Top 5 Self-Cleaning Air Fryers: Easy Buying Guide

Do you love crispy fries and juicy chicken wings, but hate the sticky, greasy mess left behind in your air fryer? That post-cooking scrub-down can feel like a chore, right? We all want the convenience of quick meals without the tough cleanup that follows. It feels like a trade-off we shouldn’t have to make in the kitchen!

Choosing the right self-cleaning air fryer adds another layer of confusion. Do the “self-cleaning” features really work? Which models are worth the extra money? We dive deep into what separates the truly easy models from the ones that still need a good sponge.

By the end of this post, you will know exactly which self-cleaning air fryers deliver on their promise. We break down the technology, compare top brands, and give you the insider tips for hassle-free cooking. Get ready to say goodbye to scrubbing forever!

Top Self-Cleaning Air Fryer Recommendations

No. 1
Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt, Premium Ceramic Coating, 90°–450°F, Precise Heating for Even Results, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dry, Frozen, Proof, Reheat, Keep Warm, 120V, Dark Gray
  • 𝘼𝙞𝙧 𝙁𝙧𝙮𝙚𝙧 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology delivers a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉, achieving crispy, juicy results every time
  • 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Cosori's unique 5-fan speed system and precise 90°– 450°F temperature control deliver evenly cooked dishes with perfect texture in every bite
  • 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: The basket and crisper tray feature a premium ceramic coating that is nonstick, durable, and heat-resistant to improve your cooking experience
  • 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology helps speed up cooking and save time to deliver perfectly crispy family meals, even on busy days
  • 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: The 6-quart square basket offers a wide, deep design, great for the entire family meals while saving you space on your kitchen counter or cabinet
No. 2
Typhur Dome 2 AI Smart Air Fryer, Large Flat Airfryer with Top & Bottom Heating, Self-cleaning Digital Fryer, PFAS free Ceramic Basket, Fits a 12" Pizza or Steaks, Whisper-Quiet, 120V
  • 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮’𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗞𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 "𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗶𝗿 𝗙𝗿𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲"
  • 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 "𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗔𝗶𝗿𝗙𝗿𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲"
  • [𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗡𝗢𝗩. 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘] 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗵𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗜 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 | Just released in the latest November App update! Simply snap a photo of your ingredients or type a dish name. Typhur AI instantly generates a step-by-step recipe customized specifically for the Dome 2, automatically calculating optimal settings to turn available ingredients into delicious meals without the guesswork.
  • 𝟯𝟲𝟬° 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 | Inspired by professional pizza ovens, Typhur reinvented the airflow and circulation of the air fryer, reducing cooking time by up to 30%. Dual heating elements (top and bottom), ensures your food is cooked evenly with less shaking or flipping. Paired with dual temperature sensors, this innovative system delivers delicious results every time.
  • #𝟭 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗱 | Dome 2 Air Fryer cooks food 30% faster than traditional air fryers. Cook 32 chicken wings in 14 minutes, 2 steaks in 8 minutes, or 10 pieces of bacon in 10 minutes.
No. 3
Non Toxic Air Fryer™ - Glass AirFryer 5 Quart w/ 360 Visibility, Self-Cleaning, 400F Vortex Air Fryer for Even Cooking, BPA-Free Teflon Free, 9-in-1 Functions, Rotisserie, Roast, Bake, Black
  • Rotisserie & Tumbling Basket Included – Roast a whole chicken to perfection or tumble fries and veggies for even crispiness, all hands-free. Accessories are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
  • Non-Toxic, Family-Safe Materials – Made with durable glass and free from BPA, Teflon, and PFAS. Cook with complete peace of mind knowing there are no harmful coatings or chemicals.
  • Self-Cleaning – The Original Self-Cleaning Air Fryer that lets you skip the scrubbing. Just add water and dish soap, press a button, and your air fryer cleans itself — no hassle, no mess.
  • Full 360° Glass Bowl – Watch every angle of your meal cooking to perfection without lifting the lid. The heat-resistant glass design offers clarity and confidence with every meal.
  • 9-in-1 Pre-Set Systems – Airfry, bake, roast, broil, reheat, or dehydrate with one-touch convenience. Precision temperatures make it easy to get restaurant-quality results at home. Includes a rotisserie skewer, rack, and tumbler (all dishwasher safe except glass bowl)
No. 4
Non Toxic Air Fryer™ - Glass AirFryer 5 Quart w/ 360 Visibility, Self-Cleaning, 400F Vortex Air Fryer for Even Cooking, BPA-Free Teflon Free, 9-in-1 Functions, Rotisserie, Roast, Bake, White
  • Rotisserie & Tumbling Basket Included – Roast a whole chicken to perfection or tumble fries and veggies for even crispiness, all hands-free. Accessories are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
  • Non-Toxic, Family-Safe Materials – Made with durable glass and free from BPA, Teflon, and PFAS. Cook with complete peace of mind knowing there are no harmful coatings or chemicals.
  • Self-Cleaning – The Original Self-Cleaning Air Fryer that lets you skip the scrubbing. Just add water and dish soap, press a button, and your air fryer cleans itself — no hassle, no mess.
  • Full 360° Glass Bowl – Watch every angle of your meal cooking to perfection without lifting the lid. The heat-resistant glass design offers clarity and confidence with every meal.
  • 9-in-1 Pre-Set Systems – Airfry, bake, roast, broil, reheat, or dehydrate with one-touch convenience. Precision temperatures make it easy to get restaurant-quality results at home. Includes a rotisserie skewer, rack, and tumbler (all dishwasher safe except glass bowl)
No. 5
CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, Dehydrator, Convection Oven, 17 Touch Screen Presets Fry, Roast, Dehydrate, Bake, XL 10L Family Size, Auto Shutoff, Large Easy-View Window, Black
  • Versatile countertop cooking: Air fry, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie, or roast to crispy perfection in one convenient appliance
  • Cook faster: No need to preheat like traditional ovens. This all-in-one convection oven uses rapid air heating elements to cook fast, even, and crispy food
  • Healthy cooking made easy: Make healthy meals using 98% less oil than traditional fryers
  • Simplified set-up: Anyone can cook perfect meals in minutes with 17 preset options and an easy-to-use capacitive touch control screen
  • All-inclusive: Includes three air flow racks, stainless steel rotisserie oven spit with retrieval tool, and a drip tray
No. 6
Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate | 5QT Capacity fits up to 4lbs of French Fries | 400F Max Temp | Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate | 120V | Grey | AF141
  • AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
  • LARGE CAPACITY: The 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate fit up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
  • 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
  • GUILT-FREE FRIED FOODS: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
  • FROZEN TO CRISPY: Cook frozen foods in just minutes for an extra-crispy finish.
No. 7
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, 24 Cooking Functions and Digital Controls, 7 Accessories Included, Stainless Steel Finish, 26QT Capacity
  • A VERSATILE AIR FRYER AND MULTI-COOKER COMBO: Elevates practically any meal, from air frying quick after-school snacks to roasting for large gatherings.
  • PERFECTLY DONE TOAST: Oven turns off automatically when the toast count-down timer ends, no burnt toast! Indicator light is red while toasting, blue when timer ends and oven turns off. Place rack at indicated toast position for ideal results.
  • DUAL-SPEED FAN: Golden fried crisping at its finest with 360º superheated air circulation for your homemade cooking.
  • 26-QUART CAPACITY: This extra-large 26-quart countertop toaster oven is ideal for preparing meals for 4–6 people. Features a usable cooking space of 14" L × 13" W × 7" H, allowing you to rotisserie up to a 6-lb chicken or bake a 12” pizza with ease.
  • STAINLESS STEEL EXTERIOR: A stainless-steel exterior provides a beautiful aesthetic to any kitchen, taking your party hosting to the next level. And elegant French doors open with a single pull; interior light allows you to monitor food
No. 8
Non Toxic Air Fryer™ 9-in-1 Functions - Glass AirFryer 5 Quart w/ 360 Visibility, Self-Cleaning, 400F Vortex Air Fryer for Even Cooking, BPA-Free Teflon Free, Rotisserie, Roast, Bake, Sage
  • Rotisserie & Tumbling Basket Included – Roast a whole chicken to perfection or tumble fries and veggies for even crispiness, all hands-free. Accessories are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
  • Non-Toxic, Family-Safe Materials – Made with durable glass and free from BPA, Teflon, and PFAS. Cook with complete peace of mind knowing there are no harmful coatings or chemicals.
  • Self-Cleaning – The Original Self-Cleaning Air Fryer that lets you skip the scrubbing. Just add water and dish soap, press a button, and your air fryer cleans itself — no hassle, no mess.
  • Full 360° Glass Bowl – Watch every angle of your meal cooking to perfection without lifting the lid. The heat-resistant glass design offers clarity and confidence with every meal.
  • 9-in-1 Pre-Set Systems – Airfry, bake, roast, broil, reheat, or dehydrate with one-touch convenience. Precision temperatures make it easy to get restaurant-quality results at home. Includes a rotisserie skewer, rack, and tumbler (all dishwasher safe except glass bowl)

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your Self-Cleaning Air Fryer

Air fryers make cooking healthier and easier. But cleaning them? That’s usually the worst part. A self-cleaning air fryer promises to solve this problem. This guide helps you pick the best one for your kitchen.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping for a self-cleaning air fryer, look closely at these main features. They decide how well the machine works and how easy it is to maintain.

1. True Self-Cleaning Functionality

Not all “self-cleaning” labels mean the same thing. Some air fryers only have dishwasher-safe parts. Others have a dedicated steam-clean cycle. A true self-cleaning function uses heat or steam to loosen stuck-on grease inside the cooking chamber. Look for models that specifically mention a “steam clean” or “automatic cleaning cycle.”

2. Basket and Tray Design

Even with a self-clean mode, you will still need to wipe down the basket sometimes. Check if the basket and trays are non-stick. Ceramic coatings are often preferred over traditional Teflon because they tend to last longer and are generally considered safer.

3. Capacity and Size

How much food do you cook at once? Small families need 3-quart models. Larger families should look for 6 quarts or more. A bigger basket might take longer to clean automatically, so balance capacity with your cooking needs.

4. Control Panel Simplicity

A digital touchscreen is easier to use than old knobs. Make sure the settings for cooking and cleaning are clearly labeled. Simple controls reduce frustration.

Important Materials in Self-Cleaning Models

The materials inside the air fryer affect cleanup and durability.

  • Stainless Steel Interior: This material heats up quickly and resists stains well. It is very durable.
  • Non-Stick Coating: Look for PFOA-free coatings. High-quality ceramic non-stick is the best choice for longevity. If the coating flakes off, the self-cleaning feature might not work as well later on.
  • Heat-Resistant Plastic: The exterior housing should be made of sturdy, heat-resistant plastic so it does not warp or melt during high-heat cleaning cycles.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

The quality of a self-cleaning air fryer depends on a few key factors.

Factors That Improve Quality:

  • High Wattage: Higher wattage (usually 1500W or more) means the air fryer heats up fast and maintains temperature, which helps the cleaning steam work effectively.
  • Removable Heating Element: If the heating element (where the hot air comes from) can be accessed or wiped easily, overall maintenance becomes simpler.
  • Strong Steam Generation: Models that create a lot of steam during the clean cycle remove more grease.

Factors That Reduce Quality:

  • Small Water Reservoir: If the water tank for steam cleaning is tiny, you might have to refill it mid-cycle. This interrupts the process.
  • Poor Sealing: If steam escapes too easily around the drawer seals, the cleaning action inside the main unit suffers.
  • Cheap Non-Stick: Very thin, low-quality coatings wear out fast. Once the coating is gone, burnt food sticks directly to the metal, making the self-clean feature less effective.

User Experience and Use Cases

A self-cleaning air fryer shines when you cook messy foods often.

Best Use Cases:
  • Busy Weeknights: You can cook chicken wings or marinated vegetables, run the steam clean cycle while you eat dinner, and put the basket in the dishwasher later.
  • Small Kitchens: If you cannot easily carry a large, greasy basket to the sink, the self-clean feature saves you from awkward maneuvering.
  • Greasy Foods: When you cook bacon or fatty meats, the self-clean function breaks down the grease buildup inside the unit that regular wiping misses.

Remember, “self-cleaning” usually means “self-assisting.” You still need to wipe down the basket and exterior regularly. The main benefit is that the hard-to-reach interior cavity stays cleaner with less effort.


10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Self-Cleaning Air Fryers

Q: Does “self-cleaning” mean I never have to clean the air fryer?

A: No. It means the machine uses steam or heat to loosen tough grease inside the main body. You still need to wash the removable basket and trays by hand or put them in the dishwasher.

Q: How does the self-cleaning cycle actually work?

A: Most models require you to pour a small amount of water into a specific spot. The machine then heats this water until it turns into steam. This hot steam softens dried-on food and grease inside the cooking area.

Q: How long does the self-cleaning cycle take?

A: The cleaning cycle usually runs between 10 to 20 minutes, similar to a short cooking time.

Q: Can I use soap or vinegar in the self-cleaning cycle?

A: Check your manual! Most manufacturers only allow plain water for the steam clean function. Adding soap or vinegar can damage the internal components or void your warranty.

Q: Are self-cleaning air fryers more expensive?

A: Yes, they often cost more than basic models because they have extra sensors and heating components required for the cleaning feature.

Q: Is the self-cleaning feature safe for non-stick coatings?

A: Yes, if the model is designed correctly. The steam cleans without scrubbing, which protects the non-stick surface from scratches.

Q: What should I do after the self-clean cycle finishes?

A: Let the unit cool down completely. Then, carefully wipe out any loosened residue left behind with a damp cloth. Make sure the inside is totally dry before the next use.

Q: Will the self-clean function remove burnt-on, crusty food?

A: It handles light to moderate grease well. If you have very old, heavily burnt food stuck inside, you might need to run the cycle twice or manually scrub a little bit.

Q: Do all brands offer a true self-cleaning option?

A: No. Many brands only offer dishwasher-safe parts. You must confirm the product description specifically mentions an internal cleaning cycle.

Q: Can I use an air fryer self-clean cycle to cook food?

A: Absolutely not. The self-cleaning cycle is only for maintenance. It does not reach the necessary high temperatures or run the fan correctly for actually cooking food safely.