Air Fryer Baskets: Dishwasher Safe Or Not?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance in recent years, and for good reason—they're ultra-useful and energy-efficient. However, cleaning them can be a chore, especially after cooking marinated chicken or breaded foods. While it may be tempting to throw the air fryer basket into the dishwasher, this may not be the best idea. Here's everything you need to know about cleaning your air fryer basket, including whether or not it's dishwasher safe.

Air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, but handwashing is recommended

Air fryer baskets are typically made of plastic, ceramic, or metal like stainless steel. While some air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, handwashing is recommended to extend the life of your air fryer basket and keep your favorite appliance running (and looking) like new.

High water temperatures, coupled with high pressure and tough cleaning agents, can be very aggressive on your air fryer basket. Therefore, it is best to use warm, soapy water and a soft, clean sponge or cloth to clean your air fryer basket. If there is tough debris on your air fryer basket, you can use a soft-bristled brush or even a new, soft-bristled toothbrush to remove it.

It is important to let your air fryer basket cool before cleaning it. Once it has cooled, you can submerge it in warm, soapy water or give it a scrub with a soft, damp cloth. It is also important to note that you should not use an abrasive brush or bristle sponge on your air fryer basket, as it can damage the non-stick coating over time.

Additionally, the air fryer base is not dishwasher or sink safe. This is because it has an electrical unit that can be dangerous if exposed to water. Instead, use a clean, warm, soapy cloth to wipe down the outside of your air fryer between uses.

Handwashing is quicker and easier than using a dishwasher

While some air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, handwashing is quicker and easier. Handwashing your air fryer basket is a much gentler way to keep it clean in the long term. It is also more convenient, as air fryer baskets take up a lot of valuable space in the dishwasher.

To handwash your air fryer basket, first let it cool. Then, fill your sink basin with warm, soapy water and let the basket soak. This will help to loosen any food stuck to the sides. After soaking, use a non-scratch sponge or soft cloth to wipe away any remaining residue. If there is tough debris stuck to the basket, use a soft-bristled brush or soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub it away. Finally, rinse the basket under warm, running water and let it air dry, or towel dry with a clean cloth.

The non-stick coating on air fryer baskets can be damaged by harsh cleaning agents and high temperatures in the dishwasher. This can cause the coating to chip or flake, rendering the basket unsafe to use. By handwashing your air fryer basket, you can avoid this potential damage and extend the life of your appliance.

Additionally, handwashing your air fryer basket gives you more control over the cleaning process. You can easily target any stubbornly cooked-on foods or tough debris with a scrub brush, without having to run the basket through the dishwasher multiple times. This saves time and water, making handwashing a more efficient and environmentally friendly option.

Overall, handwashing your air fryer basket is a quicker, easier, and more effective cleaning method than using a dishwasher. It is gentler on the appliance, gives you more control over the cleaning process, and helps to extend the life of your air fryer by protecting the non-stick coating. So, the next time you're debating whether to handwash or use the dishwasher, remember that a little elbow grease goes a long way!

Harsh dishwasher detergents can damage the non-stick coating

While some air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, it is generally advised against as it can potentially damage the non-stick coating. The high water temperatures, high pressure, and tough cleaning agents in dishwashers can be too aggressive on air fryer baskets, especially those with non-stick coatings.

The non-stick coating on air fryer baskets is designed to make the cleaning process easier, allowing you to simply wipe away any residue with a soft, damp cloth and a mild soap solution. Soaking the basket in warm, soapy water can also help loosen any stubborn residue. This gentle approach ensures that the non-stick coating remains intact and effective.

Harsh dishwasher detergents, on the other hand, can strip away the non-stick coating over time. This not only makes the basket more difficult to clean but also poses potential health risks. Once the non-stick coating is damaged, it can start chipping or flaking, and you definitely don't want those particles mixing with your food.

To maintain the integrity of your air fryer basket and ensure its longevity, it is best to avoid putting it in the dishwasher. Instead, opt for hand washing with mild soap and a non-scratch sponge or cloth. This method is not only gentler on the basket but also quicker and more space-efficient than using a dishwasher.

Additionally, always allow your air fryer basket to cool down before cleaning it. This prevents thermal shock, which can also damage the non-stick coating. By following these simple care instructions, you can keep your air fryer basket in optimal condition for a longer period.

Soaking the basket in warm, soapy water is an effective alternative

So, you've just cooked up a storm with your air fryer and now you're facing a pile of greasy dishes and a dirty basket. It can be tempting to just throw everything into the dishwasher and call it a day. But hold that thought! Putting your air fryer basket in the dishwasher might not be the best idea. While some sources claim that it is dishwasher-safe, others advise against it due to the potential damage to the non-stick coating. So what's the alternative? Well, soaking the basket in warm, soapy water is an effective and gentle way to clean it.

First things first: let the basket cool down before you start cleaning. It's important to be safe and avoid any accidents. Once the basket is cool, fill your sink with warm water and add some mild dish soap. You don't need anything harsh or abrasive. Simply let the basket soak for a while, allowing the warm, soapy water to work its magic. This method is especially useful if you've been cooking something like marinaded chicken, where the sauce tends to seep through and stick to the basket.

While the basket is soaking, you might want to use this time to wipe down the exterior of your air fryer. Just use a soft, damp cloth with a mild soap solution. Remember to unplug the appliance before you start! You can also use this time to clean any crumb-catching trays or basket inserts that your air fryer may have. Most drawer-style and oven-style air fryers have removable parts, making them a breeze to clean separately.

After the basket has soaked for a good 10 to 15 minutes, you can take a soft, clean sponge or cloth and give it a gentle scrub. This will help to remove any remaining stuck-on food. Then, simply rinse the basket under warm, running water and either let it air dry or towel dry it with a clean cloth. And that's it! Your air fryer basket is now clean and ready to be used again.

Soaking the basket in warm, soapy water is a simple and effective alternative to using the dishwasher. It's also a lot gentler on the non-stick coating, helping to extend the life of your air fryer. Plus, it really doesn't take much time or effort. So, the next time you're cleaning up after a delicious air-fried meal, remember that a little soak can go a long way!

Always let the basket cool down before cleaning

Before you start cleaning your air fryer basket, it's important to let it cool down completely. This is because you don't want to put a hot air fryer basket under cool water, just like you wouldn't put a hot glass dish straight out of the oven under running water.

It's also worth noting that you should never submerge the main body of the appliance in water or get the heating element too wet. So, make sure to remove the basket from the air fryer before cleaning it.

Once the basket has cooled down, you can start cleaning it. It is recommended to use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth to clean the basket. You can also use a soft-bristled brush if there is tough debris like grease, breading, or chocolate stuck to the basket. If there is a lot of stuck-on food, you can soak the basket in warm, soapy water before scrubbing.

It is not advisable to use harsh, abrasive cleaners or sharp objects, such as knives or hard brushes, to clean the basket, as these can damage the non-stick coating.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your air fryer basket while also preserving its condition.

Frequently asked questions