on performance. This unscented, food-grade spray uses ionized alkaline water and sodium sesquicarbonate to break down grease, odors, and even blood stains—making it safe enough for baby bottles yet tough enough for air fryer baskets. It’s a rare eco-friendly formula that actually works on baked-on oil, especially when paired with a scrub sponge.

In testing, it lifted light to moderate residue after a minute of dwell time and scrubbing, though heavily carbonized gunk required repeat applications. It excelled on exteriors, control panels, and microwave interiors, leaving zero chemical smell or residue. Its multi-room versatility—from fridge shelves to bathtubs—makes it a true all-in-one solution, reducing the need for multiple cleaners. However, it lacks the adhesion and dwell strength of thicker degreasers, sometimes running off vertical surfaces too quickly.

Next to Zep or CLEANING HEROES, AcenWa is gentler but slower, trading immediate grease-busting power for long-term safety. It’s the best pick for families with kids or pets, or anyone avoiding synthetic fragrances and fumes. While it costs more than most options, its broad utility and non-toxic profile justify the investment—especially when used alongside disposable liners or brush sets for a complete, chemical-light cleaning ecosystem.

The 8-piece Air Fryer Cleaning Tools Set is engineered for deep-clean warriors who demand maximum scrubbing precision and surface protection. With a hard bristle brush for scorched residues, a slim crevice tool for basket mesh, and a dual-sided sponge that balances gentle cleaning with abrasion, this kit tackles every cleaning challenge head-on. The rough sponge side lifts stubborn marks, while the soft side preserves non-stick coatings—critical for prolonging your Ninja air fryer’s life.

Real-world use confirms its superior ergonomics and reach: the long handle keeps hands away from grime, and the small detail brush cleans air vents and buttons without damage. The included absorbent towel is a standout—quick-drying and rust-inhibiting, it prevents water spots on metal parts. However, the hard bristles, while effective, may scratch if used aggressively on delicate surfaces. Pre-soaking helps minimize force needed.

Compared to the XANGNIER 6-piece set, this kit adds two extra tools and a dedicated drying towel, making it the most complete mechanical cleaning package available. It outperforms wipe-and-spray options in residue removal and beats liners in long-term cost efficiency. Ideal for daily users who deep-clean weekly, it’s the ultimate companion for maintaining peak air fryer performance—especially when paired with a mild cleaner like AcenWa for chemical synergy.

When your Ninja air fryer looks like a crime scene of burnt oil and food buildup, the CLEANING HEROES Oven and Grill Cleaner is your last-resort rescue squad. This 32 fl oz degreasing monster doesn’t mess around—spray it on, wait 15 minutes, and watch carbonized gunk liquefy before your eyes. With its thick, clingy formula, it stays put on vertical walls and basket interiors, penetrating layers of neglect that wipes or brushes can’t touch.

In extreme tests, it dismantled months-old grease with minimal scrubbing, requiring only a rinse or wipe to restore surfaces to near-new condition. It works across ovens, grills, stovetops, and air fryers, making it a heavy artillery option for total kitchen overhauls. But this power comes with trade-offs: strong fumes demand ventilation, and overuse can degrade rubber seals or discolor plastics if not rinsed thoroughly. Always apply on cooled appliances and follow safety instructions.

Against Zep, CLEANING HEROES is stronger but less user-friendly—ideal for quarterly deep cleans, not daily maintenance. It’s overkill for light users but indispensable for frequent fryers who skip regular upkeep. While pricier and harsher than sprays like AcenWa, its raw degreasing dominance makes it the ultimate fix for neglected appliances, especially when used occasionally alongside preventive tools like liners or wipes.