Can You Put Silicone In Air Fryer? Ultimate Guide

Air fryers have become incredibly popular in recent years as a healthier way to cook fried foods.

Unlike deep frying, air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook food with little to no oil. This results in fried favorites like chicken, french fries, and more with up to 75% less fat.

As with any kitchen appliance, there are plenty of questions about how to properly use an air fryer.

One common one is whether you can put silicone baking accessories like mats, cups, and molds in an air fryer. Let’s take a closer look at whether silicone can go in these popular appliances.

What Is Silicone, and How Is It Used in Cooking?

Silicone is a synthetic polymer made from silicon, oxygen, and other elements. In cooking, food-grade silicone is used to make various accessories like baking sheets, microwave lids, oven mitts, and more.

Silicone has some useful properties that make it a popular material for bakeware and cooking accessories.

• Heat-resistant: Silicone can withstand very high temperatures, usually up to 428°F to 446°F before degrading. This makes it safe to use for baking, broiling, and more.
• Non-stick: Silicone has a slick, non-stick surface. Food easily releases from silicone accessories without sticking.
• Flexible: Silicone has a bendable, flexible structure compared to materials like metal or glass. This allows silicone accessories to be peeled off pans, squeezed, or folded.
• Durable: Food-grade silicone is resistant to damage and retains its shape over time. It also does not absorb stains or odors.
• Inert: Silicone is chemically inert, so it does not react with food or release any chemicals during cooking. This makes it safe and hygienic.

When it comes to air fryers, some popular silicone accessories include:

• Silicone baking cups are Used to hold ingredients like eggs or baked goods.
• Silicone air fryer liners: Place over the fryer basket to prevent sticking.
• Silicone pot holders protect hands when handling the air fryer basket.

Is It Safe to Put Silicone in an Air Fryer?

The short answer is yes; silicone accessories made specifically for baking and air frying are generally safe to use in an air fryer.

Here are a few key points on why silicone can withstand air frying:

• Temperature resistance: Most quality silicone designed for baking is resistant up to temperatures of 430°F to 480°F. Air fryers typically reach maximum temperatures of 400°F, so silicone can easily withstand these temperatures.
• Air fryers cook by rapidly circulating hot air to crisp the exterior of foods. They don’t rely as much on conducting surface heat as ovens do. This means silicone doesn’t come into direct contact with high heat.
• Shorter cook times: Most air fryer recipes involve shorter cook times of 15–30 minutes versus 45+ minutes for oven baking. The silicone isn’t subjected to as much heat.
• Minimal oil: With little to no oil used in air frying, there is less risk of silicone absorbing oils at high heat compared to deep frying.

As long as you verify that the silicone accessory is rated for temperatures of 400°F or higher, it should be able to withstand typical air fryer cooking temperatures and air circulation.

What to Look for When Buying Silicone Air Fryer Accessories

If you want to use silicone mats, liners, or trays in your air fryer, follow these tips when shopping:

• Check the temperature rating. Confirm the silicone is rated for 400°F at minimum, ideally up to 450°F for best results. This information should be listed on the packaging or in the product description.
• Buy from a reputable brand. Stick to brands known for quality kitchenware and silicone products, not cheap knock-offs. A good brand ensures safer, food-grade materials.
• Get the right size. Measure your air fryer basket and buy silicone accessories specifically made to fit your model. Improperly sized items can obstruct air flow.
• Avoid thin, flimsy silicone. Thinner silicone is more prone to melting and damage at high temperatures. Opt for thicker, more durable silicone accessories.
• Don’t reuse silicone trays. Once silicone cups or molds start wearing down, replace them to avoid harmful chemicals leaching into food.

Following these guidelines helps ensure the silicone can resist air fryer temperatures and cook food safely. Check product reviews as well to determine quality before purchasing.

Silicone Air Fryer Accessories to Try

From liners to trays, here are some top-rated silicone accessories to use in your air fryer:

Silicone Air Fryer Liners

• Lotteli Air Fryer Liners: A Set of reusable liners tailored to different brands like Instant Pot, Ninja, Philips, etc. Over 10,000 Amazon reviews.
• Siless Air Fryer Liners: Best-selling universal liners safe up to 500°F Dishwasher safe.
• Prepara Air Fryer Liners are Made in standard, XL, and round sizes. thick, premium-quality silicone.

Silicone Baking Cups

• AUZKIN Silicone Baking Cups: 100+ reusable cups for eggs, muffins, and cupcakes Withstands 440°F.
• Lanives Silicone Egg Bites Molds: For making egg muffins or crustless quiches Handles up to 428°F.
• Cuisinel 100 Mini Silicone Muffin Cups: Use for chopped veggie or fruit cups. Resists up to 460°F.

Silicone Pot Holders and Handles

• Homwe Extra Thick Silicone Oven Mitts: Offer grip and arm protection when removing air fryer baskets.
• Livart Silicone Handle Covers: Slip over air fryer basket handles to avoid burns. Heat protection up to 446°F.

Pro Tips for Using Silicone in an Air Fryer

To get the best results when using silicone accessories:

• Avoid heavy oil-based foods. Excess grease can cause silicone to degrade faster. Wipe oil from accessories after each use.
• Use nonstick spray. For liners and trays, lightly coat with nonstick spray so food releases easier after cooking.
• Clean promptly after use. Wash silicone in warm, soapy water. Don’t let oil or sauces bake.
• Handwash only. Most silicone accessories should not be put in the dishwasher.
• Don’t overfill. Silicone cups and molds need room for air flow during cooking. Follow the recipe guidelines.
• Keep accessories dry. Allow silicone to fully air dry before stowing to prevent odors or mold.

FAQs About Using Silicone in an Air Fryer

Can you put any silicone in an air fryer?

No, you want silicone specifically rated for use in baking and air-frying up to 400°F or higher. Not all silicone is designed to withstand the high heat.

What happens if you put silicone not rated for high heat in an air fryer?

Lower-quality silicone could melt, warp, or even let off harmful fumes if subjected to air fryer temperatures. Stick to food-grade silicone designed for baking for the best results.

Do you need special silicone accessories for an air fryer?

Silicone made for baking in general will work in an air fryer. But you may want to look for air fryer-specific sizing, like liners tailored to your make and model.

Can you put silicone cupcake liners in an air fryer?

Yes, as long as they are rated for temperatures of 400°F or higher. Let silicone liners cool completely before touching them to avoid burns.

Should silicone air fryer accessories touch the heating element?

It’s best not to let the silicone directly contact the heating element. Allow space for air flow all around silicone accessories during cooking.

How long does silicone last in an air fryer?

With proper care, quality silicone accessories should last upwards of 2 years with regular use. Avoid metal utensils, limit oil, and don’t exceed maximum temperatures.

The Bottom Line

Quality silicone accessories can absolutely be used safely in your air fryer. Just be sure to verify the silicone is food-grade and rated for high temperatures of at least 400°F first.

Correct sizing, leaving space for air circulation, and proper cleaning are also key to getting the most life out of silicone air fryer tools like liners, trays, and pot holders.

Follow basic safety measures with any silicone products, and enjoy experimenting with these useful accessories!