Using Casserole Dishes In An Air Fryer: Safe Or Not?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that can cook food to perfection with a deliciously crispy texture. But can you use a casserole dish in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Casserole dishes are typically made of materials that can withstand high temperatures, such as ceramic, glass, or earthenware, making them suitable for use in an air fryer. However, it's important to ensure that your casserole dish is marked for oven use and doesn't have any plastic or rubber components that might melt at high temperatures. The size and shape of your casserole dish are also important considerations, as it needs to fit inside the air fryer with enough space for hot air to circulate.

Casserole dishes that are safe to use in an air fryer

Casserole dishes are a great way to cook a hearty, delicious meal with minimal effort. And the good news is that you can indeed use a casserole dish in an air fryer! Here are some tips and guidelines for choosing casserole dishes that are safe to use in your air fryer:

Choosing the Right Material

Casserole dishes come in various materials, and it's important to select one that is oven-safe and compatible with your air fryer. Here are some options:

• Glass: Glass casserole dishes are a common choice, but it's essential to ensure they are oven-safe. Look for the oven-safe symbol or wording on the bottom of the dish. Glassware is ideal as it won't leach chemicals into your food.
• Stoneware, Earthenware, and Ceramic: These materials are generally safe to use in an air fryer. They are often treated at high temperatures and have a glaze or matte finish, making them durable. However, always check their temperature ratings, as they can vary.
• Polymer and Teflon: Heavy-duty polymer materials like Littonware and Teflon are designed for traditional ovens and can withstand the heat of an air fryer.
• Aluminum: Aluminum casserole dishes or disposable baking tins are safe to use in an air fryer. Just avoid cooking acidic foods in aluminum to prevent a metallic taste.
• Silicone: Silicone has become a popular choice for baking dishes due to its ability to withstand high temperatures. It works exceptionally well in air fryers.
• Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, and Cast Iron: These materials are excellent choices for air fryer casserole dishes as they can easily withstand high temperatures and are non-toxic.

Size and Shape Considerations

When choosing a casserole dish for your air fryer, it's crucial to consider the size and shape to ensure a proper fit. Here are some tips:

• Select a dish that fits inside the cooking basket with enough space for hot air to circulate.
• Opt for smaller sizes, especially if you have a basket-style air fryer. Dishes ranging from 5 to 8 inches are typically suitable.
• Avoid large handles that may prevent the dish from fitting into your air fryer.
• Consider purchasing an air fryer bucket accessory if you don't have compatible cookware.

Cooking Tips

• Always preheat your air fryer before cooking a casserole for even and thorough cooking.
• Air fryers cook faster and hotter than traditional ovens, so adjust your cooking times and temperatures accordingly.
• Avoid using rubber or plastic handles or knobs on your casserole dish, as they may not withstand the high heat of an air fryer.
• Layer your ingredients properly, starting with starchy foods, followed by vegetables, proteins, and cheese on top.
• Be creative with your ingredients! Experiment with different vegetables, meats, and seasonings to make your casserole unique and tasty.

How to convert a casserole recipe for an air fryer

Yes, you can use a casserole dish in an air fryer, as long as it is oven-safe and fits inside the air fryer basket. Now, here's how to convert a casserole recipe for an air fryer:

Firstly, choose the right ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and protein. Then, layer them in a baking dish with your desired seasonings and sauces. It is important to remember not to overfill the dish, as this can cause uneven cooking. Once your ingredients are layered, cover the casserole with foil.

Next, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature. Carefully place your covered casserole dish inside the air fryer, ensuring that no part of the dish is in contact with the heating element. Set the air fryer at the appropriate temperature, depending on the recipe, and let it cook for the required amount of time.

During the cooking process, it is important to monitor the casserole and stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Depending on the recipe, you may need to reduce the cooking time and temperature. As a general rule, reduce the recommended baking temperature by 25°F and the cooking time by 20%. For example, if a recipe calls for 60 minutes in a conventional oven, reduce the air fryer cooking time by 12 minutes.

Finally, when the casserole is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and serve.

Air fryer chicken casserole recipes

Yes, you can use a casserole dish in an air fryer, as long as it's oven-safe and fits inside your air fryer. Now, here are some air-fryer chicken casserole recipes for you to try:

Air Fryer Chicken Casserole

This classic chicken dish is quick and easy to make. It's filled with chicken and veggies and covered in a crusty layer of cheese, making it a perfect comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz egg noodles
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed from frozen)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Boil the egg noodles as per the package instructions.
• Drain the noodles and return them to the saucepan.
• Add the chicken and broccoli florets to the noodles and toss until well mixed.
• Add melted butter, shredded cheese, chicken soup, sour cream, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
• Spray a nonstick cooking spray into a stoneware baking dish, 2-quart ramekin, or casserole dish that fits into your air fryer basket.
• Use a spatula to transfer the chicken mixture to the casserole dish, creating a smooth and even layer.
• Air fry at 350°F for 4-6 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Serve hot.

Air Fryer Mexican Chicken Casserole

This flavorful and spicy casserole is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It's filled with tender chicken, zesty spices, and melted cheese.

Ingredients:

• 7.5 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
• 12 oz cream of chicken soup
• 15 oz fire-roasted tomatoes
• 6 oz green chiles
• 2 cups cooked and diced chicken
• 6 corn tortillas, torn into pieces (plus more for topping if not using tortilla chips)
• 2 cups Colby-Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup tortilla chips, crushed, for topping
• Fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and/or sour cream for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine black beans, cream of chicken soup, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, and chicken.
• Choose a deep-dish casserole dish that fits in your air fryer. Spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
• Layer half of the tortilla pieces in the bottom of the casserole dish.
• Top the tortilla layer with half of the bean and chicken mixture.
• Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese over the chicken mixture.
• Layer with the remaining half of the tortilla pieces, then add the rest of the bean and chicken mixture.
• Bake, covered with aluminum foil, at 350°F in the air fryer until hot and bubbly (about 45 minutes).
• Remove the foil and top with the remaining cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
• Place the dish back into the air fryer and cook until the cheese is melted and the chips turn golden.
• If desired, top with diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and/or sour cream.

Air Fryer Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

This wholesome and nutritious casserole is a perfect family-friendly meal. It combines fork-tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, creamy rice, and a crispy cheese topping.

Ingredients:

• 14 oz skinless, boneless chicken breast
• 6 oz broccoli florets
• 2 oz Mozzarella, shredded
• 1.5 oz Cheddar, shredded
• 2 oz onion, chopped
• 2 cups cooked medium-grain rice
• 1/4 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted chicken broth
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp each of paprika, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper
• 4 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant.
• Add chicken breast, salt, paprika, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
• Add the all-purpose flour and stir until combined. Then, pour in chicken broth and milk. Cook at low heat for 7 minutes.
• Shred the chicken breast using two forks.
• Add broccoli florets and heavy cream. Cook for an additional 3 minutes.
• Mix in the cooked rice until well combined.
• Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Top with breadcrumbs and shredded cheeses.
• Put the casserole dish into the air fryer and cook at 350°F for 10 minutes.
• Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Air fryer-safe materials

The key to mastering air frying is using the right tools. The golden rule is to use only heat-resistant materials that can handle high temperatures, similar to oven-safe gear. Here are some materials that are safe to use in an air fryer:

Borosilicate glass and tempered glass

Borosilicate glass and tempered glass are two types of glass containers often found in kitchens. They're known for their excellent heat distribution properties, which make them perfect for the air frying process. These types of glass containers, designed to withstand high temperatures, won't shatter under the hot air's pressure. But remember, always check the manufacturer's instructions before using any container in your air fryer.

Metal and stainless steel

Metal and stainless steel containers can withstand high heat and retain heat well over a long time without warping or degrading, making them ideal for creating crispy fries or gooey chocolate chip cookies in an air fryer.

Ceramic

Ceramic is one of the best alternatives to traditional non-stick coatings. Ceramic-based air fryers are a good choice because ceramic doesn't have the 'forever chemicals' associated with non-stick air fryers. Ceramic is also much harder to scratch or damage than non-stick materials, so it's easier to maintain and will probably last longer.

Silicone

In the 1990s, silicone became a popular choice for baking and is prized for its ability to withstand high temperatures. It works exceptionally well in air fryers. Silicone bakeware is both easy to use and easy to clean, and it doesn't absorb cooking odors.

Aluminum foil and parchment paper

Aluminum foil and parchment paper are great for lining your air fryer basket and preventing sticky messes. Just make sure that the food is weighing down the foil or paper so it does not fly up into the burner and melt or burn.

Other materials

Other materials that can be used in an air fryer include cast iron, carbon steel, stoneware, earthenware, and Teflon.

Air fryer cooking times and temperatures

Yes, you can use a casserole dish in an air fryer, as long as it's marked for oven use. Casserole dishes are made from a variety of materials, including ceramic, glass, earthenware, and stoneware. They are designed to withstand high temperatures for an extended period of time.

When using a casserole dish in an air fryer, it is important to consider the size and shape of your air fryer, as well as the size and material of the dish. The dish should fit comfortably inside the air fryer with no parts touching the heating element. Additionally, large handles or knobs on the dish may prevent it from fitting properly.

Now, let's discuss air fryer cooking times and temperatures:

• Preheat your air fryer: Preheating your air fryer is optional, but it can help your food cook faster and more evenly. The preheating temperature may vary between brands, so refer to your air fryer's instructions.
• Convert oven recipes: If you are converting an oven recipe to an air fryer, it is generally recommended to reduce the cooking temperature by 25°F and shorten the cooking time by about 20-25%. However, this may vary depending on the dish, so it is best to start with a shorter cooking time and adjust as needed.
• Flip foods halfway through: For even cooking and to prevent overcooking, it is important to flip your food or rotate the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time. This is especially important for larger quantities or larger food items.
• Cook in batches: To ensure even cooking, it is best to cook your food in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you are cooking large quantities, prepare the food in batches.
• Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your meat is cooked to the recommended temperature, use a meat thermometer to test for doneness. Follow the USDA guidelines for safe cooking temperatures.
• Air fryer temperature ranges: Air fryers typically range from 800 watts (small size) to 1800 watts. Higher wattages cook faster, so adjust your cooking times and temperatures accordingly. Toaster-style air fryers generally cook slower than basket-style air fryers due to their bigger size and difference in hot air circulation.
• Cooking times for different foods: As a reference, here are some approximate cooking times for different foods in an air fryer:

• Butternut squash (cubed): 4-5 minutes per side
• Sweet potatoes (cubed): 4-5 minutes per side
• Chicken wings: 25 minutes total, flipping halfway through and spraying with vegetable oil
• French fries: Refer to the package instructions, but typically require shaking the basket once or twice during cooking

Remember to always refer to your air fryer's instructions and guidelines for specific information regarding cooking times and temperatures.

Frequently asked questions