how do you clean the inside top of this thing? there's grease and gunk baked on above the heating element

Diagnosis

The buildup on the interior ceiling of the Emeril Lagasse Power AirFryer 360 Plus is caused by "aerosolized grease." During high-heat convection cycles, fats and oils from your food are atomized into a fine mist that rises rapidly. Because the heating element is located at the top, these oils hit the hot metal shield and the upper chassis, where they undergo a process called polymerization. Essentially, the oil cooks and bonds to the metal, turning into a hard, brown, carbonized lacquer. If left untreated, this residue doesn't just affect aesthetics; it becomes a fire hazard. When the unit reaches temperatures like 400°F, the accumulated carbon can smoke or even ignite, creating a pungent burnt smell that permeates your food. You can confirm the severity by checking for a "tacky" feel on the upper walls or noticing small plumes of smoke emanating from the top of the unit during the first five minutes of a preheat cycle.

How to Fix It

Cleaning the upper cavity requires a methodical approach to avoid damaging the heating element or allowing liquid to seep into the electrical housing.

1. Complete Power Down: Unplug the unit from the wall outlet. Wait at least 60 minutes for the heating element and the internal chassis to cool to room temperature. Attempting to clean a warm unit can cause chemical reactions with cleaners that etch the metal.
2. Clear the Cavity: Remove the air fry basket, the oven racks, and the drip tray. This gives you maximum clearance to reach the ceiling.
3. Prepare a Degreasing Solution: Mix two tablespoons of concentrated Dawn dish soap with two cups of warm water. Do not use aerosol sprays inside the unit, as they can leave a chemical film that smokes during the next use.
4. The "Damp-Not-Dripping" Wipe: Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution and wring it out thoroughly. Wipe the ceiling and the metal guard around the heating element. Avoid touching the actual heating coils with a saturated cloth; focus on the surrounding shields.
5. The Baking Soda Paste Treatment: For "baked-on" brown spots, mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a thick paste (consistency of toothpaste). Apply the paste directly to the carbonized spots using a soft-bristled toothbrush or a sponge.
6. Dwell Time: Allow the paste to sit for exactly 20 minutes. This breaks the chemical bond of the polymerized oil without requiring aggressive scrubbing.
7. Final Extraction: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the paste. Follow this with a final wipe using a cloth dampened with plain water to remove any soap residue.
8. Air Dry: Leave the door open for 30 minutes to ensure all moisture has evaporated from the ceiling before plugging the unit back in.

If That Didn't Work

• White Vinegar Steam: Place a small, oven-safe bowl of white vinegar and water (50/50 mix) on the middle rack. Run the unit at 300°F for 10 minutes. The steam will loosen the carbonized grease on the ceiling, making it significantly easier to wipe away with a damp cloth immediately after powering down.
• Commercial Degreaser: Use a specialized kitchen degreaser like Simple Green. Apply it to a cloth first—never spray it directly into the unit to avoid the liquid entering the heating element's electrical connections. Wipe, let sit for 5 minutes, and rinse with a damp cloth.
• Melamine Sponge (Magic Eraser): For the most stubborn, blackened areas on the metal shields, use a melamine sponge lightly dampened with water. Use extremely light pressure; these sponges are micro-abrasives and can strip the finish if you scrub too hard.
• Citric Acid Soak: Create a solution of 1 tablespoon of citric acid powder per cup of water. This is particularly effective if the "gunk" has a mineralized or burnt-on quality that soap cannot penetrate.

Heads Up

• Avoid Steel Wool: Never use steel wool or metal scouring pads on the interior ceiling. This will scratch the protective coating, leading to premature rusting and more grease adhesion in the future.
• Avoid Ammonia: Do not use ammonia-based glass cleaners or bleach inside the unit; these chemicals can leave toxic residues that contaminate your food when heated.
• Preventative Maintenance: To reduce buildup, always use a parchment liner or a splatter screen when roasting high-fat meats (like bacon or ribs) in the oven mode.
• Post-Clean Burn: After a deep clean, it is normal for the unit to emit a slight smell during the first 5 minutes of the next use as any remaining residue is burned off. Run the unit empty at 350°F for 10 minutes to "cure" the surfaces before cooking food.