Air Fryer Baking: Sheet Pan Possible?

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens, especially when baking in small batches or avoiding heating up your kitchen. However, the question of whether you can use a baking sheet in an air fryer has sparked some debate. Some sources suggest that using a baking sheet can block airflow and affect cooking performance, while others recommend specific types of baking sheets for optimal results. So, before you start baking in your air fryer, it's important to understand the considerations and best practices to ensure a successful and safe cooking experience.

Can you use parchment paper in an air fryer?

Parchment paper is safe to use in an air fryer, but precautions must be taken. It is important to ensure that the parchment paper is food grade and that the maximum temperature restriction is not exceeded. The paper should be cut to the size of the bottom of the air fryer basket, with a bit of extra trimming to allow for better air circulation. Perforating the paper can also help with this. If preheating the air fryer, the parchment paper should be added afterwards, weighed down by food, to prevent it from flying about and coming into contact with the heating element. Parchment paper is particularly useful for cooking food that might stick to the basket, such as chicken wings, and it makes cleanup easier. However, it is important to note that using paper in a hot environment with a circulating fan and hot heating elements will always pose some risk, so it should not be left unattended.

As an alternative to parchment paper, a silicone liner can be used, which is reusable and dishwasher-safe.

It is important to note that wax paper should not be used in an air fryer as it has a much lower heat tolerance than parchment paper and could melt or catch fire.

What type of air fryer do you have?

There are three main types of air fryers: basket type, paddle type, and oven type. The type you have will determine how you can use it and what accessories are compatible with it.

Basket-type air fryers are the most common variety and are characterised by a removable basket that sits inside the machine. They are typically smaller than other types, with a compact cooking section that heats up quickly. The heating elements are usually located at the top of the machine, and hot air is circulated around the food to cook it. This type of air fryer is good for cooking smaller portions and for tasks like reheating leftovers.

Paddle-type air fryers are less common and feature a paddle that stirs the food during cooking. This type of air fryer is good for tasks that require even cooking, like stir-frying.

Oven-type air fryers are larger than basket-type fryers and resemble small convection ovens. They have a larger capacity and can fit bigger baking pans and dishes. They tend to bake at a slower rate than basket-type air fryers due to the larger surface area they need to cover to heat up the space. This type of air fryer is good for baking cakes, cookies, and other baked goods, as well as for cooking larger portions.

It's important to consult your air fryer's instruction manual to understand the specific type and features of your machine.

What can you bake in an air fryer?

An air fryer is essentially a small convection oven, which makes it great for baking. However, it is not ideal for perfectly even cakes. Here are some foods that you can bake in an air fryer:

• Cookies
• Breads and pastries (e.g. chocolate chip cookies, Basque-style cheesecake, brownies, biscuits, and doughnuts)
• Cakes (e.g. carrot cake, lemon drizzle cake, banana bread, and bundt cakes)
• Cobblers
• Pizza
• Pies
• Muffins
• Cupcakes
• Brownies
• Crumbles
• Focaccia
• Lasagna
• Biscuits
• Bread rolls
• Frozen cookie dough
• Store-bought biscuit dough
• Pies (blind-baked)
• Chicken wings
• Chicken breasts
• Cod fish
• Chips
• Chicken nuggets
• French fries
• Kale rolls
• Lasagna
• Focaccia
• Small squares of fast focaccia
• Broccoli forest loaf

What kind of bakeware should you use?

When it comes to the type of bakeware you should use in an air fryer, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that air fryers are like mini convection ovens, so any oven-safe dish or container can generally be used. Here are some specific recommendations and guidelines:

Materials

It is recommended to use silicone, aluminium, or stoneware bakeware in an air fryer. These materials can withstand the high temperatures and are safe to use. Higher-quality, heat-resistant silicone is a good option, as it is reusable and dishwasher-safe. Additionally, oven-safe glass dishes like Pyrex work well too.

Size and Depth

The size of your air fryer will dictate the size of your bakeware. For basket-type air fryers, 5- to 8-inch round or square cake pans are ideal. If you have an oven-type air fryer, you may be able to use slightly larger pans. Ensure that your pan isn't too deep or tall so that it doesn't touch the heating element at the top of the air fryer. Shallow pans are preferable as they allow for faster and more even cooking.

Parchment Paper

Parchment paper can be extremely useful when baking in an air fryer, especially for easy cleanup. Cut the parchment paper to fit the basket of your air fryer, and consider curling up the edges to contain any fats or oils. Perforated parchment paper is ideal as it allows for better airflow and prevents burning. However, always ensure that the paper is weighed down by food to prevent it from blowing around and coming into contact with the heating element.

Aluminium Foil

Aluminium foil can be used in an air fryer, but it is generally not recommended due to negative experiences shared by some users. If you do use foil, cut it to fit the basket and weigh it down with food.

Bakeware Accessories

There are air fryer-sized options for various types of bakeware, including muffin pans, springform pans, cupcake moulds, donut moulds, pizza pans, and more. These accessories can enhance your baking experience and allow you to create a variety of dishes in your air fryer.

In summary, when choosing bakeware for your air fryer, consider the material, size, and depth of the dish or container. Silicone, aluminium, and stoneware are ideal, and oven-safe glass dishes are also suitable. Parchment paper and aluminium foil can be used, but they should always be weighed down to prevent safety hazards. Finally, specialised air fryer-sized bakeware accessories are available to make the most of your air fryer baking experience.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating an air fryer is not always necessary, but it can be beneficial depending on the food you are cooking. Air fryers are compact, countertop versions of ovens, and just like ovens, preheating can help achieve a better sear or crunch on foods like steaks, burgers, french fries, and chicken wings. Preheating also helps reduce cooking time by starting the cooking process at a higher temperature.

However, certain foods are better off cooked at a slower rate without preheating the air fryer first. For example, delicate foods like shrimp, garlic, or tomatoes that you want to roast slowly to avoid burning or drying out. Similarly, if you're cooking something for a long time, like a whole chicken or a baked potato, preheating is unnecessary.

Some air fryers have a preheat setting, while others have to be preheated manually or don't require preheating at all. It's essential to consult your air fryer's product manual to see if preheating is recommended for your specific model. Generally, preheating for three to five minutes at 400° Fahrenheit is sufficient for most air fryers.

If you're following a recipe, it's a good idea to preheat your air fryer if the instructions specify it, as this will help you achieve the desired outcome. When in doubt, preheating your air fryer is generally a safe option and won't damage the appliance.

Frequently asked questions