While an air fryer comes with a pan or basket where you can put food directly, there are some instances when you might want to use a plate instead. As such, some of you might ask – can you put plates in an air fryer?
It is safe to put plates in an air fryer, but it depends on the specific materials. If it is rated oven-safe, there is no reason to worry. On the other hand, if it is too thin or if it can be a fire hazard, then you should not put plates in an air fryer.
Read on and learn more about using plates in an air fryer.
Can You Put Plates in an Air Fryer?
Yes and no. This is the same case with an earlier article I published about putting bowls in an air fryer.
Yes, if it is made using oven-safe materials, such as glass, ceramic, and even metal. One of the first things to do is to look underneath the plate. In most cases, you will see a symbol that says or means oven-safe. Nonetheless, it may not always be the case. If there is no symbol, you can judge based on the type or thickness of the material instead.
No, you cannot put plates in an air fryer if it is too thin or fragile. These are plates made of cheap materials, which can easily break upon exposure to extreme heat. More so, you should not also put plates that can be a potential fire hazard.
To better understand the topic, the discussions below will look at different plate materials and we’ll look at their safety when used in air fryers.
1. Glass
One of the most common plate materials, glass is safe to put in an air fryer, as long as it is heat-resistant. Nonetheless, if the glass is too thin, I would suggest that you do not put it in an air fryer as it can break.
Take note of several things when using glass in an air fryer. Among others, remember that glass can be prone to thermal stress. It happens when the glass is cold. This way, the center can get hotter than the outer areas, which might cause it to break.
Additionally, glass is a poor heat conductor. This means that food can heat up slowly. So, you might need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Adding more minutes will ensure that you are cooking the food properly.
Before putting glass in an air fryer, inspect it thoroughly. Ensure there are no cracks. Otherwise, heat stress can make the glass break.
2. Ceramic
Another material that you can safely put in an air fryer is ceramic. Making ceramic requires exposing clay to extreme heat. It is also one of the reasons why it is durable, and hence, can survive even in air fryers with high temperatures.
Nonetheless, lead in ceramic can be a health risk. It is used for glazing ceramic plates and can induce poisoning. This is especially the case in hand-made ceramics or those that have not been through strict quality control.
3. Metal
Like glass and ceramic, it is safe to put metal in an air fryer. As with other materials on this list, it should be oven-safe and heat-proof. A lot of metal cookware can withstand high temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so there’s no reason to worry.
A common concern about using metal in an air fryer is the possibility that food will stick on the surface. This can make it difficult to take food out. Not to mention, cleaning metal cookware can be difficult when food is stuck. One solution you might want to consider is to spray it with cooking oil.
4. Silicone
It is safe to use silicone plates and even other silicone accessories in an air fryer. They can resist the heat of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure that it is made using high-quality materials to ensure safety and prevent damage. Checking the label is a must.
One of the most important things to remember is that silicone may not be as effective as metal in conducting heat. Hence, you risk uneven cooking. Watch out for the right temperature and check food thoroughly to ensure you cook it properly.
5. Plastic
If there is one material that you cannot put in an air fryer, it would be plastic. It has low heat resistance. With the way an air fryer works, heat circulates in all areas. The interior can be too hot for plastic to handle, which can cause it to melt or break.
6. Paper
Another material you should not put in an air fryer is paper. Putting paper plates in an air fryer can be a fire hazard. Not to mention, it can also easily break down when water accumulates from whatever you are cooking, which can create a mess. It can soften and get into food when cooking. Nonetheless, it is a different story when it comes to parchment paper, which you can safely use for lining an air fryer basket or pan.
Safety Tips When Putting Plates in Air Fryer
Aside from looking at the material, here are other things to keep in mind when putting plates in an air fryer:
- Consider the size of an air fryer. Make sure that the plate fits perfectly. Position it evenly on the surface.
- Always check the label. As mentioned, it should be oven-safe or heat-proof. They should also be BPA-free, which can ensure food safety.
- Inspect the plate. Watch out for any sign of damage, especially if it is made of plastic. Exposure to high heat will likely damage the plate.
- You might need to adjust the cooking time or flip the food. The plate can make it more difficult for heat to penetrate the food, but it will depend on its material.
- Skip the plate if it is not necessary. Most recipes will allow you to put the food directly on the air fryer basket or pan.
In Closing
So, can you put plates in an air fryer? As noted above, yes, but it depends on many things. Among others, a primary consideration is the main material. Most glass, ceramic, metal, and silicone plates are safe to use if they are oven-safe and made with superior construction. Plastic and paper plates, however, should never be used in an air fryer as they can be fire hazards.
