Air fryers have recently joined the group of highly praised kitchen appliances.
However, since they are relatively new, people still have questions about using them the right way.
One common query you will find on the internet is about using glassware in the air fryer.
We have put together the answer to this burning query and everything else you need to know about using glass in an air fryer.
Yes, you can put glassware in the air fryer. However, make sure your glass bowl is oven-safe and tempered. The best glass bowls for air fryer use are those made of borosilicate glass (Pyrex) with a heat resistance of up to 425F.
How To Use A Glass In An Air Fryer
A few things that you must deliberate on while putting glassware, such as a glass bowl or glass plate, in the air fryer to ensure safety include the following:
Choose Oven-Proof Glass Bowl
Any glass bowl you pick for putting in an air fryer must be oven-proof, tempered, and free of cracks.
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Make Sure The Glass Dish Is Not Cold
An air fryer’s internal temperature increases much faster than an oven. The glass cookware may not correspond to these rapid changes in the heat and shatter due to thermal stress.
Therefore, don’t put the bowl into the air fryer coming straight out from the freezer. Warm it with mild hot water to avoid any thermal shock.
Avoid High Temperatures
Even oven-safe glassware can crack at high temperatures. To avoid any mishap, avoid cooking food at extremely high temperatures when using a glass bowl.
Always check the maximum temperature a glass accessory can withstand. If it cannot withstand the temperature required by your recipe, it is better to avoid its use.
Caution: To be safe, never increase the temperature beyond 400F when using a glass baking dish or bowl.
Don’t Use A Large Glass Bowl
The size of your glass bowl matters.
Using a large glass bowl that blocks all the perforations on the air fryer basket may block the airflow.
Therefore, always choose a glass vessel that fits in the air fryer without blocking the airflow.
How Do You Know Your Glassware Is Safe For An Air Fryer
Some ways to ensure your glass bowl is safe for air fryer use are the following:
- Look at the label explicitly mentioning that the product is oven-safe. Sometimes, manufacturers also put an “oven-safe” symbol at the base of the glass containers and bowls.
- Check for the exact temperature your glass bowl can withstand—the higher the heat resistance, the better.
- Alternatively, you can look up your cookware on the manufacturer's website to see if their product is oven-safe or not.
Note: We are talking about glass bowls meant for use in air fryers and not about glass containers used only for lunch boxes or for storing food in the fridge.
Can You Put Pyrex In Your Air Fryer
Yes, it is safe to put Pyrex in an air fryer. However, pyrex bowls can be made of different types of glass.
Pyrex container made with borosilicate glass have a thermal resistance of up to 425 F high and are perfect for air fryer use.
Pyrex bowls made with soda-lime glass are not safe and can break in the air fryer.
Is Glassware A Good Choice For Air Fryer Use
Simple answer? No, it is not.
Let us explain.
When you cook something in a glass bowl, it cannot get heat from all sides. The bottom of the glass bowl completely blocks the airflow as it has no holes.
It might cook your food unevenly and may not give you the right taste.
Using the accompanying air fryer basket must be your first choice while cooking food!!!
When Is Using Glassware In An Air Fryer A Good Idea
Though using a glass bowl or any other solid cookware (ceramic, steel) in an air fryer is not the most recommended option, there are certain exceptions.
You can use glassware when the food requires a solid cooking pan to keep the batter in shape. For instance, when baking a cake.
Baking a cake in an air fryer does not require heat to flow through the batter.
Instead, you only need to ensure enough space for the hot air to flow around the cookware. Similarly, for lasagna, you might need a glass tray.
Tips For Ensuring Proper Air Flow Using A Glass Bowl
Consider the following tips when using a glass bowl in the air fryer.
Choose The Size Of The Dish Very Carefully
Choose the size of the bowl very carefully. It should stay in the center of the air fryer basket, leaving some space around it for proper airflow.
Elevate The Glass Bowl
Put small balls of crumpled aluminum foil in the air fryer to lift the bowl off the basket bottom to let the hot air flow under it.
Check For Structural Weaknesses
Always check for structural weaknesses, such as bubbles just below the surface of the glass or cracks on the bowl, before using it in the air fryer.
Alternatives To Using Glass In An Air Fryer
Here are the main alternatives to using glassware in an air fryer:
- Metal pans, baking sheets, ramekins specifically designed for air fryers allow for good heat transfer and avoid cracking issues.
- Ceramic pans, mugs, bowls, and baking dishes made for withstanding high temps can go in air fryers. In this case, stoneware and glazed ceramics work well.
- Silicone is very heat-resistant and flexible, making it ideal for air frying. Silicone pans, liners, mitts, and even sleeves to put around glass are options.
- Coated bakeware like carbon steel, enamel coated, or non-stick coated pans are all safe and prevent sticking.
FAQs
What happens if you put glass in the air fryer?
Nothing happens when you use glass in the air fryer as long as it is not cold and is oven-safe. If you put cold glass in the unit, it might shatter due to thermal stress when there is a sudden temperature change.
Can you put a casserole dish in an air fryer?
Yes, you can put a casserole dish in an air fryer as long as it is labeled as oven-safe and air fryer-compatible. Casserole dishes are made of several types of materials. You are good to go if you choose a ceramic or a glass casserole dish.
Can you put anchor glass in air fryer?
Yes, you can put anchor glass in an air fryer. Anchor hocking glass bakeware is oven-safe up to 425 F, dishwasher-safe, freezer-safe, and microwave-safe.
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Wrapping Up!
Air fryers are relatively modern appliances, so it is still difficult to find cooking tools specially made for them. As a result, people are often unsure what to use and what not to use in an air fryer. Out of these concerns comes the query about using a glass and Pyrex bowl in an air fryer. Through this article, we have tried to eradicate the worries associated with this concern and highlighted tips for safely using glass in an air fryer. As long as you adhere to these cautions mentioned, you can use a glass bowl in an air fryer.