Air Fryer Plate Cooking: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that cooks food with hot air instead of oil, resulting in healthier, crispier food. But can you put plates in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, but with some important safety considerations.

Firstly, it's crucial to ensure that your plate is oven-safe and suitable for high temperatures. The plate should be made of materials that can withstand the heat generated by the air fryer, such as oven-safe ceramic, tempered glass, or certain metals. Plastic, paper, and cardboard plates should never be used as they can melt, warp, or catch fire.

Secondly, the size of the plate matters. The plate should not be too large or thick, as this can obstruct airflow and affect the cooking performance. It's important to leave at least two inches between the plate and the heating element.

Lastly, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and use caution when handling hot plates and air fryers.

So, while you can put certain types of plates in an air fryer, it's important to follow these guidelines to ensure safe and successful cooking.

Oven-safe dishes

Understanding Oven-Safe Materials

The key to choosing suitable oven-safe dishes is selecting the right materials. Here are the primary oven-safe materials:

• Glass: While not all glass is oven-safe, heat-resistant glass, such as tempered or borosilicate glass, can be used in the oven and air fryer. Look for oven-safe symbols or specific types like Pyrex.
• Ceramic: Ceramic dishes, including both ceramic cookware (casseroles, baking dishes, ramekins) and ceramic crockery (plates, bowls), are excellent choices for oven-safe dishware. Ensure they are labelled as oven-safe.
• Metal: Metal dishes, such as stainless steel bowls and cast iron skillets, can be used in an air fryer. Avoid non-stick coatings, and ensure there are no sharp edges that could damage the appliance.

Additional Considerations

When using oven-safe dishes, keep the following in mind:

• Size: Ensure the dish fits comfortably inside the air fryer, allowing for proper airflow.
• Preheating: Avoid putting cold dishes into a hot air fryer. Preheat both the air fryer and the dish if necessary to avoid cracking.
• Handling: Always use oven mitts when handling hot dishes to protect yourself from burns.
• Handles: Avoid dishes with large or protruding handles that can obstruct airflow and impact cooking.

Examples of Oven-Safe Dishware

• Stoneware or porcelain baking plates: DEGRENNE offers a range of sleek and modern porcelain gratin dishes in various shapes and sizes that are perfect for roasting or making lasagna.
• Ceramic dinnerware sets: Several brands offer ceramic dinnerware sets that are oven-safe, including Gibson, Amazon Basics, and Corelle. These sets typically include dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs.
• Oven-safe glass dishes: Pyrex is a well-known brand that offers heat-resistant and oven-safe glass dishes suitable for air fryers.

Plastic and glass

Air fryers are great for cooking food quickly and conveniently, but it's important to be cautious when choosing what type of plate to use. Plastic and certain types of glass plates should be avoided when cooking with an air fryer.

Plastic plates should never be placed in an air fryer. The high temperatures can cause plastic to warp and melt, releasing harmful chemicals and posing a serious fire hazard. Even plastic plates labelled "microwave-safe" are not suitable, as microwaves operate at lower temperatures than air fryers.

Not all glass plates are created equal, either. While oven-safe glass plates can be used in an air fryer, it's crucial to ensure they are heat-resistant and oven-safe to avoid cracking or shattering due to thermal stress. Glass is susceptible to thermal shock, so always let glass plates come to room temperature before placing them in a preheated air fryer. Look for tempered or borosilicate glass products to be extra cautious.

To summarise, when using an air fryer, avoid plastic plates altogether and be selective with glass plates, ensuring they are oven-safe and designed to withstand high temperatures.

Types of oven-safe dishware

When it comes to oven-safe dishware, there are several options to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Here are the four main types of oven-safe dishware:

Glass:

While not all glass is oven-safe, heat-resistant glass like Pyrex is a popular choice for oven-safe dishware. It's essential to check if the glass is specifically labelled as oven-safe to avoid cracking or shattering due to thermal stress. Pyrex, for example, is made from borosilicate glass, which is more resistant to thermal shock than other types of glass.

Metal:

Metal dishware is generally safe to use in an air fryer, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Avoid using metal dishes with sharp edges or non-stick coatings. Stainless steel and cast iron are two popular choices for metal dishware. Stainless steel bowls heat up quickly and evenly, making them suitable for a range of recipes. Cast iron, on the other hand, is known for its heat retention but may require longer cooking times.

Ceramic:

Ceramic dishware is a great option for air fryer cooking, as long as it's oven-safe. Ceramic offers even heat distribution and easy cleanup. There are two main types of ceramic dishes: ceramic cookware (casseroles, baking dishes, ramekins) and ceramic crockery (plates, bowls). Ensure that your ceramic dishware is labelled as oven-safe before using it in your air fryer.

Silicone:

Silicone moulds and liners are flexible, non-stick, and popular for air frying due to their heat resistance. Silicone is safe to use in an air fryer as long as it's made from food-grade, oven-safe silicone and can handle temperatures up to 400°F.

It's important to remember that not all materials are suitable for air fryers or ovens. Plastic, for example, should be avoided as it can melt and release harmful toxins. Always check for oven-safe symbols or labels on your dishware before using them in an air fryer or oven.

Air fryer cooking

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy alternative to deep frying, using a fraction of the oil to cook your food. They work by circulating hot air around the food, resulting in crispy, delicious meals with fewer calories.

The short answer is yes, but with some important considerations and caveats. The key is to use materials that can withstand high temperatures, as an air fryer's heat source is much closer to the food than in a conventional oven.

Firstly, always ensure the plate is oven-safe. Look for an oven-safe symbol on the bottom of the plate, often a flame icon inside a circle. This usually indicates it can handle temperatures up to 400°F (204°C), which is the standard high heat for most air fryers.

Materials to Use and Avoid

Materials to Use:

• Ceramic: Ceramic plates, bowls, and baking dishes are generally oven-safe and heat evenly, making them a good option for air fryers.
• Metal: Metal plates, bowls, and skillets can be used, but avoid non-stick coatings as the high heat can break them down. Cast iron is also an option but may require longer cooking times.
• Glass: Oven-safe glass, like Pyrex, can be used, but avoid placing cold glass directly into a preheated air fryer to prevent thermal shock and potential cracking.
• Silicone: Food-grade, oven-safe silicone molds and liners are flexible, non-stick, and can withstand high temperatures.

Materials to Avoid:

• Plastic: Plastic will melt and release harmful toxins.
• Paper: Paper plates and cardboard are flammable and will absorb moisture, making your food soggy.
• Wood: Utensils with wooden handles may catch fire.

Additional Tips

• Size: Ensure the plate fits comfortably inside the air fryer, allowing proper airflow for even cooking.
• Preheating: Avoid putting cold dishes into a hot air fryer. Preheat both the air fryer and the plate to avoid cracking.
• Handles: Avoid plates with large or protruding handles that can obstruct airflow.
• Cleanliness: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance. Grease build-up can be a fire hazard.

Paper plates

It is important to use cookware and utensils specifically designed for use with high temperatures, such as metal or heat-resistant glass. These materials can withstand the heat of an air fryer without any risk of fire or harmful fumes.

Always check the manufacturer's guidelines for safe materials before using any type of plate or dish in an air fryer. This will ensure your safety and the longevity of your appliance.

Frequently asked questions