Air Fryer Cleaning: Dishwasher Safe?

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to cook food, but they require regular cleaning to maintain performance and avoid unpleasant odours. While some manufacturers claim that certain parts of an air fryer are dishwasher-safe, others advise against it due to potential damage to the non-stick coating. So, can you put an air fryer in the dishwasher?

Cleaning an air fryer basket by hand

Step 1: Blot Excess Oil

Use a paper towel to blot up excess oil from the air fryer basket. This will make the subsequent cleaning process easier.

Step 2: Soak in Hot Water and Dish Soap

Fill the basket with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes. If the basket has a lot of gunk, you can also boil the kettle and pour the hot water into the basket.

Step 3: Scrub with a Non-Stick-Safe Sponge

After soaking, scrub the basket with a sponge or soft-bristled brush. Make sure to use a non-abrasive sponge to avoid damaging the non-stick coating. You can also use a soft toothbrush dedicated to cleaning.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the basket thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining soap residue. Dry the basket completely before putting it away. This will help prevent rust.

Alternative Cleaning Methods:

If you're dealing with stubborn grease and grime, you can try the following methods before soaking and scrubbing:

• Sprinkle baking soda into the basket, then add enough vinegar to create a fizzing reaction. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
• Create a paste with baking soda and lemon juice. Apply the paste to the basket and scrub with a toothbrush or sponge.
• Fill the basket with water and add a few drops of dish soap. Run the air fryer for 2-5 minutes, then rinse and scrub as usual.

Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific cleaning guidelines for your air fryer model.

Dishwasher-safe air fryer baskets

Some air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, but handwashing is recommended to prevent damage to the non-stick coating. Check the manufacturer's instructions for your particular model first, and be wary of ruining the non-stick coating. If you do choose to put your air fryer basket in the dishwasher, it is recommended to place it on the top shelf, away from the heating element.

How to clean your air fryer basket

• Allow the air fryer basket to cool before cleaning.
• Use warm, soapy water and a soft, clean sponge or cloth to clean the basket.
• Rinse under warm, running water and air dry, or towel dry with a clean cloth.
• For tough debris, use a soft-bristled brush or a new, soft-bristled toothbrush, and warm, soapy water.
• For tough odours, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon or orange juice to the warm, soapy water.
• Do not use an abrasive brush or bristle sponge on your air fryer basket, as this can damage the non-stick coating over time.
• Always ensure your air fryer is unplugged before cleaning.

Air fryer cleaning tips

• The air fryer base is not dishwasher or sink safe. Do not submerge the main body of the appliance in water or get the heating element very wet.
• If you have a drawer-style air fryer, you can remove the drawer and any crumb-catching trays or basket inserts for separate cleaning.
• If your air fryer basket is not non-stick, you may need to use a heavy-duty scrub brush to remove stubbornly cooked-on foods.
• It is important to clean your air fryer with soap every time you use it to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microbes.

Potential damage to non-stick coating

The non-stick coating on an air fryer basket is designed to make cleaning easier, but it can be damaged by harsh cleaning methods. The high water temperatures, high pressure, and tough cleaning agents in dishwashers can compromise the integrity of the non-stick coating, causing it to warp, discolour, or flake over time.

The detergent used in dishwashers is also much harsher than liquid dish soap used for hand washing. This can further damage the non-stick coating, causing it to chip and peel away. Once the non-stick coating is damaged, it is not safe to continue using the air fryer basket, as the coating could end up in your food.

To avoid damaging the non-stick coating, it is recommended to hand wash the air fryer basket with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. This gentle cleaning method will effectively clean the basket while preserving the integrity of the non-stick coating. Soaking the basket in warm, soapy water can also help to loosen any tough, stuck-on food residue, making it easier to clean without needing to resort to harsher cleaning methods.

While some air fryer baskets are marked as dishwasher-safe, the high heat and pressure of a dishwasher can still cause wear and tear on the non-stick coating over time. Therefore, it is generally recommended to hand wash air fryer baskets to prolong their lifespan and maintain their effectiveness.

How to clean other parts of an air fryer

While the basket can go into the dishwasher most of the time, the other parts of the air fryer are probably not dishwasher-safe. Here are some tips on cleaning the other parts of your air fryer:

The Heating Element

The heating element will remain hot for a while after use. Wait until it has cooled down before touching it. Use a damp cloth to gently wipe off the element to remove any splattered grease or food particles.

The Drawer

The drawer is the part of the air fryer that holds the basket. With many air fryers, these are dishwasher-safe, but some are not. If you are unsure, do not submerge it. Instead, clean it with a soft sponge and soapy water. Rinse it well, then dry it completely and put it back into the fryer.

Controls and Electrical Components

The controls and other electrical components should not be saturated with water. Simply wipe down the front and sides of your air fryer with a damp cloth. If you have flat push-button controls, this will be sufficient. If you have dials that turn, they might accumulate more grease and grime. If they pull off easily, you can wipe them down more effectively. If they don't pull off, pay special attention to the area around the dials when wiping down the outer surfaces.

Exterior

Keep the exterior clean by wiping it down after every few uses to avoid an eventual deep clean. Use a kitchen towel or rag with warm water, followed by a dry towel. For grease or tougher messes, use a few drops of dish soap with warm water, and wipe clean.

Cleaning an air fryer basket in the dishwasher

Most air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, but before cleaning your air fryer basket in the dishwasher, it is important to check the manufacturer's instructions. While some sources recommend hand washing the basket, others suggest that it is safe to put it in the dishwasher, as long as it is placed on the top shelf, away from the heating element.

If you choose to put your air fryer basket in the dishwasher, make sure to scrape off any food residue first. It is also important to note that the detergent used in dishwashers can be harsh and may compromise the integrity of the non-stick coating on the basket. So, if you want to maintain the non-stick coating and the shine of your air fryer basket, hand washing it with a soft brush or sponge and a mild detergent is recommended.

To hand wash your air fryer basket, start by shaking or wiping off any loose crumbs or large pieces of food. Then, wash it with a soft sponge or cloth and warm soapy water, making sure to get into all the crevices. If you have rubber pieces on the sides of your basket, be sure to clean underneath them as grease can build up in these areas. Finally, dry the basket thoroughly before putting it away.

Whether you choose to clean your air fryer basket in the dishwasher or by hand, always allow it to cool down before cleaning and make sure it is completely dry before putting it away to prevent rusting.

Frequently asked questions