Okay, let’s be real for a sec—air fryers are amazing, right? Crispy fries, juicy chicken, roasted veggies… all with barely any oil. What’s not to love?
Well… cleaning them. That’s where things get messy—literally.
So, if you’ve found yourself staring at your greasy air fryer basket and thinking, “Ugh, can I just toss this thing in the dishwasher and call it a day?”—you’re not alone.
Let’s talk about it.
First Thing’s First: Can You Actually Do It?
Short answer? It depends.
Yeah, not the straight-up yes or no you were hoping for, I know. But here’s the deal—most air fryer baskets can go in the dishwasher, especially if your air fryer manual says so. A lot of modern air fryer models are designed with dishwasher-safe baskets, trays, and even the drawer that holds it all.
BUT—and this is a big but (cue Sir Mix-a-Lot)—not all baskets are created equal.
Some have non-stick coatings that don’t play nice with high heat and harsh dishwasher detergents. Over time, all that exposure can break down the coating and make your basket less non-stick and more everything-sticks.
Imagine pulling out your air fryer next week and finding your fries stuck like they were glued. Nope. Not worth it.
Here’s How to Check Before You Wreck (Your Basket)
So before you toss it in the dishwasher and walk away like a cleaning boss, pause.
Read the manual. Yeah, I know—who actually reads manuals? But seriously, just skim it. Somewhere in there, it’ll tell you what parts are dishwasher-safe.
Look underneath or on the handle. Some baskets have little symbols stamped in that indicate whether they’re dishwasher-friendly. If there’s a little plate-with-water icon—go for it.
Still not sure? Play it safe. Wash it by hand. We’ll talk more about that in a sec.
Okay, So It’s Dishwasher Safe. Now What?
Cool! You’re in the clear.
Pop the basket on the top rack of your dishwasher—why the top rack? It’s gentler up there. The bottom rack gets way more intense with heat and water pressure, which might wear down any coating over time.
Also, if you’ve got stuck-on gunk (because who scrubs right away, let’s be honest), give it a little soak or pre-rinse. Your dishwasher’s not a magician—it won’t scrub off hardened cheese by itself.
But What If It’s Not Dishwasher Safe? (Ugh)
Okay, deep breaths.
Handwashing isn’t the worst. Especially if you’ve got a good sponge and warm, soapy water. Here’s how to make it painless:
Let it cool—seriously, don’t burn your fingers trying to wash it fresh out of the fryer.
Soak it first—warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Let it chill for 15–20 minutes.
Use a soft sponge or brush. Don’t go full-bristle beast on it. That’ll scratch the coating, and then you’re back to sticky-fry-land.
Pro tip? Keep a toothbrush near the sink. Not for your teeth (ew)—but for cleaning those tricky corners in the basket. Works like a charm.
The Final Word: Should You Dishwasher or Hand-Wash?
If your basket’s dishwasher-safe—awesome. That means less time scrubbing, more time snacking. Use the top rack, be gentle, and you’re golden.
But if it’s not? Don’t fight it. Just wash it by hand, treat it nice, and your basket will last way longer. Think of it like self-care… but for your kitchen gear.
Quick Recap
✅ Check your manual or the basket for dishwasher-safe info.
✅ Top rack only!
⚠️ Watch out for non-stick coatings—they don’t always love the dishwasher.
🧼 Handwash with care if you’re unsure.
So next time you’re cleaning up after a crispy snack session, you’ll know exactly what to do.
