The air fryer is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment in the kitchen. While it does a great job of crisping up various types of foods, what does it do to dishes? Can you put a plate in an air fryer? Here’s your answer.
We use our air fryer nearly every day. It’s super versatile, easy to use, and easy to clean. And it can be a healthier option over deep frying.
From chicken wings to veggies to pizza, you can put a lot of things in an air fryer. But sometimes it can be difficult to get the food from the cooking basket on to your dishes.
You may be thinking it could be easier to just put the food on a plate and place both into the air fryer instead, similar to making food in the microwave.
But is that a good idea?
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Can you put plates in an air fryer?
Yes, you can put most plates in an air fryer, as long as they are oven safe. This means they can withstand temps between 400°-450° Fahrenheit.
So that means most ceramic, glass, pyrex, silicone, and metal plates are generally ok to use in your air fryer, as they can withstand hot temperatures.
However, you should avoid putting paper plates or plastic plates in the air fryer. Plastic ones will likely melt inside, which could create a dangerous situation or even a potential fire hazard. Plus, your food will be inedible.
Paper plates could also catch fire and create a similar hazard.
In addition, there are some other potential hazards to be aware of when using plates in the air fryer, regardless of the type of dish material you use.
Risks of using plates in the air fryer
As we used to tell our kids when they were younger, “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”
While technically, many types of plates can withstand the heat from an air fryer, they can pose separate risks.
Here are 4 reasons why putting plates in the air fryer may not be the best idea.
1. Restricting airflow
An air fryer works by circulating very hot air in order to heat food and make it crispy. A large plate could block the airflow. That could cause your food to cook unevenly and even damage or crack your plate if too much heat builds up around it.
An air fryer’s heating element is usually located at the top of the device, so to help prevent blocking airflow, make sure your plate fits securely into the basket. If it protrudes up from it, the plate could affect the heating element and disrupt proper air circulation.
2. Fire and smoke
If the heating element is blocked and overheating occurs, that could cause the kitchen appliance to smoke. And if you’re using paper plates, they could even start to singe and catch fire.
Not only will this damage your cookware, it can also harm your air fryer. So it’s best to make sure any plates you use in the air fryer are not blocking the flow of hot air and can withstand very high temperatures.
3. Harmful toxins
Some plates can release toxic chemicals if overheated, so this is another concern to be wary of. This is primarily an issue with plastic plates that contain BPA (an industrial chemical found in certain plastics, formally known as bisphenol A). It can be harmful to your health if it seeps into your foods and beverages.
Some decorative plates can also pose a health risk. Paints used on them can break down in the high heat used in air frying and release potentially harmful toxins. So it’s best to avoid using hand-painted or decorated dishes in the air fryer.
4. Food flavor and quality
If you use a plastic plate that melts or a paper one that starts to catch fire, that will negatively affect your food. In fact, it will likely make it inedible.
Even a heat-proof plate can still restrict the airflow inside the air fryer leading to food that is heated unevenly.
The best way to help ensure your food cooks properly and the flavor is unaffected is to use oven-safe materials that fit securely in the air fryer’s basket.
Types of plates you can use in the air fryer
If you still decide to use plates in your air fryer, let’s take a closer look at which types are air-fryer safe — and what you may need to watch out for.
Can you use ceramic plates in an air fryer?
Ceramic plates are safe to use in the fryer, as are ceramic bowls and ramekins. You can also check to see if they have an oven-safe mark on them to be sure.
One concern is if your plate has a glossy glaze on it. If that’s the case, it could wear off in high heat and dull over time.
Can you put a metal plate in an air fryer?
Metal plates are safe to use in air fryers in most cases. If they can withstand a very high temperature, up to 450° F, they should be ok to use. This also goes for a metal bowl.
You just want to check that your metal cookware doesn’t have any special decorations or plastic attachments that could break down or melt.
Can you use a silicone plate or mold in an air fryer?
Silicone is used on cooking equipment like food tongs and oven mitts because it is very resistant to high heat. So if you have silicone plates or silicone molds, these will be safe to use in the air fryer.
Just ensure they’re able to fit in the basket of the air fryer and aren’t obstructing any air flow.
Are glass plates ok to use in an air fryer?
As long as your glass plate is heat-proof and oven-safe, it should be ok to use in the air fryer. This applies to glass bowls and glass containers as well.
It’s best to not use extremely cold glass dishes, however, as they could crack if exposed to very high heat. So if you decide to use a glass plate or bowl, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes first.
Pyrex glass is one of the better options to use in air fryers as it’s designed to be heat resistant.
Types of plates you shouldn’t use in the air fryer
The two main types of plates you should avoid using in the air fryer are plastic and paper. Here’s why.
Can you put plastic plates in an air fryer?
Plastic plates and plastic containers are bad options to use in the air fryer for a few reasons:
- They can melt in the high heat, potentially damaging the plate and your air fryer.
- If your plate contains BPAs, it could release harmful chemicals while in the air fryer which could seep in to your food.
- Your food will be unsafe to eat if the plastic plate holding it melts.
Can you use paper plates in an air fryer?
You should steer clear from using paper plates in the air fryer. If they heat up too much they can start to smoke, singe, and burn. That can damage your air fryer and your food.
Paper plates can also lose their rigidity and become very flimsy. That means the paper plate could give way when you try to remove it from the air fryer.
Best practices for using plates in the air fryer
If you decide to use a plate in the air fryer, here are best practices to keep in mind:
- Keep the temperature below 450° F and make sure the plate you use can withstand that heat level.
- If you use glass plates, make sure they’ve had a chance to warm up. Very cold glass dishes can crack in the high temps of an air fryer.
- For best results, ensure your plate fits into the air fryer basket and isn’t blocking any air vents or airflow from the heating element. This will also help prevent uneven cooking results.
- Avoid plastic and paper plates in the air fryer.
FAQ
Aluminum foil can withstand very high temperatures so it is safe to use in the air fryer. Not only is it heat safe, tin foil also can make clean up easier. And you don’t have to worry about damaging any of your dishes.
Parchment paper is heat-resistant and food doesn’t stick to it. So it’s both safe to use in the air fryer and it makes it easy to transfer any food you cook on it to a plate afterward. Just make sure you use pieces that fit well in the basket of the air fryer that aren’t blocking any airflow.
Cast iron skillets are able to handle very high temperatures without being damaged. That makes them a good option to use in an air fryer, as long as it fits in the basket. Mini cast iron skillets may be your best air-fryer choice.
Paper towels should not be used in the air fryer. Like paper plates, paper towels can succumb to high heat and start to smoke or burn. Instead, substitute a paper towel for parchment paper, which can withstand high temperatures.
The bottom line
While you can use a wide variety of plates in an air fryer, it’s important to remember to practice good safety measures. Any type of plate you put in the air fryer will be hot when you take it out. So be sure to use oven mitts or other protective gear when removing it.
Place the hot plates themselves on a heat-resistant countertop like granite. Or use a trivet underneath so it doesn’t burn any surfaces.
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