A cleaning apparatus for a material dryer may include an air source, a pulse nozzle selectively in fluid communication with the air source and located within a section of the solids outlet assembly, and a controller for controlling an air flow from the air source periodically to the pulse nozzle, where the nozzle is actuated by the periodic air flow to provide a corresponding periodic burst of air to the section of the solids outlet assembly, and the burst of air is of sufficient force to dislodge material accumulated within the section.