Air Fryer Pans: Choosing The Right One

Air fryers are small convection ovens that circulate hot air to cook food. While most foods cooked in an air fryer don't require special pans, wet foods and dishes with sauces or batters do require a special pan to prevent dripping. Pans that encourage airflow, such as those with perforated surfaces or lower sides, are best for even cooking and to avoid a soggy dinner.

Pans that encourage airflow, such as those with perforated surfaces or lower sides, are ideal for air fryers

Cast iron pans can also be used in air fryers, but it is best to avoid those with wooden or plastic grips. Pans with these materials can be a risky choice compared to cast iron pans with smaller handles that are part of a composite body.

Using a deeper pan, like a loaf pan, can also help prevent food drips from spilling into the air fryer. Drippings, especially fat, can produce smoke that can ruin the flavour of your food. These pans can also help catch burnt-on residues, making it easier to clean and maintain your air fryer.

While most foods cooked in an air fryer do not require special pans, wet foods and dishes with sauces or batters require a special pan to prevent dripping. Any pan that is safe to use in a traditional oven is generally safe to use in an air fryer.

Cast iron pans are a good option for air fryer ovens

You can use any pan that is safe to use in a traditional oven in an air fryer. Pans that encourage airflow are best, such as those with perforated surfaces or lower sides. Cast iron pans are a good option for air fryer ovens. They typically have smaller handles that are part of a composite body. Iron pans with wooden or plastic grips can be a risky choice compared to cast iron pans. Cast iron pans can help with heat distribution and faster cooking times, especially if the air fryer is preheated before you start cooking food. A deeper pan, like a loaf pan, can also prevent food drips from spilling into the air fryer.

Pans with wooden or plastic grips should be avoided

Air fryer baskets come with most air fryer ovens, and their perforated design is perfect for air circulation and letting excess oil drip away. This keeps your food crispy without any unnecessary grease. Plus, the basket design makes it super simple to remove your food and avoid burns.

While there are specific pans for air fryers, you can also use the pans you already have in your kitchen. Since air fryers are small convection ovens, any pan that is safe to use in a traditional oven is safe to use in an air fryer. The biggest consideration for choosing the right pan for your air fryer is what you desire the end result to be. For example, using a deeper pan, like a loaf pan, prevents food drips from spilling into the air fryer. Drippings, and fat in particular, produce smoke that can potentially ruin the flavour of your food. Pans or aluminium foil can also help a lot in keeping food, particularly fish, from sticking to the air fryer basket or rack.

Special pans for air fryers can help with heat distribution and faster cooking times

Air fryer baskets are a popular choice as their perforated design allows for optimal air circulation and lets excess oil drip away, keeping food crispy and free from unnecessary grease. Cast iron pans are also a good option, as they typically have smaller handles that are part of a composite body, reducing the risk of burns compared to iron pans with wooden or plastic grips.

For wet foods, sauces, or batters, a deeper pan like a loaf pan can prevent drips from spilling into the air fryer and causing smoke that can ruin the flavour of your food. These pans also make cleaning easier by catching burnt-on residues.

Using a pan in the air fryer can help retain heat, resulting in shorter cooking times. Preheating the pan ensures even heat distribution, which is crucial for cooking proteins like chicken and fish evenly without drying them out.

Pans or aluminium foil can prevent food from sticking to the air fryer basket or rack

While there are specific pans for air fryers, you can also use the pans you already have in the kitchen. Since air fryers are small convection ovens, any pan that is safe to use in a traditional oven is safe to use in an air fryer. However, the biggest consideration for choosing the right pan for your air fryer is what you desire the end result to be. For example, cast iron pans can be used in your air fryer oven, but they typically have smaller handles that are part of a composite body. Iron pans with wooden or plastic grips can be a risky choice compared to cast iron pans.

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