Using Glass Bowls In Air Fryers: What You Need To Know

Air fryers are becoming increasingly popular, and many people are discovering new ways to cook with them. One common question is whether it is safe to use a glass bowl in an air fryer. The short answer is yes, but there are some important precautions to consider. Firstly, not all glass is suitable for air fryers. It is crucial to use tempered, oven-safe glass that is free of cracks and can withstand high temperatures. Avoid using glass that is not heat-resistant, as it may shatter due to thermal shock. Additionally, ensure that the glassware is the appropriate size and shape for your air fryer model, allowing for proper airflow. By following these guidelines, you can safely use glass bowls in your air fryer and enjoy the benefits of even heating, non-toxicity, and convenience.

Glass bowl material

Glass bowls can be used in air fryers, but not all glass is created equal. Oven-safe glass can withstand high temperatures without shattering, but regular glass cannot go into an air fryer because the sudden temperature change will cause it to undergo thermal shock and shatter.

Oven-safe glass is glass that has been tempered at 1,000°F, making it suitable for cooking purposes. Borosilicate glass, such as Pyrex, is a type of tempered glass that is the safest choice for cooking. It can withstand high heat and ensures your food is cooked safely. On the other hand, soda-lime glass, recognized by its greenish tint, is not suitable for cooking due to its low heat resistance and tendency to break easily.

To determine if your glass bowl is oven-safe, look for the oven-safe symbol on the bottom. If there is no symbol, do not use the bowl in your air fryer. Pyrex is rated for a maximum temperature of 425°F, while other glass cookware is only rated for 350°F, so checking the temperature stamp is critical.

Even if your glass bowl has the appropriate stamp, you should still take precautions when using it in an air fryer. Avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause thermal shock and lead to shattering. Do not put a glass bowl directly from the refrigerator into the air fryer, and do not place a hot glass bowl on a cold surface. Instead, allow the bowl to come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer.

Additionally, the size and shape of the glass bowl matter. Ensure that your bowl fits properly in your air fryer without obstructing airflow. If the bowl is too large, it could prevent the hot air from circulating correctly, leading to uneven cooking and potential overheating.

By following these guidelines and taking the necessary precautions, you can safely use glass bowls in your air fryer.

Glass bowl temperature

Glass bowls can be used in air fryers, but there are several precautions to take to avoid damaging your glassware and air fryer.

Firstly, avoid high temperatures or sudden temperature changes. Air fryers are designed to reach high temperatures very quickly, which can cause an ordinary glass bowl to shatter or explode. Therefore, it is recommended to use high-quality glass bowls made of borosilicate glass instead of soda-lime glass. It is also important to never put a glass bowl in an air fryer straight from the refrigerator, as cold glass is more susceptible to thermal shock. Instead, allow the bowl to reach room temperature before placing it in the air fryer.

Secondly, only use tempered or oven-safe glass bowls. Oven-safe glass bowls can typically withstand temperatures between 350°F and 450°F. To identify if a glass bowl is oven-safe, look for a manufacturer's stamp or label, or check the box it came in to find out what type of glass was used. If you are unsure, you can test the bowl by placing it in the air fryer when it is empty and turned off several times.

Thirdly, check the structural weakness of the glass bowl. If the bowl has any small cracks, scratches, uneven surfaces, or colour changes, do not use it in the air fryer.

Finally, ensure that the glass bowl does not block the airflow inside the air fryer. Glass bowls typically do not have holes, so if the bowl is too big or fits too tightly, it may obstruct the airflow, resulting in longer cooking times, uneven cooking, or food that is not cooked at all.

Glass bowl size

Glass bowls can be used in an air fryer, but there are several precautions to be aware of. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the glass bowl is oven-proof or oven-safe, and made from tempered glass. Glass bowls that are oven-safe can withstand temperatures of 350°F to 450°F. However, some air fryers can reach temperatures of 500°F, so it is important to check the temperature rating of the glass bowl before use. Glass bowls made from borosilicate glass, such as Pyrex, are a good option as they can withstand high temperatures. On the other hand, soda-lime glass is not suitable for use in an air fryer due to its low heat resistance.

It is also important to avoid sudden temperature changes when using a glass bowl in an air fryer. Glass bowls should be allowed to reach room temperature before being placed in a hot air fryer, and hot glass bowls should be allowed to cool naturally before being placed on a cold surface. This is because sudden temperature changes can cause thermal shock, which may cause the glass to shatter.

The size of the glass bowl is another important consideration. The glass bowl should fit comfortably inside the air fryer, without obstructing the airflow. If the airflow is blocked, it may cause the food to cook unevenly or not at all. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the glass bowl is the appropriate size and shape for the air fryer.

Glass bowl alternatives

Glass bowls can be used in an air fryer, but only if they are oven-safe or made of borosilicate glass. Non-tempered glass bowls cannot withstand rapid temperature changes and will crack or explode. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the glass bowl is oven-safe before putting it in the air fryer.

Steel or Ceramic Bowls

Steel or ceramic bowls can be used in an air fryer as long as they are oven-safe. Do not use chipped or damaged ceramic bowls as they can crack or shatter under intense heat.

Silicone Molds

Silicone molds are a great alternative to glass bowls as they are easy to use, make baking easy, and are air fryer-friendly. Ensure that the silicone mold fits into your air fryer. Silicone molds can only withstand temperatures up to 425°F.

Metal Wire Racks

Metal wire racks are a good alternative as they add significant air circulation for even cooking and can replace the bottom air fryer tray if more room is needed. They can be used without the fryer tray or with it for increased airflow.

Parchment Paper

Perforated parchment paper can be used in an air fryer. It makes cleanup easy and the holes in the paper add airflow and promote thorough cooking. Avoid using regular parchment paper as it may block airflow.

No Bowl

If you are cooking something that is not messy, like chicken tenders or reheating a slice of pizza, you don't need a bowl. Simply place the food directly on the air fryer tray.

Glass bowl safety

While it is possible to use a glass bowl in an air fryer, there are several safety precautions to be aware of.

Firstly, it is important to note that not all glass is created equal. When placing a glass bowl in an air fryer, it is crucial to ensure that it is labelled as oven-safe or heat-resistant. Standard or decorative glass should never be used in an air fryer as it is more likely to crack or break under high heat.

Secondly, avoid sudden temperature changes. Glass undergoes thermal shock when it experiences a rapid change in temperature, which can cause it to shatter. Therefore, it is important to let the glass cool down naturally or allow it to reach room temperature before placing it in a heated air fryer.

Thirdly, ensure that the size and shape of the glass bowl are appropriate for your air fryer model. The glass bowl should fit properly without obstructing the airflow. If the bowl is too large, it could prevent the hot air from circulating correctly, leading to uneven cooking and potential overheating.

Fourthly, check for any deficiencies in the glass bowl. Look for any cracks, scratches, uneven surfaces, or colour changes. If there are any deficiencies, do not use the bowl in the air fryer.

Finally, avoid high temperatures. Even oven-safe glass can crack at extremely high temperatures. Therefore, it is important to stay within the safe temperature range specified by the manufacturer.

By following these safety precautions, you can safely use a glass bowl in your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions