Knowing which materials can safely go inside an air fryer protects both your appliance and your food. So what materials can you put in an air fryer? The short answer is simple: heat-safe metal, glass, ceramic, and silicone are fine, while most plastics and lightweight paper are not.
This guide breaks down each material so you can cook with confidence and avoid damage.
What Materials Can You Put In An Air Fryer
An air fryer works like a small convection oven. It pushes hot air around at high speed, and the inside gets very hot, often between 300°F and 400°F. Any material you place inside must handle that heat without melting, cracking, or releasing chemicals.
Here is the quick list of safe options:
- Stainless steel and aluminum (uncoated or oven-safe coated)
- Borosilicate glass and tempered glass
- Ceramic and stoneware
- Silicone rated for high heat
- Parchment paper made for baking
- Aluminum foil
Now let’s look at each one in more detail.
Metal Cookware And Baskets
Metal is the most reliable choice. Most air fryer baskets are already made of metal with a nonstick coating.
You can add these metal items:
- Small cake pans and muffin tins
- Ramekins and metal bowls
- Skewers and metal tongs (remove tongs before closing)
- Perforated pizza pans
Stainless steel is sturdy and rust-resistant. Aluminum heats fast and is lightweight. Just avoid any metal with sharp edges that could scratch the nonstick coating on your basket.
Can You Use Metal Foil?
Yes, aluminum foil is safe in an air fryer. Use it to line the basket for easy cleanup or to wrap food. But do not block the air vents. Leave space around the edges so hot air can still flow. Never let foil touch the heating element at the top.
Glass And Ceramic Dishes
Oven-safe glass and ceramic work great. They hold heat well and do not react with food.
Check the bottom of the dish for an oven-safe label. Borosilicate glass handles rapid temperature changes better then regular glass. Tempered glass is also fine.
Do not use thin drinking glasses or decorative glass. They can shatter. Also avoid ceramic dishes with metallic paint or gold rims, since those finishes may spark or crack.
Silicone And Paper Liners
Food-grade silicone is flexible, nonstick, and heat-resistant up to about 450°F. Silicone muffin cups, mats, and liners are popular for air fryers.
Parchment paper is also safe if you use it correctly. Buy parchment labeled for baking, not wax paper. Wax paper melts and can smoke.
- Cut or fold the parchment so it fits flat inside the basket.
- Add food on top so the paper does not fly up into the heating coil.
- Never preheat the air fryer with loose parchment inside.
Some people use paper towels to soak up oil. That is risky. A loose paper towel can get pulled into the fan and burn. Skip it.
Materials You Should Never Put Inside
Some items seem harmless but cause real problems. Keep these out of your air fryer:
- Regular plastic containers and plastic wrap
- Styrofoam
- Wax paper
- Thin glass that is not oven-safe
- Wooden cutting boards or bamboo steamers (they can dry, crack, or scorch)
- Anything with a paper label or sticker still attached
Plastic is the biggest danger. Even “microwave safe” plastic is not made for the dry, high heat of an air fryer. It can warp, melt, and leach chemicals into your food.
How To Test If A Dish Is Safe
Not sure about a dish you own? Run a simple check.
- Look for an oven-safe symbol on the bottom. A small oven icon means it is fine.
- Check the temperature rating. It should say 400°F or higher.
- Skip any dish with cracks, chips, or metallic trim.
- When in doubt, use a metal pan or silicone liner instead.
This takes about ten seconds and saves you from a ruined meal or a broken basket.
Tips For Using Accessories Safely
Even safe materials need smart handling. Follow these habits:
- Leave space around all sides for airflow. Crowding blocks the hot air.
- Do not overfill the basket. Food needs room to crisp.
- Place heavier items on the bottom so they do not tip.
- Use tongs or a mitt when removing hot dishes.
- Let glass and ceramic cool a bit before washing to avoid thermal shock.
Also remember that accessories take up space. A large glass bowl may fit, but it leaves little room for air to move. Choose the smallest dish that holds your food.
Quick Recap
Safe materials include metal, oven-safe glass, ceramic, silicone, parchment paper, and foil. Unsafe materials include plastic, styrofoam, wax paper, and untreated wood.
If you stick to oven-safe kitchen items, you will rarely go wrong. Read labels, keep airflow open, and never leave loose paper near the heating element.
With the right materials, your air fryer becomes far more useful. You can bake, roast, and reheat in it without worry. Just check the dish before it goes in, and your appliance and your dinner will both stay in good shape.