Air Fryer Basket Cleaning: Dishwasher Safe?

Air fryers have become a common kitchen appliance, with nearly 6 in 10 Americans owning one. While they are convenient for cooking, cleaning them can be a hassle. The air fryer basket is the part that touches the food directly, so it is important to keep it clean and sanitary for food safety purposes. The best way to clean an air fryer basket is a question that has sparked debate. While some people advocate for putting the basket in the dishwasher, others argue that hand washing is the better option.

Why you shouldn't put an air fryer basket in the dishwasher

Air fryers have become a common kitchen appliance, with nearly 6 in 10 Americans owning one. They are a healthier alternative to frying food in oil, as they use a fraction of the fat to achieve a similar taste and texture.

While air fryers are convenient for cooking, they do need to be cleaned regularly. It is important to keep the air fryer basket clean and sanitary for food safety purposes. The question is, should you put your air fryer basket in the dishwasher or wash it by hand?

Firstly, it is essential to check the manufacturer's instructions for your particular model. Some air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe, but others are not. If you put a non-dishwasher-safe basket in the dishwasher, you risk damaging it.

Even if your air fryer basket is dishwasher safe, there are still some potential risks to putting it in the dishwasher. Dishwashers use high water temperatures, high pressure, and tough cleaning agents that can be very aggressive on your dishes. This can lead to warping, discoloration, and flaking of the non-stick coating on your air fryer basket. The high heat and water pressure can also cause damage to the basket over time.

Additionally, the detergent used in dishwashers is harsher than liquid dish soap used for hand washing. This can further compromise the integrity of the non-stick coating. As the non-stick coating starts to come off, it can end up in your food, which is not safe to consume.

Instead of putting your air fryer basket in the dishwasher, it is recommended to hand wash it with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. This method is quicker, gentler, and more effective at cleaning the basket. It also ensures that your basket lasts longer and maintains its non-stick coating.

In conclusion, while some air fryer baskets may be dishwasher safe, it is generally not recommended to put them in the dishwasher. The high temperatures, pressure, and harsh detergents can damage the non-stick coating and compromise the integrity of the basket. Hand washing is a safer and more effective alternative that will extend the life of your air fryer basket.

How to clean an air fryer basket that isn't dishwasher-safe

While some air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, it is not recommended due to the potential damage to the non-stick coating. To clean an air fryer basket that is not dishwasher-safe, follow these steps:

First, let the basket cool down completely. Then, shake or wipe off any loose crumbs or large pieces of food. Next, fill your sink basin with warm water and add a mild dish soap. Submerge the basket in the soapy water and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. This will help to loosen any grease and stuck-on food. After soaking, use a soft sponge or cloth to wash the basket, making sure to get into all the crevices. If you have rubber pieces on the sides of your basket, be sure to clean underneath them as grease can build up in these areas. For tough debris, use a soft-bristled brush or a new, soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse the basket thoroughly with warm water and then dry it completely before putting it away.

To eliminate tough odours, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon or orange juice to your warm, soapy water. You can also use a vinegar and lemon juice steam to freshen up your air fryer basket. Simply add 1/4 cup of white vinegar and the juice of half a lemon to a ceramic ramekin and place it in the air fryer at 400 degrees for five minutes. Let the machine sit for 30 minutes to allow the steam to work its magic.

Remember to always refer to your manufacturer's instructions for proper cleaning and care of your air fryer basket.

The potential risks of cleaning an air fryer basket in the dishwasher

While dishwasher-safe air fryer baskets do exist, there are still some risks to putting them in the dishwasher.

Firstly, dishwashers expose items to high heat, high water pressure, and harsh detergents. These factors can lead to warping, discolouration, and flaking of the non-stick coating on the basket. The non-stick coating is essential for easy cleaning and can prolong the life of your air fryer basket. Compromising the integrity of the coating through dishwasher cleaning may lead to more frequent replacements.

Secondly, the high water pressure and harsh detergents can cause damage to the basket, especially if it is made of plastic, ceramic, or metal. The force of the water and the strength of the cleaning agents can be too aggressive for the material, leading to scratches, discolouration, or other forms of damage.

Thirdly, the dishwasher takes up valuable space, and the basket itself might not fit properly, depending on its size and shape. This could mean that you end up having to hand-wash the basket anyway, defeating the purpose of using the dishwasher in the first place.

Finally, it is important to always refer to the manufacturer's instructions before putting your air fryer basket in the dishwasher. Some models are not dishwasher-safe, and doing so could void your warranty or cause damage that is not covered by the warranty.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to put your air fryer basket in the dishwasher, it is important to weigh the potential risks against the convenience it offers. Hand-washing your air fryer basket with warm soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth is often the gentlest and most effective method to ensure its longevity.

How to clean the other parts of an air fryer

While some sources claim that you can put an air fryer basket in the dishwasher, it is not recommended due to the potential damage it could cause to the non-stick coating. Instead, it is better to clean the basket by hand. Here is a guide on how to clean the other parts of an air fryer:

How to Clean the Outside of an Air Fryer

• Unplug the appliance.
• Use a clean, warm, soapy cloth to wipe down the outside of the air fryer.
• Ensure that the air fryer is completely dry before plugging it back in and using it again.

How to Clean the Heating Element

• Make sure the appliance is unplugged and completely cool.
• Turn the air fryer upside down.
• Use a damp, warm, soapy cloth to wipe down the heating element.
• Pat dry and let it air dry completely before reusing the appliance.

How to Clean the Air Fryer Basket

• Allow the basket to cool before cleaning.
• Use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth to clean the basket.
• Rinse under warm, running water and let air dry or towel dry with a clean cloth.
• For tough debris, use a soft-bristled brush or a new, soft-bristled toothbrush, and warm, soapy water to remove the mess.
• Alternatively, you can submerge the cooled basket in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes to help loosen the debris.
• For tough odours, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon or orange juice to the warm, soapy water.

Step-by-step air fryer cleaning tips

Let it cool

Just like you wouldn't put a hot glass dish straight out of the oven under running water, you should let your air fryer basket cool down before cleaning.

Remove food residue

Use a soft sponge, brush, or cloth to remove any food residue. Giving your air fryer basket a good wipe now will reduce the amount of food that ends up in your sink or dishwasher.

Soak

If the food seems stuck, you can soak the basket in warm soapy water.

Wash

If you're handwashing your air fryer basket, scrub it with a soft sponge or soft-bristled brush. Avoid using any abrasive cleaning products that might scratch the non-stick coating. If your air fryer basket is dishwasher-safe, put it in the dishwasher and run a normal cycle.

Dry

Make sure your air fryer basket is completely dry before putting it away. This will help prevent rust.

Wipe down the exterior

Use a damp cloth to wipe out the inside of the air fryer and pay attention to the areas around the dials when cleaning the exterior.

Clean the heating element

The heating element will remain hot for a while after use, so wait for it to cool down before cleaning. Use a damp cloth to gently wipe away any splattered grease or food particles.

Clean the drawer

The drawer is the part of the air fryer that holds the basket. If it's dishwasher-safe, you can put it in the dishwasher. If not, clean it with a soft sponge and soapy water, then rinse and dry it completely before putting it back into the fryer.

Wipe down the controls

Simply wipe down the front and sides of your air fryer, paying special attention to the area around the dials or buttons.

Check the manufacturer's instructions

Before cleaning your air fryer, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you're using the correct cleaning methods and products.

Frequently asked questions