Skip to Content

Can I put my Ninja Foodi basket in the dishwasher?

Introduction

The Ninja Foodi is an incredibly popular and versatile multi-cooker that can pressure cook, air fry, bake, broil, dehydrate, and more. One of the most useful accessories included with the Ninja Foodi is the non-stick, dishwasher safe crisper basket. This basket allows you to easily air fry foods like french fries, chicken wings, and veggies with delicious crispy results.

However, there is some confusion around whether or not you can put the Ninja Foodi basket in the dishwasher. The short answer is yes, you can safely clean the Ninja Foodi basket in the dishwasher without damaging it. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to properly care for your basket and extend its life.

In this article, we’ll provide a detailed look at cleaning the Ninja Foodi basket, including:

  • Confirming that the basket is dishwasher safe
  • Best practices for loading the basket in the dishwasher
  • Hand washing recommendations
  • Pro tips for keeping the basket looking new
  • Signs that it may be time to replace the basket

Follow these tips and your Ninja Foodi basket will keep turning out beautifully crisp and delicious air fried meals for years to come!

Is the Ninja Foodi Basket Dishwasher Safe?

The first question many Ninja Foodi owners have is simply “can this basket go in the dishwasher?” Thankfully, the answer is a resounding yes!

Ninja clearly states in the Foodi product manuals that the crisper basket is dishwasher safe. This applies to every model of the Foodi, including:

  • The original Ninja Foodi
  • The Ninja Foodi DELUXE
  • The Ninja Foodi Grill
  • The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill
  • The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer
  • The Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven

So no matter which version of the Ninja Foodi you own, you can safely clean the basket in the dishwasher without worry.

Best Practices for Loading the Basket in the Dishwasher

While the basket is dishwasher safe, there are some best practices to follow when loading it to get the best clean and avoid any damage:

Give it space: Be sure not to overload the dishwasher or nest items too closely together. The basket needs adequate space for water circulation and exposure to the spray jets during the wash cycle.

Lay flat: Place the basket in the bottom rack of your dishwasher laying completely flat. Do not stand it on its side or lean it against other items. Laying flat allows for proper cleaning of all surfaces.

Watch out for utensils: Take care not to nestle sharp utensils like knives inside the basket. This can lead to scratches and damage over time.

Remove debris: It’s a good idea to give the basket a quick rinse or soak to remove any loose food debris before placing in the dishwasher. This prevents food from getting baked on through the heat dry cycle.

Skip the heated dry: Let the basket air dry naturally rather than using the heated dry function. The high heat can cause the non-stick coating to deteriorate over time.

Hand Washing the Basket

While the dishwasher does a great job cleaning the Ninja basket, you can also wash it by hand. Here are some tips:

Use mild detergent: Stick to mild dish soaps, avoid anything too harsh or abrasive. Dishwasher detergent packs also work well for hand washing.

Use a soft sponge: Gently clean with a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbers.

Rinse thoroughly: Be sure to rinse very thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Soap residue can impact the non-stick surface over time.

Dry completely: Fully air dry the basket before storing to prevent moisture damage.

Spot clean: For stubborn stuck-on messes, let the basket soak for 10-15 minutes in hot soapy water before hand washing. This softens the debris for easier cleaning.

Pro Tips for Keeping the Basket Looking New

With regular use in the dishwasher and proper care, your Ninja Foodi basket can maintain its like-new condition for a long time. Here are some pro tips:

Avoid metal utensils: Never use metal tongs, forks, or knives on the basket’s surface. Always use silicone, wood, or plastic utensils. Metal can quickly damage the coating.

Check temps: Don’t air fry foods above 400°F in the basket. The high heat can accelerate coating degradation over time.

line with foil: For messier foods like meats, fish, and battered items, line the basket with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup. Just be sure to avoid excessive foil overhang.

Clean after each use: Don’t let debris, grease, or oil sit for too long. Wash after each use for easiest cleaning.

Store properly: When storing, avoid nesting items inside the basket that could scratch or dent it. Store in a clean, dry place.

When Is It Time to Replace the Basket?

With proper care and cleaning, your Ninja Foodi basket can provide many years of crisp air frying before needing replacement. But here are some signs it may be time for a new one:

  • The coating appears damaged, cracked, or peeling
  • Foods are sticking when cooking, instead of releasing easily
  • The basket has become warped or misshapen over time
  • You notice a decrease in cooking performance
  • The basket developed rust spots that cannot be removed

Replacement Ninja Foodi crisper baskets can be purchased directly from Ninja or retailers like Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond if needed. They typically retail for $19.99 – $29.99 depending on the specific model. Investing in a new basket restores performance and makes air frying feel like new again!

The Bottom Line

The Ninja Foodi basket is an invaluable accessory that makes it easy to achieve delicious crispiness from the air fryer setting. While requiring a bit more care than some accessories, understanding proper usage and cleaning is key to getting the most out of this basket.

By following the tips above, there’s no reason you can’t safely clean your Ninja Foodi basket in the dishwasher and enjoy longevity from this useful pan. Refer back to these dishwasher dos and don’ts whenever needed so your Ninja Foodi keeps delivering air frying magic for years of family meals to come!

Dishwasher Do’s Dishwasher Don’ts
Lay the basket completely flat Overload the dishwasher
Give the basket adequate space Nest the basket tightly with other items
Remove loose debris before washing Leave sharp utensils inside the basket
Use lower heat drying or air dry Use the high-heat dry setting
Hand Washing Do’s Hand Washing Don’ts
Use mild dish soap Use harsh detergents
Clean gently with a soft sponge Scrub aggressively with abrasive scrubbers
Fully rinse away all soap residue Leave soap residue remaining
Fully air dry before storing Put away wet or damp