Air Fryer Baking: Tin Or No Tin?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens, but can you put a baking tin in one? The short answer is yes, you can put a baking tin in an air fryer, but there are some important things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure your baking tin fits in the air fryer with some space around it to ensure proper airflow. You should also avoid using glass baking dishes as they can crack due to rapid temperature changes. Instead, use oven-safe materials like metal, ceramic, or silicone. Additionally, you might need to adjust the baking time and temperature since air fryers cook food faster and at lower temperatures than conventional ovens. Lastly, always use oven mitts when handling baking tins as they can get very hot.

Pans that are safe to use in an air fryer

An air fryer-safe pan is a type of cookware or bakeware designed to be used in an air fryer without causing damage to the appliance or compromising safety. These pans are typically made from materials that can withstand high temperatures and fit comfortably within the air fryer basket.

• Material: Air fryer-safe pans are often made from stainless steel, aluminum, or silicone, which can handle the heat generated by air fryers without warping or melting.
• Non-Stick Coating: Many air fryer-safe pans have a non-stick coating for easier food release and simpler cleaning.
• Size and Shape: These pans are designed to fit inside the air fryer basket without touching the heating element or obstructing airflow. They come in various shapes, including square, rectangular, round, and oval, to accommodate different recipes.
• Heat Resistance: Air fryer-safe pans can withstand the temperatures typically reached in air fryers, which can go up to 400°F (200°C) or higher.
• Easy to Clean: They are designed for easy cleaning and are often dishwasher-safe.
• Versatility: Some air fryer-safe pans can be used for various cooking methods, including baking, roasting, and grilling.
• Silicone Baking Pans: Silicone baking pans are flexible, heat-resistant, and suitable for baking cakes, muffins, and other desserts in an air fryer.
• Stainless Steel or Aluminum Pans: Stainless steel and aluminum pans are durable, handle high temperatures, and are ideal for roasting vegetables, cooking meats, and making casseroles.
• Grill Pans: Grill pans with raised ridges create grill marks on foods like chicken, steak, and vegetables, giving them a grilled appearance and flavor.
• Silicone Cupcake Molds: Silicone cupcake molds are perfect for making muffins, cupcakes, or egg bites in your air fryer.
• Oven-Safe Ceramic or Glass Dishes: Some air fryers allow the use of oven-safe ceramic or glass dishes for baking and roasting. Always check your air fryer's user manual for compatibility and safety guidelines.

When choosing a pan for your air fryer, consider the size and shape of your air fryer basket and the types of recipes you plan to prepare. Ensure the pan material is compatible with the high temperatures generated by air fryers, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines for your specific model.

Pans to avoid using in an air fryer

While there are many pans that are suitable for air fryers, there are some that you should avoid using. Here are some tips on pans to avoid using in an air fryer:

• Be cautious with handles: Pans with handles, especially those with screwed-in handles that have wooden or plastic grips, can be risky. These materials may melt at high temperatures. Ceramic casserole dishes and cast-iron pans typically have smaller handles that are part of a composite body, making them a safer option.
• Avoid Teflon and non-stick coatings: Never put Teflon pans in an air fryer. They have a maximum temperature range of 300°F, and if heated past this point, they can leach out harmful toxins.
• Steer clear of paper and plastic: No paper products should go into an air fryer as they can catch on fire. Plastic will melt at 212°F, which is far below the minimum cooking temperature of an air fryer.
• Rethink light-coloured pans: Lighter-coloured pans can burn food more quickly. Darker pans absorb and distribute heat more evenly, so they are a better option.
• Check for an oven-safe label: If a pan doesn't have an oven-safe label and you're unsure whether it can withstand high temperatures, it's best to choose a different pan.
• Avoid glass baking dishes: The rapid changes in temperature can cause glass to crack.

Air fryer baking tips

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens, especially when cooking in small batches or when it's hot outside. They are more energy-efficient and don't heat up your kitchen as much as a conventional oven.

• Choose the right bakeware: You can use oven-safe vessels such as a bowl, soufflé dish, or non-stick cake pan that fit into the air fryer basket. A 6-inch cake pan is a good size for drawer-style air fryers, and you can also use silicone cupcake liners and ramekins. For cookies, bread, and biscuits, consider using parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for better air circulation.
• Preheating: Preheating your air fryer is recommended, especially if using baking powder, which needs a certain temperature to activate. However, some people choose not to preheat their air fryers, as they heat up quickly anyway.
• Adjusting time and temperature: When adapting a traditional oven recipe for an air fryer, reduce the temperature by about 25 degrees Fahrenheit and the cooking time by about 20%. Check your food at around 30% of the original cooking time, as air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens.
• Covering with foil: As air fryers have their heating elements at the top, the tops of your bakes are at risk of burning. Covering your dish with foil can help prevent this and also contain any splatters or spills.
• Trial and error: Baking in an air fryer may require some experimentation. Expect to adjust your recipes and techniques as you get used to the appliance.
• Avoid glass: While glass ovenware is generally safe, rapid temperature changes can cause it to crack.
• Avoid plastic: Plastic will melt at a much lower temperature than an air fryer's minimum cooking temperature.
• Avoid paper: Paper products can easily catch fire in an air fryer.
• Avoid non-stick coatings: Non-stick coatings like Teflon can leach harmful toxins if heated past a certain point.
• Use oven mitts: Always use oven mitts when handling hot surfaces and allow time for the air fryer and its contents to cool before removing them.

Happy baking!

Air fryer cake pan recommendations

Air fryers are small convection ovens that use hot air to cook food, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying. They can be used to bake cakes, cookies, and muffins, but their compact size means that you'll need to adjust the temperature and time settings from conventional oven recipes.

When choosing a cake pan for your air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the pan should be oven-safe and fit comfortably inside the air fryer with enough room for proper air circulation. The best size for basket-type air fryers is a 5-8 inch round or square cake pan, and the depth should be considered so that it doesn't touch the heating element. Shallow pans will also bake cakes faster.

You can use aluminium, stoneware, or high-quality heat-resistant silicone pans in an air fryer. Dark-coloured pans absorb and distribute heat better, so they may be preferable for even browning. However, light-coloured pans are recommended for cakes as they prevent the food from browning too quickly.

• 6-inch non-stick cake pan: This size fits well in drawer-style air fryers and can be used for a variety of dishes like frittatas, meatballs, and toasting nuts and spices.
• Round or square cake pans (6-8 inches): These are recommended for sponge cakes, pound cakes, and brownies.
• Springform pans: These are ideal for cheesecakes and other delicate desserts.
• Mini loaf pans: Great for mini cakes and banana bread.
• Bundt pans: Recommended for making bundt cakes, but ensure you choose a good quality pan to prevent sticking.
• Silicone muffin pans: Perfect for delicate cakes and muffins, but you may need to adjust cooking times as silicone doesn't conduct heat like metal pans.
• Stainless steel cake pans: Durable and easy to clean, these are great for cakes, brownies, and other baked goods.
• Non-stick dark pans: These pans absorb heat well and help achieve a crispy texture without sticking.

Remember to always refer to your air fryer's instruction manual for specific recommendations and safety guidelines.

Air fryer baking times and temperatures

Air fryers are like mini convection ovens. They cook food by circulating hot air, which causes the food to cook quicker. This means that when using a recipe designed for a conventional oven, you will need to reduce the temperature and cooking time to make it suitable for an air fryer.

The general rule is to reduce the temperature by 25°F and the cooking time by 20%. For example, if a recipe calls for 60 minutes in the oven, you can convert this to 48 minutes of air frying time (60 x .20 = 12, 60 - 12 = 48).

However, it is important to note that the adjustments may vary depending on the dish you are cooking. It is recommended to set a shorter cooking time initially and then add more time if necessary.

• Preheat your air fryer.
• For cakes, use a cake pan that is no more than 3 inches high. If using a 4-inch cake pan, do not fill it more than halfway.
• If the top of the cake is browning too quickly, cover the basket tightly with foil to reduce the browning rate and trap some heat to help the cake bake faster.
• For baked goods like cookies, donuts, and Madeleines, you can flip them to ensure even cooking.
• Always wear oven mitts when handling baking tins or molds and the air fryer basket, as they become very hot.
• Choose a baking tin that is not too deep or tall so that it does not touch the heating element at the top of the air fryer. A shallower pan will also help the cake bake faster.

Now, let's look at some specific examples of baking times and temperatures for different dishes in an air fryer:

• Most baked goods are baked at 330°F / 166°C for 12-15 minutes. This time may vary depending on the size of the batter and its moisture content. Banana bread and bundt cakes may take up to 30 minutes to bake.
• For pizza, a temperature of 400°F is recommended. You can start checking for doneness after 15 minutes.
• When cooking chicken wings, set the temperature to 390°F and the timer to 25 minutes. At the 14-minute mark, flip the chicken and spray it with a bit of vegetable oil, then air fry for 11 more minutes.

Remember, these are just guidelines, and the specific times and temperatures may vary depending on your air fryer model and the dish you are cooking. Always refer to your air fryer's instruction manual for the most accurate information.

Frequently asked questions