Can You Put Glass in Air Fryer Safely and Without Damage

Yes, you can put glass in an air fryer—but only if it’s labeled oven-safe or heat-resistant (like borosilicate) to withstand rapid temperature changes. Avoid regular glass, as thermal shock from the air fryer’s intense heat can cause cracking or shattering. Always check manufacturer guidelines and preheat the glass gradually to ensure safety and prevent damage.

Key Takeaways

• Use oven-safe glass: Only tempered or borosilicate glass handles air fryer heat safely.
• Check manufacturer guidelines: Verify if your air fryer allows glass containers before use.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes: Preheat glass gradually to prevent cracking or shattering.
• Ensure proper fit: Leave space for air circulation to avoid damage or uneven cooking.
• Inspect for cracks: Discard damaged glass to prevent breakage during cooking.
• Preheat empty glass: Heat glass with the basket to reduce thermal shock risk.

Can You Put Glass in Air Fryer Safely and Without Damage?

Let’s be honest—air fryers have become the kitchen superheroes of the 21st century. Crispy fries without deep frying? Check. Roasted veggies with minimal oil? Double check. But as we get bolder with our air fryer experiments, one question keeps popping up: Can you put glass in an air fryer? You’re not alone. I’ve been there—standing in the kitchen, holding a glass casserole dish, wondering if it’s safe to toss it in the air fryer basket or if I’m about to turn it into a modern art exhibit of shattered glass.

It’s a fair question, especially since so many of us already use glass containers for meal prep, leftovers, and baking. Glass is non-toxic, easy to clean, and doesn’t absorb odors. But air fryers work by circulating hot air at high speeds, sometimes reaching temperatures over 400°F (205°C). That kind of heat, combined with sudden temperature changes, can be a recipe for disaster if you’re not careful. So, can you use glass in your air fryer? The short answer is: sometimes. But the long answer? That’s what we’re diving into today.

How Air Fryers Work (And Why Glass Matters)

The Science of Rapid Hot Air

Air fryers don’t actually fry food. Instead, they use a powerful fan to circulate hot air around food at high speed, creating a convection effect. This crisps the outside while cooking the inside—kind of like a mini convection oven. The heating element, usually at the top, can reach temperatures from 170°F to 400°F (77°C to 205°C), depending on your model and settings.

Because of this rapid heat transfer, the materials you use inside the air fryer matter. Metal baskets, silicone liners, and certain types of ceramics are designed to handle this. But glass? That’s where things get tricky. Glass is a poor conductor of heat, meaning it heats and cools slowly and unevenly. This can lead to thermal shock—a sudden change in temperature that causes glass to crack or explode.

Thermal Shock: The Silent Killer of Glassware

Thermal shock happens when one part of the glass heats up faster than another. For example, the bottom of a glass dish might touch the hot basket or heating element, while the top stays cool. This uneven expansion creates stress, and—boom—your lasagna is now a mosaic on the floor.

I learned this the hard way. Once, I put a cold glass pie dish straight from the fridge into a preheated air fryer. Within 30 seconds, I heard a loud *crack*. I opened the drawer to find shards everywhere. Not my finest moment. The takeaway? Temperature changes matter. Even if the glass is labeled “oven-safe,” air fryers create unique conditions that ovens don’t.

Types of Glass: Which Ones Can Handle the Heat?

Tempered Glass: The Air Fryer MVP

Not all glass is created equal. The safest type for air fryer use is tempered glass, also known as safety glass. It’s chemically or thermally treated to be up to 4-5 times stronger than regular glass. More importantly, it’s designed to resist thermal shock better.

Popular brands like Pyrex, Anchor Hocking, and CorningWare make tempered glass bakeware. Look for the words “tempered” or “thermal shock resistant” on the packaging or bottom of the dish. These dishes are typically labeled as oven-safe up to 450°F (232°C), which covers most air fryer temperatures.

Pro tip: Avoid older Pyrex dishes (pre-1998) that were made with a different type of glass. Modern Pyrex is borosilicate or tempered soda-lime, both of which are safer, but vintage pieces can be more prone to shattering.

Regular Glass: Proceed With Caution (Or Don’t)

Standard glass, like the kind used in drinking glasses or cheap food storage containers, is not safe for air fryers. It’s not designed for extreme heat or rapid temperature changes. Even if it survives the first use, repeated exposure can weaken it over time.

I once tried using a regular glass storage container (the kind you get from the grocery store) to reheat soup in the air fryer. It survived, but I noticed tiny hairline cracks forming around the rim. A few uses later, it shattered while I was washing it. Lesson learned: just because it doesn’t break the first time doesn’t mean it’s safe.

Glass With Metal or Plastic Parts: Hard Pass

Some glass containers come with snap-on plastic lids or metal rims. These are a no-go. Plastic can melt, and metal can interfere with airflow or even damage the air fryer’s heating element. Even if the glass itself is safe, the combo creates unnecessary risk.

Stick to all-glass dishes with no attachments. If you’re unsure, check the manufacturer’s instructions. When in doubt, leave it out.

How to Safely Use Glass in Your Air Fryer

Preheat? Yes, But Not the Glass!

Most air fryers have a preheat function. That’s great—but don’t preheat the glass with it. Instead, preheat the air fryer empty first, then place the glass dish inside. This avoids exposing cold glass to sudden heat.

For example:

• Set your air fryer to 375°F and preheat for 5 minutes.
• While it heats, prepare your food in the glass dish.
• After preheating, open the drawer and place the dish inside.
• Start cooking.

This small step reduces thermal shock risk significantly. I now do this every time, and I haven’t had a single break since.

Room Temperature Is Key

Never put cold glass directly into a hot air fryer. If your dish has been in the fridge or freezer, let it sit at room temperature for 15–30 minutes before using. This allows the glass to warm up gradually.

I keep a few glass dishes on the counter for air fryer use. That way, they’re always ready to go—no fridge-to-fryer surprises.

Use a Trivet or Liner (When Possible)

Even with tempered glass, direct contact with the metal basket can create hot spots. To reduce risk, place a silicone mat, parchment paper (perforated), or a small trivet under the glass dish. This creates a buffer and improves airflow.

Note: Don’t cover the entire bottom with parchment—it can block airflow and overheat. Cut it to fit just under the dish, or use a silicone mat designed for air fryers.

Don’t Overfill or Overheat

Glass expands when heated. If you overfill the dish, the food or liquid can bubble over and create uneven pressure. Stick to 75% capacity, especially with liquids or saucy dishes.

Also, avoid using the air fryer’s highest temperature unless necessary. Most recipes work fine at 350–375°F. Higher temps increase the risk of thermal shock and can damage the glass over time.

Real-Life Examples: What Works (And What Doesn’t)

Success Stories: Dishes I’ve Safely Cooked

Here are a few recipes I’ve made in my tempered glass dishes—without a single crack:

• Mini lasagna in a 6-inch Pyrex dish: Preheated air fryer, dish at room temp, cooked at 350°F for 20 minutes. Came out perfect.
• Cheesecake bites in a small glass ramekin: Used a silicone trivet, 325°F for 15 minutes. No issues.
• Reheated pizza in a glass pie plate: Room temp, 375°F for 5 minutes. Crispy crust, no mess.
• Baked apples with cinnamon and oats: 350°F for 12 minutes. Delicious and intact.

All of these used modern tempered glass. The key was temperature control and gradual heating.

Failures: The Ones That Didn’t Survive

And then there were the disasters:

• Cold glass casserole: Straight from the fridge into a preheated 400°F air fryer. Cracked within seconds.
• Old glass storage container: Used twice, then shattered during handwashing. Hairline cracks were a warning sign I ignored.
• Glass dish with metal rim: The metal got too hot and warped. Also, the air fryer’s fan made a weird noise—probably from airflow disruption.

These failures taught me to respect the limits of glass, even when it’s “oven-safe.”

Alternatives to Glass: When to Use Something Else

Metal: The Air Fryer’s Best Friend

Metal conducts heat evenly and responds quickly to temperature changes. That’s why air fryers come with metal baskets. You can use metal pans, muffin tins, or even small loaf pans (as long as they fit).

Just remember: metal gets really hot. Always use oven mitts or silicone tongs to handle it. And avoid aluminum foil if it’s touching the heating element—it can cause sparks.

Silicone: Flexible and Safe

Silicone bakeware is a great alternative. It’s non-stick, heat-resistant (up to 450°F), and won’t shatter. I use silicone muffin cups for egg bites and small silicone pans for brownies.

The only downside? It doesn’t brown food as well as metal or glass. But for delicate items or easy cleanup, it’s a win.

Ceramic: A Close Second

Glazed ceramic dishes (like those from Le Creuset or Emile Henry) are often safe for air fryers, especially if they’re labeled oven-safe. They heat evenly and retain warmth well.

Just like glass, avoid sudden temperature changes. And skip ceramic with metal handles or decorations.

When to Avoid Glass Altogether

There are times when glass just isn’t worth the risk:

• High-temperature cooking (above 400°F)
• Frozen dishes going straight in
• Glass with unknown origins or labels
• Dishes with cracks, chips, or scratches
• When you’re in a rush and forget to preheat the air fryer first

When in doubt, use a metal or silicone option. Your air fryer (and your kitchen floor) will thank you.

Quick Reference: Glass Safety in Air Fryers

To help you decide what’s safe and what’s not, here’s a quick data table based on my experience and manufacturer guidelines:

Type of Glass	Safe for Air Fryer?	Max Temp	Notes
Tempered glass (e.g., Pyrex, Anchor Hocking)	Yes	450°F (232°C)	Preheat air fryer first; avoid cold dishes
Regular glass (drinking glasses, storage containers)	No	N/A	High risk of thermal shock
Old Pyrex (pre-1998)	Use with caution	400°F (205°C)	More prone to cracking; check for labels
Glass with metal/plastic parts	No	N/A	Metal can warp; plastic can melt
Chipped or cracked glass	Never	N/A	Structural weakness increases breakage risk

The Bottom Line: Yes, But Be Smart About It

So, can you put glass in an air fryer? Yes—but only if it’s tempered glass, at room temperature, and used with care. It’s not a free-for-all. Glass isn’t the ideal material for air fryers, but with the right precautions, it can work safely and effectively.

Think of it like wearing a seatbelt. You can drive without one, but why take the risk? The same goes for glass in air fryers. A little patience—preheating the air fryer, letting the dish warm up, using a trivet—goes a long way in preventing disasters.

And remember: your air fryer is a tool, not a magic box. It’s powerful, but it has limits. By understanding how heat, materials, and airflow interact, you’ll not only keep your glassware intact but also get better results from every meal.

So next time you’re tempted to toss that glass dish into the air fryer, pause. Ask yourself: Is it tempered? Is it warm? Am I preheating the air fryer first? If the answer is yes, go for it. If not, grab a metal pan or silicone mold instead. Your kitchen (and your peace of mind) will be better for it.

Happy air frying—and stay safe out there!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put glass in an air fryer safely?

Yes, you can put glass in an air fryer, but only if it’s labeled as oven-safe or heat-resistant up to at least 400°F. Regular glass may shatter due to rapid temperature changes, so always check the manufacturer’s guidelines before use.

What type of glass can you put in an air fryer?

Only use borosilicate glass (like Pyrex) or tempered glass marked as oven-safe. These materials withstand high heat and sudden temperature shifts common in air fryers, unlike standard glassware.

Is it safe to use glass bowls in an air fryer?

Yes, glass bowls are safe in an air fryer if they’re designed for high-heat cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket and ensure the bowl doesn’t touch the heating element to prevent cracking.

Can putting glass in an air fryer damage the appliance?

Glass itself won’t damage the air fryer, but improper use (like using non-heat-resistant glass or blocking airflow) can cause uneven cooking or overheating. Always follow safety guidelines to avoid risks.

Why does glass crack in an air fryer?

Glass cracks in an air fryer due to thermal shock—sudden temperature changes—or if it’s not designed for high heat. Preheating the glass and avoiding cold surfaces post-cooking can help prevent breakage.

Can you use glass containers in an air fryer for reheating?

Yes, you can use oven-safe glass containers to reheat food in an air fryer. Just ensure the container is dry, uncovered to allow steam escape, and placed centrally for even heating.