Can You Put a Glass Bowl in an Air Fryer Find Out Here

Yes, you can put a glass bowl in an air fryer—but only if it’s labeled oven-safe or heat-resistant above 400°F. Not all glass bowls can handle the intense, direct heat of an air fryer, so always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid cracking or shattering. Using the wrong glass can be a safety hazard, so choose wisely for delicious, worry-free cooking.

Key Takeaways

• Check manufacturer guidelines: Always verify if your air fryer supports glass bowl use.
• Use oven-safe glass: Only use bowls labeled heat-resistant to avoid cracking or shattering.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes: Preheat the bowl slightly to prevent thermal shock.
• Monitor cooking time: Glass may alter heat distribution, requiring adjustments.
• Place bowl properly: Ensure it fits securely without blocking air circulation.

The Air Fryer Revolution: A Kitchen Game-Changer

The air fryer has taken the culinary world by storm, offering a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying while delivering crispy, delicious results. Its ability to circulate hot air around food at high speeds creates a golden, crunchy exterior without submerging ingredients in oil. As more households embrace this versatile appliance, home cooks are constantly exploring its limits—asking questions like, can you put a glass bowl in an air fryer?

With its rapid rise in popularity, the air fryer has become a staple for preparing everything from frozen snacks to gourmet meals. However, its unique cooking method—relying on intense, circulating heat—raises important safety and material compatibility concerns. One of the most common queries among users is whether glassware, particularly glass bowls, can withstand the air fryer’s environment. This article dives deep into the science, safety, and best practices surrounding this question, helping you make informed decisions and avoid kitchen mishaps.

Understanding Air Fryer Mechanics and Heat Distribution

To answer the question of whether a glass bowl can go in an air fryer, it’s essential to first understand how the appliance works. Unlike conventional ovens that heat food from the outside in, air fryers use a powerful convection system. A heating element at the top generates high temperatures, while a fan rapidly circulates the hot air around the food, creating a crispy texture similar to deep frying.

How Air Fryers Generate and Distribute Heat

Air fryers typically operate between 175°F and 400°F (80°C to 205°C), with most models reaching their peak temperature within 3–5 minutes. The fan ensures even heat distribution, but this also means that any container placed inside—like a glass bowl—will be exposed to intense, direct, and fluctuating heat from multiple directions. This rapid temperature change is a critical factor when evaluating material safety.

• Heating element: Located at the top, it can reach temperatures exceeding 450°F during preheat cycles.
• Fan speed: High-velocity airflow ensures even cooking but increases thermal stress on materials.
• Thermal cycling: Frequent on/off cycles during cooking can cause expansion and contraction in materials.

Thermal Shock: The Silent Danger for Glassware

Thermal shock occurs when a material experiences a sudden change in temperature, causing uneven expansion or contraction. For glass, this can lead to cracking or shattering—especially if the glass isn’t designed for such conditions. Most regular glass bowls, like those used for mixing or storing food, are not tempered or borosilicate, making them highly susceptible to thermal shock in an air fryer.

For example, imagine placing a cold glass bowl directly into a preheated air fryer at 375°F. The outer surface of the bowl heats rapidly, while the inner surface remains cool. This differential expansion creates internal stress, often resulting in cracks or catastrophic failure. Even if the bowl survives the first use, repeated thermal cycling weakens the glass over time.

Types of Glass: What Can and Can’t Go in an Air Fryer

Not all glass is created equal. The safety of using a glass bowl in an air fryer depends largely on the type of glass and its manufacturing process. Understanding the differences is crucial for safe and effective cooking.

Regular (Soda-Lime) Glass: A No-Go

Soda-lime glass is the most common type found in household items like drinking glasses, mixing bowls, and food storage containers. It’s inexpensive and versatile but not designed for high-temperature cooking. This glass has a relatively low thermal expansion coefficient, meaning it expands and contracts unevenly when exposed to heat, making it prone to cracking.

For instance, a standard Pyrex-style mixing bowl (older models made with soda-lime glass) should never be placed in an air fryer. Even if it’s labeled “heat-resistant,” it’s typically rated for oven use only under gradual heating—not the intense, rapid convection of an air fryer.

Borosilicate Glass: The Safer Option

Borosilicate glass, such as the modern Pyrex (post-1998), CorningWare, or Duralex, is engineered for high thermal resistance. It contains boron trioxide, which significantly reduces thermal expansion, allowing it to withstand sudden temperature changes.

• Thermal shock resistance: Can handle temperature changes up to 170°C (338°F) without cracking.
• Oven-safe: Designed for conventional and convection ovens, making it a better candidate for air fryer use.
• Brands to consider: Look for labels like “borosilicate,” “tempered,” or “oven-safe to 450°F.”

However, even borosilicate glass has limits. While it can handle the air fryer’s temperature, the high-velocity fan and uneven heat distribution may still pose risks. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines before use.

Tempered Glass: A Mixed Bag

Tempered glass is strengthened through a thermal or chemical process, making it up to five times stronger than regular glass. It’s commonly used in bakeware, casserole dishes, and some oven-safe bowls. While it’s more resistant to breakage, it’s not immune to thermal shock.

Important: Tempered glass can shatter explosively if it fails. Unlike regular glass, which breaks into jagged pieces, tempered glass crumbles into small, relatively harmless cubes. However, this “safety shatter” is still dangerous in a hot appliance. Avoid using tempered glass unless explicitly labeled for air fryer or rapid-heat cooking.

Safety Guidelines: When and How to Use Glass Bowls Safely

While the risks are real, there are scenarios where using a glass bowl in an air fryer is possible—provided you follow strict safety protocols. The key is preparation, selection, and technique.

Preheating the Glass Bowl

Never place a cold glass bowl into a preheated air fryer. Instead, preheat the bowl alongside the appliance. Here’s how:

1. Place the empty glass bowl inside the air fryer basket or on the rack.
2. Run the air fryer at the desired temperature for 5 minutes to gradually heat the bowl.
3. Carefully remove the bowl (use oven mitts!), add your ingredients, and return it to the air fryer.

This method reduces thermal shock by ensuring the bowl and appliance are at a similar temperature before cooking begins. For example, if you’re making a frittata, preheat the bowl, then pour in the egg mixture and cook at 350°F for 12–15 minutes.

Choosing the Right Bowl: Size and Shape Matter

Not all glass bowls are created equal in terms of air fryer compatibility. Consider these factors:

• Size: The bowl should fit comfortably inside the air fryer basket with at least 1 inch of clearance on all sides for airflow. A 6–8 inch diameter bowl is ideal for most models.
• Depth: Shallow bowls (1–2 inches deep) allow hot air to circulate better, reducing cooking time and hot spots.
• Shape: Round or oval bowls distribute heat more evenly than square or rectangular ones.
• Handles: Avoid bowls with metal handles, as they can get extremely hot or damage the air fryer’s interior.

Pro tip: Use a bowl with a wide rim for easy handling with tongs or oven mitts. A 7-inch borosilicate pie dish is a popular choice for air fryer desserts like cobblers or crisps.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Even with the right bowl, user error can lead to disaster. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Sudden temperature changes: Never pour hot liquid into a cold bowl or vice versa.
• Overfilling: Leave at least 1 inch of space at the top to prevent spills and ensure airflow.
• Rapid cooling: Don’t place a hot bowl directly on a cold surface (like a granite countertop). Use a trivet or wooden board.
• Using damaged glass: Discard any bowl with chips, cracks, or scratches—these weaken the structure.

Practical Examples: Recipes That Work with Glass Bowls

When used correctly, glass bowls can unlock new cooking possibilities in your air fryer. Here are three tested recipes that demonstrate safe and delicious results.

Air Fryer Frittata with Vegetables

Ingredients: 4 eggs, ½ cup milk, 1 cup chopped bell peppers, ½ cup diced onions, ½ cup shredded cheese, salt, and pepper.

1. Preheat a 7-inch borosilicate bowl in the air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes.
2. Whisk eggs, milk, and seasonings in a separate bowl. Add vegetables and cheese.
3. Pour mixture into the preheated bowl. Cook at 375°F for 12–14 minutes until set.
4. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Result: A fluffy, evenly cooked frittata with a golden crust. The glass bowl conducts heat evenly, preventing hot spots.

Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes

Ingredients: ½ cup flour, ⅓ cup sugar, 3 tbsp cocoa powder, ½ tsp baking powder, ⅓ cup milk, 1 egg, 2 tbsp melted butter.

1. Preheat two 4-ounce ramekins (borosilicate) in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes.
2. Whisk dry ingredients, then add wet ingredients. Divide batter between ramekins.
3. Cook at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.
4. Cool for 2 minutes, then invert onto plates.

Tip: Dust ramekins with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Ingredients: 2 cups chopped broccoli, 1 cup shredded cheddar, ½ cup cream cheese, ¼ cup breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp olive oil.

1. Preheat an 8-inch glass casserole dish in the air fryer at 360°F for 5 minutes.
2. Mix all ingredients and transfer to the dish. Top with breadcrumbs.
3. Cook at 360°F for 15–18 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Note: Stir halfway through for even cooking.

Alternatives to Glass: Safer and More Efficient Options

While glass bowls can work, they’re not always the best choice for air fryer cooking. Several alternative materials offer better performance, safety, and convenience.

Silicone Molds and Liners

Silicone is heat-resistant up to 450°F and highly flexible, making it ideal for air fryers. Benefits include:

• Non-stick: No need for oil or parchment paper.
• Flexible: Easy to remove food and clean.
• Compact: Folds for storage.

Use silicone cupcake molds for mini quiches or silicone loaf pans for banana bread. Brands like OXO and Silikomart offer air fryer-compatible options.

Metal Pans and Dishes

Aluminum or stainless steel pans are excellent for air fryers because they conduct heat efficiently and are durable. Look for:

• Oven-safe metal: Check for labels like “air fryer safe” or “convection oven safe.”
• Lightweight: Thin metal heats faster but may warp; thicker pans last longer.

Example: A 7-inch springform pan is perfect for air fryer cheesecakes. Metal also allows for better browning and crisping.

Perforated Parchment Paper

For delicate items like fish or eggs, use perforated parchment paper liners. They:

• Prevent sticking without blocking airflow.
• Are disposable and mess-free.
• Fit most air fryer baskets.

Brands like If You Care make compostable parchment liners designed for air fryers.

Material	Max Safe Temp	Thermal Shock Resistance	Air Fryer Compatibility	Best For
Soda-Lime Glass	300°F (149°C)	Low	❌ Not recommended	Mixing bowls, storage
Borosilicate Glass	450°F (232°C)	High	✅ With precautions	Frittatas, casseroles
Tempered Glass	400°F (204°C)	Medium	⚠️ Use with caution	Baking dishes (check label)
Silicone	450°F (232°C)	High	✅ Recommended	Molds, liners, mini desserts
Metal (Aluminum/Stainless)	500°F (260°C)	Very High	✅ Best choice	Browning, crisping, baking
Perforated Parchment	425°F (218°C)	High	✅ Safe	Fish, eggs, sticky foods

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Kitchen

So, can you put a glass bowl in an air fryer? The answer is nuanced: it depends on the type of glass, the cooking method, and the precautions you take. While borosilicate glass bowls can be used safely with proper preheating and handling, regular or tempered glass is best avoided due to the risk of thermal shock and breakage. The air fryer’s intense, rapid heat environment demands materials that can handle thermal cycling and high temperatures without compromising safety.

For most users, the safest and most efficient approach is to use materials specifically designed for air fryers—such as silicone molds, metal pans, or perforated parchment paper. These options not only eliminate the risk of shattering but also enhance cooking performance through better heat conduction and airflow. However, if you choose to use a glass bowl, always verify that it’s borosilicate, preheat it gradually, and avoid sudden temperature changes.

Ultimately, the air fryer’s versatility is one of its greatest strengths. By understanding the science behind heat distribution and material compatibility, you can expand your culinary repertoire while minimizing risks. Whether you’re baking a frittata, roasting vegetables, or whipping up a dessert, the right tools—and knowledge—make all the difference. So, experiment wisely, follow safety guidelines, and enjoy the endless possibilities of your air fryer—safely and deliciously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put a glass bowl in an air fryer safely?

Yes, you can put a glass bowl in an air fryer if it’s labeled as oven-safe or heat-resistant (like Pyrex or tempered glass). Avoid sudden temperature changes to prevent cracking.

What type of glass bowl can you use in an air fryer?

Only use glass bowls made from borosilicate or tempered glass that are explicitly marked as oven-safe. Regular glass or thin glassware may shatter due to rapid air fryer temperatures.

Is it better to use a glass bowl or metal container in an air fryer?

Metal containers are ideal for air fryers as they conduct heat faster, but a glass bowl in an air fryer works well for slow-cooking dishes. Just ensure the glass is heat-safe and fits without blocking airflow.

Can putting a glass bowl in an air fryer damage the appliance?

No, a properly sized oven-safe glass bowl won’t damage your air fryer. However, oversized bowls may restrict airflow or touch heating elements, causing uneven cooking or hazards.

How do I prevent a glass bowl from cracking in an air fryer?

Always preheat the air fryer gradually and avoid placing a cold glass bowl directly into a hot air fryer. Let the bowl reach room temperature first to minimize thermal shock.

Can you use a glass bowl in an air fryer for baking or reheating?

Yes, a heat-safe glass bowl is great for reheating casseroles or baking small portions in an air fryer. Monitor cooking time, as glass may retain heat longer than metal.