Air Fryer Basket: Dishwasher Safe Or Not?

Air fryers are a convenient and efficient way to cook fried food without the excess oil and mess. But how do you clean them? The answer depends on the model of your air fryer and the materials it is made of. Most manufacturers state that air fryer baskets can be put in the dishwasher. However, it is recommended to hand wash the basket to preserve the non-stick coating, protect delicate components, and ensure thorough cleaning.

The importance of handwashing air fryer baskets

While the convenience of using a dishwasher may be tempting, handwashing your air fryer basket is crucial to ensure the longevity and performance of your appliance. Here are several reasons why handwashing is the preferred method:

Preserving the Nonstick Coating

By handwashing your air fryer basket, you can minimise the risk of damaging or wearing off the nonstick coating. Gentle scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge or brush, along with mild dish soap and warm water, effectively removes food residue, grease, and oil without compromising the nonstick properties. On the other hand, the high temperatures and harsh detergents used in dishwashers can cause the nonstick coating to deteriorate, peel off, or lose its nonstick properties over time.

Gentle Cleaning of Delicate Components

Air fryer baskets often have detachable handles or racks that require special attention. Handwashing allows you to carefully clean these delicate components without subjecting them to the harsh environment of a dishwasher. You can soak these parts in warm soapy water and then gently clean them, maintaining their functionality.

Thorough Removal of Food Particles

Handwashing enables you to give the air fryer basket a more meticulous clean. By manually scrubbing the small holes or perforations, you can ensure that any food particles or debris are properly removed, preventing clogging and ensuring optimal air circulation during cooking. A dishwasher may not be able to thoroughly clean these tiny crevices, which can result in decreased cooking performance and potential cross-contamination of flavours.

Preserving the Structural Integrity

Dishwashers can be rough on delicate materials, potentially causing the air fryer basket to warp, bend, or become damaged. Handwashing allows you to handle the basket with care, minimising the risk of structural changes that could affect its performance. It also gives you the opportunity to inspect the basket for any signs of wear and tear that may require attention or replacement.

By taking the time to handwash your air fryer basket, you can maintain its quality, durability, and performance, ensuring that you can continue to enjoy delicious, crispy foods for years to come. Remember to always refer to your manufacturer's instructions for specific cleaning guidelines and recommendations.

Potential risks of dishwashing air fryer baskets

While it is convenient to use a dishwasher to clean your air fryer basket, there are some potential risks involved that you should be aware of. Here are some key risks to consider:

Damage to the Nonstick Coating

The high temperatures and harsh detergents used in dishwashers can cause the nonstick coating of the air fryer basket to deteriorate or peel off over time. This can affect the basket's performance and its ability to prevent food from sticking. As a result, you may experience uneven cooking, and cleaning the basket may become more challenging.

Warping or Bending

The powerful jets of water and the rigorous movements of the washing cycle in a dishwasher can put stress on the delicate structure of the air fryer basket, causing it to warp or bend. A misshapen basket may no longer fit properly in the air fryer, affecting its cooking performance and potentially damaging the appliance.

Clogging of Holes or Perforations

The vigorous spray and water pressure in dishwashers can push food particles, oil, and debris into the small holes or perforations in the air fryer basket. This can lead to clogged openings, obstructing airflow and reducing the effectiveness of the air frying process. A dishwasher may not thoroughly clean these tiny crevices, resulting in decreased cooking performance and potential cross-contamination of flavors.

Damage to Additional Components

Air fryer baskets with detachable handles or racks may have components that are not dishwasher-safe. These parts could be made of materials, such as plastic or wood, that can be damaged or degraded by the dishwasher's heat and detergent. It is crucial to refer to the manufacturer's instructions to determine if these additional parts are suitable for dishwasher cleaning.

Discoloration and Flaking

The high heat and high water pressure in dishwashers can, in some cases, lead to warping, discoloration, and flaking of the nonstick coating on the air fryer basket.

Considering these risks, it is generally recommended to hand wash your air fryer basket to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. By hand washing, you can help preserve the nonstick coating, protect delicate components, and ensure a thorough cleaning.

Tips for cleaning air fryer baskets by hand

Allow the basket to cool

Before you start cleaning, it's important to let the air fryer basket cool down completely. Not only will this prevent burns, but it will also make it easier to remove stuck-on food residue.

Remove large food particles and debris

Use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub away any stubborn residue. Avoid using abrasive tools that may scratch the nonstick coating.

Soak in warm, soapy water

Fill your sink or a basin with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Submerge the air fryer basket and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen any remaining food particles.

Use a non-abrasive sponge or brush

Gently scrub the basket with a non-abrasive sponge or brush to remove any remaining residue. Pay extra attention to areas with small holes or perforations. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive scrubbers that could damage the nonstick coating.

Rinse and dry thoroughly

Rinse the basket under running water to remove any soap residue, then dry it completely with a clean dish towel or air dry it on a rack. Moisture can lead to bacterial growth or rusting, so it's important to ensure the basket is thoroughly dried before reassembling and storing it.

Clean the exterior of the air fryer

Don't forget to wipe down the exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any spills or stains. Be careful to not let water enter the interior of the appliance.

Use natural cleaning solutions

To remove tough odours, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon or orange juice to your warm, soapy water. This will leave your air fryer basket smelling fresh and clean.

Why you shouldn't put the air fryer base in the dishwasher

The air fryer base contains an electrical unit that can be very dangerous if exposed to water. It is best to wipe down the outside of your air fryer with a clean, warm, soapy cloth between uses. Be sure to unplug it first!

While the air fryer electrical unit should not be touched, the heating element that comes into contact with food when the heat is circulating may need to be cleaned from time to time. To clean this part, make sure your appliance is completely cool and unplugged. Then, turn the appliance upside down and wipe it down with a damp, warm, soapy cloth. Pat dry and let it air dry completely before reusing.

The high temperatures and harsh detergents used in dishwashers can cause the non-stick coating of the air fryer basket to degrade or peel off. This can affect the performance of the basket, making it less effective at preventing food from sticking. Over time, the loss of the non-stick coating may lead to an uneven cooking experience and make cleaning more challenging.

Dishwashers use powerful jets of water, along with rigorous movements, to clean dishes. The force of these actions can put stress on the delicate structure of the air fryer basket, causing it to warp or bend. A misshapen basket may no longer fit properly in the air fryer, affecting its cooking performance and potentially damaging the appliance.

The vigorous spray and water pressure in dishwashers can push food particles, oil, and debris into the small holes or perforations in the air fryer basket. This can lead to clogged openings, obstructing airflow and reducing the effectiveness of the air frying process. A dishwasher may not be able to thoroughly clean these tiny crevices, resulting in a decrease in cooking performance and potential cross-contamination of flavors.

How to clean tough debris from an air fryer basket

While it is possible to put an air fryer basket in the dishwasher, it is not recommended. The high temperatures and harsh detergents used in dishwashers can cause the nonstick coating of the air fryer basket to deteriorate or peel off, affecting its performance. Instead, handwashing is the preferred method as it helps ensure the longevity and performance of the basket. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean tough debris from an air fryer basket:

Step 1: Allow the basket to cool down

Before cleaning your air fryer basket, it is important to let it cool down completely. Trying to clean a hot basket can be dangerous and may make it more difficult to remove stuck-on food residue.

Step 2: Remove excess food and debris

Use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub away any large food particles or debris from the air fryer basket. Avoid using abrasive tools that may scratch the nonstick coating.

Step 3: Soak in warm, soapy water

Fill your sink or a basin with warm water and add a mild dish soap. Submerge the air fryer basket in the soapy water and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps loosen any remaining food particles and makes them easier to remove.

Step 4: Use a soft bristle brush for tough debris

For tough messes like grease, breading, or chocolate, use a designated appliance cleaning brush or a new, soft-bristle toothbrush. Dip the brush in warm, soapy water and scrub the basket gently but thoroughly, paying extra attention to the areas with small holes or perforations. If needed, you can submerge the cooled basket in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes before scrubbing again.

Step 5: Rinse and dry

After scrubbing, rinse the air fryer basket thoroughly under running water to remove any soap residue. Ensure that all the soap is completely rinsed off to prevent it from affecting the taste of your food. Dry the basket completely with a clean dish towel or air dry it on a drying rack before reassembling and storing it.

Additional Tips:

• It is important to clean your air fryer basket regularly, preferably after every use or every few uses, to prevent the buildup of greasy food residue.
• To remove baked-on grease, soak the basket in hot water and soap for 20 to 30 minutes, then use a scrub brush to remove the softened gunk.
• To eliminate tough odors, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon or orange juice to your warm, soapy water.

Frequently asked questions