Air Fryer Bowl: Is It Possible?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and with good reason. They're a great way to make food crispy and delicious without the excess oil of a deep fryer. But can you put a bowl in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, but with some important considerations. Firstly, it's crucial to ensure that the bowl is made of a heat-resistant material such as ceramic, tempered glass, or metal. Avoid using plastic or wooden bowls, as they can melt or catch fire. Secondly, the size and shape of the bowl matter. Make sure it fits comfortably in the air fryer basket without blocking the air circulation. Lastly, check that the bowl is oven-safe and can withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer, which typically range from 300°F to 400°F. With these precautions in mind, you can safely use a bowl in your air fryer and expand your culinary creations!

What types of bowls are safe to use in an air fryer?

When it comes to air fryers, the type of bowl you use matters. Here are some options for bowls that are safe to use:

Ceramic Bowls

Ceramic bowls are ideal for air fryers as they are heat-resistant, don't typically shatter, and won't melt or warp. Ceramic is also a good heat conductor, so it cooks food efficiently. However, be mindful that food may cook faster than expected, so adjust cooking times accordingly.

Glass Bowls

Glass bowls are generally safe if they are oven-safe and can withstand high temperatures (up to 400°F or 200°C). Brands like Pyrex and Borosilicate are usually safe choices. Avoid placing cold glassware directly into a hot air fryer, as it may shatter due to rapid temperature changes.

Metal Bowls

Metal bowls made of stainless steel or cast iron are suitable for air fryers. They are heat-resistant, good conductors of heat, and won't warp or melt. Ensure they don't have any plastic parts or non-stick coatings, as these can melt or release harmful fumes.

Silicone Bowls

Silicone is a safe and versatile option for air fryer bowls. It is heat-resistant, flexible, and non-stick. Silicone bowls, cupcake liners, and moulds are available for various cooking needs.

Aluminum Bowls/Pans

Aluminum is a good conductor of heat and withstands high temperatures. It is commonly used for baking, cooking, or reheating food. However, avoid using aluminum with highly acidic foods like tomatoes or lemons, as they can react and affect flavour and quality.

In summary, when choosing a bowl for your air fryer, always ensure it is oven-safe, made from heat-resistant material, and properly sized to fit your air fryer without blocking airflow.

What is not safe to use in an air fryer?

So, you want to know what is unsafe to use in an air fryer? Well, the first thing to remember is that air fryers are similar to small convection ovens. Therefore, if a container cannot go in a regular oven, it cannot go in an air fryer.

One of the most important things to avoid putting in your air fryer is plastic. Plastic is not oven-safe, and it will melt, warp, and bend when exposed to the high heat of an air fryer. This could cause a mess or significant damage to your machine. It could even catch fire and cause injury and serious damage to your home.

You should also avoid putting water into your air fryer. While small amounts are fine, you should avoid boiling water in your air fryer as the power of the circulating air could cause significant damage to your machine.

Wax paper is another no-go. It contains food-safe paraffin wax, which cannot handle the heat inside the fryer. It may emit smoke or even catch fire.

Sauces such as gravy or stews are also not suitable for an air fryer. However, meat marinades are okay. Sauces have a thin consistency, so they are more likely to be moved around during the air frying process, whereas marinades are thicker and stick to the food.

Paper towels will burn and may even cause a fire if put in an air fryer.

Regular paper containers should also be avoided as they can ignite at high temperatures.

Non-oven-safe glassware should not be used in an air fryer as it may shatter under heat stress.

Non-heat-resistant ceramics are also a no-go as they are prone to cracking in high temperatures.

Wooden or bamboo containers can scorch or catch fire, so these should be avoided too.

Finally, containers with painted or decorative elements should not be used as they may melt and release chemicals.

In summary, when it comes to air fryers, it is important to choose containers that can handle the high heat, which is typically up to 400°F (204°C). Materials that can handle this kind of heat include ceramic, tempered glass, and certain metals.

Why would you want to put a bowl in the air fryer?

You might be wondering why you would need to put a bowl in the air fryer when you can simply place your food in the air fryer basket. Well, if you're making chicken wings, heating up pizza, or cooking something dry like baked potatoes or French fries, you won't need to use a bowl. These items can simply be placed on or in the basket.

However, if you're making something that starts off as a liquid or batter, you can't put that directly in the basket as it is perforated, and it will fall through and make a mess. In this case, you will need a bowl or some other receptacle to contain the wet ingredients.

If you're using a small, shallow bowl, you can use it along with the air fryer basket. Just make sure the bowl is not blocking the air vent or fan.

Will a bowl interfere with the air fryer basket?

Most of the time, if you're using a bowl in your air fryer, you won't be using the air fryer basket. The basket is used to keep the food off the bottom of the air fryer shelf, allowing for better airflow and letting hot air circulate around the food.

However, if you're using a small, shallow bowl, you might decide to use it along with the air fryer basket. This is also fine, as long as the bowl isn't blocking the air vent or fan. If it is, then simply remove the basket to see if that helps. If the bowl still blocks the airflow, you cannot use it.

Therefore, when choosing a bowl to use in the air fryer, it's important to consider the bowl's shape and size. Any bowl that blocks the fan from circulating hot air should be avoided, as this will prevent the air fryer from working properly. Remember, air fryers work by circulating heated air, and if the bowl is blocking the airflow, it won't be able to cook the food properly.

To ensure proper airflow, choose a bowl that is not too deep and fill it only halfway. Additionally, don't overfill your bowl—leave some space so that the hot air can circulate effectively. For even cooking, periodically stir or shake the contents of the bowl. If your air fryer comes with accessories like a rack or basket, use them to elevate the bowl and improve airflow.

In summary, a bowl will only interfere with the air fryer basket if it blocks the air vent or fan. If this is the case, simply remove the basket. However, if the bowl still blocks the airflow, you cannot use it. Always choose a bowl that allows for proper airflow and remember to consider the size and shape of the bowl when making your selection.

What other containers could go in the air fryer?

So, you want to know what containers are suitable for your air fryer? Well, wonder no more! Here is a list of containers that you can use in your air fryer, aside from bowls.

Metal Containers

Metal containers such as small baking pans, stainless steel pots, and aluminium muffin tins are great for air fryers. They can handle the high temperatures without warping or melting. Just be sure to use oven mitts when handling and allow them to cool down before touching. Ensure they are the right size for your air fryer, with a snug fit that allows air to flow around the food.

Ceramic Containers

Ceramic dishes are perfect for delicate foods like casseroles and quiches. They can withstand the temperatures of an air fryer without any issues and are easy to clean due to their non-stick surface. They often look stylish, too, so you can serve straight from the air fryer to the table. Just be sure to check they are labelled as oven-safe before using.

Glass Containers

Glass containers, particularly tempered glass, glass ceramic, or soda lime glass, are great for cooking and reheating food evenly in an air fryer. They are perfect for baking fish, roasting vegetables, or making brownies. Remember, glass retains heat, so handle with care and allow it to cool down before touching. Ensure your glassware has an "oven-safe" label before using it in your air fryer.

Silicone Containers

Silicone is a fantastic material for air fryer containers. It is heat-resistant, flexible, and easy to clean. Silicone is harmless to your health and can be reused, helping to reduce plastic waste. Silicone moulds and liners come in various fun shapes and sizes, making them perfect for baking muffins, mini cakes, or egg bites.

Stoneware Containers

Most stoneware is oven-safe and can be used in an air fryer, but always check the manufacturer's guidelines first. Some stoneware may not handle the high heat and could crack, so ensure it is labelled as safe for this purpose.

Porcelain Containers

Porcelain dishes usually handle high temperatures well, but, as with stoneware, it is important to double-check that your specific porcelain dish is suitable. Look for a label or mark that indicates it is oven-safe.

Skewers and Wooden Sticks

Perfect for making kebabs or satay, skewers are a great tool for your air fryer. If you are using wooden sticks, be sure to soak them in water first to prevent them from burning or catching fire.

Aluminium Foil

Aluminium foil is a versatile tool for air frying. It can be used to line the basket, making cleanup easier, or to wrap foods like fish or vegetables for more even cooking. Just be sure not to cover all the holes in the basket, as the air needs to circulate to cook your food properly.

Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is another excellent option for lining your air fryer basket, especially when cooking sticky or crumbly foods. It helps catch drips and crumbs, making cleanup quicker and easier. Just be sure to weigh it down with food to prevent it from flying into the heating element, which can be a safety hazard. You can get parchment paper designed specifically for air fryers, with holes to improve air circulation.

Frequently asked questions