Air fryers are a great alternative to conventional ovens, especially when baking in small batches or when it's hot outside. They are also perfect for those who are cooking for one or two people. You can put a baking dish in an air fryer as long as it's marked for oven use and fits inside. However, it's important to note that the type of bakeware and the size of your air fryer will impact the cooking time and temperature.

Can I put a baking dish in an air fryer?

Bakeware options for air fryers

Air fryers are a great alternative to conventional ovens, especially when baking in small batches or in hot weather. They are also perfect for cooking for one or two people. However, it is important to remember that air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens, so you will need to reduce the cooking temperature and time accordingly.

Any bakeware that is labelled as "oven-safe" will work with an air fryer, but it is important to check the temperature ratings of your bakeware to ensure it can withstand the heat of the air fryer. It is also important to avoid bakeware with large handles, as these can get in the way and prevent the dish from fitting into the air fryer.

• Air fryer-sized muffin and springform pans
• Small, deep baking dishes (e.g. a 6-inch square dish)
• Small cake pans
• Non-stick cake pans (round and square)
• Non-stick pie pans or springform pans
• Glass baking dishes
• CorningWare bakeware sets

Other Options

In addition to the above bakeware options, you can also use parchment paper, foil, terracotta cookware, and aluminium muffin-sized containers in your air fryer. Parchment paper is a good option for cookies, bread, and biscuits, as it prevents sticking and allows for air circulation.

Preheating the Air Fryer

It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for baked goods that rely on chemical or yeast leaveners (such as baking soda, baking powder, or yeast) so that they get an initial burst of heat to help with rising.

Adjusting Expectations

It is important to remember that the air fryer does not produce the same results as a conventional oven, so you may need to adjust your expectations. For example, cookies baked in an air fryer will be crunchier on top than on the bottom, and pizza will have more colour and texture on top than on the bottom.

Adjusting recipes for air fryers

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying, pan frying, or oven baking. They are healthier, faster, and easier to use. However, you will need to adjust your recipes to get the best results. Here are some tips for adjusting your recipes for an air fryer:

Temperature

When converting an oven-baked recipe to an air fryer recipe, it is generally recommended to reduce the temperature by 25°F to 50°F. This is because air fryers cook food faster and at a higher intensity than conventional ovens. By lowering the temperature, you can prevent your food from burning or getting too dark.

Timing

In addition to adjusting the temperature, you will also need to reduce the cooking time. A good rule of thumb is to decrease the cooking time by about 20% to 25%. This means that if a recipe calls for 30 minutes of cooking time in the oven, you would cook it for approximately 24 minutes in the air fryer. However, it is important to note that air fryers can vary, so it is recommended to start checking your food for doneness at the halfway point or about two-thirds of the way through the original cooking time.

Oil

Air fryers use hot air to cook food, which means that your food may not get as crispy as it would in a deep fryer or pan. To help achieve that crispy texture, it is recommended to use a light spray of cooking oil, such as avocado or canola oil. Apply the oil halfway through cooking and flip or toss your food to ensure even coverage.

Bakeware

When using bakeware in an air fryer, it is important to choose the right size and material. The bakeware should be oven-safe and marked for oven use. Glass, ceramic, and metal bakeware are all suitable options. However, it is important to ensure that the bakeware does not obstruct the hot air circulation in the air fryer, as this can result in uneven cooking. Shallow pans are generally recommended as they allow for better air circulation. Additionally, it is important to avoid using aluminium bakeware with overly acidic foods as this can cause a chemical reaction and give your food a metallic taste.

Preheating

Preheating your air fryer is generally recommended, especially when using baking powder, as it needs a certain temperature to activate. However, some sources suggest that preheating is not necessary for cakes and cookies, as the difference in temperature is minimal.

Food Types

Not all foods are suitable for cooking in an air fryer. Foods with a thin, wet batter, such as onion rings or tempura, are not recommended as they can create a mess. Wet foods, such as meats in a liquid marinade, are also not ideal as they will not brown well. Light, leafy greens, such as kale, should be avoided as they can fly around the air fryer due to the fan. Large whole chickens may also cook unevenly in an air fryer.

Air fryer pros and cons

Air fryers are a popular choice for those looking for a convenient, versatile, and relatively inexpensive way to cook. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide if an air fryer is right for your needs:

Pros:

• Fast and efficient cooking: Air fryers heat up and cook food much faster than conventional ovens, making them ideal for quick snacks or family meals.
• Even cooking: Air fryers use convection to circulate hot air, resulting in evenly cooked and crispy food.
• Less oil required: Air fryers require significantly less oil than deep or shallow frying, making them a healthier alternative.
• Safer: Air fryers are safer than handling hot oil, reducing the risk of accidental spills or splashes.
• Easy to clean: Air fryers are generally easier to clean than traditional frying methods, with dishwasher-safe parts or the option to hand-wash.

Cons:

• Limited capacity: Air fryers have a smaller capacity than standard ovens, making them less suitable for large households or cooking big meals.
• Not suitable for all foods: Some foods, like leafy greens, can burn or dry out quickly in an air fryer.
• Overcooking: Due to their fast heating and high temperatures, air fryers can easily overcook or even burn food.
• Bulky and space-consuming: Air fryers can be bulky and require sufficient space on countertops and proper ventilation.
• Noisy: The fans in air fryers can be noisy during use.

Air fryer safety

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens, especially when cooking in small batches or when it's hot outside. They are also a good option for those who are cooking for one or two people. However, there are some safety precautions to be aware of when using an air fryer.

Firstly, it is important to know the interior size of your air fryer, as this will determine what kind of bakeware you can use. Avoid bakeware with big handles, as these can get in the way and prevent the bakeware from fitting into the air fryer. Instead, opt for bakeware with minimal or no handles.

When choosing bakeware, look for items that are labelled as ""oven safe". However, be mindful of any temperature limits specified, as some oven-safe dishware may not be suitable for high temperatures. Additionally, avoid using glass baking dishes in your air fryer, as rapid changes in temperature can cause them to crack.

When cooking with an air fryer, remember that the top of your food is always at risk of getting burned. Thin, runny batters can also blow around if your bakeware is too full. To prevent this, cover your dish with foil, ensuring that it is wrapped securely underneath the baking dish. This will help to prevent the foil from blowing off and touching or getting sucked into the heating element, where it can burn.

It is also important to adjust the temperature and cooking time when using an air fryer. Lower the temperature by 25°F and reduce the cooking time by 20 to 25 percent compared to a regular baking recipe. Additionally, remember that air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens, so check your food at around 30 percent of the recipe's specified cooking time.

Air fryer accessories

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens, as they are faster and more energy-efficient. However, you may need to adjust your recipes, as food cooked in an air fryer may cook faster and at a lower temperature compared to a conventional oven.

When it comes to air fryer accessories, there are a variety of options to choose from, including:

• Liners: Air fryer liners are placed at the bottom of the fryer to prevent food from sticking and to make cleaning easier. They come in various materials such as paper, silicone, and ceramic. Some popular options include Vancens Air Fryer Liners and COSORI Air Fryer Liners.
• Pans: Air fryer pans are used to cook food and come in different shapes and sizes, such as cake pans, pizza pans, and grill pans. The Instant Vortex Grill Pan is a good option for indoor grilling, while the SHEbaking Air Fryer Muffin Pan is great for muffins and egg cups.
• Racks: Racks are used to elevate food inside the air fryer, allowing for more even cooking. The Anqia Skewers and Rack set is a good option for cooking beef skewers, burgers, fish, or steak.
• Tongs: Heat-resistant tongs are essential for safely maneuvering food in and out of the air fryer. OXO Heat-Resistant Tongs are made of stainless steel with silicone heads, making them both sturdy and safe.
• Molds: Air fryer molds are used to shape food and come in various shapes and sizes, such as bagel molds, donut molds, and egg bite molds. The Encounter Bagel and Donut Molds are a fun option for experimenting with different recipes.
• Thermometers: An instant-read thermometer, like the ThermoWorks Thermapen, is useful for ensuring your food is cooked to the correct temperature.
• Accessory Kits: Air fryer accessory kits include a variety of tools such as pans, racks, and silicone molds. The Leanking Accessory Kit is a good option that includes everything you need to get started with your air fryer.
• Oil Sprayers: Oil sprayers are used to evenly coat food with oil before air frying. The ZEREOOY Oil Sprayer is a popular option that can be filled with your favorite oil.

Frequently asked questions