Washing Air Fryers In Dishwashers: Safe Or Not?

Air fryers are a convenient and efficient way to cook fried foods with less fat and fewer calories. While air fryers require very little oil, some grease and grime can still build up, so it's important to clean your air fryer regularly to maintain its performance and avoid food contamination. But can you put your air fryer in the dishwasher?

Air fryer basket, tray and pan are dishwasher-safe

Air Fryer Basket, Tray and Pan: To Dishwash or Not To Dishwash?

If you're a proud owner of an air fryer, you might be wondering if it's safe to pop the basket, tray, and pan into the dishwasher. Well, the good news is that it's generally considered dishwasher-safe to wash these components. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you're caring for your air fryer properly and keeping it in tip-top condition.

Firstly, always check your air fryer's manual to confirm if the basket, tray, and pan are indeed dishwasher-safe. While it's uncommon, some models may have specific instructions or recommendations against it. It's better to be safe than sorry!

Secondly, when it comes to the frequency of cleaning, it's best to wash the basket, tray, and pan after each use. This helps prevent charred food and gunk buildup, which can affect the taste of your food and potentially lead to fires if left unattended. So, whether you choose to wash them by hand or in the dishwasher, make sure to give them a good clean after each delicious meal.

If you do decide to use the dishwasher, a few precautions should be taken. Avoid using harsh detergents or abrasive cleaning materials, as these can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, opt for a gentle, non-abrasive detergent and a soft sponge. Additionally, try not to overcrowd the dishwasher; give the basket, tray, and pan some breathing room so that the water and detergent can effectively reach all surfaces.

Lastly, while the convenience of a dishwasher is tempting, some experts recommend handwashing these components. Over time, the intense agitation of a dishwasher can erode the non-stick coating, shortening the lifespan of your air fryer accessories. So, if you're keen on keeping your air fryer in pristine condition, consider rolling up your sleeves and washing these parts by hand with some warm, soapy water, and a non-abrasive sponge.

Hand-washing is recommended over the dishwasher

Some air fryer baskets are advertised as dishwasher-safe. However, hand-washing is recommended over the dishwasher. This is because the pummeling an air fryer basket takes inside the dishwasher can erode the non-stick coating over time.

How to Hand-Wash an Air Fryer

• Let the air fryer cool down for at least 30 minutes.
• Take out all the removable parts (basket, tray, and pan).
• Wash the removable parts in warm soapy water. If there is baked-on grease or charred food, let them soak in hot, soapy water for 10-15 minutes, and then scrub them using a non-abrasive sponge.
• For hard-to-wash parts or stubborn food residue, make a cleaning paste with baking soda and water. Scrub the paste onto the residue with a soft-bristle brush and then wipe it clean.
• Wipe down the interior of the air fryer with a damp microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge with a splash of dish soap. Then, wipe away any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth.
• Turn the air fryer upside down and use a damp cloth or non-abrasive sponge to wipe down the heating element.
• Wipe down the exterior with a cloth or sponge with some dish soap. Then, wipe away any soap remnants with a clean, damp cloth, and polish the outside with a paper towel.
• Check that every part of the air fryer is thoroughly dry before reassembling it.

Ideally, an air fryer should be cleaned after every use to prevent charred food and gunk buildup. The basket, tray, and pan should be washed after each use, either by hand or in the dishwasher, depending on the model. The exterior can be wiped down less frequently, such as after every few uses. The heating coil should be checked every couple of months for oil residue and cleaned if necessary.

How to clean the exterior of an air fryer

The exterior of your air fryer should be cleaned less frequently than the interior, as less grease and grime accumulate on the outside. However, it is still important to wipe down the exterior of your air fryer regularly to prevent the buildup of food particles and to maintain the appliance. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean the exterior of your air fryer:

Step 1: Unplug the Air Fryer

Before cleaning any electrical appliance, it is important to ensure that it is unplugged and switched off. This is a safety precaution to avoid any accidents or damage to the appliance.

Step 2: Gather Your Supplies

You will need a roll of paper towels, some mild dish soap or detergent, and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using abrasive sponges or metal scrubbers, as these can damage the non-stick coating on the exterior of the air fryer.

Step 3: Wipe Down the Exterior

Dip your cloth or sponge into the soapy water and wring it out so that it is damp, not wet. Gently wipe down the exterior of the air fryer, taking care not to get water into any electrical components. Pay attention to any nooks and crannies where food particles may have accumulated.

Step 4: Dry the Exterior

Once you have finished wiping down the exterior, use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to dry the surface. Ensure that all soap residue is removed and that the air fryer is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Step 5: Polish the Exterior

Finally, use a paper towel to polish the exterior of the air fryer. This will help to remove any remaining streaks or water spots and give your air fryer a shiny, like-new appearance.

Additional Tips:

• It is recommended to clean the exterior of your air fryer every few uses or as needed.
• Avoid using disinfectant or sanitizing solutions unless they are specifically approved for food-contact surfaces.
• If your air fryer has a digital display or control panel, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe it down gently. Avoid getting excess water on the display.

How to clean the interior of an air fryer

It is important to clean your air fryer after every use to prevent gunk buildup and maintain its performance. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean the interior of your air fryer:

Step 1: Let the Air Fryer Cool Down

Before you begin cleaning, always unplug your air fryer and let it cool down for at least 30 minutes. This is an important safety precaution and will also make the cleaning process easier.

Step 2: Remove Removable Parts

Once the air fryer has cooled, take out all the removable parts, including the basket, tray, and pan. These parts are usually dishwasher-safe, but it's recommended to wash them by hand to preserve the non-stick coating.

Step 3: Clean the Removable Parts

Fill your sink with warm soapy water and wash the removable parts using a soft sponge or non-abrasive scrub brush. For stubborn grease or charred food, let the parts soak in the soapy water for about 10 to 15 minutes before scrubbing. Alternatively, you can use a paste made of baking soda and water to scrub away tough residue.

Step 4: Clean the Interior

Use a damp microfiber cloth or a non-abrasive sponge with a splash of dish soap to wipe down the interior of the air fryer. Be sure to avoid using too much water as it can damage the electrical components. Then, wipe away any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth.

Step 5: Clean the Heating Element

Turn your air fryer upside down and use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the heating element, removing any grease or food residue that has built up.

Step 6: Reassemble and Dry

Before reassembling your air fryer, ensure that all parts are thoroughly dry. Then, put the removable parts back into the main unit.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid using metal utensils or abrasive cleaning materials as they can damage the non-stick coating.
• If you have stubborn fat stains, use a powerful liquid degreaser following the instructions on the packaging.
• To sanitise your air fryer, use a disinfectant that is approved for food-contact surfaces, such as chlorine, iodine, or quaternary ammonium.
• Clean the exterior of your air fryer by wiping it down with a cloth or sponge and a mild detergent.

How to clean the heating element of an air fryer

It is important to clean your air fryer after every use to prevent build-up that can negatively affect the taste of your food and potentially cause burning. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean the heating element of your air fryer:

• Unplug your air fryer and make sure it is not hot. This is an important safety precaution as you don't want the appliance to accidentally turn on while you are cleaning it.
• Remove the basket and the pan. This will give you access to the heating element and make it easier to clean.
• Place a soft cloth on a flat surface and turn the appliance upside down on it. This will protect the exterior of the air fryer from scratches and help you reach the heating element.
• Use a soft sponge or cloth with warm, soapy water to wipe down the heating element. Be sure to use a damp, not drippy sponge, and avoid getting the electrical components wet.
• If there is stubborn food residue stuck to the heating element, you can use a soft or medium bristle brush to gently scrub it away. Do not use a steel wire brush or a hard bristle brush as this can damage the coating of the heating element.
• Once you have finished cleaning, return the appliance to its upright position and turn it on, letting it run for a few minutes without any food inside. This will help dry off any remaining water and loosen any remaining residue, which can then be caught in the pan.
• If there is an area behind the heating element that you cannot reach, you can use a flexible brush to clean it.

It is important to note that you should not put your air fryer in the dishwasher as it can damage the non-stick coating. Always clean your air fryer by hand and be sure to dry all parts completely before putting it back together and plugging it in.

Frequently asked questions