Can I Wash My Air Fryer In The Dishwasher? | Care Rules

If you use your air fryer a lot, cleanup quickly becomes just as big a deal as cooking. A dishwasher feels like the easiest answer, so it is natural to ask can i wash my air fryer in the dishwasher? The honest reply is slightly more detailed than a simple yes or no, and getting it wrong can shorten the life of your appliance.

Can I Wash My Air Fryer In The Dishwasher?

The complete unit should never go in the dishwasher. The main body holds the heating element, fan, digital controls, and electrical connections. High heat, strong detergents, and water spray inside a dishwasher can damage those parts or create a safety hazard. So when you ask can i wash my air fryer in the dishwasher, think in terms of separate pieces, not the appliance as one solid block.

Most brands treat the removable basket, pan, and crisper plate in a different way from the main housing. These parts are often metal with a non-stick coating and sometimes carry a dishwasher-safe symbol. Even then, many manufacturers still prefer gentle hand washing to help keep that coating in good shape for longer.

The table below gives a broad view of how common air fryer parts relate to dishwasher cleaning. Always double check your own manual, but this overview helps you see the pattern at a glance.

Air Fryer Part	Dishwasher-Safe?	Cleaning Tip
Cooking Basket	Often yes (top rack best)	Soak in warm soapy water first to loosen sticky residue.
Crisper Plate Or Tray	Often yes	Use a soft brush through the holes before loading the dishwasher.
Drawer Or Pan	Often yes	Drain fat, wipe with paper towel, then hand wash or use a mild cycle.
Racks And Skewers	Often yes	Check for sharp edges that could scratch other items in the rack.
Glass Lid Or Window (If Separate)	Sometimes	Confirm glass rating; avoid sudden temperature swings when washing.
Main Body With Controls	Never	Wipe with a damp cloth; keep moisture away from vents and buttons.
Heating Element Area	Never	Brush off crumbs once the unit is cold, then wipe gently.
Power Cord	Never	Wipe with a dry or lightly damp cloth; keep connectors completely dry.

Which Air Fryer Parts Are Dishwasher Safe?

Dishwasher rules change by brand and model, yet some patterns stay mostly consistent. Removable metal pieces that touch food are the likeliest candidates for the top rack. Plastic accessories, silicone inserts, and glass lids also sometimes qualify, as long as they are rated for high temperatures and strong detergents.

Parts That Usually Go In The Dishwasher

On many basket-style models, the inner basket and outer drawer can go in the dishwasher. Some oven-style air fryers include wire racks, crumb trays, or rotisserie forks that are also listed as dishwasher-safe accessories. These parts sit away from the electrical components and are built to handle heat and water spray.

Parts That Should Never Go In The Dishwasher

The main housing stays on the counter, not in the sink and not in the dishwasher. That means no soaking, no spraying directly with a hose, and no submerging. The heating coil, fan, and internal wiring need dry conditions to stay safe.

Control panels, knobs, and digital touch screens also need gentle treatment. A soft, slightly damp cloth handles splatters. For stubborn grease around the fan guard or heating element, a soft brush and a little mild detergent on a cloth is safer than a blast of hot water from the dishwasher.

Taking Your Air Fryer Parts Into The Dishwasher Safely

Once you know which parts qualify for the dishwasher, the next step is loading them in a way that actually gets them clean without chipping or scratching their coating. A few small habits make a big difference.

Pre-Clean Before The Dishwasher Cycle

Empty loose crumbs and pour off any pooled fat first. Wipe the basket and drawer with a paper towel while they are still slightly warm, but not hot. This quick step stops sticky build-up and keeps the dishwasher filter from clogging with grease.

Load Air Fryer Parts On The Right Rack

Most non-stick baskets and pans prefer the top rack, where the water spray is gentler and the heat tends to be lower. If your manual gives a specific rack recommendation, follow that. Place smaller pieces like crisper plates securely so they do not rattle against other dishes.

Pick A Mild Dishwasher Cycle

Heavy-duty cycles use extra heat and stronger sprays that can wear down coatings faster. A normal or eco cycle with a standard powder or gel detergent tends to be kinder to air fryer accessories. Skip abrasive cleaners and metal scouring pads entirely.

Manual And Warranty Rules For Cleaning

Each air fryer line has its own cleaning chart, and those charts tie in directly with warranty guarantee terms. Brands like Philips note that their pans and baskets can go in the dishwasher but also describe gentle hand washing with a soft sponge and mild detergent as the standard method.

Check the cleaning section in your user guide along with any care tips on the brand’s website. Pages such as the Philips Airfryer cleaning steps or Cosori air fryer cleaning guide explain which accessories are dishwasher safe and when a sponge and sink are the better choice.

Dishwasher Rules By Popular Air Fryer Brands

Manufacturers often repeat the same core message in different words: removable metal parts may go in the dishwasher, but the main body never should. The table below gives a high-level summary based on common guidance across several well-known brands. Always match these notes against your exact model number.

Brand	Typical Dishwasher-Safe Parts	Common Extra Advice
Philips	Pan, basket, and some inserts	Prefers soft sponge hand washing for routine cleaning.
Ninja	Drawers, baskets, crisper plates on many models	States that the main unit must never go in the dishwasher.
Cosori	Inner and outer baskets, some racks	Notes that hand washing helps coatings last longer.
Instant	Trays, baskets, and some racks	Often lists accessories as dishwasher safe, top rack preferred.
Tefal	Bowls, baskets, removable racks	Recommends non-abrasive sponges and mild detergent.
PowerXL And Similar Budget Brands	Usually baskets and pans	Advice varies; always rely on the exact manual text.

How To Clean An Air Fryer Without A Dishwasher

If you do not own a dishwasher, or you want to protect your non-stick coating, manual cleaning can be quick and simple. Most of the work happens while the appliance is still slightly warm and the grease has not had time to harden.

Step-By-Step Hand Washing Method

First, unplug the air fryer and let it cool until it is warm to the touch. Remove the basket, pan, and any racks. Pour out oil and wipe away grease with a paper towel so the sink does not fill with fat.

Fill the sink or a basin with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Let the basket and pan soak for ten minutes. Use a soft sponge or non-scratch brush to clean every corner, including the underside of the crisper plate and the seams where grease often hides.

Cleaning The Main Unit Safely

Once the removable parts are out, tip the cooled air fryer slightly and shake out loose crumbs. A small pastry brush or bottle brush works well for the corners under the heating element. Never spray cleaner directly into the cavity; instead, spritz a cloth and wipe.

Common Mistakes When Cleaning An Air Fryer

Many home cooks damage air fryers not while cooking, but while cleaning. A dishwasher can be involved, yet the real problem often sits in the method, not the machine.

Putting The Whole Unit In The Sink Or Dishwasher

Submerging the main body in water or placing it on a dishwasher rack is one of the quickest ways to ruin an air fryer. Water can reach wiring and controls that should never stay wet, leading to shorts or strange behavior later.

Using Harsh Tools And Cleaners

Metal scouring pads, stiff brushes, and oven cleaners can strip non-stick coatings. Once that coating peels or flakes, food sticks more, and cleaning actually becomes harder. Stick with soft sponges, nylon brushes, and mild dish soap.

Skipping Regular Cleaning

Grease and crumbs build up under the basket and around the heating element if you skip cleaning sessions. Over time, that buildup can smoke, smell, and even catch fire. Quick wipe-downs after each cook keep the appliance fresher and make deep cleaning days much easier.

Quick Decision Guide For Your Own Air Fryer

When you stand at the sink wondering once more, can i wash my air fryer in the dishwasher? Run through three simple checks. First, read the cleaning section of your manual for model-specific advice. Second, check each part for a dishwasher-safe symbol or notes on the handle or underside. Third, decide whether this is a quick everyday clean or a heavy-degrease session.

Use the dishwasher for baskets, drawers, and trays only if the brand allows it, and keep them on a gentler cycle to protect their coating. Keep the main unit out of the water and treat it like any other electric appliance that lives near splashes. With that balance, you get the ease of a dishwasher when it helps and the longer life that comes from gentle hand cleaning.