Glass Bowls In Air Fryers: Safe Or Not?

Air fryers are becoming increasingly popular, and many people are discovering new ways to cook with them. One common question is whether you can use a glass bowl in an air fryer. The short answer is yes, you can, but there are some important precautions to consider. Oven-safe glass can withstand the heat of an air fryer, but regular glass cannot due to the risk of thermal shock, which can cause the glass to shatter. Therefore, it is important to check for an oven-safe symbol on the bottom of the glass bowl before using it in an air fryer.

Glass bowl precautions

While it is possible to use glass bowls in an air fryer, there are several precautions to be aware of to avoid damaging your air fryer or the glassware itself.

Avoid High Temperatures or Sudden Temperature Changes

Air fryers can reach very high temperatures, often around 500°F, and they do so very quickly. To prevent glass bowls from shattering or exploding, it is important to only use glass that is oven-safe and designed to withstand high temperatures. Borosilicate glass, such as Pyrex, is a good option as it is a tempered glass that can withstand high heat. Soda-lime glass, on the other hand, has low heat resistance and should be avoided. Always check the manufacturer's instructions to verify the maximum temperature your glassware can handle.

Additionally, never put a cold glass bowl directly into a hot air fryer as this can cause thermal shock and lead to shattering. Allow the glass to come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer, and avoid placing hot glass directly onto cold surfaces.

Check for Durability

Before using glassware in an air fryer, inspect it for any signs of wear and tear. Check for small cracks, scratches, uneven surfaces, or colour changes by holding the glass up to the light. If you notice any weaknesses, do not use the glassware in the air fryer.

Don't Block the Airflow

The size and shape of the glass bowl matter. Ensure that the bowl fits properly in the air fryer without obstructing the airflow. If the bowl takes up too much space, it can prevent hot air from circulating properly, leading to uneven cooking or potential overheating. As a general rule, the bowl should take up less than half of the basket space.

Use the Correct Type of Glass

Only use glass that is specifically designed for cooking. Standard or decorative glass is not suitable for high temperatures and is likely to crack or break. Always look for the oven-safe symbol on the bottom of the glassware, or check the manufacturer's instructions to verify that it is heat-resistant.

Oven-safe glass

When using oven-safe glass, it is important to avoid high temperatures and sudden temperature changes, as this can cause the glass to shatter or explode. For example, a glass dish should never be placed in an air fryer straight from the refrigerator, as this can cause thermal shock and cracking. Instead, it is recommended to let the dish come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer.

To identify if a glass bowl is oven-safe, look for a manufacturer's stamp or label that indicates a maximum temperature of 350°F to 450°F. Oven-safe glassware will often be marked with the words "oven-safe" or "pyrex". If there is no label or stamp, it is best to assume that the bowl is not intended for high heat.

It is also important to check for any structural weaknesses in the glass, such as small cracks, scratches, uneven surfaces, or colour changes, as this can compromise the integrity of the bowl.

Some popular oven-safe glassware brands include Pyrex, Anchor Hocking, Libbey, and CorningWare. These brands offer a variety of glass baking dishes, casserole dishes, and storage containers that are safe to use in the oven and air fryer.

Glass bowl pros and cons

Glass Bowl Pros:

• It's a clever way to use the same cookware you had before getting an air fryer.
• Glass is safe and non-toxic, even at high heats.
• Glass allows you to cook, serve, and store all in one pan.
• Glass can help hold dishes like casseroles or cakes together while in the air fryer.
• Glass is non-porous, so odors and other flavors don't seep into the food or spill out.
• Glass is clear, making it easy to monitor food without disrupting the cooking process.
• Glass has great heat retention, so it can achieve more efficient, even cooking temperatures.
• Glass is a non-reactive material, so it won't alter the flavor of your food.
• Glass is durable and can withstand the heat and air speed of an air fryer, especially if it has survived in the microwave or oven before.

Glass Bowl Cons:

• Using glass in the air fryer has the potential to block airflow and prevent proper cooking.
• If the circulating air is blocked, crispy foods will come out soggy and unevenly cooked.
• A wire rack or basket is a better option for any foods that need to be crispy.
• Glass can break in an air fryer due to thermal shock, which occurs when it undergoes a rapid change in temperature.
• Glassware that is not suitable or too large for the air fryer could obstruct the circulation of hot air, causing uneven cooking or potential overheating, which may damage the appliance.

Glass bowl alternatives

Glass bowls can be used in an air fryer, but they must be oven-safe and tempered. It is also important to avoid extreme temperatures or sudden temperature changes when using glassware in an air fryer, as this can cause the glass to shatter or explode.

• Steel or stainless steel pans: Steel or stainless steel pans are safe, versatile, cost-effective, and can withstand temperatures up to 500°F. They are also easy to fit into the air fryer tray.
• Ceramic bowls: Oven-safe ceramic bowls are a great crack-resistant alternative to glass. However, avoid any ceramic bowls with a glossy finish or scratches on the surface.
• Silicone molds: Silicone is a durable, versatile, and easy-to-clean material that works beautifully in an air fryer. Silicone molds can withstand temperatures up to 425°F.
• Metal wire racks: Metal wire racks add significant air circulation for even cooking and can replace the bottom air fryer tray if more room is needed.
• Perforated parchment paper: Perforated parchment paper works in the air fryer and makes cleanup easy. The holes in the paper add airflow and promote thorough cooking.

Glass bowl safety

While it is possible to use glass bowls in an air fryer, there are several safety precautions to be aware of. Firstly, it is important to only use tempered, oven-safe glass, such as borosilicate glass, which is designed to withstand high temperatures. Regular glass, such as soda lime glass, should not be used as it has low heat resistance and can break easily. Always check the manufacturer's label or stamp to verify that the glass bowl is oven-safe. If there is no label or stamp, it is best to assume that the bowl is not intended for high heat.

Secondly, avoid sudden temperature changes when using glass bowls in an air fryer. Do not put a chilled glass bowl directly into a hot air fryer, as this can cause thermal shock and lead to cracking or shattering. Instead, allow the glass bowl to come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer. Similarly, do not place a hot glass bowl onto a cold surface, as this can also cause thermal shock. Allow the bowl to cool down naturally before removing it from the air fryer.

Thirdly, ensure that the glass bowl does not obstruct the airflow in the air fryer. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, so it is important that the bowl does not block this airflow. Choose a bowl that is the appropriate size and shape for your air fryer, taking into account the space needed for proper airflow.

Finally, always check glass bowls for any cracks, scratches, or other deficiencies before using them in an air fryer. Even small cracks or scratches can weaken the glass and make it more susceptible to breaking. Hold the bowl up to the light to inspect it for any signs of damage, and if any weaknesses are found, do not use the bowl in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions