Air Fryer Flexibility: Can Dishes Be Fried?

Air fryers are a convenient kitchen appliance that can cook a wide variety of dishes with minimal oil and in less time than traditional ovens. They work similarly to small convection ovens, using hot air convection cooking to turn out crispy, crunchy foods with locked-in juiciness. When it comes to the dishes you can use in an air fryer, it's important to choose oven-safe options such as glass, metal, cast iron, and ceramic. However, it's crucial to avoid plastic and certain types of glass that can warp, melt, or shatter due to the high temperatures.

What dishes are safe to use in an air fryer?

Air fryers are a convenient and healthier alternative to deep fryers. They can cook a wide variety of dishes, from savoury to sweet, and are especially good for making food crispy.

So, what dishes are safe to use in an air fryer?

Firstly, it is important to note that some materials are not suitable for air fryers. Plastic and certain types of glass should never be placed in an air fryer as they can melt, warp or shatter. Wooden utensils should also be avoided as the handles may catch fire.

The best dishes to use in an air fryer are those that are oven-safe, as the two appliances operate in a similar way. Oven-safe dishware includes glass, metal, cast iron and ceramic. However, it is important to ensure that the dish is labelled as safe for the temperature you are cooking at, as some materials can crack or shatter if they get too hot.

When using oven-safe glass, it is important to avoid temperature shock by allowing the dish to cool down before removing it from the air fryer. Pyrex glass is a good option as it is thermal shock-resistant.

Metal dishes, such as stainless steel, copper and cast iron, are also safe to use in an air fryer, but care should be taken to avoid plastic handles or lids that may melt. Copper dishes should also be checked to ensure they are not coated with anything that could become toxic when heated.

Ceramic dishes are another good option for air fryers as they can withstand high temperatures and allow heat to penetrate evenly. They are also non-stick, making clean-up easier.

Silicone is a popular choice for air fryer dishes as it can withstand high temperatures and has low thermal conductivity, making it safer to handle.

In addition to these materials, there are a few other items that can be used in an air fryer. These include aluminium foil, parchment paper, toothpicks and silicone moulds.

When choosing a dish for your air fryer, it is important to consider the size. Dishes that are too large may block the flow of hot air and result in uneven cooking. It is also important to adjust cooking times, as air fryers tend to cook food faster than traditional ovens.

So, to summarise, the best dishes to use in an air fryer are those that are oven-safe, such as glass, metal, cast iron and ceramic, as well as silicone dishes designed specifically for air fryers. Always check that your chosen dish is safe for the temperature you are cooking at and adjust cooking times accordingly.

What dishes should be avoided in an air fryer?

While air fryers are incredibly versatile, there are some dishes that should be avoided. Here's a list of what not to use in an air fryer:

Plastic

Plastic containers, plates, and bowls should be avoided as they will melt and release toxic fumes. The high temperatures of an air fryer can cause plastic to warp and melt, resulting in a dangerous cleanup.

Non-Ovenproof Glass

Avoid using glass dishes that are not ovenproof or tempered. The sudden temperature change can cause regular glass to shatter. Pyrex dishes, made of borosilicate glass, are a better option as they are thermal shock-resistant.

Utensils with Wooden Handles

Wooden handles on utensils can catch fire, so it's best to avoid placing them inside the air fryer.

Wet Batter

Using wet batter in an air fryer can cause a mess as it may drip onto the heating element and other parts of the appliance.

Paper Towels and Paper Plates

The powerful fan in an air fryer can cause paper towels and paper plates to fly around and potentially create a fire hazard.

Ordinary Ceramic

While ceramic dishes are generally safe, it's important to ensure they are labelled as oven-safe. Ordinary ceramic dishes may not be able to withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer.

Aluminium Foil

When using aluminium foil in an air fryer, it's crucial to follow certain precautions. Avoid direct contact between the foil and the heating element, and always weigh it down to prevent it from blowing around. Additionally, avoid direct contact between aluminium foil and acidic foods to prevent unwanted reactions.

Parchment Paper

Although parchment paper can be used in an air fryer, it's important to follow safety guidelines. Perforated parchment paper is recommended to improve air circulation and prevent fires.

How to adapt oven recipes for an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook your favourite foods in a healthier fashion. They are easy to use and cook food really fast. You can use your air fryer to cook a wide array of recipes, including those that are usually deep-fried, pan-fried, or oven-baked.

• Temperature: Reduce the temperature by 25-50°F. Air fryers cook food at a lower temperature than ovens, so you need to adjust the temperature accordingly.
• Cooking Time: Reduce the cooking time by about 20-25%. Air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens due to their compact size and powerful fan, so you'll need to reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
• Check for Doneness: Start checking your food at the halfway mark to ensure it's not overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of proteins and adjust the temperature or time as needed.
• Oil: Air fryers use less oil than traditional frying methods, but a light spray of cooking oil can help your food brown and crisp properly. Flip your food halfway through cooking and give it a second light spritz of oil.
• Dishware: Use oven-safe dishware that is sized appropriately for your air fryer. Avoid plastic and certain types of glass, as they can warp, melt, or shatter in the high temperatures of an air fryer. Good options include silicone, ceramic, metal, cast iron, and some types of glass (e.g. Pyrex).
• Preheat: Preheat your air fryer before adding your food.
• Flip or Shake: Flip your food halfway through cooking or shake the basket to ensure even browning.
• Don't Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking. Larger recipes may need to be cooked in batches.

How to choose the right-sized dish

When choosing a dish to use in your air fryer, it's important to select one that is the right size. A dish that is too large will block the flow of hot air, resulting in unevenly cooked food. Most oven-safe dishes come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that fits perfectly into your air fryer.

To ensure your food doesn't overflow, it's important to consider the type of food you are cooking. For example, if you are making muffins or cupcakes, fill the cup only three-quarters of the way.

Additionally, it's crucial to choose a dish that is oven-safe and made of suitable materials. Avoid using plastic or certain types of glass in an air fryer, as they can warp, melt, or shatter due to the high temperatures. Instead, opt for oven-safe glass, metal, cast iron, or ceramic dishes.

• Measure the size of your air fryer basket before selecting a dish to ensure it fits perfectly.
• Choose a dish with a size and shape that allows adequate airflow and doesn't block the hot air circulation.
• Consider using silicone basket liners or parchment paper liners, which can help with cleanup and are available in various sizes and shapes to fit your air fryer.
• Opt for a dish with a size that is proportionate to the amount of food you are cooking to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper cooking.
• If you're cooking multiple items at once, select a dish that fits comfortably in your air fryer, leaving enough space for hot air to circulate.

Tips for cooking with an air fryer

Air fryers are a fantastic kitchen appliance for cooking a wide variety of dishes, from mains to sides, desserts, and even reheating leftovers. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your air fryer:

Choose the right dishes

Always use oven-safe dishes in your air fryer. Look for dishes made from materials such as glass, metal, cast iron, or ceramic. Avoid using plastic or certain types of glass, as they can warp, melt, or shatter due to the high temperatures.

Size matters

Ensure your dish fits comfortably inside the air fryer with enough space for proper airflow. A dish that is too large will block the flow of hot air, resulting in uneven cooking. Also, consider the size and expansion of your food. For dishes that will expand, like muffins or cupcakes, fill the cups only three-quarters of the way to avoid overflow.

Adjust cooking times

Air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens due to their compact size and powerful fans. Therefore, you will likely need to adjust the cooking time and temperature for recipes designed for a conventional oven. As a starting point, reduce the temperature by 25°F and halve the cooking time, checking your food regularly to avoid overcooking.

Use air fryer liners

Line your air fryer basket with silicone or parchment paper liners. This makes cleaning easier and helps catch any mess from sticky or saucy foods. Parchment paper is highly flammable, so be sure to follow safety guidelines when using it.

Preheat your air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is essential for achieving a crispy finish on your food. Most air fryers only take a few minutes, or even seconds, to preheat.

Check on your food regularly

Air fryer cooking times can vary depending on the model, the size and type of food, and your personal preferences. To ensure your food is cooked to your liking, check on it two or three times during the cooking process. For dishes like fries, sausages, or vegetables, shake the basket periodically to get an even, golden finish.

Experiment with different foods

Air fryers are incredibly versatile and can be used for much more than just frying foods. You can bake, roast, grill, and even dehydrate various ingredients. From proteins like chicken, tofu, and fish to vegetables, desserts, and leftovers, there are endless possibilities for creating delicious and healthy meals with your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions