Washing Air Fryer In Dishwasher: Is It Safe?

Air fryers are a great way to cook food in a healthier way, but they do need to be cleaned regularly to ensure the taste of the food remains unaffected. While it is possible to put some parts of an air fryer in the dishwasher, it is generally recommended to wash them by hand. This is because the high water temperatures and tough cleaning agents in dishwashers can be too aggressive on air fryer baskets, and also because air fryer parts can take up a lot of valuable space in the dishwasher.

The air fryer base is not dishwasher safe

It is also important to note that you should never submerge the main body of the appliance in water. The heating element should also not be soaked or scrubbed. If the heating element needs to be cleaned, make sure the appliance is unplugged and completely cool. Then, turn the appliance upside down and wipe the element with a damp, warm, soapy cloth.

Additionally, it is recommended to avoid getting the heating element very wet. Built-up grease on the element can burn and cause unpleasant odors. If you notice any grease accumulation, be sure to wipe the element down with a damp cloth and dry it thoroughly.

To clean the basket and interior pan of your air fryer, it is best to wash them by hand. Use a soft brush or sponge and a mild washing-up liquid. This will help to keep the non-stick coating intact and ensure that the separate parts of the air fryer retain their shine.

Soak the basket in warm, soapy water

So, you've just cooked up a storm with your air fryer and now it's time to clean up. While some people opt to put their air fryer basket straight into the dishwasher, this isn't always the best idea. Not only could it damage the non-stick coating, but it's also unnecessary as these baskets are super easy to clean by hand. So, if you've got caked-on food residue, fill your sink with warm, soapy water and let that basket soak.

Firstly, it's important to let your air fryer cool down for around 30 minutes before you start cleaning. Then, fill your sink with warm water and add some washing-up liquid. Submerge the basket and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. This will help to loosen any stubborn food residue and make it easier to remove.

If you're dealing with tough grease, breading, or chocolate, you might need to bring out the big guns. Get yourself a soft-bristled brush or even a new, soft-bristled toothbrush, and dip it into some warm, soapy water. Give the basket a good scrub, paying extra attention to those tiny grates.

For really tough messes, you can also try using a liquid degreaser. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging. And remember, always be gentle and avoid using abrasive cleaning materials, as these can damage the non-stick coating.

Once your basket is sparkling clean, give it a good rinse under warm, running water. Then, either air dry it or gently towel dry it with a clean cloth. And that's it! Your air fryer basket is now clean and ready for your next culinary adventure.

Use a soft-bristled brush for tough debris

If you're dealing with tough debris on your air fryer, it's best to use a soft-bristled brush to get the job done. Tough messes like grease, breading, and chocolate can be difficult to remove from the tiny grates in air fryer baskets and trays.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to tackle tough debris:

• Let the air fryer cool down: Always make sure your air fryer is completely cooled before you start cleaning it. This is an important safety precaution.
• Use a soft-bristled brush: Opt for a designated appliance cleaning brush with soft bristles. Even a new, soft-bristled toothbrush can be effective.
• Soak the basket or tray: If needed, you can fill your sink basin with warm, soapy water and submerge the cooled basket or tray in it for 10 to 15 minutes. This will help loosen any stubborn debris.
• Scrub with warm, soapy water: After soaking, dip your soft-bristled brush in warm, soapy water and start scrubbing. The combination of soaking and scrubbing should effectively remove even the toughest debris.
• Rinse and dry: Once you've removed all the debris, give the basket or tray a thorough rinse under warm running water. You can then let it air dry or towel-dry it with a clean cloth.

Remember, it's important to be gentle when cleaning your air fryer to avoid damaging the non-stick coating. Avoid using metal utensils or abrasive cleaning materials, as these can scratch and damage the surface.

Avoid abrasive brushes or sponges

When cleaning your air fryer, it is important to avoid using abrasive brushes or sponges. This is because air fryers are often made with non-stick coatings, which can be damaged by abrasive cleaning materials.

Non-stick coatings are designed to make the basket easier to clean after use, but abrasive brushes or sponges can wear them down over time. This can result in the non-stick coating becoming less effective, or even damaged to the point of exposing the underlying material.

Instead, opt for soft sponges, cloths, or brushes with soft bristles. These will effectively clean your air fryer without causing any damage to the non-stick coating.

If you encounter stubborn grease, food residue, or burnt-on stains, avoid the temptation to reach for an abrasive scrubber. Instead, fill the pan with hot water and detergent, and let it soak for 5-10 minutes. The soaking will loosen the residue, making it easier to remove with a soft sponge or brush. If this doesn't work, try using a more powerful liquid degreaser, following the instructions on the packaging.

By avoiding abrasive brushes and sponges, you can maintain the integrity of your air fryer's non-stick coating, ensuring that it remains easier to clean and continues to function effectively.

Hand-washing is gentler and quicker

While some air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, hand-washing is gentler and quicker. The non-stick coating on air fryer baskets can be damaged by the abrasive detergents and high water temperatures in dishwashers, shortening their lifespan. By hand-washing, you can avoid this risk and also save time and space in your dishwasher.

To hand-wash your air fryer basket, first let it cool down for about 30 minutes. Then, fill your sink with warm water and add a small amount of dish soap. Submerge the basket in the soapy water and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe away any remaining residue. For tough debris, a soft-bristled brush or even a new, soft-bristled toothbrush can be used. Rinse the basket under warm, running water, then let it air dry or towel dry with a clean cloth.

If you're looking to save time and effort, hand-washing is the way to go. The entire process takes just a few minutes and doesn't require any special tools or products. All you need is a sink, some warm water, dish soap, and a soft sponge or cloth. This method is also much gentler on your air fryer basket, preserving the non-stick coating and keeping it in good condition for longer.

In addition, hand-washing saves space in your dishwasher. Air fryer baskets can take up a lot of room, especially if you have a smaller dishwasher. By hand-washing, you free up space for other dishes and avoid having to run your dishwasher as often. This can lead to reduced water and energy usage, saving you time and money in the long run.

Overall, hand-washing your air fryer basket is a quick, easy, and gentle way to keep it clean. It takes just a few minutes and helps extend the lifespan of your appliance, making it a more efficient and economical choice than using a dishwasher.

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