Air Fryer Baking: Can You Use A Baking Pan?

Air fryers are small convection ovens that use hot air instead of hot oil or fat to cook food. They are great for baking, especially if you're cooking small batches or want to avoid heating up your kitchen. You can use any oven-proof dish or mould in an air fryer, including glass, ceramic, metal, or silicone. However, it's important to ensure that the dishware is oven-safe and doesn't have large handles that could get in the way. It's also crucial to leave some space around the baking tin to ensure proper airflow.

What types of baking tins can be used in an air fryer?

Air fryers are small convection ovens that use hot air to cook food, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying. They are versatile and can be used for frying, roasting, grilling, and baking.

When it comes to the types of baking tins that can be used in an air fryer, the options are quite varied. Here are some general guidelines and recommendations:

• Any oven-proof dish or mould can be used, whether it is made of glass, ceramic, metal, or silicone. Just ensure it is oven-safe and fits your air fryer with enough room for airflow.
• Avoid tins with large handles as they can get in the way and reduce the usable space inside the air fryer. Opt for tins with minimal or no handles to maximise the usable space.
• The size of the baking tin is important. It should not be too deep or tall so that it doesn't touch the heating element. The ideal size will depend on the specific model of your air fryer, so measure the interior dimensions before purchasing tins.
• Non-stick dark pans are a good option as they absorb heat well and help achieve a crispy texture without sticking.
• Metal tins, such as muffin pans, cake pans, or sheet pans, are excellent for conducting heat quickly and evenly.
• Silicone moulds are ideal for delicate items like muffins and cakes as they allow for easy removal, but they may require adjustments to cooking times.
• For pies, it is recommended to blind-bake the crust before adding the filling, as the air fryer may not cook the crust properly with the filling already in place.
• Parchment paper can be used for cookies, bread, and biscuits to prevent sticking and falling through the basket openings. Pre-cut parchment paper liners with holes for airflow are also available.
• Glass baking dishes can be used, but be cautious of rapid temperature changes as they can cause cracking.
• Ceramic pans are a good option for cooking at a consistent temperature and are non-reactive, so they won't alter the taste of acidic foods.
• Tempered glass pans are suitable for casseroles and dishes that require a longer cooking time at a steady heat, but they are heavier.
• For baking smaller batches of cakes, focaccia, or cornbread, a small, deep baking dish (around 6 inches square) may be ideal.
• Round or square cake pans are suitable for sponge cakes, pound cakes, and brownies.
• Springform pans are recommended for cheesecakes.
• Mini loaf pans are great for mini cakes and banana bread.
• Bundt pans are available in different sizes and can be used for bundt cakes.
• Cupcake moulds or liners, either silicone or paper, can be used for cupcakes, muffins, or small gratins.
• Pizza pans are also available for air fryers, and they can be useful if you plan to bake pizzas.

What are the benefits of using special pans in an air fryer?

Using special pans in an air fryer offers several benefits, including improved heat distribution, faster cooking times, and easier cleaning. Here are some advantages to consider:

Uniform Heat Distribution

Special pans designed for air fryers ensure uniform heat distribution, cooking your food more evenly. By placing food in a preheated pan, you achieve consistent temperatures across the pan's surface, resulting in even cooking. This is particularly important for proteins like chicken and fish, preventing them from drying out or becoming tough.

Efficient Heat Retention

Special pans also retain heat more effectively than cooking on a rack. This leads to shorter cooking times and helps prevent your food from drying out. The even heat distribution is crucial for achieving the perfect crispiness that air fryers are known for.

Cleaner Cooking Experience

Using special pans can also make your cooking experience cleaner and less messy. They help catch drippings and residues, making it easier to maintain your air fryer and reducing potential fire hazards. This is especially important if you're cooking foods with high-fat content, as the drippings can produce smoke and affect the taste of your food.

Better Food Quality

Dark-colored baking sheets or pans are ideal for air fryers as they get hotter and retain heat better than lighter-colored pans. This results in crispier food and more even browning. Additionally, using pans or aluminum foil can help prevent food, especially delicate items like fish, from sticking to the air fryer basket or rack.

Preventing Drips and Smoke

Deeper pans, such as loaf pans, are useful for preventing food drippings from spilling into the air fryer. This is crucial as drippings, especially fats, can produce smoke and affect the taste of your food. By using deeper pans, you minimize the risk of smoke and maintain the flavor integrity of your dishes.

Easy Maintenance

Special pans with non-stick coatings or those made from materials like silicone make cleaning a breeze. They efficiently catch burnt-on residues, reducing the time and effort required to clean your air fryer after each use. Regular cleaning also helps prolong the life of your air fryer and prevents fire hazards.

What are the best materials for air fryer pans?

When it comes to choosing the best materials for air fryer pans, several options offer durability, heat resistance, and even cooking. Here are some of the top choices:

Metal Pans: Metal is an excellent conductor of heat, ensuring quick and even cooking. Metal muffin pans, cake pans, and sheet pans are versatile and suitable for a range of dishes.

Non-Stick Dark Pans: These pans are ideal for achieving crispy textures without food sticking to the surface. They absorb heat efficiently, reducing cooking time.

Cast Iron: Cast iron pans are perfect for high-heat cooking and getting that crispy finish. They retain heat exceptionally well, making them a favourite for searing meats.

Silicone Molds: Silicone is a flexible, heat-resistant material that allows for easy removal of delicate foods like muffins and cakes. However, cooking times may need adjustment as silicone doesn't conduct heat as efficiently as metal.

Aluminium Pans: Lightweight and disposable, aluminium pans heat up quickly and distribute heat evenly. They are a convenient choice for mess-free cleanup.

Ceramic: Ceramic pans offer consistent cooking temperatures and are non-reactive, meaning they won't alter the taste of acidic foods.

Tempered Glass: While heavier, tempered glass pans are excellent for casseroles and dishes that require a steady heat for longer cooking times.

When selecting pans for your air fryer, it's crucial to consider both the material and the size. Ensure the pan is oven-safe, fits comfortably inside the air fryer, and allows for proper airflow. Additionally, avoid using paper products, plastic, and light-coloured pans, as they can be unsafe and affect the quality of your food.

What size pan is best for an air fryer?

Yes, you can use a baking pan in an air fryer. In fact, you can use any oven-safe dishware in an air fryer, as long as it fits.

When it comes to the size of the pan, it is important to consider the shape and size of your air fryer. The best size pan for an air fryer is one that is tall enough to contain the food without blocking the heating element, leaves enough room for air circulation, and is oven-safe.

• For a basket-style air fryer, the best size for baking pans is 5-8 inches round or square, or a 6-cup bundt pan.
• For an oven-style air fryer, you can use slightly bigger pans, such as a 9-inch pie pan or an 8-inch square cake pan.

It is also important to note that the depth of the pan should not be too deep or tall so that it does not touch the heating element in the air fryer. Shallow pans will also bake cakes faster.

Additionally, here are some tips for choosing the right size pan for your air fryer:

• Measure the interior of your air fryer to ensure the pan will fit properly.
• Choose a pan that is oven-safe and can withstand high temperatures.
• Avoid using pans with handles, especially if they have wooden or plastic grips, as these materials can melt.
• Do not use Teflon or non-stick coated pans, as they can release harmful toxins when heated past 300°F.
• Avoid using paper or plastic products in the air fryer, as they can catch on fire or melt.

By following these tips and choosing the right size pan for your air fryer, you can enhance your cooking experience and achieve delicious results.

Do you need to preheat an air fryer?

Preheating an air fryer is a straightforward process that significantly influences the outcome of your culinary creations. It ensures even cooking and gives your food a crispy exterior without compromising the juiciness. It also reduces cooking time, making it more energy efficient.

However, some people find that preheating makes no difference to the outcome of their food. This may be because air fryers tend to heat up pretty quickly due to the size of the cooking section.

• Plug in your air fryer and turn it on. Ensure a stable power source for consistent heating.
• Set the desired cooking temperature on the air fryer's control panel. This should match the temperature recommended in your recipe.
• Adjust the timer to the recommended preheating time. This duration allows the air fryer to reach the specified temperature thoroughly.
• For optimal results, preheat the air fryer with an empty basket. This ensures that the cooking chamber reaches the desired temperature uniformly.
• Some air fryers come equipped with a preheating indicator. Wait until the indicator signals that the preheating process is complete.
• Once preheated, open the air fryer, load your ingredients into the basket, and commence the cooking process.

It is important to note that preheating for too long might lead to an extremely hot cooking environment that could damage the air fryer and burn your food. Therefore, it is recommended to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your air fryer for optimal results.

Frequently asked questions