Air Fryer Basket Care: Dishwasher Safe?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their convenience and ability to cook food with less oil and fat. While most manufacturers state that air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, there is conflicting advice on whether this is a good idea. This article will explore the topic of cleaning air fryer baskets, specifically the Tower air fryer basket, and provide insights into the best methods for keeping your air fryer in top condition.

Tower air fryer basket: dishwasher-safe or not?

Most manufacturers, including Tower, state that you can put your air fryer basket in the dishwasher. However, it is generally advised to wash the basket by hand to protect the non-stick coating.

How to clean your Tower air fryer basket

According to Tower, the first step to cleaning your air fryer is to unplug the appliance and let it cool down. Then, remove the basket and wash it in warm soapy water using a sponge or a non-abrasive scrubber. If there are any stubborn stains, you can use a baking soda and water paste to scrub them away gently. Finally, rinse all parts with water and dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel. Make sure all parts are completely dry before reassembling the air fryer.

Why handwashing is recommended

The high water temperatures, high pressure, and tough cleaning agents in dishwashers can damage the non-stick coating on air fryer baskets. Handwashing is a gentler way to clean the basket and will help prolong its lifespan. Additionally, air fryer baskets are quick and easy to clean by hand, so it is often not worth taking up space in the dishwasher.

Some air fryer baskets, such as the Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone Air Fryer and the Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer, can be washed in the dishwasher. However, even for these baskets, the manufacturer recommends handwashing to extend their lifespan.

Pros and cons of using a dishwasher

While some air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe, it is generally recommended that you wash them by hand. This is because hand washing is a gentler method of cleaning that will help to maintain the integrity of the basket over time.

Pros

• If your basket is dishwasher safe, it can be convenient to simply place it in the dishwasher with the rest of your dishes.
• Dishwashers can save you time and effort, especially if you have a lot of components to clean.

Cons

• High water temperatures, high water pressure, and harsh detergents can compromise the non-stick coating on your air fryer basket, leading to warping, discolouration, and flaking.
• The dishwasher may not effectively remove stuck-on food residue, and you may need to soak and scrub the basket by hand anyway.
• It takes up space in your dishwasher that could be used for other dishes.
• You will need to wait for the basket to cool down before placing it in the dishwasher, which may not be practical if you are in a hurry.
• It is important to ensure the basket is completely dry after the dishwasher cycle to prevent rusting, adding further time to the cleaning process.

Therefore, while using a dishwasher may be tempting, it is generally recommended to hand wash your air fryer basket with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth to extend its lifespan and maintain its effectiveness.

Hand-washing the basket

Hand-washing your Tower air fryer basket is a straightforward process and is generally recommended over using a dishwasher. It is also worth noting that you should always check your manufacturer's instructions before cleaning your air fryer.

Firstly, ensure that the air fryer is unplugged and has cooled down completely. Then, remove the basket from the air fryer.

Next, fill your sink with warm water and add some dish soap. You can also add a tablespoon of lemon or orange juice to the water to neutralise any lingering odours. Soak the basket in this mixture for 10-15 minutes.

After soaking, use a soft-bristled brush or a non-scratch sponge to gently scrub away any remaining food residue. Pay particular attention to the vents and nooks and crannies of the basket, ensuring that you protect the non-stick finish. Rinse the basket thoroughly with warm water, then dry it with a clean cloth or towel, or leave it to air dry.

If you are dealing with a particularly dirty basket, you can create a paste using baking soda and lemon juice. Apply this paste directly to the basket and scrub gently with a soft toothbrush or sponge. Rinse and dry the basket as mentioned above.

Another method for a very dirty basket is to fill the air fryer receptacle with an inch of soapy water and set it to 370°F for three minutes. After, dump out the liquid and repeat if necessary. This will help to loosen and remove grease and grime.

Always ensure that you do not use an abrasive brush or bristle sponge as this can damage the non-stick coating over time.

How to clean a tower air fryer basket

To clean a tower air fryer basket, first unplug the air fryer and let it cool down. Then, remove the basket and wash it in warm soapy water using a sponge or a non-abrasive scrubber. If your air fryer basket has a non-stick coating, be sure to be gentle while cleaning it to avoid damaging the coating. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.

For tough grease, breading, or chocolate stains, you can use a soft-bristled brush or even a new, soft-bristled toothbrush. You can also submerge the cooled basket in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes to help loosen any stubborn debris. If you're looking to get rid of strong odours, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon or orange juice to your warm, soapy water.

Once you're done scrubbing, rinsing, and removing all debris, make sure to dry the basket thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel before reassembling the air fryer.

It's important to note that while some air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, handwashing with gentle tools and soap is generally recommended to extend the lifespan of your air fryer and maintain the integrity of its non-stick coating. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance, as different models may have different requirements.

Other dishwasher-safe parts of the air fryer

While the air fryer basket is the most common part to be dishwasher-safe, there are other parts of the appliance that can also be washed in the dishwasher. These include the interior pan, crumb-catching trays, and basket inserts. For the Ninja Air Fryer models, the crisper plates that sit inside the baskets can be washed in the dishwasher, although handwashing is recommended.

It is important to note that not all air fryer models are the same, and you should always check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model before washing any parts in the dishwasher. In general, it is recommended to hand wash the air fryer basket and other parts to avoid potential damage to the non-stick coating and to preserve the lifespan of the appliance.

Other parts of the air fryer, such as the heating element and the outer casing, should never be washed in the dishwasher and should always be cleaned by hand. To clean the heating element, it is recommended to use a soft cloth or sponge with some washing-up liquid. For the exterior of the air fryer, a regular wipe-down with a dishcloth or microfiber cloth is sufficient.

Frequently asked questions