Can I Put Baking Pan in Air Fryer Find Out Now

Yes, you can put a baking pan in an air fryer—but only if it’s heat-safe and doesn’t block airflow. Always choose oven-safe pans (like metal or ceramic) and ensure they fit without touching the heating element or walls to prevent damage and ensure even cooking. Never use plastic or non-heat-resistant materials, as they can melt or cause a fire hazard.

Key Takeaways

• Check compatibility: Only use air fryer-safe baking pans to avoid damage or hazards.
• Size matters: Ensure the pan fits without blocking airflow for even cooking.
• Material choice: Opt for metal or silicone pans; avoid glass or ceramic.
• Preheat first: Always preheat the air fryer for optimal baking results.
• Monitor closely: Adjust cooking time and temperature to prevent overcooking.
• Clean properly: Hand-wash pans to maintain non-stick coatings and longevity.

Can I Put Baking Pan in Air Fryer? Let’s Find Out

You’ve probably stood in your kitchen, staring at your air fryer and a baking pan, wondering: *Can I put a baking pan in an air fryer?* It’s a question I’ve asked myself more times than I care to admit. Maybe you just pulled out a batch of brownies from the oven and thought, “Hey, could I have done this in the air fryer?” Or perhaps you’re trying to avoid heating up your whole house with the oven and are looking for a faster, more efficient alternative. You’re not alone—this is one of the most common kitchen dilemmas for air fryer owners.

The short answer? Yes, you *can* put a baking pan in an air fryer—but with some important caveats. Not every baking pan is created equal, and air fryers aren’t just mini ovens. They work by circulating hot air at high speeds, which means airflow and heat distribution matter more than you might think. In this post, we’ll dive deep into what types of baking pans work, which ones to avoid, and how to make the most of your air fryer for everything from cookies to casseroles. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer pro or just starting out, this guide will help you avoid kitchen mishaps and get perfectly cooked results every time.

How Air Fryers Work and Why Pans Matter

Before we jump into which baking pans you can use, it’s important to understand how air fryers actually work. Unlike traditional ovens that heat from the bottom (and sometimes the top), air fryers use a powerful fan to blow hot air rapidly around your food. This creates a convection effect that crisps up the outside while cooking the inside evenly. Think of it like a mini wind tunnel of heat—super efficient, but also sensitive to obstructions.

Airflow Is Everything

The key to successful air frying is airflow. If you block the airflow with a pan that’s too tall, too wide, or made of the wrong material, your food won’t cook evenly. You might end up with a soggy bottom or an overcooked top. I learned this the hard way when I tried to bake a small lasagna in a deep ceramic dish. The edges were burnt, the center was cold, and the whole thing took twice as long as expected. Lesson learned: the pan must allow air to circulate freely around and under the food.

Heat Distribution and Cooking Time

Baking pans affect how heat reaches your food. Thin metal pans conduct heat quickly, while thick ceramic or glass pans absorb heat slowly and can cause uneven cooking. Air fryers heat up fast—usually in 2–3 minutes—but if your pan doesn’t respond quickly, you lose that advantage. For example, I once tried a silicone loaf pan for banana bread. It worked, but the bread took 40 minutes instead of 25, and the texture was more steamed than baked.

Size and Shape Considerations

• Fit matters: The pan should sit at least 1 inch away from the air fryer basket walls to allow air to flow.
• Depth: Shallow pans (under 2 inches) work best. Deep pans trap steam and block airflow.
• Shape: Round or square pans that match the air fryer basket shape maximize usable space.

Pro tip: Always preheat your air fryer with the empty pan inside (if safe to do so) for 2–3 minutes. This helps the pan heat up at the same rate as the air, reducing cooking time and improving results.

Types of Baking Pans You Can Use in an Air Fryer

Not all pans are created equal, and when it comes to air fryers, material, thickness, and design all play a role. Here’s a breakdown of the best (and worst) baking pans for your air fryer.

1. Oven-Safe Metal Pans (Best Choice)

Metal pans—especially aluminum, stainless steel, or carbon steel—are the gold standard for air fryer baking. They heat quickly, conduct heat evenly, and don’t block airflow when used correctly. Think of your standard muffin tin, loaf pan, or small cake pan. As long as it’s labeled oven-safe (which most are), it’s likely air fryer-safe too.

Examples:

• Small aluminum cake pan (6-inch)
• Stainless steel loaf pan
• Carbon steel brownie pan

I’ve baked everything from mini quiches to cornbread in a 7-inch round aluminum pan, and it works like a charm. Just make sure the pan isn’t too heavy—some air fryer baskets can’t support thick cast iron (more on that later).

2. Silicone Baking Pans (Great for Small Bakes)

Silicone is flexible, non-stick, and heat-resistant up to about 425°F (220°C), which is within most air fryer temperature ranges. It’s ideal for muffins, cupcakes, or small loaves. The downside? Silicone doesn’t conduct heat well, so it takes longer to bake. You’ll need to increase cooking time by 20–30% and possibly raise the temperature by 10–15°F.

Tip: Place the silicone pan on a metal tray or trivet inside the air fryer basket to improve heat transfer. I once made chocolate chip cookie cups in silicone molds—delicious, but they needed 18 minutes instead of 10. Still worth it for the ease of removal!

3. Oven-Safe Glass (Use with Caution)

Glass pans like Pyrex or Anchor Hocking are oven-safe, but they’re not ideal for air fryers. Why? Glass heats slowly and retains heat long after you turn off the air fryer. This can lead to overcooking, especially if you’re not watching closely. Also, sudden temperature changes (like putting a cold glass pan into a hot air fryer) can cause cracking or shattering.

When to use it: Only if the pan is small, shallow, and you preheat it with the air fryer. I’ve used a 6-inch glass pie dish for mini quiches with success—but I always preheat it first and keep an eye on it.

4. Ceramic Pans (Mixed Results)

Ceramic is another slow conductor. It works best for dishes that benefit from gentle, even heating—like custards or bread puddings. But for crispy-topped casseroles or cookies, it’s not ideal. The thick walls absorb heat, slowing down the cooking process.

Pro tip: If you use ceramic, choose a thin-walled, oven-safe dish and avoid sudden temperature changes. I once tried a ceramic soufflé dish for mini mac and cheese. It cooked evenly, but the top wasn’t crispy. I solved it by removing the dish, cranking the temp to 400°F for 3 minutes, and finishing without the lid.

5. Disposable Aluminum Pans (Convenient but Limited)

Found in most grocery stores, these are great for single-use baking. They’re lightweight, heat quickly, and fit most air fryer baskets. I’ve used them for mini meatloaves, stuffed peppers, and even individual brownies.

Warning: Don’t use them if they’re flimsy or too large—they can collapse under weight or block airflow. Also, avoid pans with plastic lids; they’re not heat-safe.

Pans You Should NEVER Use in an Air Fryer

Just because a pan is oven-safe doesn’t mean it’s air fryer-safe. Here’s what to avoid—seriously, don’t even think about it.

1. Non-Stick Pans with Damaged Coating

While many non-stick pans are oven-safe, the coating can degrade at high heat. Air fryers can reach 400°F (205°C), which is near the upper limit for some non-stick surfaces. If the coating is scratched, flaking, or old, it can release harmful chemicals when heated.

My experience: I once used an old non-stick mini muffin tin. The coating started bubbling after 10 minutes. I tossed it immediately and switched to stainless steel. Better safe than sorry!

2. Plastic, Silicone, or Rubber Pans (Not Heat-Resistant)

Silicone baking molds are fine, but regular plastic or rubber pans? Nope. They’ll melt, warp, or even catch fire. I once saw a friend try to use a plastic storage container as a makeshift baking dish. It didn’t end well—smoke, a ruined air fryer, and a very disappointed dinner.

3. Pans with Wooden, Plastic, or Rubber Handles

Even if the pan is metal, a plastic handle can melt or catch fire. I tried a cast iron skillet with a wooden handle once. The handle started smoking after 5 minutes. I now only use metal-handled pans or remove handles when possible.

4. Cast Iron (Usually Too Heavy)

Cast iron is great for stovetop and oven, but most air fryer baskets aren’t designed to support the weight. The basket can warp, the pan can tip, or the heating element can overwork trying to heat the dense metal.

Exception: Some high-end air fryers (like dual-zone models) come with heavy-duty baskets that can handle small cast iron skillets (under 6 inches). But even then, preheat slowly to avoid thermal shock.

5. Pans That Block Airflow

This includes pans that are too tall, too wide, or have high sides. If the pan touches the heating element or blocks the fan, it’s a no-go. I once tried a deep springform pan. The top was browned, but the bottom was raw. Lesson: keep it shallow and centered.

Tips for Using Baking Pans in Your Air Fryer

Now that you know what works and what doesn’t, here are some practical tips to get the best results every time.

1. Preheat the Pan (If Possible)

Just like preheating your oven, preheating the pan helps food cook evenly. Place the empty pan in the air fryer during the preheat cycle (2–3 minutes). This is especially helpful for metal and ceramic pans.

2. Use Parchment Paper or Liners

Line your pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. For muffin tins, use silicone or paper liners. I always keep a roll of air fryer-safe parchment sheets on hand.

3. Adjust Cooking Time and Temperature

Baking in an air fryer is faster than in a conventional oven. Reduce the temperature by 25°F and check food 5–10 minutes earlier than the recipe suggests. For example, if a recipe says 350°F for 20 minutes, try 325°F and check at 12 minutes.

4. Rotate or Shake the Pan

Some air fryers have hot spots. Halfway through cooking, pause and rotate the pan 180 degrees. For muffins or cookies, gently shake the pan to redistribute heat.

5. Don’t Overfill the Pan

Leave space between items for air to circulate. For cookies, leave 1 inch between each. For casseroles, don’t fill above ¾ full.

6. Use a Trivet or Rack

Place your baking pan on a trivet or air fryer-safe rack to elevate it. This improves airflow from all sides, especially for dishes like meatloaf or lasagna.

Real-World Examples: What Works (and What Doesn’t)

Let’s look at some real-life baking experiments I’ve done in my air fryer. These aren’t lab tests—just honest kitchen trials with everyday recipes.

Recipe	Pan Type	Temp & Time	Result	Tip
Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies	6-inch aluminum pan	325°F, 10 min	Perfect—crispy edges, soft center	Use parchment paper for easy removal
Cornbread	7-inch carbon steel pan	350°F, 20 min	Evenly baked, golden crust	Preheat pan for 2 minutes
Mini Quiche	Silicone muffin molds	350°F, 18 min	Good texture, took longer	Place on metal tray for better heat transfer
Brownies	Disposable aluminum pan	325°F, 22 min	Fudgy center, cracked top	Don’t overbake—check at 18 min
Lasagna (single serving)	Ceramic ramekin	375°F, 25 min	Uneven—top crispy, bottom soggy	Use a metal pan next time
Banana Bread	Stainless steel loaf pan	350°F, 28 min	Moist, evenly cooked	Cover with foil if top browns too fast

As you can see, metal pans consistently deliver the best results. Silicone works but takes longer. Ceramic and glass are hit-or-miss. The key is matching the pan to the recipe and adjusting your expectations.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can—But Do It Right

So, can you put a baking pan in an air fryer? Absolutely—but not just any pan, and not without a few adjustments. The air fryer isn’t a magic oven replacement; it’s a unique appliance with its own rules. The right pan can help you bake cookies, casseroles, breads, and even cakes with speed and efficiency. The wrong pan? It can lead to frustration, uneven cooking, or even damage to your machine.

Remember: choose oven-safe, shallow, metal-based pans when possible. Avoid heavy, thick, or non-heat-resistant materials. Preheat when you can, adjust your time and temp, and always prioritize airflow. With a little trial and error (and maybe a failed batch or two), you’ll find your perfect air fryer baking rhythm.

And hey, don’t be afraid to experiment. That’s the fun part! Try a new recipe, test a different pan, or tweak a cooking time. The air fryer is versatile, and with the right tools, it can handle so much more than frozen fries. Whether you’re baking a quick dessert or making a weeknight casserole, your baking pan and air fryer can be a dream team—if you use them wisely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a baking pan in an air fryer?

Yes, you can put a baking pan in an air fryer as long as it’s made of heat-safe materials like metal, glass, or silicone. Avoid using plastic or non-air-fryer-safe pans to prevent melting or fire hazards.

What type of baking pan is safe for an air fryer?

Heat-resistant materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, glass (like Pyrex), or silicone baking pans are safe for air fryers. Ensure the pan fits without blocking airflow for optimal cooking results.

Can I use a regular baking pan in my air fryer without damaging it?

Yes, a regular baking pan can be used in an air fryer if it’s oven-safe and fits properly. Just avoid sudden temperature changes (like cold pans in a hot air fryer) to prevent warping or cracking.

Does using a baking pan in an air fryer affect cooking performance?

Using a baking pan in an air fryer can slightly reduce airflow, but it won’t ruin your food. For best results, choose shallow pans and leave space around the edges to maintain circulation.

Can I put a glass baking pan in an air fryer?

Yes, glass baking pans (like Pyrex) are safe for air fryers if they’re labeled oven-safe. Always preheat the pan gradually to avoid thermal shock, which can cause cracking.

Is it better to use an air fryer basket or a baking pan?

For crispy results, the air fryer basket is ideal, but a baking pan works well for casseroles, cakes, or delicate foods. Using a baking pan in an air fryer is great for recipes needing contained cooking or easy cleanup.