Can You Put Metal in an Air Fryer?- Should you do it?

In this post, I’ll address a common question: can you use metal utensils in an air fryer?

As someone who has been cooking up a storm with my air fryer, I’ve explored this topic thoroughly.

Certain recipes, such as cakes or scrambled eggs, may require the use of utensils inside the air fryer.

Naturally, this leads to concerns about whether it’s safe to use regular steel bowls or metal utensils that we commonly use in our kitchens.

So, can you use metal utensils in an air fryer? The answer is yes! You can confidently use steel, aluminum, or any other metal utensil in your air fryer.

Metal utensils are designed to withstand high temperatures, typically up to 500°F, while the maximum temperature of an air fryer is 400°F.

So, what kind of utensils can you not use in an air fryer?

I will share all the ins and outs of different utensils and if you can or cannot use them inside an air fryer within the post.

Is using metal in an air fryer safe?

You can absolutely use metal utensils in an air fryer without any safety concerns. There confusion here arises from the facct that you cannot use metal utensils in a microwave.

But, hear me out…

Unlike microwaves, which have limitations regarding metal use, air fryers operate differently.

Air fryers don’t rely on electromagnetic waves like microwaves do. Instead, they use a heating coil and a fan to circulate hot air, creating a cooking environment similar to an oven.

An air fryer functions more like a convection oven than a microwave. Therefore, any utensil that is safe to use inside an oven can be used in an air fryer as well.

So, feel free to use your oven-safe utensils without any hesitation when cooking in an air fryer.

What kind of metal cookware can you use in the air fryer?

If a utensil or accessory is specifically labeled as oven-safe by the manufacturer, you can confidently use it in your air fryer as well.

This includes items like aluminum foil, silicone cups, baking trays, and more.

Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for safe usage.

Materials that go in an Air Fryer	Materials that do not go in the Air fryer
Steel (Oven safe)	Plastic
Aluminum Foil	Painted Cookware(where the paint can melt)
Baking tray	Wood
Silicone Cups and moulds	Paper towels, Wax Paper
Metal Skewers	Bamboo Skewers
Parchment Paper

It’s crucial to ensure that whatever utensils or accessories you use inside the air fryer fit properly and do not overcrowd the cooking space.

Adequate circulation of hot air is essential for the food to cook evenly and thoroughly.

To avoid any mishaps, I highly recommend using bowls and pans that are specifically designated as oven-safe. This ensures their durability and safety when used inside an air fryer.

By following this guideline, you can have peace of mind and enjoy your cooking experience without any unwanted surprises.

Can you use a metal Pan in an air fryer?

Yes, you certainly can use a metal pan in an air fryer. Just get the right size that fits in the air fryer and leave some space between the pan edges and the air fryer basket.

When Not to Use Metal in an Air Fryer?

When it comes to using metal utensils in an air fryer, it’s important to be cautious.

If a metal utensil doesn’t have the “oven-safe” label, it’s best to play it safe and not use it in the air fryer. This helps prevent any potential issues or accidents.

Also if a metal container has plastic handles, it’s better to keep it away from the air fryer as the high temperatures inside can cause the plastic handles to melt.

Similarly, containers with any kind of paint or coating that may melt should be kept out of the air fryer as they can melt or react with the food in a high temperature environment.

To make things easier, it’s a good idea to have a set of oven-safe utensils specifically designated for your air fryer.

Can you use aluminum foil inside the air fryer?

Yes, you can definitely use aluminum foil in an air fryer. Just like in an oven, aluminum foil works perfectly fine in an air fryer as well.

In fact, many people choose to cook their entire recipes on aluminum foil or in aluminum containers inside the air fryer. It’s a convenient way to cook, and it helps with easy cleanup too.

Whether you’re wrapping individual portions of food or lining the basket or tray, aluminum foil can be a handy tool.

What cookware you can’t put in an air fryer?

Plastic and wooden containers or objects should be avoided when using an air fryer.

The high heat inside the air fryer can cause the plastic to melt, and wood can potentially catch fire, posing a safety risk.

Instead, opt for heat-resistant materials like silicone molds and sheets that are specifically designed to withstand high temperatures.

These are a safe and convenient option for use in the air fryer.

It’s important to steer clear of using paper towels in the air fryer as well. The high temperature can cause them to fly around and potentially catch fire.

Additionally, their lightweight nature makes them susceptible to getting caught in the heating element, creating a fire hazard.

To ensure safety, it’s best to avoid using paper towels inside an air fryer altogether.

Final Verdict on ‘Can You Put Metal in an Air Fryer?’

Now that you know metal utensils are safe to use in an air fryer, it’s important to understand that not being microwave-safe doesn’t automatically disqualify a utensil from being used in an air fryer.

The key is to be aware of what should not be used inside an air fryer and which utensils are suitable for it.

If you are using oven-safe metal utensils, you can confidently prepare various recipes in your air fryer.

Metal utensils in an air fryer provides you convenience and lot of room for creativity with recipes.

Just be sure to choose utensils that are designated as oven-safe to ensure their suitability for use in an air fryer.

My Air fryer Journey

I personally own a Philips air fryer, and I must say that after conducting extensive research and sifting through countless subpar options, I am truly impressed with the durability and longevity of the Philips brand.

Having used my Philips air fryer for over a year and a half now, I can confidently say that it still looks and performs like it’s new.

Despite regular use, it shows no signs of wear or deterioration.

The size of the air fryer is perfect for my small family of four consisting of three adults.

What sets it apart is its impressive cooking speed, thanks to its powerful performance surpassing other air fryer models.

I’d love to hear from you in the comments about the air fryer you own and how long it has served you. Let’s share our experiences and recommendations!