Last Updated on February 12, 2025 by Karen
Wondering if you can put a plate in an air fryer? Discover the best types of plates to use, safety tips, and alternatives for optimal air frying results. Ensure your food cooks perfectly while avoiding potential hazards.
Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, offering a quick and healthy alternative to traditional frying methods. With their hot air circulation, they promise crispy and delicious food with less oil. However, as with any kitchen appliance, there are certain dos and don’ts to ensure the best cooking experience and safety.
One common question that arises is: can you put a plate in an air fryer?
In this article, we’ll explore the safety of using plates in an air fryer, how to avoid potential damage, and the best materials to use for cooking in your air fryer.
Why People Consider Using Plates in an Air Fryer
There are several reasons why people might consider using a plate in their air fryer:
Protecting the Air Fryer Basket: Plates can help protect the air fryer basket from grease and food residue, making cleanup easier.
Better Results with Delicate Foods: Some foods, like casseroles or baked goods, require a bit more structure, and using a plate or baking dish may help ensure a more even cook.
Avoiding Food from Falling Through: Small items like vegetables or chicken wings can sometimes fall through the holes in the air fryer basket. A plate can help contain these food items and keep them in place.
Can You Put a Plate in an Air Fryer?
The short answer is that it depends on the type of plate you want to use and how you intend to cook. The good news is that most plates made of heat-resistant materials are safe to use in an air fryer, but it’s important to consider a few factors to ensure safety and proper cooking.
Air fryers rely on hot air circulation to cook food evenly and achieve that crispy texture. If the plate you use is too large, it could block airflow, causing uneven cooking. When air frying, the food cooks by the hot air circulating around it, and if the plate obstructs this airflow, your food may not cook properly. For the best results, choose a plate that fits comfortably in the air fryer basket without obstructing air circulation.
Best Plates to Use in an Air Fryer
When it comes to selecting a plate for your air fryer, it’s a good idea to use materials that can handle the intense heat and high air circulation, and is made of oven-safe materials. Here are the best options:
Ovenproof Ceramic Plates and Bowls
Ceramic plates and bowls that are ovenproof can withstand the high temperatures in an air fryer. They are also great for delicate dishes like casseroles, as they help retain heat evenly. However, ensure that the ceramic plates are not too thick, as this could affect the cooking time and the food’s crispiness. Ceramic ramekins are a great choice for small servings or individual air fryer recipes.
Pyrex Dishes
Pyrex and other heat-resistant glass dishes are excellent choices for air fryer cooking. Pyrex dishes can handle very high temperatures, making them safe for air fryer use. They are perfect for baking dishes or reheating food. However, avoid using regular glass that isn’t heat-resistant, as it could crack or break under extreme heat.
Metal Plates and Bowls
Stainless steel plates, metal bowls, or even mini convection ovens (like toaster ovens) work well in air fryers. Metal can withstand the maximum temperature of the air fryer without causing any issues. If you’re using metal, ensure that it does not block the air circulation or cover too much of the basket. A small metal bowl with proper airflow allows air to circulate and helps the food cook evenly.
Silicone Molds
Silicone is heat-resistant and flexible, making it a great option for air fryer use. Silicone molds or liners are ideal for preventing food from sticking and can be used in a variety of air fryer recipes. They also make for an easy cleanup, as they are non-stick and dishwasher safe.
Parchment Paper Liners
Parchment paper is a great option for preventing food from sticking and keeping your air fryer basket clean. Some air fryer parchment liners are designed with small holes, which allows for proper airflow while still providing a non-stick surface. These are a safer option than paper towels, which can block air circulation and potentially catch fire.
Plates to Avoid in the Air Fryer
Not all plates are suitable for air fryer use. There are several types of plates and materials you should avoid:
Plastic Plates
Plastic plates are not heat-resistant and can melt or warp under the high heat of an air fryer. Always use ceramic, metal, or glass plates instead of plastic. Plastic handles or non-heat-resistant plastics can also be dangerous when exposed to extreme heat, so use caution.
Paper Plates and Paper Towels
Paper plates and paper towels should never be used in an air fryer. Paper towels, in particular, can obstruct airflow, preventing your food from cooking properly. Paper plates are not designed for high heat and may catch fire, creating a serious safety hazard.
Non-Oven-Safe Glass
Not all glass can withstand the heat of an air fryer. Avoid using regular glass dishes or containers that are not labeled as oven-safe. Glass that isn’t heat-resistant can shatter when exposed to the extreme heat inside the air fryer. Always check if the glass is marked for oven use, and stick to Pyrex or borosilicate glass dishes for safety.
Safety Tips for Using Plates in Your Air Fryer
Know the Maximum Size Plate Your Air Fryer Can Handle
The best air fryers have a maximum size for the basket. Plates that are too large may block the air fryer’s airflow, leading to uneven cooking. Ensure that your plate fits comfortably in the air fryer without touching the sides of the basket, and avoid covering the entire cooking area.
Use Heat-Resistant Materials
To prevent potential damage or fire hazards, always use heat-resistant plates. Ceramic dishes, Pyrex glass, and stainless steel are all safe options. Plates that can withstand very high temperatures are the best choice for air frying. Always check the material’s heat tolerance and make sure it’s safe for air fryer cooking.
Air Fryer Cooks Food Quickly
Air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens, so cooking times may vary. Be mindful of this and adjust accordingly. Using thicker plates can sometimes affect the cooking time, so keep an eye on the food and adjust your recipe to account for the faster cooking time.
Wear Oven Mitts
As with any appliance that reaches high temperatures, it’s important to wear oven mitts when handling hot plates in an air fryer. This will protect you from burns when removing plates or dishes from the air fryer after cooking.
Alternatives to Using Plates in an Air Fryer
If you’re still unsure about using a plate, there are plenty of other options to help you get the best results:
Silicone Liners
Silicone liners are one of the best alternatives to using a plate. They’re designed for air fryer use, they’re non-stick, heat-resistant, and easy to clean.
Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil can be used to line the air fryer basket or wrap around food to prevent sticking. Just be sure not to cover the entire basket, as this can block the air circulation.
Parchment Paper
As mentioned earlier, parchment paper with small holes is a great choice for preventing food from sticking and making cleanup easier. It’s also safer than using paper towels.
Baking Tins
If you’re baking in your air fryer, use a small ovenproof baking tin that fits in your air fryer basket. This allows for even cooking while also keeping the air fryer basket clean.
When using an air fryer, the right type of plate can make a big difference in your cooking experience. Ceramic plates, metal bowls, and heat-resistant glass dishes like Pyrex are all safe for air fryer use, as long as they fit comfortably in the basket and don’t block airflow. Avoid plastic, paper plates, and regular glass, as these materials can cause safety hazards or damage to your air fryer.
By following the best practices for air fryer use, including knowing the maximum size your air fryer can accommodate and selecting safe, heat-resistant plates, you can enjoy the best air fryer recipes without compromising safety or food quality. Always monitor the cooking process, use proper oven mitts, and consider using silicone liners or parchment paper for an easier cleanup. Happy air frying!
