Can you put Metal Containers in an Air fryer?
Not all types of containers withstand the high heat of an air fryer. Read on if you are wondering whether you can put metal containers in an air fryer.
Metal containers are a staple for any kitchen. You may have many metal containers in your kitchen cabinets for cooking on the stovetop or in a convection oven.
So, if you are wondering if you can put metal containers in an air fryer to cook your banana bread for breakfast or to warm your leftovers, then YES, you can.
You can put metal containers in an air fryer as long as they are oven-safe. Metal containers made of aluminum, copper, heavy-duty stainless steel and cast iron can be safely used in an air fryer as long as they fit in your air fryer basket. Always use metal containers that are smaller than your air fryer basket.
The general rule of thumb is that over-safe metal-based materials can be safely used in an air fryer.
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Can you Put Metal Containers in an Air Fryer?
Metal containers are a staple to any kitchen. They are multi-purpose containers that can be safely used in the oven, on the stovetop, or for food preparation.
Another advantage of using metal containers is that they are durable. Unlike glass containers, they do not break or shatter into pieces when exposed to high or low temperatures.
Some metal containers can be exposed to high temperatures ranging from 200 to 400° F making them safe to use in a convection oven.
Oven-safe metal containers can be safely put in an air fryer for cooking, baking, or warming leftovers.
People might get confused about using metal containers in an air fryer because they cannot be in a microwave oven. However, metal is a good conductor of electricity, and a microwave can cause the metal to heat up rapidly and create sparks or arcing. This can damage the microwave and pose a safety hazard.
But this is not the case using metal containers in an air fryer. An air fryer is like a mini-convention oven with a heating element and a fan to circulate the heat to cook food evenly. So any oven-safe metal container can be used in an air fryer.
Metal Containers that can be safely used in an Air Fryer
The air fryer comes with an air fryer basket, tray, or racks, and you can purchase other air fryer-safe air fryer accessories.
These are not the only things you can use in an air fryer. Air fryer-safe containers can also be used in the air fryer for cooking or baking in an air fryer.
You might have many metal containers in your kitchen, from pots, pans, bowls, and dishes. But not all of them are safe to use in an air fryer. Here we have listed metal containers that can be safely used in an air fryer.
Aluminum Containers
Metal containers made of aluminum can be safely used in an air fryer as long as they are over-safe.
Aluminum containers deemed oven-safe have a melting point of 1220°F (660°C), which is well within the heating temperature inside the air fryer.
Aluminum containers are considered oven-safe because they can withstand the high temperatures of a conventional oven without melting or releasing harmful chemicals. Additionally, aluminum is a good conductor of heat, which means that it heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly throughout the container.
Furthermore, aluminum containers are lightweight, inexpensive, and recyclable, making them popular for baking and cooking. They are often used for roasting meats, baking casseroles and cakes in the oven. So they can be safely used in an air fryer for the same purpose.
As long as you find an aluminum container that fits in your air fryer, you can use them in your air fryer.
Stainless Steel Container
Like aluminum containers, stainless steel containers are often used in a kitchen as they are durable, recyclable, and resistant to rust and corrosion.
Although they are not good conductors as aluminum metals, it still shares some key benefits that you can take advantage of when applying them in the air fryer.
Another feature it shares with aluminum is that it distributes heat well, resulting in excellent cooking performance. This can help in making your meal tastier and even cooked.
Take note of the size of the metal material you will use. Aside from being small enough to fit in, make sure it is also proportionate to the type and amount of food you prepare.
What you need to watch out for is not using stainless steel materials with some incorporated materials that are not guaranteed oven-proof. Instead, look for an oven-safe symbol on the bottom of the stainless steel container before using it in your air fryer.
Wrought or Cast Irons
Cast Iron can be safely used in an air fryer. Cast iron cookware comes in pans, pots, and sometimes even bowls that can fit inside the air fryer.
Cast irons are a good choice because they are durable and absorb a lot of heat, which can make your food crispier and non-sticky if correctly seasoned.
Cast iron containers can withstand temperatures up to 450° Fahrenheit, which is within an air fryer temparature range. However, you should be careful using a cast iron in an air fryer as it can overheat and damage your air fryer.
Check out this post on using cast iron containers in an air fryer.
What type of Metals cannot be put in an Air Fryer?
Metal containers that are over-safe can be safely used in an air fryer. However, their size is the problem with using metal containers in an air fryer. Most of the time, they are oversized and cannot fit in an air fryer.
Not all of the metal containers you have in your kitchen, even though they are oven-safe, can be used in an air fryer. Here is why,
Metal containers that have handles
These are oven-safe metal food containers with attached handles that are not-oven safe. Make sure to be reminded of this because most handles are made of plastics, wood, and low-grade silicones.
Plastics and wood are not recommended to be used in the oven. Hence, applying the general rule of thumb also means it should not be used in the air fryer.
Almost all types of plastics are not designed to withstand high heat temperatures, and they quickly melt once used. In the case of wood handles, they get burned once exposed to high heat for long periods.
The best thing you could do to avoid this is, if you are buying a metal material, it is all made of oven-safe metal or at least one with a handle that is not metal but has an oven-safe label.
Harmful metals
The metal materials you should only use are those mentioned earlier or at least those with oven-safe labels that can be seen either at the side or bottom of the product.
Do note that just because it is made of metals does not mean that it can be safely used in the air fryer. The reason is that not all metals are designed to be used as such.
Some of the harmful metals that you should avoid using are those that are made of pewter metal, tin, lead, and zinc. They are not ideal because of the material-based itself.
These types of metals posses danger or risk in cooking at high temperatures as they are prone to heavy metal leaching or can cause fumes or burning inside the air fryer.
Other materials that are not safe to use in air fryer includes
- Wax paper
- Paper Plate
- Plastic Containers
- Bamboo
- Wood
- Melamine
FAQs
Can You put Aluminum Foil in an Air Fryer?
Yes, if you do not have aluminum metal containers but have aluminum foils instead, then they can be a good alternative too.
The trick here is that when you use them, ensure the foils do not cover all the holes inside the basket.
It will be fine if it does not constrict hot air flow—as much as possible, use just the right foil size.
Can You use a Metal Plate in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can safely use a metal plate inside the air fryer as long as the metal dish is oven-safe.
Also, make sure that has does not have any paintings as well and has a label of oven or heat-proof at least.
Be reminded that once done, let it cool first or use any protective glove when handling.
Can You Use Metal Skewers in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can put metal skewers inside the air fryers. Such tools are designed to be used in exposure to high heat temperatures.
As long it is oven-safe and fits inside your air fryer basket, you can safely use metal skewers to make Paneer kababs in an air fryer.
Can you put a Metal Thermometer in an Air Fryer?
Thermometers, especially metal ones, are also made to be used in high temperatures. So to answer your question, yes, they can be used inside, assuming it fits.
Nonetheless, there are different kinds of thermometers out there. When in doubt, it is best to check the manual or instruction sheet of the said product.
Can You Put a Metal Rack in the Air Fryer?
Yes, if it fits, you may use a metal rack in the air fryer. Most metal racks have large sizes and are usually used in the oven.
Nevertheless, if you have a smaller version, you can safely use it inside the air fryer. Just make sure that it is a non-stick rack.
These small metal racks can be helpful as they will elevate the food, enhancing hot air circulation around your food. For example, metal racks can come in handy when making Panner kababs in an air fryer.
Can you put Copper Container in an Air fryer?
Copper containers are generally not recommended for use in an air fryer because copper is a very good conductor of heat and can heat up quickly and unevenly. This means that copper containers can potentially overheat and cause burns or damage to the food being cooked or the oven itself.
In addition, copper can react with certain foods and ingredients, particularly acidic foods such as tomatoes or vinegar, causing discoloration or potentially releasing harmful compounds. For these reasons, copper is typically not recommended for air fryer or oven use.
Can I Put Glass in an Air Fryer?
Yes and No. Depending on the type of glass material, it can or cannot be used in an air fryer. Glass containers made of borosilicate glass and tempered glass that is over-safe can be safely used in an air fryer.
But glass containers that are made of Soda-line glass can not be used in an air fryer. Check out this post to find out which glass containers are safe to use in an air fryer.
Conclusion – Can you put Metal Containers in an Air fryer?
Metal-based materials are tools that are almost readily available for use in and out of the kitchen. If you have an air fryer, it is understandable to wonder if you can use one inside.
Keep in mind that metals come in different kinds and forms. Some are safe to use, and others are not simply because they are not designed for use in the air fryer from the get-go.
If you are determined to use inside the air fryer, go with the oven-safe alternatives discussed above and use them properly.
In any case, you can always refer to the instruction manual provided with your purchased air fryer product at home.
