Air Fryer: Dish-Friendly Or Not?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, known for their convenience, ease of use, and ability to cook a wide variety of dishes. But can you put dishes in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, but with some important safety considerations. Here are some tips to help you safely use dishes in your air fryer:

- Always use oven-safe dishes that are suitable for high temperatures. Look for markings on the dish or packaging to indicate oven-safety.

- Avoid using plastic and certain types of glass. These materials can warp, melt, or shatter due to high temperatures.

- Choose the right size dish. A dish that is too large can block the flow of hot air and result in uneven cooking.

- Be mindful of the cooking time. Air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens due to their compact size and powerful fan, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

- Avoid wet batters and sauces as they can drip and cause a mess inside the air fryer.

- Use caution with paper plates. Some paper plates are oven-safe, but they may need to be replaced frequently if they get too greasy.

- Metal plates can be used, but check first to ensure they won't damage the heating element or other parts of the air fryer.

- Cast iron pans, ceramic plates and bowls, stainless steel trays, and heatproof glass bakeware are all safe options for air frying.

- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and never leave the air fryer unattended while in use.

Oven-safe dishes include glass, metal, cast iron, and ceramic

Oven-safe dishes are a great option for your air fryer, and there are four main types to choose from: glass, metal, cast iron, and ceramic. Each material has its own unique advantages and considerations.

Glass dishes, such as tempered and oven-safe varieties, can be used in an air fryer. They offer the benefit of allowing you to see the progress of your food. However, it's important to avoid temperature shock by ensuring the dish has cooled down before removing it from the air fryer. Pyrex dishes, made of borosilicate glass, are an excellent choice as they can withstand sudden and extreme temperature changes without breaking.

Metal plates and bowls are another option, but they require extra caution. Ensure that there are no plastic lids or handles attached, as these will melt and release harmful fumes. Metal dishes conduct heat well, so your food will cook faster, and you may need to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Cast iron skillets and pans are a versatile and durable option for your air fryer. They can be used on stovetops, in ovens, or on grills, and they distribute heat evenly. However, they require the use of oil or butter to prevent food from sticking, and they take longer to heat up and cool down.

Ceramic dishes, including casserole dishes, baking pans, and bowls, are excellent choices for your air fryer. They can withstand high temperatures due to their extra coating, and they ensure even heat penetration for properly cooked food. Additionally, their non-stick coating makes cleaning a breeze.

When using any oven-safe dish in your air fryer, it's important to ensure it's the right size. A dish that's too large can block the flow of hot air and result in uneven cooking. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions, and remember that the cooking time may differ from that of a traditional oven due to the air fryer's compact size and powerful fan.

Plastic and certain types of glass should be avoided

While air fryers are incredibly versatile, there are some materials that should be avoided when using one. Plastic containers, plates, and bowls should never be placed in an air fryer. The high temperatures will cause these items to melt and release toxic fumes.

In addition to plastic, certain types of glass should also be avoided. Only tempered and oven-safe glass dishes should be used in an air fryer. Ordinary glass bowls are not suitable as they might shatter due to the sudden temperature change. Pyrex dishes are a good option as they are made of borosilicate glass, which is thermal shock-resistant. This means they can withstand sudden and extreme changes in temperature without breaking or shattering.

It is also important to note that not all glass is oven-safe, as seen with the issues that arose with Pyrex recently. Therefore, it is crucial to verify that any dish you use in your air fryer is oven-safe. This information should be marked on the bottom of the dish or on the original packaging.

Dishes should be labelled safe for temperatures higher than the air fryer

When it comes to using dishes in an air fryer, it is imperative to prioritise safety. While air fryers are convenient for cooking a variety of dishes, using the wrong type of dishware can lead to dangerous situations and frustrating cleanups. Therefore, it is crucial to choose dishes that are labelled safe for temperatures higher than the air fryer's settings.

Firstly, it is important to understand that air fryers are essentially miniature convection ovens. This means that any dish that is oven-safe can typically be used in an air fryer. However, there are some crucial differences to keep in mind. Air fryers are smaller than conventional ovens, which means the heat source is much closer to the food. As a result, food may cook faster or even burn if not monitored carefully.

To avoid potential hazards, always choose dishes that are labelled safe for higher temperatures than your air fryer can reach. This is especially important when using ceramic and glass dishes. If these dishes heat too quickly or surpass their designated safety zone, they can crack or even shatter. Therefore, it is recommended to use containers specifically designed for air fryers, as they can withstand high temperatures without compromising safety.

Silicone is a popular choice for air fryer dishes due to its ability to withstand high heat and low thermal conductivity. Baking dishes, such as ceramic ramekins, are another excellent option as they are designed to withstand high temperatures, even when placed close to a broiler.

When using glass dishes, ensure they are tempered and oven-safe. Regular glass bowls are not suitable for air fryers. Additionally, glass does not respond well to temperature shock, so it is important to allow glass dishes to cool down before handling them. Pyrex dishes, made of borosilicate glass, are an excellent alternative as they are thermal shock-resistant and can withstand extreme temperature changes without breaking.

Metal dishes, such as plates and bowls, can also be used in an air fryer, but they should be checked to ensure they will not damage the heating element or other parts. Cast iron skillets and pans are a good option for air fryers as they are highly versatile and have even heating properties. However, they may require the use of oil or butter to prevent food from sticking.

In summary, when using dishes in an air fryer, always choose those that are labelled safe for temperatures higher than what your air fryer can reach. This will ensure safety and prevent potential hazards. By using the appropriate dishes, you can enjoy the convenience of your air fryer without compromising the integrity of your dishes or the safety of your cooking experience.

Ceramic and glass dishes can crack or shatter if heated too quickly or above their designated safety zone

It is possible to put ceramic and glass dishes in an air fryer, but it is important to exercise caution. While ceramic and glass dishes can be oven-safe, they are not always suitable for use in an air fryer. This is because the heat source in an air fryer is much closer to the dish than in a conventional oven, which can cause the dishes to heat up very quickly. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your ceramic and glass dishes are labelled as safe for higher temperatures than the one you are cooking at.

Ceramic and glass dishes that are heated too quickly or above their designated safety zone can crack or even shatter. To avoid this, it is recommended to use containers labelled and sold specifically for air fryers. Silicone containers are a popular choice as they can withstand high temperatures while having low thermal conductivity. Ceramic ramekins are also a good option as they are designed to withstand high temperatures.

When using ceramic or glass dishes in an air fryer, it is important to adjust the cooking time accordingly and monitor the food closely. The cooking time may need to be reduced to prevent overcooking or burning. Additionally, always use oven mitts or pot holders when handling the air fryer, as the exterior can become hot and cause burns.

It is also worth noting that not all glass is oven-safe. Ordinary glass bowls, for example, should not be used in an air fryer. Only tempered and oven-safe glass dishes should be used. Pyrex dishes, made of borosilicate glass, are a good option as they are thermal shock-resistant and can withstand sudden and extreme temperature changes without breaking or shattering.

Metal dishes are safe but avoid plastic lids or handles

Metal plates can be used in an air fryer, but it's important to exercise caution. While metal is generally safe, you should avoid using any dishes with plastic lids or handles as these elements will melt and release harmful fumes.

Before using metal plates in your air fryer, check that they won't damage the heating element or other parts. Metal plates should be heat-resistant and non-stick. Additionally, ensure that there are no signs of damage or corrosion on the plates as this could pose a hazard.

It's worth noting that metal plates may take longer to cook your food compared to traditional cookware, so you may need to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

When placing metal plates in the air fryer, be mindful of the size. Avoid using plates that are too large or thick as they can block the proper circulation of air, affecting the cooking performance of the machine. As a safety precaution, place the plates at least two inches away from the heating element.

By following these guidelines, you can safely use metal dishes in your air fryer without any issues.

Frequently asked questions