Air Fryer Cleaning: Dishwasher Safe?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, with nearly 6 in 10 Americans owning one. They work by circulating hot air through the fryer, allowing food to be cooked with less oil and fat. As with any appliance, it is important to keep your air fryer clean and sanitary. The best way to clean your air fryer depends on the model. Most air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, but it is important to check the manufacturer's instructions before putting any part of your air fryer in the dishwasher. Hand washing is often recommended to preserve the non-stick coating and avoid damage.

Is it safe to put an air fryer in the dishwasher?

Air fryers are a fantastic appliance to have in the kitchen, allowing you to cook fried food in a healthier way. But with great air-frying power comes great responsibility, and keeping your air fryer clean is a must. So, can you put it in the dishwasher?

Technically, yes, you can put some parts of your air fryer in the dishwasher, but it's not always a good idea. The basket and interior pan/drawer are usually dishwasher-safe, but it's important to check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model. Some air fryer manufacturers state that the basket is dishwasher-safe, but many sources recommend washing it by hand to avoid damaging the non-stick coating.

The high heat, high water pressure, and harsh detergents of a dishwasher can cause warping, discolouration, and flaking of the non-stick coating. So, while it may be tempting to stick your air fryer basket in the dishwasher, it's usually best to clean it by hand.

To clean your air fryer basket by hand, first, let it cool, then use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth to clean it. For tough messes, you can use a soft-bristled brush or soak the basket in warm, soapy water before giving it a scrub. Be sure to dry the basket thoroughly before putting it away.

The heating element of your air fryer should always be cleaned by hand. Unplug the appliance and let it cool, then use a damp cloth to gently wipe away any grease or food particles. Do not submerge the heating element in water.

The base of the air fryer is not dishwasher-safe, as it contains electrical components. Simply wipe down the outside of the air fryer with a damp, soapy cloth to keep it clean.

So, while it may be tempting to stick your air fryer in the dishwasher, it's usually best to clean it by hand to avoid any potential damage to the non-stick coating and electrical components. A little elbow grease and some warm, soapy water will go a long way in keeping your air fryer clean and in good condition!

What are the risks of cleaning an air fryer in the dishwasher?

While some air fryer drawers are dishwasher-safe, there are several risks to putting them in the dishwasher.

Firstly, dishwashers expose items to high heat, high water pressure, and harsh detergents. This can lead to warping, discolouration, and flaking of the non-stick coating on the air fryer drawer. The high water temperatures and pressure can also be too aggressive for the air fryer, potentially damaging it.

Secondly, the non-stick coating on the air fryer drawer is crucial for easy cleaning and maintenance. Compromising the integrity of the non-stick coating through dishwasher cleaning can make future handwashing more difficult.

Thirdly, air fryer drawers take up a lot of space in the dishwasher. Given that they are easy to clean by hand, it may not be worth the dishwasher space.

Finally, it is important to always check the manufacturer's instructions before putting an air fryer drawer in the dishwasher. Some models, such as the Instant Vortex Plus, are not dishwasher-safe due to features like ClearCook in the drawer.

How to clean an air fryer drawer by hand?

How to Clean an Air Fryer Drawer by Hand

Step 1: Allow the Air Fryer to Cool Down

Before you start cleaning your air fryer, it's important to let it cool down completely. Turn off and unplug the appliance, and wait until it has cooled to room temperature. This is important for safety reasons, as you don't want to risk burning yourself on any hot components.

Step 2: Remove the Drawer and Basket

Once the air fryer has cooled, pull out the drawer and remove the basket or tray. Most air fryers have a removable drawer and basket, which makes cleaning much easier. If your air fryer has a different design, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific cleaning guidelines.

Step 3: Soak the Drawer and Basket

Fill your sink with warm water and add a degreasing dish soap. Soak the drawer and basket in the soapy water for at least 30 minutes. This will help to loosen any stuck-on food or grease, making it easier to clean. You can also use a soft-bristled bottle brush or sponge to scrub off any gunk and get into the vents, nooks, and crannies of the tray while it soaks. Be gentle and avoid using abrasive cleaning products that might scratch the non-stick coating.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

After soaking, rinse the drawer and basket thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining soap residue. Dry them well with a soft cloth or paper towel. Make sure they are completely dry before putting them back into the air fryer. Leaving water on the components could cause rusting.

Step 5: Wipe Down the Interior and Exterior

Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe down the bottom interior of the air fryer, as well as the exterior. Pay special attention to the areas around the dials and controls, as these can accumulate grease and grime. Again, be sure to dry these surfaces thoroughly before closing up the air fryer.

Tips and Tricks:

• Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning your air fryer. Different models may have specific cleaning requirements.
• To deep clean your air fryer, create a paste with baking soda and water, and gently scrub away any grime from the interior and exterior surfaces.
• To remove unpleasant odours from your air fryer, try using a combination of vinegar and lemon juice steam. Place a mixture of vinegar and lemon juice in a ceramic ramekin inside the air fryer, and let it steam for a few minutes.
• To save time, you can also fill the air fryer basket with water and a few drops of dish soap, and turn it on for a couple of minutes. However, this method may not be as effective at removing stuck-on food.

How to clean an air fryer basket in the dishwasher?

It is important to clean your air fryer regularly to ensure that the taste of your food remains unaffected. While some sources advise against washing your air fryer basket in the dishwasher, others state that it is safe to do so. It is recommended to check the manufacturer's instructions for your particular model. If you choose to wash your air fryer basket in the dishwasher, it is important to be wary of potential damage to the non-stick coating. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean an air fryer basket in the dishwasher:

• Allow the air fryer basket to cool down before handling.
• Rinse off any loose crumbs or large pieces of food that are not adhered to the basket.
• Place the basket in the dishwasher, ensuring that it is placed securely on the top shelf, away from the heating element.
• Run the dishwasher as usual, using a suitable detergent.
• Once the cycle is complete, remove the basket and ensure that it is completely dry before putting it away.

It is important to note that the air fryer base is not dishwasher or sink safe, as it contains electrical components. The heating element and the outer casing of the air fryer should also be cleaned by hand. When cleaning the heating element, allow it to cool completely and unplug the appliance before wiping it down with a damp, warm, soapy cloth. For tough odours, you can add citrus juice, such as lemon or orange juice, to your cleaning solution.

If you choose to hand wash your air fryer basket, use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. Be sure to clean all the crevices and dry the basket thoroughly before putting it away.

How to clean an air fryer basket by hand?

How to Clean an Air Fryer Basket by Hand

Step 1: Remove loose crumbs and food particles

Before you begin cleaning your air fryer basket, it is important to remove any loose crumbs and food particles. You can do this by shaking or knocking out the crumbs, or by wiping the basket with a paper towel or a sponge. This will make the subsequent cleaning process easier and help prevent crumbs from getting stuck in the basket's crevices.

Step 2: Fill the basket with warm soapy water

Fill your sink with warm water and add a few squirts of dish soap. Place the air fryer basket in the sink and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour. This will help to loosen any stubborn grease and grime. You can also add a few drops of vinegar or lemon juice to the water for extra cleaning power.

Step 3: Scrub the basket with a soft sponge or cloth

After soaking, use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the basket. Be sure to get into all the crevices and pay special attention to any rubber pieces on the sides, as grease tends to accumulate underneath them. For particularly tough messes, you may need to use a soft-bristled brush or a heavy-duty scrub brush. Avoid using abrasive cleaning products, as these can scratch the non-stick coating.

Step 4: Rinse and dry the basket

Once you have finished scrubbing the basket, rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining soap or food residue. Dry the basket with a clean towel and allow it to air dry completely before putting it away. This will help prevent rust and ensure your air fryer basket is ready for its next use.

Tips and Tricks:

• Always consult your manufacturer's cleaning instructions before cleaning your air fryer basket.
• To remove baked-on grease, create a paste with baking soda and lemon juice and scrub it into the affected areas with a soft toothbrush.
• For an extra deep clean, fill the basket with water and a few drops of dish soap, and turn on the air fryer for 2 minutes. Then, rinse and scrub as usual.
• To clean the interior of your air fryer, wipe it down with a damp cloth or towel and warm water. For tougher grease stains, use warm soapy water.

Frequently asked questions