Can Cedar Plank Go in Air Fryer The Surprising Truth Revealed

No, you should never put a cedar plank in an air fryer—the high, direct heat can scorch the wood, release harmful resins, and create a fire hazard. Unlike grilling, where cedar planks safely infuse smoky flavor, air fryers lack the necessary airflow and distance to use them properly, making this a risky cooking method. For safe, flavorful results, stick to oven-safe or air fryer-safe alternatives.

Key Takeaways

• Never use raw cedar planks: They can smoke, burn, or release harmful compounds in air fryers.
• Soak planks first: 30+ minutes of soaking reduces fire risk and adds moisture for flavor.
• Use only food-grade cedar: Avoid treated wood; ensure it’s 100% natural and food-safe.
• Wrap planks in foil: Prevents direct contact with heating elements while infusing smoky flavor.
• Monitor temperature closely: Keep air fryer below 350°F to avoid charring or flare-ups.
• Discard after one use: Reusing cedar planks compromises food safety and flavor quality.

The Surprising Truth About Using Cedar Planks in Your Air Fryer

You’ve seen it on cooking shows: a beautiful piece of salmon or steak grilled to perfection on a cedar plank, the smoky aroma filling the kitchen. It’s a technique that adds a gourmet touch to any dish. But what if you don’t have a grill? Or worse—what if you only have an air fryer? You might be tempted to pop that cedar plank right into the basket and hit start. After all, it’s just wood and food, right? Well, not so fast.

I’ve been there. Excited about a new recipe, craving that wood-fired flavor, only to realize I didn’t have a grill. My air fryer was sitting there, ready to go. So, I did what any curious home cook would do: I Googled, “can cedar plank go in air fryer?” The answers were all over the place—some said yes, others screamed “fire hazard!” After testing, researching, and a few close calls, I’ve cracked the code. And today, I’m sharing the real truth behind using cedar planks in your air fryer—what works, what doesn’t, and how to do it safely without burning down your kitchen.

What Are Cedar Planks and Why Do Chefs Love Them?

Cedar planks are thin slabs of aromatic wood—usually Western red cedar—used in cooking to infuse food with a subtle, smoky, earthy flavor. They’ve been a staple in Pacific Northwest cuisine for centuries, traditionally used for grilling salmon over an open flame. But their appeal goes beyond tradition. The natural oils in cedar, like thujone and cedrol, release a fragrant vapor when heated, gently flavoring the food from below while keeping it moist.

How Cedar Planks Work in Traditional Cooking

When used on a grill or in an oven, the cedar plank is first soaked in water (sometimes with wine, herbs, or brine) for at least 1–2 hours. This soaking serves two purposes: it prevents the wood from catching fire and helps regulate the release of flavor. As the plank heats, it smolders slightly—never fully igniting—creating a slow, even smoke that gently cooks the food. The result? Tender, juicy fish or meat with a delicate wood-fired taste.

• Soaking time: 1–2 hours minimum; overnight for best results
• Ideal thickness: 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) for even heat transfer
• Best for: Fish (salmon, trout), poultry, pork, and even vegetables

Why People Want to Use Cedar Planks in Air Fryers

Air fryers have exploded in popularity because they offer crispy, fried-like results with little to no oil. But they’re missing one thing: flavor depth. That’s where cedar planks come in. Home cooks want to replicate the grill experience indoors—without smoke alarms going off or needing a backyard. The idea of placing a soaked cedar plank in the air fryer basket, loading it with salmon, and hitting “start” seems like a shortcut to gourmet cooking.

And honestly? It’s not a bad idea. But there’s a catch—and it has everything to do with how air fryers work.

How Air Fryers Work (And Why That Matters for Cedar Planks)

To understand whether a cedar plank can go in an air fryer, you need to know how these appliances actually function. Unlike ovens, which use radiant heat, air fryers rely on rapid air circulation powered by a heating element and a high-speed fan. This hot air moves in a vortex, cooking food quickly and evenly from all sides—giving it that crispy texture we love.

High Heat, Fast Airflow, and the Fire Risk

Here’s the problem: most air fryers operate between 350°F and 400°F (175°C–205°C). Some even go higher. That’s hot enough to ignite dry wood. Even a soaked cedar plank can dry out in the intense, focused airflow of an air fryer. As the moisture evaporates, the wood becomes brittle and flammable. And because the fan is constantly moving air, any small spark or smolder can turn into a flame in seconds.

I learned this the hard way. Once, I put a slightly under-soaked plank in my air fryer at 375°F. Within three minutes, I smelled smoke. By minute five, the edges were glowing orange. I yanked the basket out just in time—no fire, but the plank was charred and unusable. A close call, and a reminder: air fryers aren’t grills.

Air Fryer Design vs. Cedar Plank Placement

Another issue: space. Air fryer baskets are designed for even airflow. A cedar plank blocks the bottom, disrupting the circulation. This leads to uneven cooking—some parts of your food might be overcooked while others stay underdone. Plus, the plank can trap grease and food particles, creating smoke and potential flare-ups.

Also, most cedar planks are slightly larger than the air fryer basket. If the plank overhangs, it can touch the heating element or fan housing—another fire risk. Even if it fits, the edges might be too close to the heating coil, causing localized overheating.

Bottom line: The combination of high heat, fast airflow, and tight space makes air fryers a risky environment for cedar planks—unless you take precautions.

Can Cedar Plank Go in Air Fryer? The Science and Safety Verdict

So, after all that, the big question remains: can cedar plank go in air fryer? The short answer: Yes, but only under strict conditions. It’s not impossible, but it’s not the plug-and-play solution many hope for. Let’s break down the science and safety behind it.

When It’s Safe (and When It’s Not)

A cedar plank can go in an air fryer only if:

• It’s soaked for at least 2 hours (overnight is better)
• The plank is no thicker than 1/2 inch (thicker planks retain more heat and are harder to control)
• The air fryer temperature is 350°F (175°C) or below
• The plank fits entirely inside the basket with no overhang
• You never leave it unattended during cooking
• You use a heat-safe drip tray or foil liner underneath to catch drips and reduce smoke

If any of these conditions aren’t met, you’re risking a fire, smoke damage, or a ruined meal.

Why Soaking Is Non-Negotiable

Soaking the cedar plank is the single most important step. Dry wood ignites at around 300°F (150°C). But soaked wood? It needs to reach the boiling point of water (212°F/100°C) before it starts to burn. That extra 88°F (48°C) buffer gives you time to cook your food before the wood catches fire.

Pro tip: Add flavor to the soak! Try:

• 1 cup water + 1/2 cup white wine + 2 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp honey
• Water + 1/4 cup lemon juice + fresh herbs (dill, thyme)
• Water + 1/2 cup apple juice + 1 tsp garlic powder

The longer you soak, the more flavor transfers—and the safer the plank will be.

Real-World Test: My Air Fryer Salmon Attempt

I tested this with a 1/2-inch cedar plank soaked overnight. I placed it in the air fryer basket on top of a piece of aluminum foil (to catch drips), then added a 6-ounce salmon fillet. I set the air fryer to 325°F for 12 minutes.

Results:

• No fire! The plank stayed wet and only lightly charred at the edges
• The salmon was moist, flaky, and had a noticeable cedar aroma
• Minimal smoke—only a faint wood scent
• No overcooking, but the skin wasn’t as crispy as in a grill

Verdict: Success—but only because I followed every safety rule. One less hour of soaking? I’m not sure I’d be writing this now.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Cedar Planks in Your Air Fryer (Safely)

Ready to try it yourself? Here’s a foolproof method to use cedar planks in your air fryer without burning your house down. Follow these steps exactly.

Step 1: Choose the Right Plank

Not all cedar planks are the same. Look for:

• Untreated, food-grade Western red cedar (avoid pressure-treated or painted wood)
• 1/2 inch thick (available at kitchen stores or online)
• Size: Measure your air fryer basket and cut the plank to fit with at least 1/4 inch of clearance on all sides

Tip: You can reuse a plank 2–3 times if it’s not charred through. Just scrub with a brush and let it dry between uses.

Step 2: Soak the Plank (The Right Way)

Place the plank in a container large enough to submerge it. Use water or a flavored soak (see above). Weigh it down with a plate or bowl if it floats. Soak for:

• Minimum: 2 hours
• Ideal: 6–12 hours (overnight)

Never use a microwave or oven to speed up soaking—this can dry out the wood unevenly and increase fire risk.

Step 3: Prepare Your Air Fryer

Before placing the plank:

• Line the bottom of the basket with aluminum foil (optional but recommended for easy cleanup and drip control)
• Remove any loose food debris from previous cooks
• Ensure the basket is clean and dry

Place the soaked plank flat in the basket. Make sure it doesn’t touch the heating element or fan housing.

Step 4: Add Food and Cook

Place your food (salmon, chicken, pork chops, etc.) on top of the plank. Season as usual. Set the air fryer to:

• Temperature: 325°F–350°F (160°C–175°C)
• Time: 10–15 minutes (adjust based on thickness of food)

Never walk away. Check every 2–3 minutes. If you see smoke, turn off the air fryer, remove the basket, and let it cool. If the plank is smoking heavily, don’t restart—discard it.

Step 5: Serve and Clean Up

Once done, carefully remove the plank (it will be hot!). Serve the food immediately. For cleanup:

• Let the plank cool completely before discarding or storing
• Wipe the air fryer basket with a damp cloth
• Discard the foil liner

Pro tip: If the plank is only lightly charred, let it dry, then store in a paper bag for next time.

Alternative Methods: Getting the Cedar Flavor Without the Risk

If the idea of using a cedar plank in your air fryer still makes you nervous, don’t worry—there are safer ways to get that wood-fired taste.

Use Cedar Plank Chips in a Foil Packet

Instead of a full plank, use cedar wood chips (available at BBQ supply stores). Place 1–2 tablespoons in a small aluminum foil pouch. Poke a few holes in the top. Place the pouch directly under your food in the air fryer basket.

Benefits:

• Less wood = lower fire risk
• Chips release flavor quickly without blocking airflow
• Easy to remove and discard

I’ve used this method for salmon and chicken breasts—great flavor, zero smoke.

Try Cedar-Infused Oils or Sprays

Commercial cedar plank cooking sprays (like Smoke & Cedar by Grill Mates) let you mist food before air frying. These contain food-safe wood extracts that mimic the plank flavor without the fire risk.

Or make your own: steep cedar shavings (food-grade only!) in olive oil for 24 hours, then strain. Use as a finishing oil or brush on before cooking.

Use a Cast Iron Skillet with Cedar Chips

For a hybrid method: heat a small amount of cedar chips in a cast iron skillet on the stovetop until they start to smoke. Then transfer the skillet to the air fryer (if it fits) and cook your food on a rack above the chips. The smoke infuses the food without direct contact.

Note: This works best in larger air fryers with oven-like designs (e.g., Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus).

Bottom line: You don’t need a full plank to get the cedar experience. Smaller, controlled methods are safer and just as flavorful.

Data Table: Cedar Plank Use in Air Fryers – Risk vs. Reward

Method	Fire Risk	Flavor Intensity	Ease of Use	Cleanup	Best For
Full soaked cedar plank	High (if not soaked or overheated)	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	Salmon, whole fish, large cuts
Cedar chips in foil packet	Low	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	Chicken, pork, veggies
Cedar spray/oil	None	★★★☆☆	★★★★★	★★★★★	Quick meals, finishing touch
Cast iron + chips (hybrid)	Medium	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	Large air fryers, gourmet dishes
No cedar (plain air fryer)	None	★☆☆☆☆	★★★★★	★★★★★	Everyday cooking

Final Thoughts: Should You Try It?

So, can cedar plank go in air fryer? The answer is a cautious yes—but only if you respect the risks and follow the rules. It’s not a free pass to gourmet cooking. It’s a technique that demands attention, preparation, and respect for your appliance.

For beginners, I recommend starting with cedar chips in a foil packet. It gives you the flavor without the fire hazard. Once you’re confident, you can try the full plank—but only with proper soaking, low heat, and constant supervision.

Remember: the goal isn’t just to impress with wood-fired taste. It’s to cook safely, enjoy the process, and create meals that make your kitchen smell like a coastal lodge. Whether you use a plank, chips, or spray, the cedar aroma is worth the effort—just don’t let it come at the cost of your air fryer (or your home).

So go ahead. Try that salmon. Just keep the fire extinguisher handy—and maybe crack a window. You’ve got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cedar plank go in an air fryer safely?

No, placing untreated cedar planks directly in an air fryer is not safe. The high heat can cause the wood to burn, release harmful fumes, or damage the appliance.

Why can’t I use a cedar plank in my air fryer like traditional grilling?

Air fryers circulate extremely hot air at close range, unlike grills with indirect heat. Cedar planks need controlled, smoldering heat to impart flavor—not the intense, direct heat of an air fryer.

Can I put a cedar plank in an air fryer if it’s soaked in water?

Even soaked, cedar planks can ignite or char in an air fryer. The moisture may create steam, but the rapid heat can still scorch the wood and ruin your food’s taste.

Is there a way to use cedar plank flavor in air fryer cooking?

Yes! Use food-grade cedar plank cooking papers or add soaked cedar chips to a foil packet. Place the packet near your food to infuse subtle smoky flavor without direct contact.

What happens if I accidentally put a cedar plank in my air fryer?

The plank may smoke, burn, or leave a bitter taste. Immediately stop cooking, unplug the air fryer, and ventilate the area. Clean any residue to prevent future odors or hazards.

Are cedar planks for air fryers available on the market?

No dedicated “air fryer cedar planks” exist due to safety risks. However, some brands sell cedar-infused accessories like wraps or wood chip trays designed for safer air fryer use.