Air Fryer Cleaning: Dishwasher Safe?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, with nearly 6 in 10 Americans now owning one. While air fryers can reduce the amount of time spent cooking, they also require cleaning and maintenance. One common question among air fryer owners is whether the appliance can be cleaned in the dishwasher. The answer depends on the specific model of air fryer and the manufacturer's instructions should always be consulted before attempting to do so. While some air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, others may be damaged by the high heat, high water pressure, and harsh detergents of a dishwasher cycle. Hand washing with mild soap and warm water is generally recommended to avoid any potential damage to the non-stick coating of the air fryer basket.

Can you put the air fryer in the dishwasher?

Cleaning an air fryer basket by hand

While some sources say that you can put an air fryer basket in the dishwasher, others advise against it, citing the potential damage to the non-stick coating. It is therefore recommended to clean your air fryer basket by hand. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

• Unplug your air fryer and let it cool down.
• Remove the basket or pan.
• Soak the basket in very warm, soapy water. You can also add vinegar or baking soda to the water to help remove stubborn residue and stuck-on food.
• Scrub the basket with a sponge. Use a non-abrasive sponge for non-stick baskets and a stainless steel abrasive sponge for stainless steel baskets.
• Rinse the basket with clean water.
• Dry the basket thoroughly before using it again.

In addition to cleaning the basket, you should also wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth. It is important to ensure that all parts of the air fryer are completely dry before reassembling and using it again.

Potential damage to non-stick coating

The non-stick coating on an air fryer basket is prone to damage from the high water temperatures, high pressure, and aggressive detergents used in dishwashers. This can lead to warping, discolouration, and flaking of the coating. The non-stick coating is designed to make the basket easier to clean by hand, so it is generally recommended to avoid using a dishwasher to clean an air fryer basket.

The high water temperatures and high pressure in a dishwasher can cause the non-stick coating to warp and discolour. This can compromise the integrity of the coating, making it more likely to flake or chip over time. The coating may also flake as a direct result of the aggressive detergents used in dishwashers, which are much harsher than liquid dish soap.

If the non-stick coating is damaged, it can be unsafe to continue using the air fryer basket. The flaking coating may end up in your food, and you may also be exposed to the underlying material, which could be unsafe or unsuitable for use without the protective coating.

To avoid damaging the non-stick coating, it is recommended to clean your air fryer basket by hand, using warm or hot water, a mild soap solution, and a soft sponge or cloth. Soaking the basket in warm, soapy water can also help to loosen any stuck-on food residue, making it easier to clean. It is important to always follow the manufacturer's instructions when cleaning your air fryer basket.

How to clean an air fryer basket that isn't dishwasher-safe

While some air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, it is not recommended, as the dishwasher can damage the non-stick coating, corroding it over time. It is also unnecessary, as air fryer baskets are easy to clean by hand.

To clean an air fryer basket that is not dishwasher-safe, first, let the air fryer cool down. Then, remove the basket and tray and wash them with warm, soapy water in the sink. You can also soak the basket in a solution of warm, soapy water to help loosen any stuck-on food. Be sure to use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to avoid damaging the non-stick coating. Once the basket is clean, rinse it thoroughly and dry it completely before putting it back in the air fryer.

In addition to the basket and tray, it is important to clean the interior and exterior of the air fryer itself. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside and outside of the appliance, being careful not to get the electrical components wet. You can also use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean the heating element if it has accumulated grease or residue. Again, make sure everything is completely dry before reassembling the air fryer.

To keep your air fryer in good condition and prevent grease fires, it is recommended to clean it after each use and to do a deeper clean about once a month or more often if you use it frequently or cook greasy foods.

High heat and water pressure in dishwashers

Technically, you can put an air fryer in the dishwasher with most models, but it is not recommended. The non-stick coating on the air fryer basket can be damaged by the high heat and water pressure in dishwashers, and it is also very easy to clean by hand.

Dishwashers use high temperatures and water pressure to clean dishes effectively. The water pressure can be adjusted to ensure optimal cleaning, and this is done by regulating the pressure switch, which controls the nozzle pressure from the dishwasher jets. If the water pressure is too low, food streaks and soap may remain on dishes. However, if the pressure is too high, the machine may use more water than necessary, wasting this precious resource.

High-temperature machines use hot water to sanitise, while low-temperature machines use cleaning chemicals and cold water. Interestingly, the former are more water-efficient. Commercial dishwashers, such as those used in restaurants and hotels, are some of the highest consumers of water and energy. They can use up to 2.2 gallons of water per rack, but high-efficiency models can reduce this to 0.54 gallons.

To reduce water and energy usage, it is recommended to only run the dishwasher when it is full. Additionally, ensuring that the water pressure does not exceed 25 psi can help to conserve water.

Harsh detergents compromising the non-stick coating

The detergent used in dishwashers is harsher than liquid dish soap and can compromise the integrity of the non-stick coating on an air fryer basket. The high water temperatures and high pressure of a dishwasher can also lead to warping, discolouration, and flaking of the non-stick coating.

It is therefore recommended to hand wash an air fryer basket with mild soap and water, and a soft cloth or sponge. Soaking the basket in warm soapy water can help to remove stuck-on food. A soft-bristled brush can also be used to remove tough debris.

It is important to always check the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning an air fryer basket, as some models may be dishwasher-safe. However, even if a basket is dishwasher-safe, hand washing is still recommended to prolong its life.

In addition to the potential damage caused by harsh detergents, dishwashers can also be ineffective at cleaning air fryer baskets. Food coatings can stick to the sides of the basket, requiring manual effort to remove. Soaking the basket in warm soapy water and then washing it by hand is often a more effective and quicker method.

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