3 containers that should not be used in an “oil-free fryer” and which containers are safe to use
We all love the crunchy, delicious taste of air fryer-fried food, but if you have a little bit of knowledge about which containers can and cannot be used in an air fryer, you can quickly fry food in the right containers. Here are the containers that you should and should not put in an air fryer.
Containers that should not be placed in an air fryer
1. Plastic Containers made of materials with low melting points are not suitable for use with air fryers because the high heat from the fryer can cause the containers to melt, warp, or release harmful chemicals. This can cause a fire hazard, damage the air fryer, and be harmful to your health.
2. Paper plates/towels/cardboard are highly flammable, especially when in contact with fats and oils. They can also pose a fire hazard, damage to the air fryer, and food contamination. In conclusion, these materials are very flammable. When heated by the air fryer or in contact with oil or fat, they can easily catch fire. Therefore, it is very dangerous to put these materials in the air fryer.
3. General glass containers are prone to rapid temperature changes (thermal shock), cracking, shattering, and possible injury. In conclusion, general glass containers are not designed to withstand rapid temperature changes. When used in air fryers, which have high heat and rapid temperature changes, these glass containers may crack or shatter, which may cause harm.
Containers that are safe to use with air fryers
1. Metal, especially stainless steel, is a top choice for air fryer cooking. It conducts heat well, is durable, and is readily available.
- Stainless Steel: Durable, resistant to high temperatures,แทงบอล UFABET ราคาดีที่สุด ไม่มีขั้นต่ำม and easy to clean. Stainless steel also doesn’t react with acidic foods like aluminum. Think stainless steel pots and pans.
- Aluminum: Although it is an excellent conductor of heat, caution should be used. Aluminum can react with acidic ingredients (tomatoes, citrus fruits), altering the flavor and possibly damaging the pan. However, parchment paper can be a great help if you must use aluminum.
- Cast iron: Another great option, just like you would heat up a cast iron skillet on the stove, make sure it heats up slowly in the air fryer to prevent rapid temperature changes. But be aware, cast iron gets very hot and retains heat extremely well, so be sure to use oven mitts.
2. Glass containers , especially containers made of safety glass or containing glass ceramic components, play a role.
- Tempered Glass: This type of glass is made stronger to withstand heat and is often labeled “oven safe.” It’s ideal for the kinds of baked goods you might want to try in your air fryer.
- Glass Ceramic (e.g. PYREX): Built to withstand very high temperatures, they are excellent at handling rapid temperature changes (they won’t shatter). However, like cast iron, it is important to preheat before use.
- Soda-lime glass: You probably already have these in your cabinets. They’re an inexpensive option, but they’re the most fragile and prone to shattering with temperature changes. If using soda-lime glass, use caution and avoid sudden temperature changes (like heating a cold container to a very high temperature). Choose a low temperature to be safe.
3. Silicone Just make sure your silicone utensils are food-grade certified and marked “oven safe” for the temperatures your air fryer can handle. From muffin and cake pans to convenient air fryer liners, silicone can handle it all. But beware of thin silicones, as they can be flimsy, making it hard to remove food from. Look for sturdier options. Silicone is your air fryer’s best friend, always ready for the ultimate cooking task.
4. Ceramic: Stylish, beautiful, and heat-resistant. Small ceramic cups (Ramekins) are a great choice for air frying, thanks to their ability to withstand high temperatures. While they’re perfectly safe, keep in mind that ceramic, like cast iron, likes to retain heat (making preheating essential, and oven mitts a must). Ceramic also tends to be a little more fragile than its metal counterparts.
5. Baking paper and aluminum foil
While they aren’t containers, these are reliable kitchen tools that make air frying a fun task and make cleanup a breeze. Aluminum foil can be used for certain foods in the air fryer, but it’s important to follow safety guidelines. Just remember:
- Avoid using these materials directly under your food in the air fryer basket. Direct contact with the heating elements can cause catastrophe (e.g. fire).
- If your aluminum foil feels thinner than you can handle on Monday morning, toss it. It may not be able to withstand the powerful airflow and could damage your food and your air fryer. Opt for a strong, durable foil.
- When using parchment paper, choose paper with holes (those tiny holes are important for airflow) to avoid interfering with the efficiency of your air fryer.