Are Air Fryer Baskets Dishwasher Safe?
Some air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe, but not all of them are. The safest way to know is to check the cleaning instructions for your exact air fryer model.
For example, Ninja says the basket and crisper plate on its AF100 Series can be washed in a dishwasher. COSORI gives the same approval for the basket and crisper plate on its CAF-LI401S. However, some manufacturers add specific restrictions. Instant, for example, says the basket on its Vortex air fryers should go on the top rack only. So, don’t assume that every removable air fryer basket can automatically go in the dishwasher.
The simple rule is:
If the manual for your exact model says the basket is dishwasher safe, you can use the dishwasher according to those instructions. If you cannot confirm it, hand washing is the safer choice.
[Updated: September 27, 2026]
Quick Answer: Can Your Air Fryer Basket Go in the Dishwasher?
| What the manufacturer says | What you should do |
|---|---|
| “Dishwasher safe” | Dishwasher cleaning is permitted |
| “Top-rack dishwasher safe” | Use the top rack only |
| “Hand wash only” | Do not use the dishwasher |
| No dishwasher instructions | Hand wash until you can verify |
| Basket coating is damaged or flaking | Stop using it and contact the manufacturer |
| Main air fryer unit | Never put it in the dishwasher |
That last point is important. The powered part of an air fryer contains electrical components, controls, wiring, a fan, and a heating system. Ninja’s AF100 manual, for example, specifically says the main unit should never be immersed in liquid or cleaned in a dishwasher.
Can I Put My Air Fryer Basket in the Dishwasher?
You can put your air fryer basket in the dishwasher only when the manufacturer approves dishwasher cleaning for that specific basket.
Material alone is not enough to determine whether a basket is dishwasher safe. Two baskets may both have nonstick coatings but come with different cleaning instructions because their handles, rubber bumpers, coatings, fasteners, or other components differ.
That’s why you should check the model number, not simply the brand name.
For example, saying:
“Ninja air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe”
is too broad.
A better statement is:
“The Ninja AF100 Series manual says its basket and crisper plate can be washed in the dishwasher.”
This model-specific approach is more accurate and also more useful when you’re trying to protect the basket over the long term.
Which Air Fryer Parts Are Dishwasher Safe?
Removable parts are much more likely to be dishwasher safe than the air fryer’s main body. However, the exact instructions vary by model.
| Air fryer part | Dishwasher safe? | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Basket | Sometimes | Exact model manual |
| Crisper plate | Often on many models | Coating, silicone feet, manufacturer instructions |
| Drawer or cooking pan | Sometimes | Model-specific care instructions |
| Cooking rack | Sometimes | Material and coating |
| Drip tray | Sometimes | Manufacturer instructions |
| Main appliance body | No | Contains electrical components |
| Heating element | No | Clean according to manual |
| Control panel | No | Usually wipe with a damp cloth |
| Power cord and plug | No | Never immerse in water |
I also recommend cleaning removable parts with warm soapy water and a soft sponge when hand washing, while keeping abrasives away from nonstick surfaces.
Dishwasher-Safe Air Fryer Baskets by Brand and Model
Instead of treating an entire brand as dishwasher safe or unsafe, it is better to look at individual models.
| Air fryer model | Manufacturer guidance |
|---|---|
| Ninja AF100 Series | Basket, crisper plate, and accessories can be washed in dishwasher |
| COSORI CAF-LI401S | Basket and crisper plate are dishwasher safe |
| Instant Vortex 6QT | Basket is top-rack dishwasher safe |
| Philips Viva RI9726/14 | Basket, removable drawer, and removable parts are dishwasher safe |
| Gourmia GAF823 | Basket and crisper tray are top-rack dishwasher safe |
Ninja provides dishwasher approval for the AF100 removable components, while COSORI approves dishwasher cleaning for the CAF-LI401S basket and crisper plate.
Instant gives more specific instructions: the basket on its Vortex models is top-rack dishwasher safe.
Philips says the basket and removable drawer on its Viva RI9726/14 are dishwasher safe, while Gourmia’s GAF823 manual specifies that its basket and crisper tray should be cleaned on the dishwasher’s top rack only. Philips
This is why checking the exact model matters.
How Do I Know If My Air Fryer Basket Is Dishwasher Safe?
Start with your air fryer manual. Look for a section called Cleaning, Care and Maintenance, or Cleaning Instructions. If you no longer have the printed manual, find the model number of your air fryer. It is commonly printed on a rating label on the bottom or back of the appliance.
Then search for:
[brand] + [model number] + user manual
For example:
Ninja AF100 user manual
or:
Gourmia GAF823 manual
Whenever possible, use the manufacturer’s official support page or PDF rather than relying on cleaning instructions for a different model. Once you open the manual, search for terms such as dishwasher, basket, crisper plate, cleaning, or hand wash.
How to Wash a Dishwasher-Safe Air Fryer Basket
If your manual confirms that the basket is dishwasher safe, the cleaning process is straightforward.
First, unplug the air fryer and allow the basket to cool. Remove loose crumbs, food, and excess grease before loading it into the dishwasher. Next, place the basket securely in the rack position recommended by the manufacturer so that it does not interfere with the spray arm or collide heavily with other items.
After the wash cycle, allow the basket and any crisper plate or accessories to dry completely before reinstalling them.
You should also follow any detergent or dishwasher-cycle recommendations in the air fryer’s manual. There is no need to buy a special detergent unless your manufacturer specifically requires one.
Is Hand Washing Better Than the Dishwasher?
Sometimes. A basket can be dishwasher safe while hand washing may still be the gentler option for routine care, particularly when the cooking surface has a nonstick coating.
I note that although several air fryer manufacturers permit dishwasher cleaning of removable parts, it prefers hand cleaning because a harsh dishwasher cycle or contact with other dishes may damage a nonstick coating.
I similarly recommend warm soapy water, a soft sponge or cloth, and avoiding abrasives on nonstick baskets.
Dishwasher vs. Hand Washing
| Method | Main advantage | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | Convenient and less manual cleaning | Must be approved for your model |
| Hand washing | More control and gentle cleaning | Takes more time |
| Soaking | Helps loosen stuck food | Only for removable washable parts |
| Damp-cloth cleaning | Appropriate for appliance body | Unit should be unplugged and cool |
For everyday cleaning, I would use this practical approach:
If the basket has light residue, hand wash it with warm soapy water and a soft sponge. If it has heavier grease and the manual explicitly permits dishwasher cleaning, using the dishwasher is reasonable.
Can Dishwasher Cleaning Damage a Nonstick Air Fryer Basket?
It can, particularly if the manufacturer does not recommend dishwasher cleaning or if the basket repeatedly contacts abrasive objects. However, this does not mean every dishwasher-safe nonstick basket will be damaged by dishwasher use. Many manufacturers explicitly approve dishwasher cleaning even though their baskets have nonstick surfaces.
For example, COSORI says the CAF-LI401S basket and crisper plate are dishwasher safe, but it also warns against metal utensils and abrasive cleaning materials because those components have a nonstick coating.
Therefore, the most accurate advice is:
Follow the dishwasher instructions for your particular model and avoid abrasive cleaning methods, even when the basket is dishwasher safe.
If you prefer to minimize unnecessary wear, hand washing with a soft sponge is a simple alternative.
I have faced these problem when I cleaned my air fryer basket with dishwasher.
- Faded coating.
- Rough cooking surface.
- Food sticking more often.
- Peeling or flaking.
- Rust spots on exposed metal.
- Loose rubber feet.
- Warped plastic handle.
- Water trapped near seams.
What If the Air Fryer Basket Coating Is Scratched or Peeling?
A scratched or flaking basket should be treated differently from an undamaged dishwasher-safe basket. I advise against using an air fryer when the nonstick coating is flaking. Instead, it recommends contacting the manufacturer for a replacement basket or checking whether the appliance can be returned. So, if you notice obvious peeling or flaking, don’t simply continue running the basket through the dishwasher.
Check whether:
- the manufacturer sells a replacement basket,
- the product is still under warranty,
- customer support recommends replacement,
- or another compatible part is officially available.
Avoid metal utensils, steel wool, sharp scraping tools, and abrasive cleaners because they can scratch nonstick surfaces.
Does the Basket Material Determine Dishwasher Safety?
Not by itself. An air fryer basket might use:
PTFE-type nonstick coating, ceramic-style coating, stainless steel, aluminum, or another coated metal surface.
But the basket may also contain plastic handles, silicone bumpers, removable inserts, fasteners, or other materials.
As a result, you should not assume:
“Stainless steel means dishwasher safe.”
You also should not assume:
“Nonstick means hand wash only.”
The manufacturer’s care instructions for the complete component are what matter. For example, Gourmia’s GAF823 uses a nonstick basket and crisper tray, yet its manual permits cleaning both on the dishwasher’s top rack. Gourmia
What Should Never Go in the Dishwasher?
The main air fryer unit should never go in the dishwasher because it contains electrical parts, heating parts, wires, and controls. Only removable parts should be washed, and only when the manual allows it.
I will recommend that do not put these in the dishwasher:
- Main air fryer body.
- Heating element.
- Fan area.
- Control panel.
- Power cord.
- Plug.
- Digital display.
- Electrical base.
- Any part marked handwash only.
- Damaged coated accessories.
If water reaches electrical parts, the appliance may become unsafe.
How Often Should You Clean an Air Fryer Basket?
Clean the basket after each use once it has cooled enough to handle safely. Leaving grease, crumbs, sauce, and burnt food in the basket can make the next cleaning more difficult. It can also contribute to odors and smoke during later cooking.
I recommend cleaning removable components after cooking rather than allowing food residue to sit overnight. For light cooking, a quick wash with warm soapy water may be enough. After greasy foods such as bacon, wings, or fatty meat, more thorough cleaning may be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all air fryer baskets dishwasher safe?
No. Dishwasher compatibility varies by model. Some manufacturers approve dishwasher cleaning, some specify the top rack only, and others may recommend hand washing. Check your exact model’s manual.
Can I put my air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Yes, you can put your air fryer basket in the dishwasher if your manual says the basket is dishwasher-safe. Ninja and COSORI list dishwasher-safe baskets or crisper plates for some models, but you should check your exact model first. [Ninja Support] [COSORI Guide]
Is it better to handwash an air fryer basket?
Handwashing is often better for long-term care, especially for nonstick or ceramic-coated baskets. Warm water, mild soap, and a soft sponge are gentler than repeated dishwasher cycles. [Model Manual]
Can I put a Ninja air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
Some Ninja air fryer baskets, drawers, pans, and crisper plates are dishwasher-safe depending on the model. Ninja support pages list dishwasher-safe baskets or crisper plates for several models. [Ninja Support]
Can I put a COSORI air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
COSORI says its inner and outer baskets are dishwasher-safe, but it also tells users to check the model-specific manual for cleaning instructions. [COSORI Guide]
Can I put the whole air fryer in the dishwasher?
No, never put the whole air fryer in the dishwasher. The main unit contains electrical parts, heating elements, controls, and the power cord. [Model Manual]
Can I put a nonstick air fryer basket in the dishwasher?
You can put a nonstick air fryer basket in the dishwasher only if the manual says it is dishwasher-safe. Handwashing is often better for protecting the coating.
Why is my air fryer basket peeling after dishwasher use?
The coating may be damaged by heat, detergent, scraping, or age. Stop using the basket if coating flakes into food and check replacement options.
Can I put the crisper plate in the dishwasher?
Yes, you can put the crisper plate in the dishwasher if the manual says it is dishwasher-safe. Ninja lists crisper plates as dishwasher-safe for some models. [Ninja Support]
How often should I clean my air fryer basket?
Clean the basket after each use, especially after greasy, sticky, saucy, or crumbly foods. This helps reduce smoke, smells, and stuck-on residue.
What is the safest way to clean an air fryer basket?
The safest method is to unplug the air fryer, let the basket cool, remove food residue, wash removable parts with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry fully. Use the dishwasher only when the manual allows it. [Model Manual]
Final Answer
So, are air fryer baskets dishwasher safe? Some are, and some are not. The most reliable answer comes from the manual for your exact model, not from the basket’s appearance, material, or brand alone.
If the manufacturer says the basket is dishwasher safe, follow its cleaning instructions, including any top-rack-only requirement. If you cannot confirm dishwasher compatibility, hand washing with warm soapy water and a soft sponge is the safer default.
Most importantly, keep the powered air fryer body out of the dishwasher, avoid abrasive tools on coated surfaces, and replace a basket if its nonstick coating begins visibly peeling or flaking.
