Air Fryer Drawers: Dishwasher Safe?

Air fryers are a convenient and popular kitchen appliance, but they require regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance and hygiene. While some sources suggest that air fryer drawers can be safely washed in a dishwasher, others advise against it to prevent potential damage to the non-stick coating. Hand washing is often recommended by manufacturers to extend the lifespan of the air fryer, but it is crucial to follow the specific instructions provided by the brand of your air fryer.

Are air fryer drawers dishwasher safe?

Most air fryer drawers can be washed in the dishwasher, but it is recommended to check the manufacturer's instructions for your particular model. While some sources claim that air fryer drawers are dishwasher-safe, others advise against it due to the potential damage to the non-stick coating. It is suggested that hand washing is a better option as it is quick and easy, and will extend the lifespan of the air fryer.

How to clean your air fryer by hand

• Let the air fryer cool down before cleaning.
• Take out the air fryer accessories and wash each part separately.
• Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth, or a soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush, to gently scrub away any food residue or oil.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials as they can damage the non-stick coating.
• Make sure there is no residual soap or moisture on the air fryer parts.
• Dry the parts thoroughly before returning them to the main unit.

How to clean your air fryer using a dishwasher

If you choose to use a dishwasher, it is recommended to put the air fryer basket on the top shelf, away from the heating element. Always ensure that the parts are thoroughly dried before returning them to the main unit.

Pros and cons of dishwashing air fryer drawers

Pros:

• It is possible to wash air fryer drawers in the dishwasher, and this is the case for most models.
• It saves time and effort, especially if you don't want to wash by hand.
• It can be more convenient, especially if you have a large dual basket air fryer.

Cons:

• Handwashing is recommended by manufacturers to extend the lifespan of the air fryer and maintain the non-stick coating.
• It may not be worth using the dishwasher due to how easy air fryer drawers are to clean by hand.
• Soaking and then washing by hand may be more effective for removing stuck-on food residue.
• It is important to ensure that all soap residue is removed from the air fryer parts after dishwashing.
• There is a risk of warping the air fryer basket if it is placed under the faucet when it is still hot.

Pros and cons of handwashing air fryer drawers

Pros of Handwashing Air Fryer Drawers

Handwashing your air fryer drawers can help extend the lifespan of your appliance. This is because handwashing is gentler on the non-stick coating than the dishwasher, which could cause it to come off over time.

Handwashing can also be quicker and more convenient than loading and unloading the dishwasher, especially if you don't have many dishes to wash. It also means you don't have to wait for the dishwasher to finish its cycle before you can put the drawers back in the air fryer.

Additionally, handwashing can be more economical as it doesn't use any electricity or water, and you may not need to use as much soap as you would in a dishwasher.

Cons of Handwashing Air Fryer Drawers

Handwashing can be more time-consuming and tedious than using a dishwasher, especially if you have a lot of dishes to wash or if the drawers are particularly greasy or dirty.

It may also be more difficult to get the drawers completely clean by hand, especially if there are any baked-on or caked-on residues. Some people also find that handwashing can be messy, as it can result in splashing and water everywhere.

Finally, handwashing may not be as effective at removing all the grease and food particles as a dishwasher, which could potentially lead to a build-up of grime over time.

How to handwash air fryer drawers

Air fryer drawers should be cleaned with each use. To handwash your air fryer drawers, follow these steps:

• Unplug your air fryer and let it cool down: It is important to unplug the fryer and let it cool down for at least 30 minutes before attempting to clean it.
• Remove the drawers: Take out the drawers and wash each part separately.
• Soak the drawers: Fill the drawers with warm water and mild detergent to create suds. Let the drawers soak for at least 10 minutes. If there is caked-on residue, fill the drawers halfway with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Let this sit for 10 minutes.
• Scrub the drawers: Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to gently scrub away any remaining food residue or oil. For tougher messes, use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush. Be sure to avoid using anything abrasive, as this can damage the non-stick coating on the drawers.
• Rinse and dry the drawers: Rinse the drawers with clean water to remove any residual soap. Dry the drawers thoroughly with a clean towel and let them air dry completely before reassembling the air fryer.

It is important to note that some air fryer manufacturers recommend handwashing the drawers instead of using a dishwasher to extend the lifespan of the appliance. Always refer to your specific air fryer's user manual for cleaning instructions.

How often should you clean your air fryer drawers?

Air fryer drawers should be cleaned after every use to prevent small bits of food from getting into places they shouldn't and to keep your food tasting great. Removable parts should be washed in warm, soapy water, either by hand or in the dishwasher, depending on the manufacturer's instructions. Soaking the drawers in soapy water for 10-30 minutes can help to loosen stubborn grease and food residue before scrubbing with a soft sponge or cloth. It is important to ensure that all soap residue is rinsed off and that the parts are completely dry before reassembling the air fryer.

In addition to the drawers, the interior and exterior of the air fryer should also be wiped down regularly to remove any food residue or oil build-up. The heating element should be cleaned gently with a damp cloth, taking care not to get it too wet.

While it may be tempting to put off cleaning your air fryer, a dirty appliance can affect the taste of your food and increase the risk of contamination and illness. It can also impact the performance of the air fryer, causing it to take longer to heat up and increasing the risk of electrical issues and fires. Therefore, it is recommended to clean your air fryer drawers and other components thoroughly after each use and to perform a deeper clean every 2-3 weeks to remove any grease build-up.

Frequently asked questions