Air fryer come with a range of containers that work best for them, but some should never be used at all.
Plastics should never be used in an air fryer as they melt at high temperatures, potentially leading to a fire.
What Is Special About Air Fryers?
Air fryers are popular kitchen appliances that make foods crispy and delicious without using oil. Not only are these countertop devices user-friendly, but they don’t take much time to cook either.
Deep fryers tend to generate more fat than their smaller counterparts, making them a healthier option for cooking food. Furthermore, they’re easier to clean than traditional frying pans when done cooking.
Some air fryers come with different cooking settings, allowing you to use them for grilling, roasting, reheating and even baking. This versatility makes them ideal for cooking small amounts of food quickly and efficiently – saving you money in the long run!
However, some items don’t work well in an air fryer. For instance, bacon grease tends to float around and burn on the heating element, creating a mess.
Some foods, like raw grains, don’t cook evenly in an air fryer and may end up burnt or mushy. Wet-battered items like chicken nuggets and French fries also won’t cook evenly as the forced air will lift the batter off leaving behind a sticky mess behind.
Best Containers To Use In An Air Fryer
Selecting the appropriate containers for your air fryer can make cooking much more enjoyable and effortless. Choose from glass, ceramic, metal or silicone containers to cook with confidence.
When airfrying, the ideal containers to use are those that can withstand high temperatures without burning or melting. Popular materials include ceramic, aluminum, and tempered glass.
These heat-resistant materials can be used to cook all sorts of foods, including sweet treats. Plus, they’re easy to wash so you can reuse them time after time!
However, you should exercise caution when using these containers. Heating them can release hazardous chemicals into the air, so make sure you read your air fryer manufacturer’s instructions prior to using it.
Cast iron, copper and aluminum are all safe materials for air frying. Aluminum has the capacity to withstand high temperatures while helping retain the flavor of foods you’ve previously cooked. Plus, it works great as a container for leftovers too!
Can You Use A Pan Inside An Air Fryer?
Air fryers are an efficient way to cook small portions of food in a fraction of the time it would take in a conventional oven. You can use them for everything from French fries and chicken thighs, to shrimp and steaks – the possibilities are endless!
Dark baking or sheet pans are ideal for air fryer cooking, as they absorb more heat and promote even browning and crisping of your food. Plus, dark pans don’t burn food as quickly.
However, these pans may not be ideal for every recipe. Some calls for “wetter” foods which require a pan with sides to contain them.
If you choose to use a pan in an air fryer, make sure it’s small enough to fit inside the basket. A pan that’s too large may cause food spillage and burns.
Can You Use A Paper Plate In An Air Fryer?
When using a plate in your air fryer, be aware of the safety implications. Paper plates are not designed to withstand high temperatures and could easily catch fire if they come into contact with the heating element of an air fryer.
Another issue with paper plates is their delicate nature; placing them in an air fryer could further weaken them.
Recycled paper plates should never be used in an air fryer as they cannot withstand high temperatures and may catch fire. Furthermore, recycled paper plates have porous surfaces which absorb food juices and oils during cooking, leaving your food dry and tasteless.
Can A Plastic Container Be Used In An Air Fryer?
Plastic containers should never be used in an air fryer due to their high melting point, which can melt when exposed to the high temperatures from an air fryer.
Not only is this hazardous for your food, but it can also damage your air fryer and disrupt its cooking process. Instead, opt for metal bowls and other cookware made of heat-resistant materials.
Stainless steel bowls, pots and pans are safe to use in an air fryer as long as they’re oven-safe. Check the product’s website or manufacturer before purchasing to confirm whether it’s oven-safe.
Ceramic pots and jars are an excellent alternative to plastic. As long as they’re not too thin, these types of containers can safely be used in an air fryer.
What Other Materials And Items Can Be Used In An Air Fryer?
When it comes to meal preparation, you may require other goods and supplies in addition to the dish and edible ingredients. Here is a list of completely safe products that can be used in an air fryer.
• Tin foil
is commonly used in the kitchen to help food cook more evenly or to keep it from sticking. Foil is safe to use in air fryers; you may even use it in the air fryer basket as long as it does not come into direct contact with any hot elements.
• Paper Parchment.
Like foil, parchment paper can aid in uniform cooking and preventing sticking. This paper is also suitable for use in an air fryer. Just coat the bottom of your air fryer with parchment paper and you’re set.
• Wooden Stakes.
In an air fryer, wooden skewers, toothpicks, and popsicle sticks can be used to hold together small bits of food, make kebabs, or shish kabobs. To prevent overheating, dip the sticks for 30 minutes or more in water before using.
What You Should Never Use In An Air Fryer
Avoid placing anything in your air fryer that might melt or combust at high temperatures. These are some things you should never put in an air fryer.
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- Nonstick Pans
- Dry Wood
- Water
- Paper Towel
- Tupperware
Also, there are certain items you should never try to cook in an air fryer. These include items with a wet batter, large roasts or whole chickens and certain leafy green vegetables.
Wet battered foods can cause the basket to overheat and set off alarms on some air fryers, as well as getting stuck inside the basket and creating a mess.
Air-frying food items is a rapid method for cooking, so they won’t have time to dry out. So if you want an irresistibly crispy exterior, deep-frying may be your best bet instead.
Avoid cooking steak in your air fryer unless it has been marinated in a salty sauce or contains high fat content. Steak can be difficult to sear in an air fryer and may not have the same level of flavor.
What Is Important To Consider While Selecting A Container?
There are a few considerations to make when selecting a container for your air fryer.
• Oven-proof
An air fryer may hold a number of containers and be used to cook a range of foods. Your container will be secure to use in an air fryer if it is oven-proof.
Similar to how ovens behave and heat up, air fryers do the same. So, utilizing a container that may melt is dangerous as well as harmful for your dinner. If you don’t know what the container is made of, don’t take a chance.
• Size
Second thing to consider is the container’s size. You’ll want to confirm that it fits snugly within your air fryer but not uncomfortable. While choosing your choice, be sure to consider the size of the basket on your air fryer.
• Handle
Why is it important if the pan or container has a handle? Cooktops and conventional ovens don’t have the same capacity as air fryers. You will need to find very tiny cast-iron pan, for instance, if you want to use it in the air fryer. On the other hand, how will you take up a container without a handle?
Fortunately, skillets and containers have loop handles that take up very little space. So, choose container without a handle or one with loop handles, when picking a container.
Conclusion
As a general guideline, any ceramic, glass, or metal container that fits inside the basket can be used. This is especially true if the container has a nonstick surface suitable for cooking.
One of the best uses for an air fryer is making fried foods such as french fries, chicken wings and nuggets. Not only are these quick and easy to cook, but they’re also healthy for you!
Another great advantage of these containers is that you can eat your food straight out of them – making them ideal for picnics and other outings.
