How to Clean a Black and Decker Air Fryer Toaster Oven: Without Damaging

If you’re wondering how to clean your Black and Decker air fryer toaster oven safely and effectively, you’re in the right place. This compact appliance is a kitchen hero—handling toasting, baking, air frying, and more—but it needs regular TLC to keep working at its best.

Let’s be honest: it’s easy to forget about cleaning it. A few crumbs here, a little grease there, and before you know it, you’ve got a smelly, smoky mess that not only affects your food but could also become a serious fire hazard. I learned this the hard way when a simple grilled cheese turned into a mini kitchen emergency—all because I let grease build up too long in the drip tray. 😬

But the good news? Cleaning your Black and Decker air fryer toaster oven isn’t complicated. And once you’ve done it a few times, it becomes a quick and satisfying habit.

Here’s why it’s absolutely worth the effort:

Safety First: Grease = Fire Risk

Every time you use the air fryer or toaster function, food particles and oil can splatter onto the heating elements. Over time, this baked-on grease becomes highly flammable. One overlooked crumb can catch fire if it gets too close to the heat source.

Boost Performance

A dirty oven struggles. It may take longer to heat up, cook unevenly, or start emitting burnt smells. A clean oven, on the other hand, heats faster and maintains consistent cooking temperatures—whether you’re crisping wings or reheating pizza.

Extend Its Lifespan

Black and Decker builds quality appliances, but like any kitchen tool, it needs maintenance. When you remove buildup regularly, you prevent internal damage, rust, and overheating. That means fewer breakdowns and a longer life for your investment.

Real Talk: I Almost Ruined Mine

I once ignored cleaning for over a month. The glass door was fogged with grease, the crumb tray was overflowing, and the heating coils were caked in residue. The result? A smoky kitchen, uneven cooking, and a hard lesson learned. That incident sparked my obsession with keeping it spotless—and now, I’m sharing that routine with you.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to clean a Black and Decker air fryer toaster oven—step by step, safely, and without damaging any of its parts. Whether you’re deep-cleaning baked-on grease or just want to keep things fresh between uses, this is your go-to cleaning resource.

Let’s dive into the cleaning process and get that oven sparkling again!

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s smart to gather all the tools and materials you’ll need in one spot. This makes the job smoother, faster, and more efficient—no scrambling mid-clean with greasy hands!

Here’s your go-to cleaning kit for a Black and Decker air fryer toaster oven:

✅ Essentials You’ll Need:

• Soft sponge or microfiber cloth
  Gentle on the interior and glass, and perfect for wiping away grease without scratching.
• Baking soda and vinegar
  This dynamic duo is a natural powerhouse for loosening baked-on grime and deodorizing.
• Mild dish soap
  Cuts through grease without damaging delicate coatings or surfaces.
• Non-abrasive scrub brush
  Ideal for the crumb tray and racks—removes residue without scratching.
• Toothbrush (old but clean!)
  Reaches into tight corners, crevices, and around heating elements where gunk tends to hide.

✅ Optional (But Very Useful):

• Lemon
  Naturally degreases and adds a fresh, clean scent—great for deodorizing.
• Degreasing spray (non-toxic and food-safe)
  For stubborn grease, a good degreaser can save time. Just double-check that it’s safe for toaster ovens.

Pro Tip Box:
Avoid steel wool or abrasive pads at all costs. These harsh scrubbers can scratch your oven’s interior, damage the nonstick coating on trays, and even mess up the heating elements. Stick to soft tools—you want clean, not destroyed!

How to Clean a Black and Decker Air Fryer Toaster Oven

Keeping your Black and Decker air fryer toaster oven clean isn’t hard—it just takes a few careful steps. Follow this guide to tackle grease, grime, and crumbs without damaging the appliance.

Unplug and Cool Down

Safety first! Always unplug the toaster oven before cleaning. Let it cool down completely if it was recently in use. Working with a hot appliance is not only dangerous, but it can also cause burns and damage cleaning tools.

Remove Racks, Trays, and Crumbs

Take out the air fryer basket, wire rack, and crumb tray. Shake off loose crumbs into the trash or sink. These parts are usually dishwasher-safe (check your model’s manual), or you can wash them in warm, soapy water.

• Soak stubborn grime in warm water + dish soap for 15–30 minutes.
• Use a non-abrasive brush or sponge to scrub away buildup.
• Dry completely before putting them back.

Clean the Interior Walls

Choose from two safe and effective DIY methods to break down grease and residue on the inside walls:

🔹 Method 1: Baking Soda Paste

• Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a few drops of water to make a paste.
• Use a sponge or cloth to apply the paste to the inside walls (avoid the heating elements!).
• Let it sit for 15–20 minutes.
• Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

🔹 Method 2: Vinegar + Warm Water Spray

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.
• Lightly spritz the interior surfaces.
• Wipe down with a clean microfiber cloth or soft sponge.

Clean the Heating Elements (With Caution)

Your heating elements are delicate—handle them carefully:

• Use a dry toothbrush or slightly damp cloth to gently clean off crumbs or residue.
• Never scrub with pressure, soak, or apply liquid directly.
• Let everything air dry before plugging in again.

Clean the Door and Glass

Greasy glass can block your view of your food—and it looks bad, too.

• Use a soft microfiber cloth with warm, soapy water or vinegar.
• Wipe in circular motions to avoid streaks.
• For baked-on gunk, try a little baking soda paste—but never use abrasive tools that could scratch the glass.

Clean Exterior Surfaces

Wipe the outside of the toaster oven using a damp cloth and a drop of dish soap.

• Pay attention to knobs and handles—they gather grease from your hands.
• Avoid getting water inside any vents or buttons.

Rinse, Dry, and Reassemble

• Rinse any parts or surfaces with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap or cleaner residue.
• Let everything air dry completely.
• Reassemble the toaster oven: place the crumb tray, air fryer basket, and racks back in their spots.

How to Clean Baked-on Grease from an Air Fryer Oven

Let’s be honest—grease happens. Whether you’re crisping up chicken wings or reheating cheesy leftovers, your air fryer toaster oven takes the hit. And if you’ve gone a few weeks (or months) without cleaning it? You’ll likely be greeted by a stubborn layer of baked-on grease. Don’t worry—I’ve been there. Here’s how I tackled the grime and got my Black+Decker air fryer oven looking (and smelling) fresh again.

🧽 My Experience With Deep-Cleaning After Months of Neglect

After ignoring my air fryer toaster oven for about two months, I started to notice a smoky smell and uneven heating. When I finally looked inside, it wasn’t pretty—layers of brown, sticky residue coated the walls and trays. I knew a simple wipe-down wouldn’t cut it. So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work with the big guns: baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and patience.

Trick: Soak Trays in Baking Soda & Vinegar Overnight

First, I removed the wire rack, crumb tray, and baking pan. I filled my sink with hot water, added 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of white vinegar, and let the trays soak overnight. By morning, the grease had loosened significantly—most of it wiped off with a soft sponge.

Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra degreasing power and a fresher smell.

Use Degreasing Spray or Lemon Juice for Tough Stains

For the oven’s interior, I avoided harsh chemicals and used a DIY degreasing solution:

• 1 part white vinegar
• 1 part water
• Optional: a few drops of lemon juice or essential oil

I sprayed the inside walls generously and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. For extra tough spots, I used a store-bought degreasing spray labeled safe for oven interiors. Letting the solution soak in softened the baked-on mess so I could scrub it away without damaging the surface.

Repeat Scrubbing in Circular Motion

Don’t be afraid to go over greasy patches more than once. I used a non-abrasive sponge and a soft-bristled toothbrush for corners and seams. Circular motions helped lift grime without scratching the interior coating.

Avoid: Steel wool or hard-bristled brushes. They can damage the non-stick or enamel surfaces, shortening the lifespan of your appliance.

How Often Should You Clean Your Air Fryer Toaster Oven?

The key to avoiding those marathon cleaning sessions? A consistent maintenance routine. Here’s a simple guide based on usage frequency:

Usage Level	Cleaning Frequency
Light (1–2 times/week)	Every 2–3 weeks
Daily Use	Weekly wipe-down
Deep Cleaning	Monthly

My Routine:
I do a quick wipe every Friday, clean the crumb tray after greasy meals, and do a deep clean on the first weekend of every month. It takes less than 30 minutes and prevents grime buildup altogether.

Can an Air Fryer Replace a Toaster Oven? (Real-Life Comparison)

If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen wondering whether your air fryer can fully replace your toaster oven, you’re not alone. I’ve tested both in my kitchen for months, using them side-by-side to cook everything from reheated pizza to crispy chicken thighs. Let’s break down the difference between air fryer and toaster oven, and when it actually makes sense to choose one over the other.

Quick Pros and Cons

Feature	Air Fryer Oven	Traditional Toaster Oven
Speed	Cooks 25–30% faster with convection heat	Slower but consistent heating
Crispiness	Superior crisp texture, like deep-fried	Moderate browning, less crunch
Capacity	Smaller basket space, single-layer cooking	Larger interior, multiple racks
Versatility	Great for fries, wings, nuggets	Ideal for baking, roasting, reheating
Preheat Time	Often zero or minimal	Usually needs 3–5 minutes
Energy Use	More efficient short-term	Slightly higher for longer cooks
Ease of Cleaning	Basket is quick to clean	Crumb tray + pan require more effort

My Personal Experience Using Both

I initially bought my air fryer for healthier cooking without oil, and I loved how fast it made snacks—crispy cauliflower, sweet potato fries, even reheated samosas. But when I tried baking banana bread or reheating lasagna, I found the toaster oven more forgiving with its even heat distribution and rack space.

That said, my air fryer wins for speed and crispiness—perfect for late-night cravings or quick lunches. My toaster oven, on the other hand, shines when I need to broil, bake, or cook for more than one person.

Verdict: When to Use Each Appliance

Choose an air fryer if:

• You want quick, crispy results
• You mostly cook single servings or frozen foods
• You hate preheating and long cook times

Choose a toaster oven if:

• You love baking, toasting, or reheating leftovers
• You often cook for two or more people
• You prefer a multi-purpose countertop appliance

Bottom line: Neither appliance completely replaces the other. But together, they cover nearly every cooking scenario in my kitchen. If space or budget only allows for one, ask yourself: Do I want speed and crisp, or versatility and volume?

Pro Tips to Keep Your Air Fryer Oven Clean Longer

Want to avoid scrubbing off baked-on grease every month? These habits will keep your air fryer toaster oven cleaner for longer:

Use Foil or Parchment Paper — Only When Safe

Use air fryer–safe parchment paper or aluminum foil to catch drips—but never block air vents. Always check your model’s manual to make sure it’s safe.

Wipe Spills Immediately

If grease or sauces spill during cooking, wipe them while the oven is still warm (not hot). It prevents hard crusts from forming.

Empty Crumb Tray Daily

Food particles in the tray can burn, smoke, or attract pests. Make it a habit to dump crumbs every night.

Avoid Oily Marinades Inside the Basket

Too much oil or sugary marinades can create stubborn residue. Marinate outside the basket, then let excess drip off before cooking.

FAQs

How do I clean a Black and Decker air fryer toaster oven heating element?

✅ Use a soft, dry cloth or a lightly damp cloth. Avoid using abrasive tools or submerging the unit, as this can damage electrical components.

What is the best way to remove baked-on grease from air fryer trays?

✅ Soak the trays in warm soapy water mixed with baking soda overnight. The next day, gently scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to lift the residue.

Can I use oven cleaner on my Black and Decker air fryer toaster oven?

✅ No, avoid harsh or chemical-based oven cleaners. They can strip non-stick coatings and corrode internal surfaces. Use mild soap, vinegar, or baking soda solutions instead.

Is it safe to use vinegar to clean the oven interior?

✅ Yes, diluted white vinegar is a safe and natural option. It helps dissolve grease and deodorize the oven without harming the interior.

Do I need to clean the air fryer toaster oven after every use?

✅ Yes, a quick wipe-down after each use prevents buildup. Schedule a deeper clean weekly or monthly depending on how often you use the appliance.

Conclusion

Cleaning your air fryer toaster oven isn’t just about making it look good—it’s essential for safe cooking, better-tasting food, and longer appliance life.

💡 My takeaway? Clean smart, not hard.

Start with simple daily habits:
– Wipe crumbs and grease regularly
– Use baking soda + vinegar for deep cleans
– Avoid harsh chemicals

🔖 Bookmark this cleaning routine or print it out—you’ll thank yourself later.