What Containers Should I Use in an Air Fryer?

 

In the UK's cooking tool market, air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances. As a manufacturer keen on exploring healthy cooking, HYSapientia has found through numerous trials that choosing the right container is crucial for the efficient and safe operation of an air fryer. Whether it's metal, glass, ceramic, or silicone, each material has its unique advantages and applicable ranges. We have compiled an air fryer cooking container guide to help you understand which containers are suitable for use in an air fryer and how to avoid those that may cause problems. This will help you make better use of your air fryer and enjoy a more delicious and healthy cooking experience. Let's take a look!

 

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Suitable Containers for Use in an Air Fryer

1. Metal Containers

Stainless Steel and Aluminum Containers

Stainless steel and aluminum containers are very common choices in air fryers. These metal materials have excellent thermal conductivity, allowing them to quickly and evenly transfer heat, ensuring food is cooked evenly. Whether it's a small air fryer or a large capacity air fryer oven, they are suitable. Stainless steel and aluminum containers are particularly suitable for baking and frying foods like fries, chicken wings, and fish fillets. Moreover, these containers are high-temperature resistant, maintaining their shape and performance even in the high-temperature environment of an air fryer without deforming or releasing harmful substances.

 

Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron cookware is another practical metal container for use in an air fryer. Due to its excellent heat retention, cast iron cookware is especially suitable for cooking foods that require long heating times, such as stews, roasted vegetables, and roasts. When using cast iron cookware, ensure its weight does not exceed the air fryer's capacity and avoid using cast iron pots with plastic handles.

 

2. High-Temperature Resistant Glass and Ceramic

High-Temperature Resistant Glass

High-temperature resistant glass, such as borosilicate glass, is a safe choice for use in an air fryer. This glass material not only withstands high temperatures but also distributes heat evenly, allowing food to cook evenly. Common high-temperature resistant glassware includes glass baking dishes and bowls, suitable for baking fish, roasting vegetables, baking desserts, and reheating leftovers. A transparent glass container has the added advantage of allowing you to observe the food's changes during cooking, making it easier to control cooking time and temperature.

 

Ceramic Containers

High-fired ceramic containers are also ideal for use in an air fryer. Ceramic material not only withstands high temperatures but also retains moisture and flavor in food at high temperatures. Ceramic containers are commonly used for baking desserts, stews, and casseroles. When choosing ceramic containers, ensure they have no tiny cracks or damage, as these cracks may cause the container to break at high temperatures. Additionally, ceramic containers are aesthetically pleasing and can be served directly from the air fryer to the table.

 

3. Silicone Molds

Food-grade silicone molds are excellent for baking small cakes, muffins, and desserts. Silicone has good high-temperature resistance and can generally withstand temperatures up to 230 degrees Celsius. Silicone molds are flexible and do not easily deform, even at high temperatures, maintaining their shape and performance. Due to the non-stick nature of silicone, baked goods can be easily removed from the molds, making cleaning very convenient. Additionally, silicone molds come in various shapes and sizes, adding creativity to your cooking.

 

4. Specialized Air Fryer Accessories

Baking Baskets and Pans

Many air fryer brands offer specialized baking baskets and pans designed to maximize air flow for even cooking. These air fryer accessories, usually made of stainless steel or aluminum, are ideal for baking small pieces of food, baking, and frying. These specialized accessories also ensure food does not stick to the basket, making cleaning and maintenance easier. HYSapientia’s best-selling Stainless Steel Air Fryer Oven Rolling Grill Basket offers a unique cooking experience.

 

(Shop HYSapientia's wide range of air fryer accessories)

 

Containers Not Suitable for Use in an Air Fryer

1. Plastic Containers

Although some plastic containers are labeled "microwave-safe" or "heat-resistant," they are not suitable for use in an air fryer. The working temperature of an air fryer usually exceeds 200 degrees Celsius, while most plastic containers melt at temperatures much lower than this. Even at lower temperatures, plastic can deform or release harmful chemicals, contaminating food and posing health risks.

 

2. Disposable Aluminum Foil Containers

Thin Aluminum Foil

While disposable aluminum foil containers are convenient, they often deform or break in the high-temperature environment of an air fryer. The flimsy structure of aluminum foil makes it unsuitable for long-term or high-temperature cooking, as it may lose structural integrity at high temperatures, causing food to spill or damage the appliance.

 

3. Paper and Wooden Containers

Regular Paper Containers

Paper containers such as paper cups, paper boxes, and paper plates cannot withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer. In a high-temperature environment, these paper materials are prone to burning, catching fire, or releasing harmful substances. Additionally, regular paper containers may decompose at high temperatures, leading to food contamination.

 

Wooden Containers

Wood is prone to burning or cracking at high temperatures, making wooden containers unsuitable for use in an air fryer. While wood may perform well in low-temperature environments, its safety cannot be guaranteed under the high-temperature conditions of an air fryer.

 

4. Non-High-Temperature Resistant Glass

Many household glass containers (such as drinking glasses and regular glass storage containers) are prone to breaking at high temperatures. These glass containers are typically designed for low-temperature or room-temperature environments and are not suitable for the high temperatures of an air fryer. Only glassware labeled "oven-safe" or "high-temperature resistant" can be safely used in an air fryer.

 

5. Non-Stick Coated Containers

Many non-stick coated cookware items may release harmful gases or decompose at high temperatures. These coatings may degrade in the high-temperature environment of an air fryer, affecting the safety and flavor of the food. Unless explicitly marked as suitable for high-temperature cooking, it is not recommended to use non-stick coated containers in an air fryer.

 

Air Fryer Cooking Container Precautions

Pre-Test

Before putting a new container into actual use, conduct a short-term test to check its stability and performance at high temperatures. This ensures the container is suitable for use in an air fryer and prevents issues during actual cooking.

 

Regularly Check Container Condition

Regularly check the condition of containers, especially glass and ceramic products. Avoid using containers with cracks or damage to prevent accidental breakage or damage at high temperatures.

 

Use Protective Measures

When handling high-temperature containers, always use oven mitts or other protective tools to prevent burns. Additionally, ensure containers are placed on heat-resistant surfaces to cool after high-temperature operations.

 

Avoid Overlapping and Covering

When using aluminum foil or parchment paper, ensure not to cover all the air fryer's vents to maintain good air circulation. This ensures even heating of the food and prevents the appliance from overheating.

 

Understand Temperature Ranges

Understand the heat tolerance of different container materials and choose suitable containers according to recipe requirements. This helps better control the cooking process and ensures the best quality of food.

 

Further Reading：Do I Need to Use Parchment Paper When Using My Air Fryer?

 

Recommendations for Air Fryer Containers for Different Uses

Baking and Desserts

For baking and desserts, high-temperature resistant glass or silicone molds are recommended. These materials can heat evenly and are easy to demold. For example, silicone muffin molds are perfect for baking small cakes and puddings, while high-temperature resistant glass is suitable for making brownies and fruit pies.

 

Recommended purchase: HYSapientia 9 inch Carbon Steel Loaf Tin

 

Baking and Frying

Stainless steel and aluminum baking pans are ideal for baking and frying food. They can withstand high temperatures and conduct heat quickly, making them suitable for baking chicken wings, fries, and ribs. When using these metal containers, you can line the bottom with parchment paper for easy cleaning.

 

Stewing and Gratin

Cast iron cookware and ceramic containers are the best choices for stewing and gratin dishes. The excellent heat retention of cast iron is suitable for stewing meats and gratin vegetables, while ceramic containers are perfect for making creamy potato gratin and cheese casseroles.

 

Reheating Leftovers

High-temperature resistant glass and stainless steel containers are ideal for reheating leftovers. They can quickly and evenly heat food and are easy to clean. Avoid using plastic containers, even those labeled "microwave-safe," as they may release harmful substances at high temperatures.

 

Handling Air Fryer Container Emergencies

If you find a container deforming, melting, or breaking under high temperatures while using an air fryer, immediately take the following measures:

 

• Turn off the power:Immediately turn off the air fryer's power and unplug it to prevent further electrical faults or dangers.
• Handle the container carefully:Use oven mitts or heat-resistant pads to carefully remove the container. Avoid direct contact if the container is severely damaged or melted to prevent burns.
• Clean the appliance:After the appliance has cooled, carefully clean the inside of the air fryer to ensure no plastic or debris is left. Check the appliance's condition to ensure no damage or blockage.
• Replace the container:If the container is damaged or no longer suitable, replace it immediately with a high-temperature resistant container.

Conclusion

Choosing the right container is key to ensuring the safe and effective use of an air fryer. Metal, high-temperature resistant glass, ceramic, and food-grade silicone containers are all very suitable for use in an air fryer, as they can withstand high temperatures and do not release harmful substances. Avoid using plastic, paper, wood, and non-high-temperature resistant glass containers to prevent accidental damage and safety hazards. For more air fryer usage tips, visit the HYSapientia community and make your kitchen life more fun.