Can You Put Glass in an Air Fryer?

Air fryers have become an incredibly popular kitchen appliance in recent years. Their ability to make crispy fried foods using little to no oil is appealing to health-conscious cooks.

But can you put glass dishes or containers in an air fryer? Let’s take a closer look at whether glass is air fryer-safe.

How Air Fryers Work

An air fryer cooks food by rapidly circulating hot air around it. This allows the food to get crispy and browned using convection heating. A mechanical fan circulates the hot air around a cooking chamber, which usually has a wire mesh basket or tray inside.

The heating element and fan are located on top, while the food sits in a drawer-like basket below. Air fryers reach temperatures between 200°F and 400°F during the cooking process. The constant flow of high heat allows foods to achieve a fried or roasted texture.

Factors to Consider with Glass in an Air Fryer

There are a few important factors to consider when deciding whether glass can safely go in an air fryer:

The High Heat

Air fryers reach very high temperatures, which can pose problems for some glassware. Glass that is not designed to withstand thermal shock from rapid heating may crack or shatter.

Glass Composition

Not all glass is created equal. Factors like thickness, additives, and the manufacturing process allow some types of glass to tolerate much higher temperatures than others. Borosilicate glass is a common, heat-resistant option.

The Direct Heat Method

Since air fryers cook food using a direct heating method, glassware is exposed to significant temperature fluctuations inside the appliance. This rapid heating and cooling can cause issues for glass that is not suited for thermal shock.

Potential Food Safety Issues

If glass breaks in an air fryer, this can create food safety hazards. Shards of broken glass can end up in food, presenting a physical danger.

Common Questions about Glass in Air Fryers

Before using glass in an air fryer, it’s important to address some key questions:

Is Regular Glass Oven-Safe?

While standard glass dishes are typically safe for the oven, the way an air fryer rapidly heats air can be problematic. Even oven-safe glass may not cope well with an air fryer’s high heat and direct heating method.

Does the Air Fryer Manual Mention Glass?

Checking the instruction manual can provide insight into whether your specific model allows glass. Most manuals directly state not to use glass. Some may specify that heat-resistant glass is okay. When in doubt, avoid it.

What About Glass Bakeware?

Glass pans, dishes, and baking tools are not safe for air-frying. The combination of high heat and direct air circulation is risky even for sturdy glass bakeware not engineered for rapid temperature changes.

Is Any Type of Glass Safe?

The risks posed to glass by the intense heating of air fryers mean it’s better to avoid using regular glassware. However, some specialty glass types can withstand air fryer conditions:

• Borosilicate glass – Designed to resist thermal shock, Pyrex and other borosilicate glass are durable enough to potentially survive air frying. Still, double check your specific model’s instructions.
• Ceramic glass – Glass-ceramic, a material fused with ceramic properties, offers increased heat resistance that may make it suitable for some air fryers.
• Aluminosilicate glass – This high-heat glass is sometimes deemed safe for air fryers, though verify with the manufacturer.

The safest bet is to stick to air fryer-approved accessories made of ceramic, metal, high-temperature silicone, or other polymers. While some glass may survive, experiment at your own risk.

Best Materials for Air Fryers

Since glass is iffy for air fryers, these materials are better choices:

• Stainless steel – Steel mesh air fryer baskets or pans work great. Opt for food-grade stainless steel.
• Aluminum – Anodized aluminum pans and trays designed for air fryer use can efficiently conduct and distribute heat.
• Ceramic – High-heat ceramic coated or glazed pots and bakeware resist air fryer heat.
• Silicone – With a high heat tolerance up to about 450°F, silicone stands up well to air frying.
• High-temp plastics – Some bPA-free polymers and plastics can take an air fryer’s high heat. Check specifications.

Follow any maximum temperature ratings and instructions provided with accessories to confirm air fryer safety.

FAQ about Glass in Air Fryers

Still curious if glass can make the cut when air-frying? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Is it safe to use glass bowls or jars?

No, ordinary glass bowls or jars should not be used in an air fryer. The direct heat can cause them to crack or shatter. Stick to approved accessories made of heat-safe materials.

What about oven-safe glass or Pyrex?

While these glasses are designed to withstand regular oven heat, the rapid air heating of an air fryer can still be risky and may lead to breakage. Avoid glass, even if it is labeled oven or microwave safe.

Can I use a glass baking dish?

Glass baking dishes, even sturdy ones meant for ovens, are not built to handle the intense convection heating of an air fryer. It’s safest to avoid using glass casserole dishes or cake pans in air fryers.

Is it okay if the glass doesn’t touch the heating element?

Even if glass dishes aren’t directly touching the heating element, the circulating hot air still subjects them to thermal shock. Standing glass jars or ramekins in an air fryer basket can cause them to crack or shatter.

Can I use glass if I preheat the air fryer first?

Preheating the air fryer isn’t sufficient to make the glass safe for use. The continued extreme temperature fluctuations that glass faces once cooking begins still pose a high risk of breakage.

The takeaway: While specialty heat-resistant glass may survive, it’s wisest to keep all regular glass out of your air fryer.

The Bottom Line: Play It Safe

While an air fryer’s super-hot, rapidly circulating air may seem harmless enough, introducing glass into this environment is risky.

The safest choice is to follow manufacturer guidance and stick to metal, ceramic, silicon, or high-heat plastics designed specifically for air fryers. Don’t take chances with glass that could potentially crack or shatter.

By understanding how air fryers work and the limitations of typical glassware, you can make smart, safe decisions about what to cook with.

Your air fryer will keep turning out crispy, delicious foods as long as you avoid glass and use accessories rated for the appliance’s high heat generation.

Now you can confidently answer the question, “Can you put glass in an air fryer?” with a resounding no! Using the right cookware will ensure safe and tasty results from your air fryer for years to come.