Air Fryer Oven: Special Pans Needed?

Air fryer ovens are a popular kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of foods, from vegetables to meats and baked goods. But do you need to buy special pans for your air fryer oven?

The good news is that you don't necessarily have to buy special pans. You can use many of the same pans that you would use in a regular oven, as long as they are oven-safe and able to withstand temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It's also important to choose pans with holes or perforations to allow for airflow and crispier results.

However, there are some instances where using special pans for your air fryer oven may be beneficial. For example, if you're cooking wet foods with sauces or batters, you'll need a pan with sides to prevent drips and spills. Custom air fryer pans are available for purchase, and they are typically made of dark, non-stick metal or silicone. These pans are designed to fit comfortably within the air fryer basket, ensuring proper airflow and even cooking.

So, while not always necessary, investing in special pans for your air fryer oven can enhance your cooking experience and make cleaning up afterward a breeze.

Air fryer ovens: a healthier alternative

Air fryer ovens are a fantastic, healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying methods. They use hot air instead of hot oil to cook food, resulting in a much healthier option with less oil content. This article will explore the benefits of air fryer ovens and answer the common question: do you need special pans for your air fryer oven?

Advantages of Air Fryer Ovens

Air fryer ovens offer numerous benefits, including:

• Healthier Cooking Option: Air fryer ovens use hot air to cook food, providing a much healthier alternative to deep frying, which involves submerging food in oil.
• Signature Crispiness: Despite using convection heating, the smaller cooking chamber of an air fryer produces crispier results without the excess oil.
• Faster Cooking Time: Air fryer ovens cook food faster than traditional ovens and deep fryers, preheating in under 5 minutes and typically cooking most foods in 20-30 minutes.
• Energy Efficiency: Due to their compact size, air fryer ovens heat up quickly and consume less energy than traditional ovens.
• Cooler Kitchen: Their small size and rapid cooking pace mean air fryer ovens don't raise the surrounding temperature as much, keeping your kitchen cooler.
• Easy to Clean: Air fryer ovens usually have non-stick, removable parts that are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
• Space-Saving: Their compact design makes them perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or those looking to save counter space.
• Versatility: Air fryer ovens can be used for frying, roasting, grilling, and baking, offering a range of cooking options.
• Consistent Results: Precise timers and temperature controls ensure consistent and repeatable results, so your dishes turn out perfectly every time.

The good news is that you don't necessarily need special pans for your air fryer oven. You can use many of the same oven-proof pans you would typically use in a regular oven, as long as they fit inside the air fryer oven. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Choose Oven-Safe Pans: Air fryer ovens can reach temperatures of up to 500°F, so ensure your pans are safe to use at high temperatures.
• Consider Perforations: Pans with holes or perforations allow for better air circulation, resulting in crispier food.
• Avoid Oversized Pans: Ensure the food fits comfortably in the pan without touching the sides, as you don't want to block airflow or the heating element.
• Use Appropriate Shapes: The shape of your pan should match the shape of your air fryer oven. Round pans may not fit in a square air fryer, for example.

In summary, while you don't need to purchase special pans for your air fryer oven, choosing the right pans for your specific model and cooking needs will enhance your cooking experience and improve results.

Pans for wet foods

Wet foods and dishes that contain sauces or batters require a special pan so that they do not drip into the air fryer. The air fryer basket is perforated for heat distribution, and wet foods will leak through the basket and into the air fryer. Therefore, to cook wet food in an air fryer, you must use an air fryer-safe pan with high enough walls to contain the liquid from spilling over.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing pans for wet foods in an air fryer oven:

• Choose pans that are oven-safe. Air fryer ovens can reach temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so it's important to use pans that are safe to use at high temperatures.
• Use pans with holes or perforations. This will allow the air to circulate freely around the food, resulting in crispier results.
• Avoid using pans that are too large. The food should be able to fit comfortably in the pan without touching the sides.
• Make sure the pan is not too tall. The heating element and the fan that circulates the hot air are at the top of the air fryer. Make sure the pan is not so tall that it blocks the heating element or the fan.
• Use oven-safe dishware. Only use dishware that is oven-safe, just as you would in a standard oven. If the dishware is not oven-safe, it could warp or even melt and ruin the food and your air fryer.

There are a variety of pans that can be used for wet foods in an air fryer, including:

• Metal pans: These can be muffin pans, cake pans, or sheet pans. Metal is excellent for conducting heat quickly and evenly.
• Non-stick dark pans: These pans are great for achieving a crispy texture without the food sticking to the pan. They absorb heat well, which helps to cook food more quickly.
• Cast iron pans: Cast iron pans are perfect for recipes that require high heat and crispiness. They retain heat exceptionally well and are great for searing meats.
• Silicone molds: Silicone molds are ideal for delicate items like muffins and cakes, as they allow for easy removal after cooking. They don't conduct heat in the same way that metal pans do, so cooking times may need to be adjusted.

Pans for cupcakes and cakes

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens, as they can be quicker, more energy-efficient, and safer. They are also versatile, allowing you to bake goods like cupcakes and cakes, as well as roast and grill.

When it comes to pans for cupcakes and cakes in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to use oven-safe pans that can withstand high temperatures, as air fryers can reach up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Secondly, choose pans with holes or perforations to allow for optimal airflow and crispier results. Additionally, avoid using pans that are too large for the air fryer, as this can affect the airflow and cooking efficiency.

For cupcakes, you can use paper cups, cupcake liners, or silicone baking cups. You don't need a special cupcake pan, but if you prefer to use a metal muffin tin, ensure that it fits securely inside your air fryer. The size of your cupcake cases will also affect the cooking time, with larger cupcakes taking longer to bake. A general guideline is to bake cupcakes in an air fryer at 330 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 minutes.

For cakes, a half-size Bundt pan is a good option, as it allows hot air to circulate through the center, resulting in more even baking. Smaller pans, such as a 6" round pan, are also recommended as they bake more quickly and evenly than larger ones. If you are set on using a full-size 8" or 9" round pan, you may need to take measures to prevent the top of the cake from burning, such as using aluminum foil or a heat diffuser.

Pans for bread and pizza

Air fryer ovens are a great, healthy alternative to traditional deep frying, as they use hot air instead of oil to cook food.

You don't need to buy special pans for an air fryer oven, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, choose oven-safe pans that can withstand temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Pans with holes or perforations are also preferable, as they allow for better airflow and crispier results. It's also important to avoid using pans that are too large, as the food should fit comfortably without touching the sides.

When it comes to making bread and pizza in an air fryer oven, there are a few specific tips to keep in mind. For bread, it's important to use a pan that is oven-safe and fits comfortably in the air fryer, allowing for proper airflow. A non-stick, dark-coloured pan is ideal, as it absorbs and distributes heat more evenly, preventing the bread from burning.

For pizza, you can use either parchment paper for thin or standard pizza or a cake pan for thicker Sicilian-style pizza. If your air fryer has a bottom heating element, you can cook the pizza directly on the pan. However, if it doesn't, you may need to flip the pizza halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. It's also important to pre-cook the crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings to ensure a crispy bottom without overcooking the toppings.

Air fryer oven safety

Air fryers are a great way to cook healthy, wholesome foods, but it's important to be mindful of safety precautions when using one. Here are some tips to ensure safe air frying:

Do's:

• Read the manual that came with your air fryer. It contains valuable information about safety and proper use.
• Use accessories and inserts made specifically for your air fryer model. These are convenient, maximise cooking space, and ensure a good fit.
• Use oven-safe silicone gloves or mitts to protect your hands from burns.
• Place the air fryer near vent hoods and ensure these are turned on.
• Use a quality oil spray or pump and a high flashpoint oil.
• Use a breadcrumb crust for wet batters or wet coatings to prevent splattering.
• Use a timer to remind yourself to flip, shake, or check on the food.

Don'ts:

• Leave your air fryer plugged in when not in use. Unplug it after use to avoid accidents.
• Place the air fryer in a non-ventilated area or a small closed-off corner.
• Allow the hot air ventilation openings to blow into electrical outlets. Leave space around the air fryer for proper ventilation.
• Put the air fryer on the stove, as you may accidentally turn on the stove and cause a fire.
• Use perforated parchment paper at high heat without food on it, as it may fly around and cause the food to cook unevenly.
• Use cooking sprays with propellants, aerosol sprays, or chemical-based non-stick sprays, as these can break down the coating on non-stick baskets and trays.
• Overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave enough space for air to circulate properly and food to cook evenly.
• Season food with salt while it's in the air fryer, as dry salt can cause the non-stick coating to break down and peel.
• Clean the racks or basket with harsh metal scouring pads. Instead, soak them in hot soapy water, then wipe off crusted food.

Additional Safety Tips:

• Be cautious of cheap air fryers, as some have caused problems leading to consumer recalls.
• Regularly clean your air fryer basket and the coils above it to prevent fires and maintain optimal cooking power.
• Give the air fryer its own outlet while in use and unplug it afterward.
• Don't leave the air fryer unattended. Always monitor for smoke or unusual smells.
• Avoid air fryer baskets with harmful chemicals or PFOA (such as Teflon) in their non-stick coating. Opt for stainless steel or glass coatings instead.

Frequently asked questions