What Containers can you use in an Air Fryer? – In a Safe Way

Do you love your air fryer and are conscious about it just like me? Then I am sure you will use it with extreme caution. Well, air fryers have been designed with all the essential accessories such as oven racks, trays, containers, baskets, and other attachments.

But what are the other alternatives if all these attachments are not available? What containers can you use in an air fryer? Terrible! Don’t worry; many special containers have been designed for air fryers to cook meals. I have also used many containers that were not available with the fryer.

Thus, the detailed answer to this question is described below. So, let’s talk about it in detail!

Best Containers to Use in an Air Fryer

I have used a variety of containers, but to find alternative options, I conducted extensive research into containers that match air fryer capabilities. So, below are the containers that you can use in an air fryer;

Let’s discuss them all one by one!

Ceramic Containers

Can you put a ceramic bowl in an air fryer? It is the most common question to ask. Ceramics can relate to either non-metal ceramic kitchenware, such as bowls, dishes, and cups, or ceramic kitchenware, which is metal with a ceramic covering. Both should work well in air fryers because they can maintain their structure at extreme temps.

If the ceramic bowl or cup has accent pieces, it will not be suitable to use in an air fryer. So, always double-check with the producer. If you can’t gather the information on the product, don’t take a risk.

Ceramic Crockery

Ceramic dishes do not include any metal, so, they can be more quickly damaged than cookware. This alloy is used to make cereal bowls, soup bowls, and coffee mugs. Thus, ceramic crockery will work great in an air fryer because it stays stable at high temperatures.

Ceramic Cookware

Metal cookware such as pots and crocks are referred to as ceramic cooking utensils when they have been finished with ceramic coating. As these cook-wares are covered, they retain heat well while releasing the flavors of anything you cooked in it previously.

Cooking stews and soups in an air fryer using ceramic kitchenware is a fantastic method to avoid a direct gas burner. In this way, the heat will surround the meal from every angle to let it cook evenly.

Glass Containers

Glass containers have the advantage of being transparent. If you want to keep a close look at your food while preparing, this is a wonderful option. Glass is translucent and warms up quickly, and does not retain the flavors of previous foods.

Glass is utilized for pans and kitchen utensils that come into contact with direct heat. Also, it is more commonly used for baking pans like roasting pans and pie plates.

So, because glass can withstand different oven temps, it can be used in an air fryer. Keep in mind to allow the glass to cool gently otherwise, it can fracture.

Metal Containers

Cooking with metals comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be used for air frying as long as the metallic bucket is constructed of metal. Also, it must not have plastic knobs or covers.

Cast iron skillets

Cast iron is a favorite among some cooks/chefs because it retains heat and the rich flavor from prior cooked food. Cast iron skillets and pots can be effectively used in an air fryer. So, if you are going to use a cover, ensure that it is oven compatible as well.

Use of stainless-steel Bowls, Pots, and Pans in an air fryer

Is the use of stainless-steel bowls, pots, and pans safe for an air fryer? Of-course yes! But only if the container is completely composed of steel. Stainless steel pots and pans are seen in almost every home. They are fantastic for frying foods and making excellent sauces.

Your carbon steel bowl, pot, or pan will be appropriate for the air fryer if it does not have any accessories that could melt. Due to the limited area in the air fryer, it’s recommended to utilize stainless steel bowls, pots, and pans without retractable knobs.

Here is another question can you put plastic in an air fryer?

Stainless steel pots may have plastic handles or a plastic part on the grip of the lid. Your pan will not be suitable to use in the air fryer if it has any plastic on it. So, plastic is not safe for air fryers. If you are uncertain, don’t take the chance; there are plenty of other alternatives.

 Silicon Containers  

Will you believe that silicone can be used in an air fryer? Yes, it is! The material is flexible, foldable, and malleable. It makes it ideal for baking and other forms of preparation that require getting anything out of a container quickly. Baking in an air fryer is easy with silicone loaf and cupcake tins.

Silicone is a form of plastic that does not combust unless it is ignited. This implies it can be used without melting in ovens and air fryers. Just in case, ensure that your silicone molds are suitable for cooking.

Besides that, the biggest advantage of silicone is the ease with which the food can be removed from the containers.

 Aluminum and Copper  

When you consider aluminum containers for air fryers, single-use metal containers will come into your mind. They are quite useful. You can place any food in these pots, pop them in the air fryer, and eat them when they are cooked.

They appear in a range of dimensions with covering and can be used for different purposes. Copper kitchenware is pricey, so it is not commonly seen in air fryers.

Also, if you have a tiny saucepot or pan with no grip, you can use it in the air fryer with ease.

 Non-Stick Teflon Containers  

Some people support Teflon, while others oppose it. When preparing food with Teflon, I’ll mention that if you use a good appliance, it won’t damage. The nicest part about Teflon is that it prevents food from sticking to the containers. In this way, your muffins will easily fall out of the pan.

 Other Containers  

The general rule is that if it can go in the oven, it can also go in the air fryer. In the air fryers, it is safe to use stone pots or utensils that you can also use in the oven. A pizza stone is a great example as you can put it in the air fryer and it will work wonderfully.

What you should not use in an Air Fryer?

It is a good idea to avoid putting anything in your air fryer that can melt or combust at extreme temps. Here are a few objects you should never use in an air fryer.

• Tupperware
• Wood
• Non-stick Pans
• Paper Towels
• Water

 Tupperware  

These containers are inappropriate because they are constructed of low-melting-point plastics. Although they are used in microwaves, they can easily burn and catch on fire if exposed to a maximum heat source. This will not only destroy your dinner, but it can also release toxic gases into the air.

So, everybody who employs the air fryer must understand not to use Tupperware. This is a common blunder that most people do.

 Wood  

Wooden vessels are commonly used utensils such as steamers. These should not be cooked in an air fryer because the wood timber will burn or catch on fire.

To obtain a smokey taste in their cuisine, some air fryer users add flavored wood pellets to their air fryers. If you are intending to simmer/smoke your food, you have to place it into the air fryer in a sealed container. So, it can heat up and smoke by itself.

Do you want the strong smokey flavor of wood in your meal? Then it’s preferable to smoke it first in a smoker or grill before cooking it in the air fryer.

 Non-Stick Pans  

Yes, oil can give your cuisine a delightful crunchy texture. On the other hand, the non-stick covering on your container or item can ruin by the oil. So, it is not preferable to use non-stick pans in the air fryers.

 Paper Towels  

Paper towels are not safe to use in air fryers. If you place paper towels in an air fryer, they will combust and even catch fire. So, you have to avoid the paper towel to prevent any sort of danger.

 Water  

Water can be used gently in the air fryer, but you will come to know that it is not necessary. Boiling water in your air fryer should be prohibited because the force of the air flowing in the air fryer could harm your appliance.

Can you put a pan inside an air fryer?

The answer is simply yes! In the air fryer, you can use any type of container, plate, pan, or skillet. The major reason for putting pans within the air fryer is to take advantage of the extra capacity it provides.

It is a good idea to put another container within the air fryer if you are frying anything that requires additional time than usual. This will give your meal more area to cook and let it have a brown layer on it.

Moreover, if you are frying 2 different kinds of food at the same time then putting the container in another container will save them from touching.

Can you put a metal pan inside an air fryer? When it is about the metal pan or utensils then the answer is no! Metal containers are a wonderful idea at first but they are not suitable to use in an air fryer. The reason is that the heat within the air fryer is too hot for metal and metal frying equipment.

In an air fryer, all of the food is fried to such a high degree that it turns into a toffee material that burns your food.

What is essential to consider while selecting a container?

If you look for these three qualities, you’ll find the ideal container for your air fryer:

Air fryers are a fantastic option to cook meals quickly, safely, and healthily. An air fryer can be used to cook a variety of items and can hold a variety of containers. If your container is ovenproof, it will also be safe to use in an air fryer.

Air fryers get hot just like ovens and act in the same way. So, using a container that could melt is not only bad for your meal, but also hazardous. Don’t risk it if you don’t know what the container is composed of.

The capacity of your air fryer will define which pots you can utilize with it. The smaller air fryer will access fewer containers. Similarly, if there is a larger air fryer, more containers will be accessible.

A 6-quart air fryer can accommodate most standard-sized containers that are ideal for a small family. If you have chosen the appropriate air fryer length, the container size will be determined by the air fryer’s max capability.

Moreover, the size and volume of a container are also determined by the meal you are preparing and the amount of food you consume. As a result, it is essential to select the container for the meal you use for the air fryer the most.

Why is it important to have a grip on the pan or container? Air fryers have low capabilities as compared to stoves and normal ovens.

For example, if you purchase a cast-iron pan with a handle, you will need to locate one that is very small to adjust in the air fryer. On the other hand, how will you take up a container that doesn’t have a grip?

Fortunately, loop hooks on skillets and pans occupy little space. So, if you’re looking for a container, go for one that doesn’t have a grip or one that has round grips.

Is it ok to use aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Yes, it is safe. Aluminum foil can be used in an air fryer and can be used to cover the meal. Foil is a good conductor of heat, so it is a smart choice if you don’t want the meal to expose directly to the temperature. It can help to implicate it and rotate it to evenly prepare the meal.

Moreover, to keep the foil from drifting around, you have to cover it firmly. Foil is a fragile material, and the pressure of the revolving heat can tear it to pieces.

You can also use foil to line the bottom of your air fryer. So, to keep it in place, ensure the food is properly distributed on top. Also, keep in mind that aluminum foil should not fly around in the air fryer.

FAQ’s

Conclusion

Mery Webber

Mery Webber, the founder of Kitchen Aims, is a passionate home cook with extensive experience in the kitchen appliance industry. Through her blog, she aims to share her knowledge and help readers create the perfect kitchen.