Can You Put a Ramekin In An Air Fryer?

Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years. Their ability to make crispy “fried” foods using little to no oil is appealing to health-conscious cooks.

But can you use a ramekin, a small single-serve baking dish, in an air fryer? The short answer is yes. You can put a ramekin in an air fryer if it fits properly.

What is a Ramekin?

A ramekin is a small oven-safe baking dish that is usually used for making individual-sized portions. Ramekins are typically made from ceramic, glass, or porcelain. They come in various sizes, with a diameter of 3-5 inches and a depth of 1-3 inches being common.

Ramekins are designed to withstand high oven temperatures. As such, they can be used for baking and broiling applications like:

• Soufflés
• Crème brûlée
• Pot de crème
• Single-serving casseroles or gratins
• Individual fruit crisps or cobblers
• Molten chocolate cakes
• Baked eggs

Can Ramekins Be Used in An Air Fryer?

As long as the ramekin fits properly in the air fryer basket, it can absolutely be used for air frying. The high heat resistance of ceramic, glass, and porcelain ramekins makes them suitable for the hot air circulating inside an air fryer.

However, there are some limitations to keep in mind:

• The ramekin must fit in the air fryer basket with at least 1-2 inches of clearance on all sides. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
• Smaller ramekins (3 inches or less) are better suited for air fryers. Larger ones may prevent hot air from circulating properly.
• Avoid putting a cold ramekin directly into a hot air fryer. The sudden temperature change can cause it to crack or shatter. Preheat the air fryer first, then add the room-temperature ramekin.
• Use oven mitts when handling a hot ramekin after air-frying. The high heat makes ramekins extremely hot to touch. Allow 10–15 minutes of cooling before handling.

The Best Uses for Ramekins in an Air Fryer

Here are some of the best ways to utilize ramekins in an air fryer:

1. Baked Eggs

Eggs cooked in ramekins are a perfect single-serve breakfast or snack. The air fryer makes baked eggs easy, with slightly crispy edges. Spray the ramekins first and add any seasonings or fillings before cracking the egg in. 3-5 minutes is usually enough.

2. Appetizers or Side Dishes

Small bites like mac and cheese, potato gratin, or creamed spinach can be made in individual ramekins. Meatballs, chicken nuggets, and veggies also cook up nicely. The portions cook fast and evenly thanks to the circulating air.

3. Fruit Crisps and Cobblers

For a quick dessert, fill ramekins with fresh fruit and top with crumbs or batter. The air fryer creates a crispy topping and tender filling simultaneously. Dust with powdered sugar or serve with ice cream.

4. Molten Lava Cakes

These indulgent chocolate cakes cook beautifully in the air fryer. The bubbling, molten center comes out just right in a ramekin. Cook for 7-9 minutes until the edges are set but the middle is still soft.

5. Cheesecakes

Small cheesecakes in ramekins cook well in the air fryer. The crust becomes crispy and golden brown, while the filling stays rich and creamy. Add fruit toppings for extra flavor.

Air Fryer Tips When Using Ramekins

Follow these tips to safely and effectively use ramekins in your air fryer:

• Spray ramekins with nonstick cooking spray before adding any food to prevent sticking.
• Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at the desired temperature before placing the ramekins in the basket.
• Check halfway through cooking and rotate the ramekin if one side is browning faster.
• Use silicone or nylon utensils to remove ramekins; metal can scratch the surface.
• Allow the ramekins to cool for 10–15 minutes before eating. The ceramic and any fillings will be extremely hot immediately after cooking.
• Clean ramekins normally, but avoid harsh scrubbing. Gently handwash in warm water.

FAQ About Using Ramekins in an Air Fryer

Can any ramekin be used in an air fryer?

No, only oven-safe ramekins made of ceramic, glass, or porcelain should be used. Plastic ramekins could melt, and metal ones may damage the air fryer basket coating.

What size ramekin fits best in an air fryer?

Small, 3- to 4-inch ramekins usually work best. Make sure there is at least 1–2 inches of clearance on all sides for the best results. Very large ramekins may not allow air to circulate properly.

How many ramekins can I put in my air fryer at once?

This depends on the size of your air fryer basket, but 1-4 small ramekins can typically fit at once with adequate space around each. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking, so only fill it halfway at most.

Should I preheat my air fryer before adding ramekins?

Yes, always preheat for 3-5 minutes before placing room-temperature ramekins in the air fryer. This prevents cracking from sudden temperature changes.

Do I need to oil or grease ramekins before air-frying?

Lightly coating ramekins with oil or nonstick spray is recommended to prevent food from sticking. Use just enough to lightly coat the bottom and sides.

What temperature should I cook ramekins at?

325°F to 400°F is ideal for most ramekin uses. Adjust the time based on your specific recipe. Higher heat is great for developing a nice crust, while gentler heat lets fillings cook through.

How will I know when my food is done cooking in a ramekin?

Check halfway through and use a toothpick, skewer, or fork to test doneness, just as you would for oven baking. Food should be cooked through without any raw patches.

Can I put a cold ramekin directly into a hot air fryer?

No, always allow filled ramekins to come to room temperature first. Sudden temperature changes can cause ceramic to crack or shatter. A few minutes on the counter is sufficient.

Is it safe to handle hot ramekins after air-frying?

Use thick oven mitts or potholders and allow 10–15 minutes of cooling first. Ramekins retain heat very well. To avoid burns, let them rest before attempting to remove them from the air fryer.

Get Creative with Ramekins in Your Air Fryer!

Ramekins open up lots of possibilities for air-frying. Beyond the classic uses, experiment with layered dips, corn puddings, shakshuka, mini quiches, or whatever else you can dream up!

The most important things are ensuring the ramekins fit properly, preheating sufficiently, and allowing time for cooling before handling. With those steps taken, ramekins are a great way to unleash your creativity and take air-frying to the next level.