If you are new to using an air fryer, you are probably in love with the satisfaction of cooking in it. However, this also brings the urge to cook anything and everything in it and put in all types of cookware. But, safety comes first before you start cooking in an air fryer. The question most people have in their minds is can you put plastic container in the air fryer?
Before you start to enjoy your delicious recipes, just at the touch of a button, this article shall guide you about what you should not put in an air fryer. Putting plastic bowls, paper towels, water, and such other stuff can damage the air fryer. Learn the professional way to use an air fryer at home by understanding the right set of cookware to use. Want to know what pans do Michelin chefs use?
Can you put plastic container in an air fryer?
People are often tempted to put plastic bowls in an air fryer. The only answer to people asking can plastic safely go in an air fryer is, no, you cannot. Want to know what happens when you put a plastic container in an air fryer?
- The plastic container melts and shrivels.
- The air fryer suffers damage.
- Food gets spoilt or highly toxic.
- Extremely messy consequences.
Do not put any plastic container ever as it can significantly damage the appliance. Even microwave-safe bowls should not ideally go inside an air fryer. Do not get confused between the working mechanisms of the two appliances.
Plastic is highly unsuitable for air fryers because the heat causes the plastic to melt and create a mess inside. Plastic can never withstand the extreme heat circulating inside the fryer. Not only shall the food get toxic or even spoilt, but the machine can also undergo severe damage forever.
An air fryer works like an oven. Thus, since you never put any plastic material inside an oven, you should never repeat the mistake with an air fryer, too.
The temperature inside an air fryer can rise to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, easily melting plastic containers such as Tupperware. 130 degrees Fahrenheit is enough to melt the plastic. An air fryer doesn’t work as a microwave, and thus, even microwave-safe bowls can melt if you put them inside.
Things you can safely put in an air fryer
Some substances can safely go in an air fryer without causing any damage. Here’s a small list of things you can use for cooking in an air fryer.
- Tin or aluminum foil
- Toothpicks
- Parchment paper
- Steel bowls and containers
- Iron containers
Parchment paper is usually used for fried chicken or cakes and cookies and is recommended for cooking in an air fryer. It helps to avoid your food from sticking to the compartment. It’s best to line the base of the air fryer with parchment paper before cooking. This way, it’s easy to clean up the food debris too.
Toothpicks are usually used in an air fryer to hold the food in place, especially rolls and chicken breasts. You may also wrap the food safely in foil paper.
Lastly, steel and iron are safe types of cookware to go inside because they are good conductors of heat and play the role of an oven here.
What should you not put in an air fryer?
Strictly avoid putting these things in an air fryer:-
- Water
- Plastic containers
- Sauces
- Paper towels
Putting any unsuitable material such as the four things listed above may damage the food and the appliance.
An air fryer works by generating air and extremely high heat. The air circulating inside the machine is one of the reasons why water shouldn’t go in along with the food. The boiling water can spray and damage the machine.
Similarly, runny sauces, gravy, and stews cannot go in because the air frying process will move and spill everything inside. Meat marinades are the only sauces you can use in an air fryer.
As already discussed, plastic containers can melt when you put them inside an air fryer. You will end up wasting the food and making it unsuitable for consumption. Moreover, it can completely damage the machine, too.
Paper towels are unsuitable, too, as they can burn and cause a fire inside.
What container can you put in air fryer?
Here are some safe alternatives to plastic containers and cookware that you can use for your air fryer:
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Stainless steel containers
Stainless steel pots and skills can safely go inside an air fryer only if there are no plastic handles. However, most stainless-steel skillets can be too big for an air fryer. You can instead use pans and steel pots for cooking.
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Ceramic cookware
Metal pots and pans are often coated with heat-resistant ceramic. This ceramic cookware is also a great option for air fryers. Ceramic casserole dishes or pans retain heat and prevent food from burning, and the containers come out safely without cracking or melting.
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Aluminum baskets
The best containers to go in an air fryer are aluminum baskets. When you buy an air fryer, it’s best to go for a few aluminum containers, too. They are suitable for cooking almost everything inside the fryer. Apart from baskets, you also get aluminum pans and trays for pies, pancakes, and fries.
To Sum Up
In conclusion, we can say that the only advice to people using air fryers is to avoid any kind of plastic material while cooking. Reserve the bowls for your microwave but do not put them inside an air fryer.
Any plastic material that goes in an air fryer comes out after causing more damage than you can imagine. To avoid the mess, the nasty clean-up, the food wastage, or even the cost of replacing the air fryer, keep plastic bowls and containers away and shift to steel, iron, or aluminum. There are loads of alternatives to plastic that can safely cook food in an air fryer.
Hi, I’m Kimberley. I am a happy and adventurous person who enjoys writing about the finer details of the kitchen niche. My blog is where I can share all my thoughts and opinions with other passionate food lovers like me!
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