Can You Put Air Fryer Basket in Dishwasher

Air fryers have become a staple in many kitchens, offering a healthier way to enjoy crispy, delicious meals with minimal oil. But once the cooking is done, the cleanup begins, and one question pops up time and again: Can you put an air fryer basket in the dishwasher? It’s a fair question—nobody wants to spend ages scrubbing grease off those tiny grates.

What the Experts Say: Dishwasher-Safe or Not?

The short answer is: it depends on your air fryer model. Most air fryer baskets are labeled as dishwasher-safe, but there’s a catch. Manufacturers like Ninja, Philips, and Ultrean often state that their baskets can go in the dishwasher, but they strongly recommend handwashing to preserve the basket’s non-stick coating and overall lifespan. Let’s break it down.

According to a 2022 article from Homes & Gardens, while many air fryer baskets, including those from Ninja, are technically dishwasher-safe, the high heat, pressure, and harsh detergents in dishwashers can damage the non-stick coating over time. Millie Fender, Head of Reviews at Homes & Gardens, notes, “It only takes some soapy water and a sponge to wipe the non-stick coating clean, and then you can carry on using it instead of waiting for it to wash and dry along with your dishes.”

Similarly, CHOICE, an Australian consumer advocacy group, warns that dishwashers can degrade non-stick coatings, potentially causing them to flake into food at high cooking temperatures. Their expert, Fiona Mair, emphasizes, “Dishwashers can damage your air fryer’s non-stick coating, which could make it less non-stick over time, but may also release toxins or flakes of coating into your food.” This is particularly concerning for baskets with PTFE (Teflon-like) coatings, which are common in many air fryers.

On the other hand, brands like Ultrean advertise their baskets as dishwasher-safe for convenience. Their website states, “Ultrean’s non-stick, detachable baskets are dishwasher safe, saving time and effort in the kitchen.” But they add a caveat: frequent dishwasher use may cause discoloration or oxidation due to high temperatures and humidity.

Why Handwashing Might Be the Better Choice

Even if your air fryer basket is labeled dishwasher-safe, there are compelling reasons to stick to handwashing. Here’s why:

• Preserving the Non-Stick Coating: The non-stick surface is the heart of an air fryer basket, making cooking and cleanup easier. Dishwashers use high water pressure, intense heat (often 130–150°F), and abrasive detergents that can wear down this coating. A Reddit user on the CleaningTips community shared a cautionary tale: after one dishwasher cycle, their air fryer basket’s non-stick coating started chipping, leaving it looking “like fried-on grease” and potentially unsafe to use.
• Avoiding Warping and Discoloration: Some baskets, especially those made of aluminum or coated metals, can warp or discolor in the dishwasher. Clean Eating Magazine points out that “high water temperatures coupled with high pressure and tough cleaning agents” can transform delicate kitchen items, including air fryer baskets.
• Preventing Rust: While some baskets are made of stainless steel, not all are high-quality enough to resist rust after repeated dishwasher cycles. A Best Buy Q&A thread mentioned a user who ended up with a rusty Ninja air fryer basket after a single dishwasher run, despite the manual claiming it was dishwasher-safe.
• Ease of Handwashing: Air fryer baskets are designed to be non-stick, so cleaning them by hand is often quick and straightforward. America’s Test Kitchen notes that their winning air fryer’s basket takes “mere seconds to scrub and rinse” with hot water, dish soap, and a sponge.

How to Clean Your Air Fryer Basket the Right Way

If you’re leaning toward handwashing (and I’d recommend it), here’s a step-by-step guide to keep your air fryer basket in top shape, based on expert tips and user insights:

What You’ll Need:

• Warm water
• Mild dish soap
• A soft sponge or cloth (avoid abrasive scrubbers like steel wool)
• A soft-bristled brush (a new toothbrush works great for grates)
• Optional: Baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice for stubborn stains
• A microfiber cloth for drying

Steps:

• Let It Cool: Always wait until the basket is completely cool (about 30 minutes after cooking) to avoid warping or burns.
• Remove Loose Debris: Shake off crumbs or food particles over the trash or sink. For stuck-on bits, gently scrape with a wooden or silicone spatula.
• Soak if Needed: For greasy or baked-on residue, fill the basket with warm water and a squirt of dish soap. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes to loosen grime. CHOICE suggests adding a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and water for extra cleaning power.
• Scrub Gently: Use a soft sponge or cloth to clean the basket, focusing on the perforations where grease hides. For tight spots, a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush works wonders. Avoid abrasive tools that could scratch the non-stick coating.
• Rinse and Dry Thoroughly: Rinse with clean water to remove all soap residue. Dry with a microfiber cloth or let it air dry completely before reassembling to prevent water spots or mold.
• Tackle Odors: If your basket smells like last night’s fish sticks, add a tablespoon of lemon or orange juice to the soapy water for a fresh scent, as suggested by Clean Eating Magazine.

Pro Tip: Use Liners

To minimize cleanup, consider using air fryer liners like silicone mats or parchment paper. A user on the MoneySavingExpert Forum raved, “Silicone liners make life really easy and they are cheap.” These liners catch drips and crumbs, reducing the need for heavy scrubbing.

When Is It Okay to Use the Dishwasher?

If your air fryer’s manual explicitly states that the basket is dishwasher-safe (check the manufacturer’s website or digital manual if you’ve lost the paper copy), you can use the dishwasher sparingly. Here are some tips to minimize damage:

• Scrape Off Food First: Remove large food particles to prevent clogging your dishwasher’s filter.
• Use a Mild Detergent: Choose a gentle, non-abrasive dishwasher detergent to reduce wear on the non-stick coating.
• Top Rack Only: Place the basket on the top rack, where it’s exposed to less intense heat and pressure.
• Don’t Overdo It: Reserve the dishwasher for occasional deep cleans rather than daily use to prolong the basket’s life.

For example, Ninja’s AF100UK and AF400UK models are dishwasher-safe, but the brand still recommends handwashing for longevity. Philips also confirms that their baskets are dishwasher-safe but advises against metal utensils or abrasive cleaners to protect the coating.

What About Other Air Fryer Parts?

While the basket might be dishwasher-safe, other parts usually aren’t. The main unit, including the heating element, should never be submerged or placed in the dishwasher. America’s Test Kitchen advises wiping the heating element with a damp cloth after it cools to remove grease splatters. The exterior can be cleaned with a microfiber cloth and mild soap. For drawers or trays, check the manual—some are dishwasher-safe, but handwashing is often safer.

Real User Experiences: What Happens in the Dishwasher?

User stories highlight the risks of relying on the dishwasher. On Reddit, one user shared, “Ninja said the basket on my air fryer was stainless and dishwasher-safe. This is after one wash. Quality stainless does NOT rust!” Another user on a Best Buy Q&A thread reported discoloration after dishwashing their Bella Pro Series basket, despite it being labeled safe. These experiences underline why handwashing is often the safer bet, even for “dishwasher-safe” baskets.

The Verdict: Handwash for Longevity

While many air fryer baskets are technically dishwasher-safe, handwashing is the gold standard for preserving the non-stick coating, preventing rust, and extending the life of your appliance. It’s quick, easy, and gentle—taking just a couple of minutes with the right tools. If you’re in a pinch, the dishwasher can work for occasional cleans, but always check your manual and use caution to avoid damage.

By treating your air fryer basket with care, you’ll keep it ready for countless batches of crispy fries, wings, and nuggets. So, next time you’re tempted to toss it in the dishwasher, grab a sponge instead—it’s worth the extra minute for a basket that lasts.