Air Fryer Tray: Dishwasher Safe?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, with nearly 6 in 10 Americans owning one. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fat frying, requiring only a small amount of oil to produce the same crispy texture. However, to ensure the taste of food is unaffected, it is important to regularly clean your air fryer. While the heating element and outer casing must always be cleaned by hand, the basket, crumb trays, and interior pan are often dishwasher-safe. However, handwashing is recommended to preserve the non-stick coating and to avoid the risk of warping, discolouration, and flaking.

Air fryer trays and baskets can be washed in the dishwasher but it is not recommended

Air fryer trays and baskets: hand wash or dishwasher?

Air fryer trays and baskets can usually be cleaned in the dishwasher, but it is not recommended. While convenient, dishwashers can damage the non-stick coating on your air fryer accessories, compromising the integrity of the coating and causing it to flake or chip away over time.

How to clean your air fryer trays and baskets

The best way to clean your air fryer trays and baskets is to wash them by hand. Simply fill your sink with warm water and add a dash of washing-up liquid. Then, use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub away any food residue. If you're dealing with tough, stuck-on food, you can soak the trays and baskets in the soapy water for 10-15 minutes to help loosen the debris. For grease and odour removal, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon or orange juice to the cleaning solution. Once clean, dry your air fryer accessories with a towel or leave them to air dry.

Why you should avoid the dishwasher

Dishwashers use high water temperatures, high-pressure jets, and tough cleaning agents to effectively clean dishes. However, these intense conditions can be too harsh for air fryer trays and baskets, especially those with non-stick coatings. The high heat and pressure can cause warping, discolouration, and flaking of the coating, shortening the lifespan of your air fryer accessories.

Other air fryer parts

While some air fryer parts, like the drawer and crumb-catching trays, may be dishwasher-safe, it is always best to check your manufacturer's instructions before placing them in the dishwasher. The heating element and outer casing of the air fryer should never be cleaned in the dishwasher and must be washed by hand.

It is best to hand wash air fryer trays with warm soapy water and a soft sponge

It is generally best practice to hand wash air fryer trays with warm soapy water and a soft sponge. This is because, despite many air fryer trays being dishwasher-safe, hand washing is a much gentler way to keep your air fryer clean in the long term.

Hand washing your air fryer trays with warm soapy water and a soft sponge will help to preserve the non-stick coating on the trays, which can be damaged by the dishwasher. This is especially true if you wash the trays by hand more regularly and only use the dishwasher for really greasy messes. Hand washing is also much quicker than using a dishwasher, as air fryer trays are easy to clean by hand and take no time at all.

If you are going to hand wash your air fryer trays, it is important to let them cool down before you begin the cleaning process. You should also always unplug the air fryer from the power outlet to prevent any electrical accidents while handling water or cleaning solutions. When cleaning, use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to avoid damaging the non-stick coating. Make sure to dry the trays thoroughly before reassembling your air fryer.

If your air fryer trays have a lot of stuck-on food residue, you can soak them in warm soapy water for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing gently with a non-abrasive sponge. You can also try using a mixture of baking soda, lemon juice, and hot water to help remove stuck-on food and neutralise any lingering odours.

Air fryer trays should be dried thoroughly after washing to prevent rusting

Air fryer trays and baskets can usually be cleaned in a dishwasher, but it's important to check the manufacturer's instructions first. Some models, like the Instant Vortex Plus, are not dishwasher-safe.

Even if your air fryer tray is dishwasher-safe, it's recommended to wash it by hand. This is because the harsh detergents and high water pressure in dishwashers can compromise the non-stick coating on the tray. To wash your air fryer tray by hand, you should:

• Let the tray cool down before cleaning.
• Use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth to clean the tray.
• Rinse the tray under warm, running water.
• Dry the tray thoroughly with a clean cloth.

Drying your air fryer tray thoroughly after washing is especially important to prevent rusting. Water that sits on the basket could cause some rusting over time, so it's best to dry the tray as soon as possible after washing.

If there is tough debris on your air fryer tray, you can use a soft-bristled brush or a new, soft-bristled toothbrush to remove it. You can also try soaking the tray in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes to loosen the debris.

The heating element of an air fryer should be cleaned by hand with a damp cloth

While the basket and tray of an air fryer are usually dishwasher-safe, it is recommended to wash them by hand. This is because the non-stick coating is more likely to wear off with regular dishwasher cleanings. To clean the basket and tray, use warm, soapy water and a soft brush or sponge.

The heating element of an air fryer, on the other hand, should always be cleaned by hand. First, unplug the air fryer and ensure that it is not hot. Place a soft cloth on a surface and turn the appliance upside down on it to access the heating element. Use a damp, non-abrasive cloth or sponge to wipe down the heating element, being careful not to damage the coating. If there is stubborn grease or residue, a soft-to-medium bristle brush or an old toothbrush can be used. Ensure that the heating element is completely dry before reassembling the air fryer.

It is important to clean the heating element regularly, as built-up grease can burn and cause unpleasant odours. After every three to four uses, inspect the heating element for stains or splatters and wipe it down with a damp cloth if necessary.

The air fryer drawer can be cleaned with a soft sponge and soapy water

The air fryer drawer can be easily cleaned with a soft sponge and soapy water. First, it's important to unplug the appliance and let the pan cool down before you start the cleaning process. Then, remove the drawer and any crumb-catching trays or basket inserts inside it for separate cleaning. Next, fill your sink with hot water and add some dish soap. Soak the drawer in the sink for at least 30 minutes to loosen any stuck-on food and grease. Finally, use a soft, non-scratch sponge to gently scrub away any remaining residue. Rinse the drawer with clean water and dry it thoroughly before putting it back in the air fryer.

Using a soft sponge and soapy water is an effective and gentle way to clean your air fryer drawer. It's important to avoid using abrasive cleaning tools or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the non-stick coating. By regularly cleaning your air fryer drawer with a soft sponge and soapy water, you can keep it in good condition and ensure that your air fryer continues to perform at its best.

While some people may be tempted to put their air fryer drawer in the dishwasher, it's generally not recommended. Hand washing with a soft sponge and soapy water is a much gentler and more effective way to clean the drawer, and it also helps to prolong the lifespan of the non-stick coating. Additionally, the drawer can take up a lot of valuable space in the dishwasher, and it may not get as thorough a clean as it would with a good old-fashioned hand wash.

If your air fryer drawer has tough, burnt-on stains, there are a few extra steps you can take to remove them. One method is to create a paste with baking soda and lemon juice and apply it directly to the stains. Let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub the stains with a soft sponge. You can also try filling the drawer with warm water and adding a few drops of dish soap. Let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour, then scrub away any remaining residue with a sponge.

Remember to always consult your air fryer's user manual for specific cleaning instructions and to ensure that any cleaning products you use are safe for your appliance.

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