Can You Put Metal In An Air Fryer?

Air fryers have taken the culinary world by storm, offering a healthier and more efficient way to enjoy crispy, fried-like foods without the guilt (or the grease). However, when it comes to which materials are air fryer-safe, the advice isn’t always clear. The usage of metal in air fryers, in particular, poses significant concerns. Continue reading to find out if you should use metal in your air fryer.

Is It Safe To Put Metal In An Air Fryer?

The quick answer is, “It depends.” While many air fryer models may support certain types of metal cookware, not all metals are made equal. You can use metal in an air fryer if the dish is oven-safe. If you can safely bake anything in a conventional oven, you can cook it in an air fryer.

Metal Air Fryer Cookware You Can Use

Oven-safe metal containers can be used in an air fryer. In reality, several types of metal cookware are safe to use. Here are a few choices:

Aluminum Foil: Line the air fryer basket or wrap food items with aluminum foil, which is normally safe. It prevents food from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Stainless Steel: Certain air fryer accessories, such as racks and skewers, are safe to use. Just make sure they’re compatible with your air fryer model.
Cast Iron: While cast iron is long-lasting and heat-conducting, it is critical to avoid acidic foods when using it in an air fryer to protect the coating.

Tips for Safely Using Metal

Line metal pans and trays with parchment paper to prevent airflow problems.
Use heat-resistant metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, or cast iron. Avoid using silver or tin.
Avoid putting metal in direct contact with heating devices.
Use short skewers that will not obstruct fan circulation.
Check your model’s manual for any metal-related cautions.

can you put metal in an air fryer — Image credit: @epicurious.com

The Problem With Using a Metal Element in the Air Fryer

In addition to the safe choices listed above, it’s important to know why you shouldn’t use certain metals in an air fryer. The main issue is the possibility of harming the equipment and jeopardizing safety. Here are some possible issues:

Scratching the Basket: Rough or sharp metal objects can scratch the air fryer basket’s nonstick coating, diminishing its efficacy and durability.
Interfering with Air Circulation: Large metal bowls reduce air circulation, making your food less crispy and taking longer to cook. Use the smallest bowl that can safely hold the meal without spilling over.
Reactive metals: Untreated metals such as copper and aluminum can react with acidic foods, creating discoloration and perhaps giving a metallic taste to your dishes.

What Metals You Can’t Put in the Air Fryer?

Metal That Is Not Oven Safe

With an air fryer, you should not use any metal items that contain lead, pewter, or zinc. When exposed to high temperatures, these metals can seep toxins into food and emit toxic odors.

Handles made from different materials

Avoid metal cookware with plastic or wood handles. Although the metal may be air fryer safe, excessive temperatures might cause the handles to melt, deform, or burn. Silicone handles are the exception; they are safe to use in an air fryer.

Painted Cookware

Some metal cookware is painted to seem nice, but it should not be used in an air fryer. At high temperatures, the paint components degrade and may bleed into your meals. Enamel paint is an exception, as the FDA considers it a food-safe coating and it is commonly used on cast iron cookware.

What Should You Pay Attention To?

Now that you’re aware of the metals to avoid, let’s discuss some additional precautions to ensure a seamless air frying experience:

Avoid Plastic Elements

The high temperatures inside an air fryer can melt plastic, which could release harmful chemicals and hurt your device. Additionally, while they’re cooking, they may give off a bad plastic smell. Or, double-check the directions to ensure that these metal pans are safe to use in the oven. This is 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius), so bear that in mind.

Avoid Drawings

When utilizing metal cookware with decorative graphics or decorations, exercise caution. Some paints and coatings may be heat-sensitive and flake or emit fumes when exposed to high temperatures. Sure, you can use it if you have a good metal bowl that says it is safe for high heat and the oven. Just make sure that the paintings were created with enamel paint, which implies that the dyes can withstand high heat.

Cleaning Concerns

It’s especially vital to keep things clean when utilizing metal in the air fryer on occasion. The last thing you want are scratches that can eventually destroy the nonstick surface. During use, I like to keep things tidy by wiping off any exposed metal with a moist cloth. This helps to keep any accumulation at bay.

Unplug the device after cooking and allow it to cool completely before undertaking deeper cleaning. Buff away any stuck-on particles with baking soda and a paper towel or soft sponge. This moderate abrasive is not harmful to the coating. Simply ensure that everything is totally dry before storing. Taking these modest actions guarantees that your fryer remains in good working order even when metals are used on occasion.

Which Utensils Can Be Used Instead in the Air Fryer?

Now that we’ve covered what not to use, let’s explore some safe alternatives for your air fryer:

Wooden or silicone utensils: Ideal for stirring, flipping, and removing food from your air fryer without scratching or damaging the interior.
Silicone Accessories: Silicone baking mats, trivets, and utensils are safe to use in an air fryer and provide nonstick characteristics without scratching.
Oven-safe glass or ceramic dishes: Some air fryers can accept oven-safe glass or ceramic dishes, allowing you to prepare a wider range of dishes.
Air fryer-specific accessories: Many air fryer manufacturers provide appropriate accessories like as racks, baskets, and pans that are specifically built for their models, assuring safety and optimal performance.

Final Thoughts

Being careful and following the manufacturer’s instructions are the most important things you can do to use metal safely in your air fryer. By using the correct metal cookware and accessories, you can reap all of the crispy, delicious benefits of air frying while avoiding extra hazards and headaches.

Remember, your air fryer is a kitchen tool designed to make your life easier, not more complicated. So, take the time to learn its idiosyncrasies and follow the instructions, and you’ll be well on your way to air frying expertise, with or without metal!

FAQs

Is metal safe in air fryer?

Stainless steel and metal utensils can safely be used in air fryers. They can withstand high temperatures without warping or melting and are easy to clean. You may also use utensils that are made with ceramic and glass.

Can you put metal or aluminum in an air fryer?

Is it Safe to Use Aluminum Foil in the Air Fryer? It is absolutely safe to use aluminum foil in your air fryer. In fact, it can make cooking with the air fryer easier.

What can you not put in an air fryer?

What can you not put in an air fryer? 11 items experts warn against cooking in your appliance
Water.
Cheese.
Roast chicken.
Wet batter.
Popcorn.
Vegetables with low water content, such as broccoli and fresh greens.
Loose seasoning and breadcrumbs.
Red meat.

Can you put aluminum foil in the air fryer?

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn’t blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

Can stainless steel go in air fryer?