Air Fryer Cookware: What's Safe To Use?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, known for their convenience, versatility, and ability to produce crispy and delicious dishes with minimal oil. While air fryer-specific accessories and cookware are available, you may be wondering if you can use any cookware in an air fryer. The answer is yes, but with some considerations.

Air fryers circulate hot air to cook food, and the choice of cookware can impact the cooking process and results. It is essential to use cookware that promotes optimal airflow. Perforated surfaces or pans with lower sides are ideal, as they allow air to circulate effectively, resulting in even cooking and the desired crispiness. Dark-coloured, non-stick baking sheets are also recommended as they heat up quickly and provide even browning.

While you can use any oven-safe cookware in an air fryer, some materials are better suited than others. Metal pans made of stainless steel or aluminum are excellent choices as they conduct heat quickly and evenly. Non-stick, dark-coloured pans are perfect for achieving crispy textures without sticking. Silicone molds are also a good option for delicate items like muffins and cakes, as they are flexible, heat-resistant, and easy to remove after cooking. Cast iron skillets can be used but may not be ideal for delicate foods as they heat up slowly and retain heat.

It is important to avoid using certain materials in an air fryer. Plastic, paper, and light-coloured pans should be avoided as they can melt, catch fire, or affect cooking results. Additionally, pans with high sides should be skipped as they can block airflow and trap heat, resulting in steamed instead of crispy food.

In conclusion, while you can use any cookware in an air fryer, choosing the right type can enhance your cooking experience and results. Opt for materials that can withstand high temperatures, promote airflow, and suit the specific dishes you plan to prepare. Always follow safety guidelines and instructions for your air fryer model to ensure a safe and enjoyable cooking experience.

Air fryer-safe materials: stainless steel, aluminium, silicone

Air fryers are a great way to cook food to crispy perfection with minimal oil. But with any new appliance, it's natural to have questions about the best ways to use it and what materials are safe. Here's a guide to three air fryer-safe materials: stainless steel, aluminium/aluminum, and silicone.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a safe and inert material for air fryers and the food that contacts them directly. It is also easy to clean and maintain. Stainless steel is a durable option that won't chip away or release harmful toxins, even at high temperatures. It is a great heat conductor, ensuring even cooking. You can use stainless steel pots, pans, and trays in your air fryer, as long as they fit properly and don't block airflow or the heating element.

Aluminium/Aluminum Foil

Aluminium/aluminum foil is a handy tool for air frying, as it helps keep your air fryer basket clean and protects delicate foods. It is easily accessible and can be shaped to fit your air fryer. However, it's important to ensure the foil doesn't block airflow or touch the heating element, which could cause a fire hazard. Aluminium/aluminum foil is best used sparingly and not for all foods. It is not recommended for cooking acidic foods as it may react with them and alter their flavour.

Silicone

Silicone accessories, such as liners or mats, are reusable and non-stick, making them a convenient option for air frying. They are generally safe for cooking, but it's important to buy from reputable brands to minimise any potential risks. Silicone has a high smoke point and is heat-resistant, but it's best to avoid placing silicone liners inside the air fryer during preheating, as this may cause smoke. Always check your air fryer manual for recommendations and warnings about using silicone accessories.

Pans to avoid: high-sided, glass, plastic

While air fryers offer a convenient and healthier way to fry food, it is important to use the right cookware to avoid damaging your appliance and compromising safety. Here are some pans that you should avoid using in your air fryer:

High-Sided Pans

Avoid using pans with high sides that can obstruct the airflow or block the heating element in your air fryer. The air fryer needs proper air circulation to cook food evenly, so choose pans that fit comfortably inside the air fryer basket without touching the sides. It is recommended to measure the interior of your air fryer to ensure a proper fit.

Glass

While some glassware is safe for air fryers, it is crucial to use only oven-safe glass dishes, such as tempered glass or glass ceramic. Regular glass containers can crack or shatter due to thermal shock, posing a potential safety hazard. Always check for the "oven-safe" label and avoid placing cold glass directly into a preheated air fryer to prevent thermal shock.

Plastic

Plastic is a big no-no for air fryers. Plastic melts at a much lower temperature than the minimum cooking temperature of an air fryer, and it can release harmful chemicals. Even plastic labelled "microwave-safe" or "oven-safe" should be avoided as the high heat of the air fryer can cause it to melt and damage your appliance and your food.

Air fryer accessories: grill pans, silicone cupcake moulds, pizza pans

Air fryers are a great, healthier alternative to deep frying, as they require less oil and can cook food faster and more efficiently than traditional ovens.

While you can use any oven-safe cookware in an air fryer, there are also accessories designed specifically for air fryers. These accessories can enhance your cooking experience and allow you to cook a wider variety of foods. Here is a guide to some of the most useful air fryer accessories:

Grill Pans

Grill pans are a great addition to your air fryer, as they allow you to grill foods like steak, chicken, and vegetables. They have raised ridges that create attractive grill marks on your food and allow excess fat to drip away. When choosing a grill pan, ensure that it fits your air fryer model and is made from a heat-resistant material like stainless steel or aluminium.

Silicone Cupcake Moulds

Silicone cupcake moulds are perfect for making muffins, cupcakes, or egg bites in your air fryer. They are flexible, heat-resistant, and easy to clean, making them a convenient option for baking in your air fryer. Look for moulds that fit comfortably inside your air fryer basket.

Pizza Pans

Pizza pans are another great accessory for your air fryer. They are typically round or rectangular and designed for making personal-sized pizzas or flatbreads. Some pizza pans are perforated to allow for even heat distribution and to allow excess grease to drip away. When choosing a pizza pan, ensure it is compatible with your air fryer model and is made from a heat-resistant material.

In addition to these accessories, there are also baking pans, skewers, tongs, and silicone baskets available specifically for air fryers. These accessories can further expand the versatility of your air fryer and make cooking a variety of dishes more convenient and efficient.

Air fryer benefits: healthier, faster, energy-efficient

Air fryers have become increasingly popular due to their efficiency in cooking food quickly, with less oil, and in a more energy-efficient manner. Here are some of the key benefits of air fryers:

Healthier

Air fryers offer a much healthier way to cook food compared to traditional deep frying. They use hot air to cook food, reducing the amount of oil absorbed by up to 70%. This results in lower fat content and fewer calories, which can be beneficial for weight management and reducing the risk of health issues associated with high-fat diets.

Faster

Air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens and deep fryers. They preheat in less than 5 minutes and typically cook most foods in 20-30 minutes. The rapid air circulation in the small cooking chamber allows food to cook quickly and evenly, resulting in crispy and delicious dishes.

Energy-efficient

Air fryers are more energy-efficient than traditional ovens due to their smaller size and faster cooking times. They consume less energy, which can lead to significant savings on energy bills. For example, an air fryer might use about 1.4-1.7 kWh of electricity per hour, while a single electric oven uses 2.0-2.2 kWh in the same time period.

In addition to these benefits, air fryers are also easy to use and clean, versatile, and space-saving. They offer a convenient and healthy way to prepare a variety of dishes, from crispy fries to roasted chicken and even desserts.

Air fryer tips: don't overcrowd, preheat, flip and shake

Don't Overcrowd

One of the most important things to remember when using an air fryer is to not overcrowd the basket. The circulating air should be able to come into contact with as much of the food as possible. This will ensure even cooking and browning. If you overcrowd the air fryer, you risk uneven cooking, food that isn't thoroughly cooked, or unpleasant textures.

Preheat

Preheating your air fryer will improve the quality of your cook. It helps cook the food more evenly, and if you are following a timed recipe, it will ensure that the food is thoroughly cooked. It usually only takes a few minutes for an air fryer to preheat.

Flip and Shake

Most air fryers require you to shake the basket at least once during the cooking process to ensure that every bit of food is crisped and browned evenly. Some recipes may also call for flipping the food instead of shaking, especially for larger items like breaded fish fillets. This helps to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides of the food.

Frequently asked questions