This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we will make a commission. Thank you.
Can plates go in the air fryer? This is a common question and we're going to cover it in detail in this blog post.
Short answer: yes, but be advised there are some safety tips you must follow.
Jump to:
Types of Plates that CAN safetly go in the air fryer
First, here are the types of plates that can (safely) go in the air fryer (yes, the type of plate and what its made of does matter):
- Ceramic Plates: Most ceramic plates are oven-safe and can withstand the high intense heat used in air fryers. They are a popular choice because they distribute heat evenly and are relatively resistant to cracking or breaking.
- Heat-Resistant Glass Plates: Some heat-resistant glass plates, such as those made from borosilicate glass, can be used in air fryers. Always check that the glass plate is labeled as oven-safe or suitable for high-temperature cooking. Oven safe materials are generally suited for the air fryer, as it's basically just a small convection oven.
- Metal Plates: Some metal plates, like stainless steel or aluminum, can be used in an air fryer. They are durable and conduct heat well, ensuring even cooking of your food.
- Silicone Plates: Silicone plates are generally safe for use in air fryers. They are flexible and heat-resistant, making them easy to clean and handle.
Generally if a plate is considered oven-safe, it's likely safe for the air fryer.
Things to consider before putting air fryer safe plates into the air fryer
When using plates in an air fryer, consider the following tips:
- Ensure the plate fits well in the air fryer basket without touching the heating element or blocking air flow.
- Use plates that are of appropriate thickness; very thick plates may hinder proper air circulation and affect cooking performance.
- Check the manufacturer's instructions to confirm that using plates is allowed and safe for your specific air fryer model.
- It's always a good idea to check your specific air fryer's safety guidelines and recommendations before using plates or any cookware inside the appliance.
Keep in mind that some air fryer models may have specific recommendations or restrictions regarding the use of plates, so it's crucial to consult the user manual that came with your air fryer for specific guidance.
Types of plates that CAN'T go in the air fryer
Now that we've covered the plates that can go in the air fryer, let's discuss those that can't (and to be frank that list is a little longer).
- Plastic Plates: plastic plates can be a total hazard, they could melt or catch on fire so just don't even attempt it!
- Styrofoam Plates: Styrofoam or polystyrene plates should never be used in an air fryer. They are not heat-resistant and will melt or release toxic fumes when exposed to high heat. Additionally, this is a potential fire hazard!
- Paper Plates: Like plastic plates, paper plates are not designed to withstand high temperatures and can catch fire or emit hazardous fumes into your house.
- Non-Oven-Safe Glass Plates: Regular glass plates that are not labeled as oven-safe should not be used in an air fryer as they may shatter or crack due to the high temperatures. That would be a total mess that you don't want to deal with cleaning up and it would ruin the food that's air frying as well.
- Fine China or Delicate Porcelain: Fine china or delicate porcelain plates are not a good choice, not only are they probably valuable but they aren't suitable for the air fryer. They're sometimes hand painted (which would get ruined), but also you risk them shattering.
- Plates with Metallic Trims: Plates that have metallic or gold/silver trim should be avoided in the air fryer as the metal can cause sparking or damage to the appliance (if you wouldn't put it into a microwave, don't put it in the air fryer).
- Plates with Non-Stick Coating: Plates with non-stick coatings may not be safe to use in an air fryer as the high temperatures and airflow can damage the coating or release harmful chemicals into your house and damage food items.
- Melamine plates: Melamine plates aren't safe for use in an air fryer. They're not a good option because melamine is a type of plastic resin, while they are durable and lightweight for regular dining purposes, they are not at all designed to withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer.
- Metal cookware: again, this would be a total hazard, and it may cause sparking. If it's not microwave safe it's not air fryer safe!
Can parchment paper, aluminum (tin) foil, or paper towels go int the air fryer?
Good news: yes, parchment paper, aluminum foil, and paper towels can be used in the air fryer with certain precautions and guidelines:
- Parchment Paper: Parchment paper is safe to use in the air fryer. It can be used to line the bottom of the air fryer basket or to wrap food items. It helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. However, ensure that the parchment paper does not cover the entire basket or block the air vents, as it can affect the air circulation and cooking performance.
- Aluminum Foil: Aluminum foil can also be used in the air fryer with caution. You can use small pieces of foil to cover specific parts of the food or create dividers to separate ingredients. However, avoid covering the entire basket with foil or blocking the air vents, as it can interfere with the air circulation and may lead to uneven cooking.
- Paper Towels: Paper towels can be used in the air fryer to absorb excess moisture or oil from certain foods. For instance, if you are cooking items that release a lot of oil or have a high moisture content, you can place a paper towel under or on top of the food to help absorb the excess.
When using parchment paper, aluminum foil, or paper towels in the air fryer:
- Always ensure that they do not block the air vents or cover the entire air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
- Use small pieces of foil or paper towels as needed and avoid overlapping layers to prevent hot spots and maintain good airflow.
- Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and guidelines provided in the air fryer's user manual regarding the use of parchment paper or foil.
- Do not use plastic or styrofoam-based parchment paper or aluminum foil, as they are not suitable for high-temperature cooking and can release harmful substances.
By using these materials appropriately, you can enhance your air frying experience and make cleaning up after cooking more manageable. Always prioritize safety and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific model of your air fryer.
Can wax paper go in the air fryer?
No, this would be a safety hazard! Wax paper should not go in the air fryer. Wax paper is not designed to withstand hot temperatures, and using it in the air fryer can result in a fire hazard or release harmful fumes.
Wax paper is coated with a thin layer of wax, which can melt or catch fire when exposed to the intense heat inside the air fryer. It is not heat-resistant like parchment paper (which is safe to use in the air fryer because it does not have a wax coating).
Does the size of the plate matter?
Yes, the size of a plate in the air fryer does matter!
It's essential to use plates that fit properly inside the air fryer basket without touching the heating element or blocking the air vents. The right size plate ensures that the hot air can circulate evenly around the food, leading to even cooking and best results!
If the plate is too large for the air fryer basket, it may not allow sufficient airflow, leading to uneven cooking or undercooked portions of the food. On the other hand, if the plate is too small, there might be wasted space in the air fryer, and the food might not be adequately separated from the heating element, potentially affecting the cooking process and giving you uneven results.
When using plates in the air fryer:
- Choose plates that fit well within the air fryer basket without overlapping the sides or obstructing the air vents.
- Ensure there is some space between the plate and the heating element to allow proper air circulation.
- If cooking multiple items simultaneously, consider using smaller plates to allow better airflow around each item.
- Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and guidelines for using plates in your specific air fryer model.
By using appropriately sized plates, you can achieve better cooking results and optimize the performance of your air fryer.
Just for best practice, always refer to the user manual and safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer to ensure safe and successful cooking experiences.
Try these air fryer safe accessories
- Disposable Paper Liner - these are great because they keep food particles from getting all over the place and they make air fryer cleanup a total breeze!
- Silicone molds (or liners) - These silicone molds/air fryer liners are great because they're obviously heat resistant, but you can use them over and over again! They're great for baking as well!
- Air Fryer Temperatures Magnetic Cheat Sheet - This is a great guide that you can glance at while cooking, just stick it to the side of your fridge. It shows the cooking time, temperatures, size of the food, type of food, and takes all of the guess work out the process. It also makes a great gift!
Related
We love air fryer recipes on this blog, and we have quite a few, so if you're looking to put your air fryer to good use, add these recipes to your weekly rotation!
As for mains, we have steak, pork, and salmon.
As well as some great sides such as peppers and onions, baked potatoes, and Brussels sprouts (and honestly these are the best Brussels sprouts ever, the air fryer is absolutely the way to go when cooking them).
Let's connect?
If you found this blog post helpful, I hope that you'll follow me on Instagram and Pinterest! I'm always pinning and creating food and recipe-related content!
Leave a Reply