Can You Put Dishes in an Air Fryer The Ultimate Guide

Yes, you can put dishes in an air fryer—but only if they’re air fryer-safe. Materials like metal, ceramic, and oven-safe glass work perfectly, while plastic or non-heat-resistant containers can melt or release harmful fumes. Always check manufacturer guidelines and avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and appliance longevity.

Key Takeaways

• Only use oven-safe dishes to avoid melting or damage.
• Check manufacturer guidelines for compatible materials and limits.
• Preheat your air fryer for even cooking with dishes.
• Never block airflow—leave space around dishes for circulation.
• Use parchment or liners to simplify cleanup and prevent sticking.
• Avoid oversized dishes that hinder cooking performance and results.

Can You Put Dishes in an Air Fryer? Let’s Settle This Once and for All

Picture this: You’re staring at your air fryer, wondering if you can finally ditch the oven and cook everything in this magical little machine. Maybe you’ve already mastered crispy chicken wings or golden french fries, but now you’re eyeing that casserole dish or that stack of leftover pizza slices. Can you really put dishes in an air fryer? The short answer: yes, but with caveats. And by the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid turning your air fryer into a smoky, sticky mess.

Air fryers have become kitchen staples for their speed, convenience, and ability to deliver crispy results with little to no oil. But their versatility often leads to confusion. Can you bake a cake? Reheat a lasagna? Roast a whole chicken? The truth is, while air fryers can handle a surprising range of dishes, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. In this guide, we’ll dive into the science, the safety, and the smart strategies to help you get the most out of your air fryer—without risking damage or disappointment. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this is the ultimate resource to answer the burning question: can you put dishes in an air fryer?

Understanding Your Air Fryer’s Design and Limitations

How Air Fryers Work: The Science Behind the Crisp

Before tossing any dish into your air fryer, it’s worth understanding how it works. Unlike ovens, which heat the air around your food, air fryers use a convection mechanism. A powerful fan circulates hot air at high speeds, creating that signature crispy texture with minimal oil. Think of it like a mini turbo oven—but with less space and more intensity.

This design is great for foods that benefit from direct airflow (like fries or chicken tenders). However, it also means your air fryer isn’t ideal for dishes that need slow, gentle heat or large volumes of liquid. For example, a soufflé or a pot of boiling water would be a recipe for disaster (and possibly a smoke alarm).

Size, Shape, and Airflow: The Golden Rules

Air fryers come in two main styles: basket-style (like the Philips or Cosori) and oven-style (like the Ninja Foodi). Both have limitations:

• Basket air fryers have a smaller footprint. Most hold 3–5 quarts, meaning you can’t fit large dishes like a whole roast or a 9-inch casserole.
• Oven-style air fryers offer more space (up to 10 quarts) and multiple racks, making them better for larger dishes—but they still require airflow around the food.
• Airflow is non-negotiable. If your dish blocks the fan or traps steam (e.g., a sealed casserole), you’ll end up with soggy, uneven results. Always leave at least 1 inch of space around your dish for air to circulate.

Pro tip: If you’re cooking a dense dish like a quiche, cut it into small wedges to fit in the basket. This ensures even cooking and crisp edges.

What Dishes Can You Safely Put in an Air Fryer?

1. Reheating Leftovers (Yes, Even Pizza!)

Got leftover pizza, fried chicken, or a slice of lasagna? The air fryer is your reheating hero. Unlike microwaves, which turn food soggy, the air fryer revives crispiness in minutes. Here’s how:

• Pizza: Place slices in a single layer. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes. The crust crisps up, and the cheese melts perfectly.
• Fried chicken: Use a wire rack to elevate the chicken. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 4–6 minutes per side. The skin gets crispy again without drying out the meat.
• Casseroles: For small portions (e.g., a single serving of mac and cheese), use an oven-safe dish that fits in the basket. Cover with foil for the first half of cooking to prevent drying, then remove to crisp the top.

Caution: Avoid reheating dishes with a lot of liquid (e.g., soups or stews). The air fryer isn’t designed to boil or simmer.

2. Baking (Cakes, Cookies, and More)

Yes, you can bake in an air fryer! But there are tricks:

• Use oven-safe dishes: Silicone molds, ceramic ramekins, or small metal pans work well. Avoid glass (it can shatter from rapid temperature changes).
• Reduce cooking time: Air fryers cook faster than ovens. For example, a cupcake that takes 20 minutes in the oven might only need 12–15 minutes in the air fryer. Check early and often.
• Adjust temperature: Lower the air fryer temperature by 25°F (15°C) compared to your oven recipe. For instance, bake a cake at 325°F (160°C) instead of 350°F (175°C).

Example: Try making air fryer chocolate chip cookies in a small metal cake pan. You’ll get a chewy center and a crisp edge—perfect for a quick dessert!

3. Roasting and Grilling (Chicken, Veggies, Fish)

Air fryers excel at roasting. The high heat and airflow create a charred, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside moist. Ideal dishes include:

• Whole chicken: Use a 3–4 lb chicken. Truss it, season, and place it breast-side down in the basket. Air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 25 minutes, then flip and cook for another 20–25 minutes. Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
• Vegetables: Toss veggies (e.g., broccoli, carrots, or sweet potatoes) with oil and seasonings. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
• Fish: Place fillets (like salmon or cod) on a greased rack. Air fry at 390°F (195°C) for 8–10 minutes. The result? Flaky, crispy fish without the mess of pan-frying.

Pro tip: For extra flavor, marinate proteins before air frying. Just pat them dry first to prevent excess smoke.

Dishes to Avoid (And Why)

1. Large or Deep Casseroles

While small casserole portions work, large, deep dishes (like a 9×13-inch lasagna) are a no-go. Why? The air fryer’s compact space and intense heat can’t penetrate the center of the dish, leading to:

• Uneven cooking: The edges dry out or burn while the center remains cold.
• Spillage: Liquid from the dish can drip onto the heating element, causing smoke or damage.

Workaround: If you must air fry a casserole, use a smaller dish (e.g., a 6-inch round) and cut the recipe into individual portions. Or, pre-cook the casserole in the oven and use the air fryer just to crisp the top.

2. Battered or Wet-Coated Foods

Air fryers aren’t great for dishes like tempura or beer-battered fish. The batter often:

• Falls off: The high-speed fan blows away loose batter, leaving you with bare food.
• Sticks to the basket: Wet batter can create a sticky mess that’s hard to clean.

Solution: For crispy coatings, use a dry breading method (e.g., panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes). Press the coating firmly onto the food, then spritz with oil before air frying.

3. Dishes with Excess Liquid

Never air fry soups, stews, or dishes with a lot of sauce. The air fryer isn’t designed to boil or reduce liquids, which can lead to:

• Smoke: Boiling water or oil can create a smoky kitchen.
• Damage: Excess liquid can damage the heating element or fan.

Alternative: Use the stovetop or microwave for soups. For saucy dishes (like chicken parmesan), cook the protein first in the air fryer, then top with sauce and broil in the oven for a minute.

Choosing the Right Cookware for Your Air Fryer

Oven-Safe Materials: What’s Allowed?

Not all dishes are air fryer-safe. Stick to these materials:

• Metal: Stainless steel, aluminum, or cast iron (if it fits). Avoid non-stick coatings, which can degrade at high heat.
• Ceramic: Oven-safe ceramic dishes work well, but avoid ones with metallic glazes (they can spark).
• Silicone: Flexible and heat-resistant up to 450°F (230°C). Great for muffins, cakes, or egg bites.
• Glass: Only if labeled “oven-safe” (e.g., Pyrex). Avoid sudden temperature changes (e.g., don’t put a cold glass dish into a preheated air fryer).

Never use: Plastic, wood, or paper (they’ll melt or catch fire).

Size and Shape: The Perfect Fit

Your dish must fit in the basket or oven with room to spare. Here’s a quick guide:

• Basket air fryers: Dishes should be no wider than 7 inches (18 cm) for round baskets or 6 inches (15 cm) for square ones.
• Oven-style air fryers: Use dishes that fit on the racks without blocking airflow (e.g., a 9×9-inch baking dish).

Pro tip: Use a wire rack to elevate dishes. This improves airflow and prevents sticking. Just make sure the rack fits snugly!

Pro Tips for Cooking Dishes in an Air Fryer

1. Preheat for Better Results

Always preheat your air fryer for 3–5 minutes before adding food. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking. For example, preheat before baking cookies or roasting veggies.

2. Use Foil or Parchment (But Wisely)

Foil or parchment paper can prevent messes, but don’t block airflow. Here’s how:

• Foil: Crinkle it lightly to create a “tent” over dishes (e.g., fish or veggies). This traps steam but lets air circulate.
• Parchment: Use perforated liners for baking. Avoid covering the entire basket—leave the edges exposed.

Warning: Never cover the heating element with foil. It can cause sparks or damage.

3. Shake, Flip, or Rotate

For even cooking, shake the basket (for fries or veggies) or flip proteins halfway through. In oven-style air fryers, rotate dishes between racks.

4. Clean Immediately

Food residue can burn and smoke during the next use. Wash the basket and accessories with warm, soapy water after every use. For tough stains, soak in baking soda and water.

Data Table: Air Fryer Dish Compatibility

Dish Type	Can You Air Fry?	Best Method	Time/Temperature	Tips
Pizza (leftover)	Yes	Single layer	3–5 min @ 350°F	Use a rack for crispier crust
Chicken (whole)	Yes	Breast-side down first	45–50 min @ 360°F	Let rest before carving
Cassrole (small)	Yes	Oven-safe dish, foil cover	15–20 min @ 375°F	Remove foil halfway to crisp top
Soup	No	Use stovetop	N/A	Avoid liquids in air fryer
Cupcakes	Yes	Silicone or metal molds	12–15 min @ 325°F	Check early—air fryers cook fast

The Verdict: Yes, But Do It Right

So, can you put dishes in an air fryer? Absolutely—but with smart choices. Your air fryer can handle everything from reheating pizza to baking cupcakes, as long as you respect its limits. Avoid large casseroles, wet batters, and liquids, and always use oven-safe cookware. Remember: the air fryer isn’t a replacement for your oven or stovetop. It’s a tool—one that shines when you use it for what it’s designed for: crispy, fast, and fuss-free cooking.

Now, go experiment! Try that leftover lasagna slice, bake a batch of cookies, or roast a whole chicken. With these tips, your air fryer will earn its spot on the counter—and maybe even save you from a smoky kitchen disaster. Happy air frying!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put dishes in an air fryer safely?

Yes, you can put certain dishes in an air fryer, but only if they’re made of heat-safe materials like ceramic, metal, or oven-safe glass. Avoid plastic or paper containers, as they can melt or catch fire due to the high temperatures.

What type of cookware is safe for air fryers?

Oven-safe dishes such as metal pans, silicone molds, and ceramic ramekins work well in an air fryer. Always check the manufacturer’s label to ensure the dish can withstand temperatures up to 400°F (205°C), typical for air frying.

Can you put dishes in an air fryer basket without damaging it?

Yes, as long as the dishes fit comfortably without blocking airflow and are made of compatible materials. Using parchment paper or foil liners can protect the basket and make cleanup easier while keeping your dishes secure.

Is it okay to cook frozen meals in their original packaging in an air fryer?

No, never put frozen meals in their original cardboard or plastic packaging in an air fryer. Transfer the food to an air fryer-safe dish instead to prevent fire hazards and ensure even cooking.

Can you use Pyrex or glass dishes in an air fryer?

Yes, Pyrex and tempered glass dishes are safe for air fryers, provided they’re labeled oven-safe. Avoid sudden temperature changes (like placing cold glass in a hot air fryer) to prevent cracking.

Do dishes cook differently in an air fryer compared to an oven?

Dishes in an air fryer cook faster due to rapid air circulation, so you may need to reduce cooking time or adjust temperatures slightly. Always monitor your dish closely, especially when trying a new recipe or cookware.