Let’s be honest, if we didn’t have air fryers, most of us would still be eating unhealthy food.
Your air fryer is one of the essential appliances in your kitchen, and it’s not just for the food. While we can now eat healthier food because of air fryers, it’s not the only benefit of having an air fryer; it has made cooking easier, quicker, and stress-free.
If you’ve got an air fryer, you’re probably using it almost daily. Whether it’s a lovely old fried chicken leg piece or fries, that air fryer in your kitchen is trying its best.
Now, when you’ve got an appliance as precious as an air fryer, you want to take care of it so it lasts as long as you want. And while taking care of any household appliance means using it carefully, it also means that you must clean it in a way that doesn’t harm it.
Key Takeaway
Can you put an air fryer basket in the dishwasher? The answer is yes.
But does this mean that you can clean the whole air fryer in the dishwasher? Unfortunately, no; some components of an air fryer are not on friendly terms with water and will be damaged if they come in contact.
The main takeaway? You can wash the air fryer basket in the dishwasher, but don’t rely on the dishwasher too much. It’s preferred to wash in the dishwasher if you’re cooking greasy, wet-marinated, or battered food, but you can easily clean the air fryer basket and other components with a dry wipe to reduce the need to wash it properly.
Can You Put An Air Fryer Basket In The Dishwasher?
Most people rely on a dishwasher to wash all of their utensils, but when it comes to air fryers, you must tread carefully. This is because not all parts of an air fryer are dishwasher safe, and even with dishwasher-friendly parts, you have to ensure you’re cleaning them properly.
The air fryer basket is one component of the air fryer that is always in contact with food and raw ingredients. Which begs the question: Can you put an air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Luckily for you, the air fryer basket is dishwasher safe.
But before you throw the air fryer right into the dishwasher, let’s talk a little more about the air fryer and its relationship with a dishwasher.
Is The Air Fryer Basket Dishwasher Safe?
When cleaning an air fryer in the dishwasher, you can relax because there are parts of an air fryer that are dishwasher safe.
However, even with dishwasher-safe air fryer elements, you can’t just start a wash cycle because there’s a certain way you should follow, lest you harm your air fryer. Yes, you heard that right; if you don’t clean your air fryer properly or are careless with how you clean it, you can damage it easily.
But if you don’t know much about air fryers and dishwashers, don’t worry because after reading this, you’ll know enough to keep your air fryer running for a long time.
Can you put an air fryer basket in the dishwasher? Yes, you can! You can wash the air fryer basket in the dishwasher without worrying about the dishwasher harming it.
However, before you pop the air fryer basket in the dishwasher, do check which brand your air fryer belongs to. You should also check the model. This is because, with traditional air fryer brands and old models, the air fryer basket is mesh-like and can be fragile for a rough cycle.
If your air fryer brand recommends washing the air fryer in the dishwasher, you won’t have to worry about damaging the air fryer’s basket.
Which Brand of Air Fryer Is Dishwasher Safe?
Most brands of air fryers offer dishwasher-friendly models, but it is better to do your research before you begin cleaning yours. The most popular air fryer brands are Gourmia, Philips, Ninja, and Powerxl, each of which we discuss below.
Can You Put a Gourmia Air Fryer in the Dishwasher?
Generally, Gourmia air fryers are dishwasher safe. However, as with most air fryer brands, not all parts of Gourmia air fryers are safe to wash in the dishwasher.
Gourmia recommends washing the dishwasher’s air fryer basket and the pans, but you cannot rely on the dishwasher for the rest of the components, especially the main base. If you look up the manual for your Gourmia air fryer, you will find instructions on cleaning the air fryer.
For most Gourmia air fryer models, you can safely wash the air fryer basket and the pans in the dishwasher. For the knobs and lids, a cleanse with a soapy rag and a damp but not too wet cloth for the main cooker base will do the trick.
Can You Put Powerxl Air Fryer Basket in Dishwasher?
Powerxl air fryers are dishwasher safe, but you’ll have to separate dishwasher-friendly components from non-dishwasher-friendly ones before you begin cleaning.
The air fryer basket, pans, and stainless-steel skewers are perfectly safe to wash in the dishwasher, but if you place elements like the heating element in the dishwasher, you might be saying goodbye to your air fryer.
Powerxl also advises that you use a non-abrasive soap to clean the parts of your air fryer which are not dishwasher safe.
Can a Ninja Air Fryer Basket Go in a Dishwasher?
You can place the Ninja air fryer basket in the dishwasher like most air fryers.
However, please do not place the main unit or the cooker base inside a dishwasher; don’t even wash it with water. The main unit has electronic controls, and even a little water can damage them, so you must not place the main unit in water or the dishwasher.
Ninja advises its customers to place the dishwasher-safe air fryer basket in the top rack, and if you’re cleaning the air fryer basket and crisper by hand, use a soft sponge and a non-abrasive soap.
Can You Put Philips Air Fryer in the Dishwasher?
If you own a Philips air fryer, don’t worry because it is mostly dishwasher safe. You can safely wash the air fryer basket, crisper, and pan in the dishwasher.
However, Philips recommends using a degreasing soap during the wash only if you haven’t been able to wash off the grease on the air fryer. Please don’t use an abrasive soap to wash the air fryer because it can harm the product.
To clean the heating element, use a slightly damp (not wet) cloth and do the same for the main unit. Do not use water and soap for the heating element.
What Other Air Fryer Parts Are Dishwasher Safe?
Can you put an air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Yes, you most certainly can.
Does that mean all parts of an air fryer are dishwasher safe?
Absolutely not
Don’t assume that you can place an entire air fryer in the dishwasher because an air fryer’s basket is dishwasher safe. Not all components of an air fryer are dishwasher safe, and this applies to other appliances.
Depending on your air fryer’s model and company, there are only specific components that you can wash in the dishwasher. However, some parts of an air fryer are not safe for dishwashers, no matter what brand of air fryer you have.
Parts of an Air Fryer Which are Dishwasher Safe
The general rule is that it is dishwasher safe if you can remove it from the air fryer. However, as we have mentioned a few times, this statement is not valid for all brands, so you should always look up your dishwasher’s manual.
Air Fryer Basket
The air fryer basket of most brands is dishwasher safe. The only air fryer baskets which may not be dishwasher safe belong to traditional models. With newer models, brands use more robust materials to make the air fryer basket, which is why you should always consult your brand.
Crisper Plate
The crisper plate of most air fryers is dishwasher safe. To clean the crisper plate of any air fryer in the dishwasher, we advise running it under cool water first. This reduces the temperature and removes food particles. You can then place the air fryer’s crisper plate in the dishwasher.
Air Fryer Drawer
The drawer of all air fryers is dishwasher safe. Pop it out, give it a general rinse to dust off crumbs, and place it in the dishwasher.
Parts of an Air Fryer which are Not Dishwasher Safe
Components of an air fryer that are not removable are not dishwasher safe. This includes the main cooker base. Let’s go over them one by one.
Air Fryer Main Unit
The main unit of an air fryer has electronic controls and electric connections. Placing the air fryer’s main unit in the dishwasher will damage the controls and the connecting wires, so you must not put the main unit in the dishwasher.
However, the main unit is also not water-friendly. If you do have to clean the main unit, you can’t use a rag or a cloth that will drip because even a single drop of water can cause damage.
Heating Element
The heating element might be dishwasher safe, but do not fall for the trap. Contact with abrasive soap and water can permanently damage the heating element, which is the same as damaging the air fryer.
What is The Best Way to Clean My Air Fryer?
Whether you should wash your air fryer in the dishwasher or not is a big debate, but there’s no definite answer to this. Washing and cleaning an air fryer manually is almost the same as washing it in the dishwasher, so if you don’t have a dishwasher, you can safely clean it yourself.
However, there are some benefits to cleaning an air fryer in the dishwasher, which gives this method an upper hand.
Pros of Cleaning an Air Fryer Manually
If you’re relying on a sponge and soap to clean the air fryer, there are some pros, like:
You Can Clean It According to How You Want:
Most of us have our methods of doing things, and if you’re not satisfied with cleaning a dishwasher without actually washing it yourself, feel free to scrub away.
You Handle the Air Fryer with Greater Care:
After all, we’re humans and have certain compassion, which appliances lack. Dishwashers just run a complete cycle, but if you’re washing them by hand, you know when to be careful.
Cons of Cleaning an Air Fryer Manually
The cons to washing an air fryer yourself are:
It Takes Time:
If you’re washing manually, it will probably take a few minutes to wash the air fryer and additional minutes to clean other utensils separately.
It Takes Effort and Energy.:
You probably have other chores to do, but standing in front of the kitchen sink with the water dripping down to your elbow distracts you from other activities you need to do.
Pros of Cleaning an Air Fryer in the Dishwasher
The benefits of using a dishwasher are:
It’s Quick:
The dishwasher will take a few minutes to run its cycle, but the time is for numerous utensils at once. If you’re doing it manually, you have to do it one by one, which is why it takes longer
It’s Efficient
The dishwasher is efficient and can get the job done with just a few settings.
It’s Easy
Let’s face it, doing the dishes is not something most people like, so why bother doing it manually when you have a special appliance on hand?
Cons of Cleaning an Air Fryer in the Dishwasher
There are some cons, though, including:
Tough Cleaning
As mentioned, a dishwasher doesn’t care that a utensil or item is fragile. Once you place it in the dishwasher, your utensil undergoes an effective but tough wash.
General wash cycle
Some utensils cannot handle general wash cycles because of the soap used. Just like you don’t clean non-stick surfaces with a metallic sponge, you can’t wash all utensils with the same soap. With dishwashers, even in different settings, you’re placing all utensils in the same detergent.
So, What is the Best Way to Clean an Air Fryer?
Ideally, the best way to clean an air fryer is in the dishwasher and by hand. Since there are some components you cannot place in the dishwasher, you will eventually be washing it manually. However, for the components of the air fryer which are dishwasher safe, use it if you have a dishwasher!
How To Clean an Air Fryer in The Best Way?
Can you put an air fryer basket in the dishwasher in any way you like?
While air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe, this does not mean you throw all caution to the wind and toss the air fryer basket in there. To properly clean an air fryer, manually or in the dishwasher, you must follow a certain process.
Cleaning an Air Fryer Manually
If you’re cleaning the air fryer manually, follow these steps:
Separate washable and non-washable components
Separate the cooker base/main unit from the air fryer basket, crisper, and air fryer rack.
Cool the air fryer crisper plate
The crisper plate is very hot and remains even an hour after using an air fryer. If you try to remove the air fryer crisper plate, you’ll burn your hands. To avoid this, run cold water on the air fryer crisper plate while still within the air fryer basket.
Clean the Crisper Plate
The crisper plate can handle a little scrubbing, so you can use soap and a sponge to clean it.
Clean the Air Fryer Basket
With soap, you can use the soft side of the sponge to clean the air fryer basket. It would be best to use a non-abrasive soap unless you’re having a tough time removing stains. Follow the same guidelines for washing an air fryer rack, pans, and skewers
Clean the Main Unit
Do not clean the main unit with a wet cloth. Instead, dampen a cloth or sponge, squeeze out the excess water, and gently wipe the dirty spots off the main unit. You may use soap, but spread a drop of soap evenly on the surface of the wipe/sponge, and do not let the main unit be wet. You can wipe off the soap using a dry wipe.
Clean the Heating Element
Dampen a cloth and then squeeze out the water. The cloth should be cold from the water, but not wet. Slightly rub the coil and then immediately follow with a dry cloth.
Cleaning an Air Fryer in the Dishwasher
If you’re cleaning the air fryer manually, follow these steps:
Separate washable and non-washable components
Separate the cooker base/main unit from the air fryer basket, crisper, and air fryer rack.
Cool the air fryer crisper plate
The crisper plate is very hot and remains even an hour after using an air fryer. If you try to remove the air fryer crisper plate, you’ll burn your hands. To avoid this, run cold water on the air fryer crisper plate while still within the air fryer basket.
Put the Washable Components in the Dishwasher
Put the crisper plate, the air fryer basket, racks, pans, and skewers in the dishwasher.
Clean the Main Unit
Do not clean the main unit with a wet cloth. Instead, dampen a cloth or sponge, squeeze out the excess water, and gently wipe the dirty spots off the main unit. You may use soap, but spread a drop of soap evenly on the surface of the wipe/sponge, and do not let the main unit be wet. You can wipe off the soap using a dry wipe.
Clean the Heating Element
Dampen a cloth and then squeeze out the water. The cloth should be cold from the water, but not wet. Slightly rub the coil and then immediately follow with a dry cloth.
Do Air Fryers Have to Be Cleaned After Each Use?
Whether or not you should clean an air fryer after every use is debatable. Some people like to clean their air fryer after every use, while others even wait a month to clean it out.
While there is no set rule, you can skip cleaning the air fryer after every use. This does not mean that you don’t clean it at all.
If you’re making greasy food, you should at least rinse the washable components with non-abrasive soap and let it dry out. There is no need to frequently wash an air fryer in the dishwasher unless you have a sticky spot that won’t wash off.
Moreover, don’t abandon the cleaning altogether. After every use of the air fryer, at least (after taking out the crisper plate and letting it cool), wipe the inside of the air fryer basket with a dry cloth.
Dusting off any crumbs is good because if you think about it, you’re recooking them and adding them into fresh food every time you cook without cleaning at least the crumbs. Since that’s unhygienic, it’s best to do a dry wipe after every use and rinse the bowls when the food is greasy or uses a batter.
Stick to the dishwasher when you have to do a thorough cleanse.