Air fryers are great appliances for whipping up our favorite fried foods with minimal oil. But, just like with microwaves, it’s crucial to pick the right containers to use inside them. Use the wrong one, and you might end up with a misshapen container, or even worse, a damaged air fryer. That’s why we’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best containers to use in your air fryer and the ones to steer clear of.
Types of Containers You Can Use In an Air Fryer
Most oven-safe containers can also be used in an air fryer since they both work by circulating hot air to cook food. So, if a container is labeled as “oven safe”, you can be sure that they are air fryer friendly as well. Here are some air fryer-safe containers:
1) Metal Containers
Oven-safe containers like small metal baking pans, stainless steel pots, or aluminum muffin tins can be used in air fryers. These containers are great because they can handle high temperatures without bending or melting. Just remember, metal can get really hot, so handle it with oven mitts and give it time to cool down after cooking. Also, make sure the containers are the right size for your air fryer. They should fit snugly so that the air can flow around the food.
2) Ceramic Dishes
Ceramic dishes are fantastic for delicate dishes like casseroles or quiches. They can withstand air fryer temperatures without any issues. They’re also easy to clean due to their non-stick surface, which is a bonus. Plus, they’re usually pretty stylish, so you can serve straight from the air fryer to the table. Just be sure they have an “oven-safe dish” label before using them in the air fryer.
3) Glassware
Just like with ceramic, make sure that your glass dish has the “oven-safe” label. Glass, particularly tempered, glass ceramic, or soda lime glass, works perfectly for cooking and reheating food evenly in an air fryer. It’s especially great for baking fish, roasting vegetables, or even making a small batch of brownies. The clear glass lets you keep an eye on your food as it cooks, which is super handy. Remember, glass retains heat, so handle it carefully and let it cool down a bit before touching it.
4) Silicone Molds
Silicone molds work wonderfully for baking muffins, mini cakes, or even egg bites. They are resistant to high temperatures, and they come in all sorts of fun shapes and sizes. Plus, they’re non-stick and flexible, making it super easy to pop out your treats once they’re done. And when it comes to cleaning, they’re usually dishwasher-safe, which saves you time and effort.
5) Stoneware Containers
Stoneware is a bit of a mixed bag. While most are oven-safe and can be used in an air fryer, always check the manufacturer’s guidelines. Some stoneware may not handle the high heat of an air fryer and could crack, so make sure they are explicitly labeled as safe for this purpose before using them.
6) Porcelain Containers
Porcelain dishes can usually handle the high temperatures of air frying, making them a good choice. However, just like with stoneware, it’s important to double-check if your particular porcelain dish is suitable for this purpose. Search for a label or mark that indicates it’s oven-safe.
Additional Items You Can Safely Use in Your Air Fryer
Beyond the right containers, there are other tools and accessories that can improve your air frying experience. Let’s look at what else you can safely use:
1) Skewers and Wooden Sticks
Perfect for making kebabs or satay, skewers are a great tool for your air fryer. If you’re using wooden sticks, make sure to soak them in water first. This prevents them from burning or catching fire in the high heat of the air fryer.
2) Aluminum Tin Foil
Aluminum foil is a handy tool that can be used for air frying. It can be used to line the basket, making cleanup easier. It’s also great for wrapping foods like fish or vegetables for a more even cook. Just be sure not to cover all the holes in the basket – the air needs to circulate to cook your food properly.
3) Parchment Paper
Parchment paper is another great option for lining your air fryer’s basket, especially when making sticky or crumbly foods. It helps catch all the drips and crumbs, making cleanup quicker and easier. Just be sure to put the food on top of the paper to weigh it down – this stops it from flying up into the heating element, which can be a safety hazard. You can get parchment paper made specifically for air fryers with holes to improve air circulation.
Types of Containers To Avoid Using in Your Air Fryer
Now that you know what’s safe, let’s talk about the containers that aren’t a good match for your air fryer. Using the wrong type can be unsafe and might even damage your appliance. Here’s a list of containers to steer clear of:
1) Plastic Containers or Plastic Takeaway Containers
This is a big no-no. Any kind of plastic, even if it’s labeled “microwave-safe” or “oven-safe”, should never be used in an air fryer. The high heat of the air fryer can cause plastics to melt and release harmful chemicals. It’s best to keep plastic far away from this appliance.
2) Paper Containers
Apart from parchment paper specifically designed for cooking food, avoid using any other paper products, like paper cupcake cups or plates. They can catch fire under the high heat, posing a serious safety hazard.
3) Non-Stick Cookware (if it’s not air fryer-approved)
Some non-stick pans and containers are not designed to withstand the high temperatures of air fryers. Using them can lead to the coating breaking down and potentially mixing into your food.
4) Containers with Plastic Handles or Accents
Even if the main material of your container is oven-safe, plastic handles or decorative elements can melt in the air fryer. Always check that the entire container, including all parts and accessories, can handle the heat.
5) Lightweight or Flimsy Materials
Thin, lightweight materials like aluminum foil containers can be a problem too. They can block air circulation or get knocked around inside the air fryer, leading to uneven cooking or damage to the appliance.
6) Non-Oven-Safe Glass
While some glassware is safe for the air fryer, not all glass is. If it’s not labeled as oven-safe, don’t risk it. Non-oven-safe glass can shatter when exposed to high temperatures, creating a dangerous mess.
7) Cardboard or Wood
These materials are not cut out for the heat of an air fryer. They can easily catch fire or get charred, and nobody wants a side of burnt wood or cardboard with their meal!
Summary
Using the right containers in your air fryer can make your cooking experience safer and more enjoyable. Stick to air fryer-safe materials like metal, porcelain, ceramic, glassware, silicone, and stoneware. Avoid materials like plastic, glass, non-air fryer-safe bakeware, or lightweight options. With the right containers, you can continue to enjoy delicious and healthy meals from your air fryer.
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