Air Fryer Baking: Dish Do's And Don'ts

Air fryers are a popular alternative to traditional ovens, offering a faster, healthier, and more energy-efficient way to cook and bake. But can you use a baking dish in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's crucial to ensure that your baking dish is oven-safe and can withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer. Avoid using dishes with large handles, as they may not fit properly in the air fryer. Additionally, be mindful of the interior size of your air fryer when choosing a baking dish, as a dish that barely fits in one model might not fit in another of the same capacity. Always check the manufacturer's instructions and avoid exceeding the safe temperature of the dish. When using glass dishes, let them come to room temperature before placing them in the air fryer to prevent thermal shock. Lastly, avoid blocking the airflow in the air fryer by choosing dishes that don't take up the entire space inside.

Glassware is suitable for air fryers, but avoid sudden temperature changes and high heat

Glassware is suitable for air fryers, but it's important to take certain precautions to ensure safe and effective use.

Firstly, it's crucial to avoid sudden temperature changes and high heat when using glassware in an air fryer. Air fryers can reach high temperatures very quickly, which can cause ordinary glass to shatter or explode. Therefore, it's recommended to use high-quality glassware made of borosilicate glass, rather than soda-lime glass. Always allow glassware to reach room temperature before placing it in the air fryer, especially if it has been stored in the refrigerator.

Secondly, ensure that you're using tempered or oven-safe glassware. Check the manufacturer's label or stamp to verify that the glassware is oven-safe. Oven-safe glassware can typically withstand temperatures up to 350°F to 450°F. If you're unsure, you can test the glassware by placing an empty dish in the air fryer multiple times.

Thirdly, inspect the glassware for any structural weaknesses. Look for small cracks, scratches, uneven surfaces, or colour changes, as these indicate that the glassware should not be used in the air fryer.

Finally, avoid blocking the airflow in the air fryer. Choose glassware that doesn't take up the entire space inside the air fryer to ensure proper air circulation. Select glassware with minimal or no handles to maximise the space available for baking.

By following these guidelines, you can safely use glassware in your air fryer and enjoy the benefits of this versatile appliance.

Oven-safe glassware can be used in air fryers, but check the manufacturer's label

Oven-safe glassware can be used in air fryers, but it's important to exercise caution and check the manufacturer's label before use. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

First and foremost, always check the manufacturer's label to ensure that your glassware is oven-safe. The label will usually indicate a maximum temperature that the glassware can withstand, typically ranging from 350°F to 450°F. It's important not to exceed this safe temperature to avoid any damage to your glassware or your air fryer.

When selecting glassware for your air fryer, avoid pieces with large handles. Opt for bakeware with minimal or no handles, as they can get in the way and take up precious space in the air fryer's interior. The key is to maximize the size of the baking vessel that fits inside the air fryer.

Additionally, be mindful of the size and shape of your air fryer. Not all air fryers with the same capacity have the same interior dimensions. Some may be wider, while others may be taller. Therefore, it's crucial to measure the interior size of your air fryer accurately to ensure your glassware fits properly.

When using glassware in an air fryer, it's important to avoid high temperatures or sudden temperature changes. Air fryers are designed to reach high temperatures quickly, which can cause an ordinary glass bowl to shatter or explode. To prevent this, use high-quality borosilicate glass instead of soda-lime glass. Always allow your glassware to come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer, especially if it has been in the refrigerator.

Before using glassware in an air fryer, inspect it for any structural weaknesses. Look for small cracks, scratches, uneven surfaces, or colour changes. If you notice any of these issues, it's best not to use the glassware in the air fryer to avoid any potential hazards.

Lastly, ensure that your glassware does not block the airflow inside the air fryer. Air fryers rely on proper airflow to cook food evenly and efficiently. If your glassware is too big or fits too tightly, it may obstruct the airflow and impact the cooking process.

In conclusion, while it is possible to use oven-safe glassware in an air fryer, it is crucial to follow these guidelines to ensure safe and effective use. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and exercise caution when using glassware in an air fryer.

Avoid aluminium baking pans in air fryers, as they can react with acidic foods

Aluminium baking pans can be used in an air fryer, but it is important to avoid cooking acidic foods with aluminium to prevent a chemical reaction. Aluminium and acid create a chemical reaction, which may cause your food to end up with a metallic taste.

Foods that are overly acidic, such as those that call for vinegar, lemon, or tomatoes, should be cooked in glass or some other non-toxic dish instead of aluminium bakeware.

Therefore, it is best to avoid using aluminium baking pans in air fryers to prevent any unwanted flavours or chemical reactions.

Parchment paper can be used in air fryers, but avoid high temperatures

Parchment paper is a handy tool for cooking and baking, providing a protective layer that prevents food from sticking and makes cleaning up easier. It can be used in air fryers, but there are some important precautions to be aware of.

First, always ensure you are using food-grade parchment paper. Check the maximum temperature restriction on the box and do not exceed this in your air fryer. Parchment paper can handle temperatures up to around 428°F (220°C). Cut the paper to fit the size and shape of your air fryer basket, and if possible, use perforated parchment paper or create your own holes to improve airflow and prevent the paper from flying around inside the unit.

If you are preheating your air fryer, do not add the parchment paper until you add your food. This will help weigh the paper down and prevent it from coming into contact with the heating element. Make sure that whatever you are cooking is heavy enough to keep the paper in place.

Using parchment paper in an air fryer can be a convenient way to cook and clean, but it is important to understand the risks involved when placing paper in a high-temperature environment with circulating fans. Take the necessary precautions and always supervise your air fryer when using parchment paper.

Stainless steel, carbon steel, and cast iron are good options for air fryer bakeware

Air fryers have become a popular alternative to traditional ovens, offering faster cooking times and more concentrated airflow. But what kind of bakeware can you use in an air fryer?

Stainless steel, carbon steel, and cast iron are some of the best options for air fryer bakeware. These materials can easily withstand the high temperatures associated with air fryers, and they are non-toxic. However, they may be more challenging to clean than other options.

Cast iron, in particular, is a great choice for air fryer bakeware. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to find in smaller sizes, which is important considering the compact size of most air fryers. Cast iron also retains heat very well, reducing cooking time.

When using stainless steel, carbon steel, or cast iron bakeware in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the dish fits properly and does not come into contact with the heating element. These materials are safe to use as long as they are specifically designed for baking and other high-temperature cooking methods.

Other Options for Air Fryer Bakeware

In addition to stainless steel, carbon steel, and cast iron, there are several other materials that are suitable for air fryer bakeware:

• Glass: Glass is a common oven-proof dish that can also be used in an air fryer. Oven-safe glass is marked on the bottom of the cookware or with an oven-safe symbol. It is important to note that not all glass dishes are safe for high temperatures, so checking the manufacturer's instructions is crucial.
• Stoneware, Earthenware, and Ceramic: These materials are safe to use in an air fryer as long as they are oven-safe. They can sustain temperatures ranging from 350°-600° F (177°-316° C), so checking their temperature ratings is recommended. Stoneware, earthenware, and ceramic dishes are often available in smaller sizes, making them a good fit for basket-style air fryers.
• Polymer and Teflon: Littonware, Teflon, and other heavy-duty polymer cookware are typically designed for traditional ovens and can withstand the heat of an air fryer. Teflon is a popular choice, but some people have concerns about possible derogatory health effects.
• Aluminum: Both aluminum baking dishes and disposable aluminum tins can be used in an air fryer. However, it is important to avoid cooking overly acidic foods with aluminum to prevent a chemical reaction that can give food a metallic taste.
• Silicone: Silicone has been a popular choice for bakeware since the 1990s due to its ability to withstand high temperatures. Silicone bakeware is easy to use, clean, and does not absorb cooking odors. It is a great option for cake pans and flat liners in an air fryer.

Tips for Using Bakeware in an Air Fryer

When using bakeware in an air fryer, it is important to consider the size and shape of your air fryer, as well as the size and type of handles on your bakeware. Here are some additional tips:

• Air fryers cook faster than traditional ovens due to their smaller space and concentrated airflow, so reducing the cooking time and temperature is necessary.
• For a traditional basket air fryer, the best size for bakeware is usually between 5-8 inches. For a toaster oven air fryer, you can fit sizes up to 8-12 inches.
• Shallow pans cook food faster than deeper ones.
• Avoid any contact between your bakeware and the heating element of the air fryer.
• Parchment paper or tin foil may be more suitable for certain recipes or air fryer models.

Frequently asked questions