Air frying can be a quick, convenient way to cook without all the oil of deep frying. The intense heat makes all sorts of foods crispy on the outside and hot on the inside. But can you put a glass bowl in an air fryer? Or will that cause damage?
We get a lot of use out of air fryer. From chicken wings to hash browns to french fries, and much more in between, foods just seem to come out with the perfect amount of crispiness every time.
But it’s not always safe for things other than food. That’s true when it comes to putting paper towels in air fryer. And in most cases, the same holds for adding water to air fryers.
So is it any safer to use a glass dish with an air fryer?
In some cases, you can use a glass bowl in an air fryer. It just needs to be made from a type of glass that can safely hold up under high heat levels.
In this post, I’ll cover the kinds of bowls that are ok to use in an air fryer. And I’ll take a look at which ones you should refrain from using.
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How do air fryers work?
An air fryer circulates hot air at high speeds to cook food. A heating element usually located at the top of the unit warms up the air, then whips it around the food, which is placed in a basket in the lower part of the unit.
The result is food that can be made hot and crispy in a matter of a few minutes. And it can be healthier than deep frying, as it doesn’t require cooking oil.
What types of glass bowls can you use in an air fryer?
In most cases, you won’t need to put your food in a bowl or container in the air fryer. Simply placing it inside the basket in a single layer will do the trick. But if you’re looking to air fry something like a cake or lasagna, glass containers may be necessary.
And it can be safe to use a glass bowl in an air fryer, as long as the glass itself is the kind that can withstand the high temperatures inside the appliance.
Oven-Safe Glass Bowls
You want to make sure the bowl is made from oven-safe glass. They’re designed to endure high temperatures and rapid temperature changes, making them safe for use in various cooking appliances, including air fryers.
These heat-resistant types of bowls are also made with tempered glass, which means it’s been treated to be stronger than regular glass. And if they break, they shatter into small, round pieces, rather than sharp jagged ones.
However, even with an oven-safe bowl, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions for the maximum temperature limit of the glass bowl. In most cases, that can be found on the bowl’s underside. You can also check there for the words “oven safe.”
Can you use Pyrex bowls in an air fryer?
Yes. In fact, a Pyrex bowl is among the best options for air fryers. The material is specially-designed to withstand high heat.
Pyrex is also called borosilicate glass, due to the boron it contains. That helps decrease the ability of the glass to expand in high-heat environments.
These types of bowls typically are thick and very smooth. And they usually have the word “pyrex” imprinted on the bottom of the dish.
While Pyrex glass bowls can withstand high heat, the top range is around 425° Fahrenheit. So if you plan to cook something in the air fryer at temperatures higher than, it’s a good idea not to use any sort of glass bowl at all.
Glass bowls to not use in an air fryer
If the bowl isn’t marked as oven-safe, that’s an indication that it should not be used in an air fryer. This will generally include ones like mixing bowls or serving bowls. The glass may be thinner or simply not treated to hold up to the high heat of an air fryer. So using them could lead to cracking or shattering.
How to safely use glass bowls in an air fryer
If you plan to use a glass bowl in an air fryer, follow these safety precautions:
Use Pyrex or glass that’s marked oven-safe. Look for the words “Pyrex” or “oven safe” on the bottom of the bowl. It may also list the maximum safe temperature at which you can use it.
Avoid temperatures higher than 425° F. Even if your bowl is made from Pyrex, the maximum temperature it can withstand is 425 degrees Fahrenheit. So if your recipe calls for an air fryer temperature higher than that, consider not using a glass bowl.
Make sure the glass isn’t cracked. Check the bowl for any cracks, as those can weaken the structure and make it more susceptible to breaking at high heat.
Limit drastic temperature changes. Avoid placing a hot glass bowl directly on a cold or wet surface after removing it from the air fryer. And don’t take a glass bowl from a fridge or freezer and place it right into the hot air fryer. A sudden temperature change can lead to thermal shock, which can cause the bowl to shatter.
Don’t let it touch the heating element. Make sure the glass bowl does not touch the heating element or the walls of the air fryer. This can lead to uneven cooking, and potential damage to the bowl and the appliance.
Alternatives to glass bowls
If you’re unsure about using glass dishes or bowls in your air fryer or don’t have an oven-safe option, there are alternative materials you can use:
- Metal – Many air fryers come with compatible metal accessories such as baking trays and racks. These are designed to withstand the high temperatures and rapid airflow of the air fryer. Similarly, metal like stainless steel pans or steel bowls can be used in the air fryer. But be sure to remove them safely with oven mitts as they will be very hot.
- Silicone cookware – Silicone is safe to use in an air fryer as its highly heat resistant. A wide variety of silicone molds, baking cups ,and trays are available and are ideal for air frying.
- Disposable Aluminum Pans – These affordable, disposable pans come in a variety of sizes and can be safely used in air fryers. They won’t break or shatter, and when you’re finished cooking, you can simply discard them (after they’re cooled, of course).
- CorningWare – This material is another good choice, It’s made from a combination of glass and ceramic. It’s non-porous and capable of holding up to high heat and temperature changes without cracking.
Bottom line
If your air fryer recipe calls for a glass bowl or dish, there are safe options available. The best way is to use an oven-safe glass bowl and avoid regular mixing or serving bowls. And if you’re not sure, you can always swap the glass bowl for an aluminum foil, metal, or silicone dish instead.
FAQ
Pyrex glassware is designed to withstand temperatures up to 425° F. Most air fryers don’t exceed 400° F, so it should be safe to use Pyrex with them. However, some can reach temps as high as 450°. In these cases, it’s a good idea to avoid using a Pyrex dish or other glassware containers, as that may cause a safety risk.
An ordinary glass bowl used for mixing or serving should not be used in air fryers, especially if it’s not marked “oven-safe.” Also, avoid using any sort of plastic bowl in an air fryer. You can run the risk of melting them, which could lead to a fire risk or cause damage to your air fryer.
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