Can I Put Glass Inside Air Fryer Safety Tips and Best Practices

Yes, you can put glass inside an air fryer—but only if it’s labeled oven-safe and can withstand rapid temperature changes. Avoid regular or tempered glass, as sudden heat exposure may cause cracking or shattering. Always check manufacturer guidelines and preheat the glass gradually to ensure safety and prevent damage.

Key Takeaways

• Only use oven-safe glass to avoid shattering or toxic fumes in your air fryer.
• Check manufacturer guidelines before placing any glass inside your air fryer.
• Preheat glass gradually to prevent thermal shock and sudden temperature changes.
• Avoid cold glass containers straight from the fridge to reduce breakage risks.
• Opt for borosilicate glass like Pyrex for higher heat resistance and safety.
• Monitor cooking closely to ensure glass doesn’t overheat or crack during use.

The Big Question: Can I Put Glass Inside Air Fryer?

Let’s be real—air fryers have changed the game in our kitchens. They promise crispy, delicious food with little to no oil, and honestly, they deliver. But as we get more comfortable with these handy gadgets, we start pushing the limits. “Can I put glass inside air fryer?” is a question I’ve asked myself more than once. Maybe you’ve stared at a glass baking dish, a Pyrex bowl, or even a mason jar, wondering if it’s safe to toss them into that hot, swirling vortex of air. I get it. Glass feels sturdy, non-reactive, and familiar—so why not?

But here’s the thing: just because something feels safe doesn’t mean it is. Air fryers work by circulating super-heated air (usually between 200°F and 400°F) at high speeds. That’s a lot of thermal stress on any material, especially glass. I’ve made the mistake of assuming “glass is glass,” only to learn the hard way that not all glass is created equal. In this post, we’ll dive deep into whether you can safely use glass in your air fryer, what types of glass are okay, and how to do it without turning your kitchen into a shatter zone. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense guide to keeping your air fryer—and your glassware—safe and sound.

How Air Fryers Work and Why Glass Matters

The Science Behind Air Fryer Heating

To understand whether glass belongs in your air fryer, we need to first understand how these devices work. Unlike traditional ovens, which heat food slowly from the outside in, air fryers use a powerful heating element and a high-speed fan to circulate hot air around the food. This rapid convection creates that coveted crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist—kind of like deep frying, but without the oil bath.

Now, this intense, fast-moving heat is great for food, but it’s tough on materials. The temperature can jump from room temp to 400°F in minutes. That’s a huge thermal shock. Glass, especially regular glass, doesn’t handle rapid temperature changes well. It expands and contracts unevenly, which can lead to cracking or even shattering. Think of it like running cold water on a hot glass dish—it doesn’t end well.

Why Not All Glass Is Created Equal

You might be thinking, “But I’ve seen glass dishes in ovens before!” And you’re right—many glass bakeware brands are oven-safe. But here’s the catch: oven-safe ≠ air fryer-safe. Here’s why:

• Heating speed: Ovens heat gradually. Air fryers heat rapidly, which increases the risk of thermal shock.
• Airflow: The high-speed fan in an air fryer creates uneven heat distribution, with hot spots near the heating element.
• Space constraints: Air fryer baskets are small and crowded. Glass items can block airflow or touch the heating element, causing localized overheating.

I learned this the hard way when I tried baking brownies in a regular glass loaf pan. The edges touched the heating element, and within minutes, the pan cracked right down the side. Not only did I lose my brownies, but I also had to clean up shards of glass. Not fun.

Types of Glass That Are (and Aren’t) Safe for Air Fryers

Safe: Tempered Glass (Borosilicate)

The only type of glass I’d confidently recommend for air fryer use is tempered glass, specifically borosilicate glass. Brands like Pyrex (the original, made in the U.S.), CorningWare, and Anchor Hocking use borosilicate, which is designed to withstand extreme temperature changes.

Borosilicate glass has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, meaning it expands and contracts evenly when heated or cooled. This makes it much more resistant to thermal shock. In fact, many lab beakers and high-end cookware are made from this material because it can go from the freezer to the oven without cracking.

Here’s a quick tip: Look for markings like “tempered,” “borosilicate,” or “thermal shock resistant” on the bottom of the dish. If it says “oven-safe up to 450°F,” that’s a good sign—but still check the brand’s official guidelines. For example, Pyrex explicitly states that their borosilicate glass can be used in air fryers, but only if it’s not preheated and placed in a cold air fryer.

Unsafe: Regular Glass, Soda-Lime Glass, and Thin Glassware

Here’s where things get tricky. Many glass containers—like mason jars, wine glasses, or store-bought food jars—are made from soda-lime glass, which is not designed for rapid temperature changes. This type of glass is cheap and common, but it’s also brittle and prone to cracking when exposed to sudden heat.

• Mason jars: Great for canning, but not for air frying. I tried roasting garlic in a mason jar once. The bottom cracked when I removed it from the air fryer. Lesson learned.
• Drinking glasses or cups: Even if they look thick, they’re not made for cooking. Never put them in the air fryer.
• Thin or decorative glass: If it’s not labeled for oven use, don’t risk it. The thinner the glass, the faster it heats—and the more likely it is to break.

One reader told me she tried to make “air fryer mug cakes” in a regular coffee mug. The mug cracked, and the batter spilled into the basket. Not only was it a mess, but she had to replace her air fryer basket. Ouch.

Best Practices for Using Glass in Your Air Fryer

1. Start with a Cold Air Fryer

This is the golden rule: never preheat the air fryer before adding glass. Preheating creates a sudden temperature spike when the glass hits the hot basket. Instead, place your glass dish inside the air fryer before turning it on. This allows the glass to heat up gradually, reducing the risk of thermal shock.

For example, if you’re making a casserole in a Pyrex dish, place the dish in the basket, then set the temperature and timer. Let the air fryer heat up with the dish inside. It’s a small change, but it makes a huge difference.

2. Avoid Direct Contact with the Heating Element

Most air fryers have a heating element at the top (or sometimes the back). If your glass dish is too tall or too wide, it can touch the element, causing localized overheating and cracking.

• Use shallow dishes (under 2 inches tall) to avoid contact.
• Make sure there’s at least 1 inch of clearance on all sides.
• If your dish is too big, consider using a smaller one or dividing the food into multiple portions.

I once used a tall glass measuring cup to make mini quiches. The top edge brushed against the heating element, and the cup cracked along the rim. Now I always measure the height before adding glass.

3. Don’t Transfer Directly from Fridge to Air Fryer

Just like with ovens, you should never put cold glass into a hot air fryer. But here’s a common mistake: pulling a dish from the fridge and immediately placing it in the air fryer (even a cold one). The temperature difference between the fridge (40°F) and room temperature (70°F) is enough to stress the glass.

Instead, let the dish sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before cooking. This evens out the temperature and reduces the risk of cracking. I keep my Pyrex dishes on the countertop when I’m prepping meals to avoid this issue.

4. Use Oven-Safe Glass with Confidence (But Check the Label)

Not all oven-safe glass is air fryer-safe. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines. For example:

• Pyrex (borosilicate): Safe for air fryers if not preheated.
• Anchor Hocking (borosilicate): Also safe, but avoid sudden temperature changes.
• Store-brand glass: Often made from soda-lime. Avoid unless labeled “air fryer safe.”

When in doubt, err on the side of caution. If the dish doesn’t have a clear “air fryer-safe” label, it’s better to use a metal or silicone alternative.

Alternatives to Glass: Safer Options for Air Fryer Cooking

Metal Pans and Dishes

Metal is the gold standard for air fryer cooking. It conducts heat evenly and can handle rapid temperature changes without cracking. Look for:

• Aluminum baking pans (lightweight and affordable)
• Stainless steel containers (durable and non-reactive)
• Cast iron skillets (great for searing and browning)

I use a small stainless steel loaf pan for banana bread and a cast iron skillet for frittatas. Both work like a charm and are easy to clean.

Silicone Molds and Trays

Silicone is another excellent alternative. It’s flexible, non-stick, and can handle temperatures up to 450°F (sometimes higher). I love using silicone muffin cups for mini omelets and silicone loaf pans for quick breads.

Pro tip: Choose food-grade silicone (look for “LFGB” or “FDA-approved” on the label). Avoid cheap silicone that smells like chemicals—it can leach into your food.

Perforated Parchment Paper and Liners

If you’re worried about sticking but don’t want to use glass, try perforated parchment paper. These liners allow airflow while preventing food from sticking. I use them for fish, chicken, and even roasted veggies.

Just make sure the liner doesn’t cover the entire basket—leave some space for air to circulate. Otherwise, you’ll lose the “crispy” effect that makes air fryers so great.

Real-Life Examples: What Works and What Doesn’t

Let’s look at some real-world scenarios to put this all into perspective.

Success Story: Pyrex Casserole in a Cold Air Fryer

I made a small mac and cheese in a 2-cup Pyrex dish. I placed the dish in the cold air fryer, set the temperature to 350°F, and cooked it for 15 minutes. The result? Creamy, bubbly mac and cheese with a golden crust—no cracks, no mess. The key was starting cold and using a dish with even thickness.

Failure Story: Mason Jar Roasted Garlic

I tried roasting garlic in a mason jar (because I saw it on TikTok). I placed the jar in a preheated air fryer at 375°F. Within 3 minutes, the bottom cracked. The garlic burned, and I had to clean glass shards from the basket. Lesson: mason jars are not air fryer-safe, no matter how trendy they look.

Creative Win: Silicone Molds for Egg Bites

I wanted to make Starbucks-style egg bites but didn’t have a sous vide machine. I used silicone muffin cups in my air fryer. I poured the egg mixture into the cups, placed them in the basket, and cooked at 300°F for 10 minutes. The result? Perfectly fluffy egg bites that slid out effortlessly. No cracking, no sticking, no stress.

Material	Safe for Air Fryer?	Best Use Cases	Tips
Borosilicate Glass (e.g., Pyrex)	✅ Yes (with precautions)	Casseroles, small bakes	Start cold, avoid preheating, check clearance
Soda-Lime Glass (e.g., mason jars)	❌ No	Storage, canning	Never use for cooking
Metal (aluminum, stainless steel)	✅ Yes	All cooking	Use non-stick spray if needed
Silicone	✅ Yes	Molds, trays, liners	Choose food-grade, high-temp silicone
Perforated Parchment	✅ Yes	Fish, chicken, veggies	Don’t cover entire basket

Final Thoughts: Play It Safe, Cook It Right

So, can you put glass inside an air fryer? The answer is: sometimes, but with caution. Borosilicate glass (like Pyrex) can be used if you follow the rules—start cold, avoid preheating, and ensure proper clearance. But regular glass, mason jars, and thin glassware are a hard “no.”

At the end of the day, your safety (and your air fryer’s lifespan) matters more than saving a few minutes or using a trendy container. I’ve learned that the hard way, and I don’t want you to repeat my mistakes. Stick to proven materials, read the labels, and when in doubt, choose metal or silicone.

Air fryers are amazing tools, but they’re not magic. They need the right materials to work safely and effectively. By following these tips, you’ll get delicious, crispy meals—without the risk of a glass explosion. So go ahead, experiment with confidence, but always put safety first. Your kitchen (and your dishes) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put glass inside an air fryer safely?

Yes, you can put glass inside an air fryer, but only if it’s labeled as oven-safe or air fryer-safe. Avoid sudden temperature changes to prevent cracking or shattering.

What type of glass is safe to use in an air fryer?

Use borosilicate or tempered glass (like Pyrex or Anchor Hocking) that can withstand high temperatures. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines before placing glass inside an air fryer.

Can I put a glass bowl or dish directly in the air fryer basket?

Yes, a glass bowl or dish can be placed inside an air fryer basket if it fits without blocking airflow. Ensure the glass is heat-resistant and preheated gradually to avoid thermal shock.

Is it safe to use glass containers in an air fryer for cooking?

Glass containers are safe for air fryer cooking if they’re rated for high heat (400°F+). Never use cracked or damaged glass, and avoid extreme temperature shifts.

Can I put frozen food in a glass dish inside an air fryer?

No, avoid placing frozen food directly in a cold glass dish inside a preheated air fryer—this can cause thermal shock. Let the food thaw slightly or use a room-temperature dish.

Are there any risks of putting glass inside an air fryer?

The main risk is glass breaking due to rapid temperature changes or low-quality material. Always verify the glass is air fryer-safe and monitor it during cooking.