Are Air Fryer Racks Dishwasher-Safe?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to deep frying, as they are less messy and reduce the number of dishes created. However, they still require regular cleaning to prevent the accumulation of oil and grease. While air fryer racks are typically dishwasher-safe, it is not recommended, as the high water temperature can damage the non-stick coating, causing it to flake and become unsafe. Instead, hand washing with mild detergent and lukewarm water is suggested to maintain the longevity of the air fryer.

Air fryer racks and dishwasher heat

Air fryer racks can be placed in the dishwasher, but it is not recommended. While the racks are made of metal and will not melt in the dishwasher, the high temperatures and harsh conditions can damage the non-stick coating on the racks. This will cause the coating to erode and eventually flake off, which is toxic and renders the racks unsafe to use. Therefore, it is best to hand wash the racks with mildly hot water and a sponge, only using a small amount of detergent for stubborn dirt.

The main body of the air fryer is definitely not dishwasher safe, as it is an electrical appliance. However, the removable parts, such as the basket, tray, and pan, are safe to put in the dishwasher. These parts are generally placed in the bottom drawer of the dishwasher, as they are quite large and take up a lot of space.

It is important to note that the removable parts should be completely dry before placing them back in the air fryer, as the appliance does not handle liquids well. Additionally, the air fryer should be cleaned every time it is used to prevent the buildup of grease and food residue, which can cause smoke and performance issues.

Overall, while it is possible to put air fryer racks in the dishwasher, it is not advisable due to the potential damage to the non-stick coating. Hand washing the racks and removable parts is a safer option to maintain the longevity of the air fryer.

Air fryer rack rusting

Air fryer racks can be washed in the dishwasher, but it is not recommended. The high water temperature in dishwashers can damage the non-stick coating on the racks, causing it to flake, which is toxic and unsafe. Instead, it is better to hand wash the racks with a sponge and mildly hot water. If there is stubborn dirt, a small amount of detergent can be used.

Air fryer racks are susceptible to rusting, especially if they are left exposed to water for too long. To prevent rusting, it is important to dry the racks properly and relatively quickly after washing. For those in hot climates, placing the racks in the sun to dry is sufficient. For those in colder climates, a quick blast in the air fryer on a high heat setting for a couple of minutes should do the trick.

To further prevent rusting, it is important to take care of the air fryer's coating. Most air fryers have a non-stick coating, so it is important to avoid using metal utensils and to clean the racks carefully without scrubbing. In most cases, a simple wipe with a damp cloth will suffice. If there is more stubborn dirt, the racks can be soaked in boiling water and dish soap before being wiped with a non-abrasive cloth.

If rust does occur, it is important to assess the severity. If the rust is on a part of the rack that touches food, it should be addressed as soon as possible. If it is not in direct contact with food, it may still be safe to use the air fryer, but it is important to ensure that there are no loose flakes that could be lifted by the powerful fan and land on the food.

In the short term, a simple solution is to apply oil to any rust spots using a paper towel. This will create a film over the rust and reduce the likelihood of flakes ending up in the food.

For more serious cases of rust, it is best to contact the manufacturer, especially if the air fryer is still under warranty. They may be able to provide a solution or sell replacement parts at a discounted price.

To avoid rusting altogether, it is recommended to purchase an air fryer oven, as they often have fully metal insides, usually made of stainless steel, which is less prone to rusting.

Air fryer rack cleaning alternatives

While some parts of an air fryer are dishwasher-safe, it is not recommended to put the entire unit in the dishwasher. The main body of the air fryer is an electrical appliance and should not be submerged in water. The removable parts, such as the air fryer basket, pull-out tray, and accessories, can be cleaned in the dishwasher. However, it is important to note that the high water temperature in the dishwasher can shorten the lifespan of these parts by eroding the non-stick coating.

• Soak the rack in a mixture of dish soap, vinegar, and hot water. Give it a scrub and rinse. Repeat if necessary.
• Use a stiff dish brush to brush off any buildup. Place a stopper in the sink and spray the rack with a grease-cutting dish soap. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then pour boiling water over it and let it soak until the water cools. Use the brush to remove any remaining residue, then rinse and air dry.
• Make a paste with baking soda and lemon juice. Apply the paste to the rack and scrub with a soft toothbrush or sponge. Rinse and dry.
• Fill the air fryer basket with water and add a few drops of dish soap. Turn on the air fryer for a few minutes, then rinse and dry.
• Create a solution with dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar in the air fryer basket. Let it sit for a few minutes, then pour out the solution and rinse. Use a soft sponge to scrub away any remaining grease or grime.
• Make a paste with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and grease-cutting dish soap. Apply the paste to the rack and gently clean with a soft toothbrush. Rinse with water and a non-abrasive sponge.

Air fryer rack cleaning frequency

Air fryers should be cleaned after every use. Food bits and grease can accumulate and cause your air fryer to smell or even begin to smoke.

How to clean an air fryer basket

• Turn off and unplug the air fryer, and allow it to cool completely. Pull out the drawer and remove the basket or tray.
• If your air fryer is dishwasher-safe, place the drawer and basket or tray, depending on what your air fryer has, upside down in the dishwasher, preferably on the top rack, if it fits.
• If using the dishwasher is not an option, wash the removable parts in warm soapy water and use a soft-bristled brush to scrub off gunk and get into the vents and nooks and crannies of the tray while protecting the metal or nonstick finish. Rinse well and dry.
• Wipe down the bottom interior of the air fryer, as well as the exterior, with a damp cloth or paper towel. Replace the basket once clean.

How to clean an oven-style air fryer

• Turn off and unplug the air fryer, and allow it to cool completely.
• Remove the racks and either use the dishwasher to clean them, or hand wash them in warm soapy water using a dish brush to scrub away grease and food bits. Rinse well and dry.
• Empty any oil from the drip tray – but don't flush it down the sink. The tray can be placed upside down in the dishwasher to clean it, or hand wash it, then rinse it well and dry.
• Wipe down the bottom interior of the air fryer, as well as the exterior, with a damp cloth or paper towel. Replace the trays once clean.

How to deep clean an air fryer

If your air fryer smells bad or starts to smoke, there’s probably baked-on residue on or near the heating element.

• Remove the basket or racks first, and clean them.
• Leave it upright so any bits of gunk you brush off will fall onto the bottom of the interior and not get caught in the mesh, heating element or fan at the top.
• Use a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush to scrub and release burned-on bits from the mesh covering the heating element, and wipe with a damp clean cloth or paper towel. Then, turn the air fryer upside down to make it easier to clean the heating element.
• Use a baking soda paste and a soft damp cloth, and gently scrub away the grime. Rinse the cloth with water, wring it out and wipe away the residue. Flip the air fryer right-side up and replace the clean basket and/or trays.

Air fryer rack non-stick coating

Air fryer racks are often coated in a non-stick substance, such as Teflon, to make them more efficient and prevent food from sticking. This coating can be eroded by very hot water, so it is not recommended to put your air fryer rack in the dishwasher, even if the manufacturer says it is dishwasher-safe.

How to Clean an Air Fryer Rack

To clean an air fryer rack, simply wipe it out with a wet cloth. If there is stubborn grease or baked-on food, you can soak the rack in a mixture of dish soap and boiling water for 15-20 minutes. You can also soak the rack in a vinegar-based solution before washing it. Whatever you do, don't use anything abrasive or harsh, as this will likely destroy the non-stick coating.

Most air fryer brands say that their products are dishwasher-safe, but this usually only refers to the cooking compartment and its related accessories. It is important to note that you should never put the whole unit in the dishwasher, as it is an electrical appliance.

Recommended Cleaning Methods

The best way to clean your air fryer rack is to hand wash it using a sponge and mildly hot water. If there is some stubborn dirt, you can use a small amount of detergent. You can also use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to gently scrub away any stuck-on food.

Protecting the Non-Stick Coating

To protect the non-stick coating on your air fryer rack, it is important to avoid using metal utensils, steel wool, or scrubby sponges. These abrasive materials can scratch the coating, leading to tiny particles being ingested, which can be damaging to your health. It is also important to avoid overheating starchy foods, as this can cause the formation of potentially carcinogenic chemicals.

Frequently asked questions