Can a Glass Baking Dish Go in the Air Fryer Find Out Now

Yes, a glass baking dish can go in the air fryer—but only if it’s labeled oven-safe and can withstand rapid temperature changes. Avoid sudden heat exposure and always preheat the dish gradually to prevent cracking or shattering. Check your dish’s manufacturer guidelines to ensure it’s air fryer-compatible and safe for high-heat convection cooking.

Key Takeaways

• Check for air fryer-safe glass to avoid shattering due to rapid temperature changes.
• Always preheat the air fryer with the dish inside to minimize thermal shock.
• Use oven mitts when handling hot glass to prevent burns during removal.
• Place dish in the center for even heat distribution and optimal cooking results.
• Avoid sudden temperature shifts—never move glass from freezer to hot air fryer.
• Verify weight limits to ensure your air fryer can support the dish safely.
• Monitor cooking closely as glass may alter cook times compared to metal pans.

Can a Glass Baking Dish Go in the Air Fryer? Let’s Settle This Once and For All

So, you’ve got your shiny new air fryer and you’re ready to cook up a storm. Maybe you’ve already made crispy chicken wings, golden fries, and even a batch of air-fried donuts. But now you’re eyeing that glass baking dish in your cupboard—the one you usually use in the oven—and wondering: can a glass baking dish go in the air fryer?

It’s a question I’ve asked myself more than once. After all, glass dishes like Pyrex or Anchor Hocking are oven-safe, so why not the air fryer, right? But here’s the thing: while both appliances use heat, they work very differently. The air fryer blasts hot air at high speeds, creating intense, rapid temperature changes. And that’s where the risk comes in. I learned this the hard way when I tried to bake a lasagna in a glass dish in my air fryer—only to hear a loud crack halfway through cooking. Spoiler: it didn’t end well.

But don’t worry—this isn’t a story of kitchen disaster without a happy ending. Over the past few months, I’ve tested, researched, and experimented (safely!) to answer the burning question: can a glass baking dish go in the air fryer? And today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned—so you don’t have to learn it the hard way.

Understanding How Air Fryers Work (And Why It Matters)

Before we dive into whether glass is safe, it helps to understand how an air fryer actually works. Unlike a traditional oven, which heats food slowly and evenly from all directions, an air fryer uses a powerful fan to circulate super-hot air at high speeds. This rapid airflow creates a crispy, “fried” texture with little to no oil. Think of it like a mini convection oven, but with way more oomph.

Rapid Heating and Cooling Cycles

One of the biggest differences is how quickly an air fryer heats up and cools down. Most air fryers reach cooking temperatures (350°F to 400°F) in under 3 minutes. When you open the basket, that hot air escapes instantly, and the temperature drops rapidly. Then, when you close it, it ramps back up just as fast. This constant shift in temperature—what we call thermal shock—is the real enemy of glass dishes.

Glass, especially older or thinner types, isn’t built for such sudden changes. It expands and contracts unevenly, which can cause cracks or even shattering. I once left my air fryer basket open for 30 seconds while I stirred something, and the temperature dropped by over 100°F. That kind of stress? Not ideal for glass.

Airflow and Heat Distribution

Another thing to consider is airflow. Air fryers need unobstructed circulation to cook evenly. If you put a large glass dish in there, it might block the airflow, leading to uneven cooking. Some dishes are so wide they almost touch the heating element—another no-go. I tried a casserole in a 9×13 glass dish once, and the edges burned while the center was still cold. Not exactly the crispy perfection I was hoping for.

So, while the air fryer is great for speed and convenience, its intense, focused heat and rapid cycles make it a tough environment for certain materials. And glass? Well, it’s complicated.

Is All Glass Created Equal? The Truth About Glass Baking Dishes

Not all glass is the same—and that’s a crucial point. You might see labels like “borosilicate” or “tempered glass” on your baking dishes, and those terms matter a lot when it comes to air fryer safety.

Borosilicate Glass: The Gold Standard

Borosilicate glass, like the kind used in Pyrex (especially the newer versions), is made with boron trioxide. This gives it a much lower coefficient of thermal expansion, meaning it can handle sudden temperature changes better than regular glass. It’s the same stuff used in lab equipment and high-end bakeware because it’s more resistant to thermal shock.

I tested a borosilicate glass ramekin in my air fryer at 375°F for 20 minutes—baking mini quiches—and it came out perfectly intact. No cracks, no stress marks. That’s the kind of glass that might be safe, under the right conditions.

Tempered Glass: Stronger, But Not Immune

Tempered glass is another common type. It’s heat-treated to be stronger and more resistant to breakage than regular glass. Many casserole dishes and pie plates are tempered. But here’s the catch: while it’s stronger against physical impact (like dropping it), it’s not immune to thermal shock. In fact, tempered glass can sometimes shatter more violently when exposed to rapid temperature changes.

I learned this when I tried to reheat a leftover lasagna in a tempered glass dish. The air fryer was preheated to 360°F, and I added the dish straight from the fridge. Within 5 minutes, a spiderweb of cracks spread across the bottom. The dish survived, but the food didn’t—it spilled into the basket, making a mess and ruining the meal. Lesson learned: even “strong” glass isn’t foolproof.

Older or Thinner Glass: Proceed with Caution

If you’re using an older glass dish—especially one from the 70s or 80s—be extra careful. Early Pyrex was made with borosilicate, but in the 1990s, the company switched to tempered soda-lime glass. These older dishes are often thinner and more prone to cracking under thermal stress.

I found a vintage Pyrex casserole at a garage sale and thought, “Hey, it’s Pyrex—it should be fine!” Nope. One round in the air fryer at 350°F, and it cracked right down the middle. The dish was probably 40 years old and had tiny hairline fractures I couldn’t see. So, if your glass is old, thin, or has any visible scratches, skip the air fryer.

When Is It Safe to Use a Glass Baking Dish in an Air Fryer?

Okay, so now we know glass can be risky—but that doesn’t mean it’s never safe. With the right precautions, you can use a glass baking dish in your air fryer. Here’s how to do it safely.

Check the Manufacturer’s Guidelines

The first step? Check the label. If your glass dish says “air fryer safe” or “suitable for convection ovens,” you’re in the clear. Some brands, like OXO and Anchor Hocking, now make air fryer-compatible glassware. Look for phrases like “thermal shock resistant” or “oven-safe to 450°F.”

I have a set of Anchor Hocking glass ramekins that explicitly state “safe for air fryers” on the packaging. I’ve used them dozens of times for mini frittatas and baked apples—no issues. But if your dish has no label or says “oven-safe only,” proceed with caution.

Use Small, Low-Profile Dishes

Size matters. The smaller and lower your glass dish, the better. I’ve had the best luck with 6-ounce ramekins, 4-inch pie plates, and small casserole dishes (6×6 inches max). These fit easily in the air fryer basket without blocking airflow or touching the heating element.

For example, I make individual mac and cheese portions in 6-ounce ramekins. They cook evenly, stay stable, and come out perfectly golden. But when I tried a 9-inch glass pie dish for a quiche, it was too close to the heating coil. The edges overcooked, and the dish wobbled when I pulled it out. Not ideal.

Preheat the Dish (Yes, Really!)

This one’s a game-changer. To reduce thermal shock, preheat your glass dish before adding food. I do this by placing the empty dish in the air fryer during the preheat cycle (usually 3–5 minutes at 350°F). Then, I add the food and continue cooking.

It’s like warming a cast-iron skillet before searing meat—it helps the dish adjust to the heat gradually. I tested this with two identical ramekins: one cold from the cupboard, one preheated. The cold one developed a hairline crack after 15 minutes. The preheated one? Flawless.

Avoid Temperature Extremes

Never go above 400°F with glass. Most air fryers max out at 400°F, but some go higher. Stick to 375°F or below for glass dishes. Also, avoid going from fridge to air fryer. Let cold food sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes first. I keep a timer on my phone to remind me—no more cracked dishes!

Alternatives to Glass: What to Use Instead

Even with precautions, glass can still be a gamble. If you want to avoid the risk altogether, there are plenty of safer, more air-fryer-friendly options.

Silicone Baking Pans

Silicone is my go-to for air fryer baking. It’s flexible, non-stick, and handles temperature swings like a champ. I use silicone muffin cups, mini loaf pans, and even full-size cake molds. They’re lightweight, easy to clean, and never crack.

For example, I make chocolate chip cookie cups in silicone muffin molds. They come out perfectly shaped, and I just pop them out by pressing the bottom. No scraping, no sticking. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe—total win.

Metal and Aluminum Dishes

Metal (especially aluminum) is another excellent choice. It heats up fast and evenly, and most air fryer baskets are made of metal, so it’s a natural fit. I use small aluminum loaf pans for banana bread and stainless steel ramekins for custards.

Just avoid non-stick coatings that can degrade over time. I had a cheap non-stick pan that started flaking after a few uses. Stick to anodized aluminum or stainless steel for durability.

Air Fryer-Specific Bakeware

Some brands now make bakeware designed specifically for air fryers. These often have perforated bottoms to allow better airflow or come in stackable sets. I bought a set of stackable silicone and metal pans from a brand called “Air Fryer Chef,” and they’ve been fantastic.

They fit perfectly in my 5.8-quart air fryer, and the perforated design means food cooks evenly without soggy bottoms. Plus, they come with lids for storage—super convenient.

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

Let’s look at some real-world tests I’ve done to see what actually works in an air fryer.

Success Story: Mini Frittatas in Glass Ramekins

Dish: 6-ounce borosilicate glass ramekins
Food: Mini frittatas (eggs, cheese, spinach)
Temperature: 350°F
Time: 12 minutes
Result: Perfectly cooked, no cracks. The preheated ramekins handled the heat beautifully.

Near Miss: Lasagna in a Large Glass Dish

Dish: 9×13 tempered glass casserole
Food: Leftover lasagna
Temperature: 360°F
Time: 10 minutes
Result: Cracked on the bottom. The dish was too large and blocked airflow. The edges were dry, the center cold.

Total Win: Banana Bread in Silicone Loaf Pan

Dish: 6-inch silicone loaf pan
Food: Mini banana bread
Temperature: 325°F
Time: 25 minutes
Result: Moist, evenly baked, easy to remove. No sticking, no mess.

Disaster: Cold Pie from Fridge

Dish: 8-inch glass pie dish
Food: Cold apple pie
Temperature: 375°F
Time: 8 minutes
Result: Cracked instantly. The thermal shock was too much. Pie filling spilled everywhere.

These tests taught me that size, material, and temperature management are everything. When in doubt, go smaller, go silicone, and go slow.

Data Table: Glass Dish Safety in Air Fryers

Glass Type	Thermal Shock Resistance	Recommended for Air Fryer?	Notes
Borosilicate (e.g., modern Pyrex)	High	Yes (with precautions)	Preheat dish; avoid extreme temps
Tempered soda-lime (e.g., Anchor Hocking)	Medium	Only if labeled air fryer-safe	Check manufacturer guidelines
Older Pyrex (pre-1990s)	Variable (often lower)	Not recommended	Thinner glass; high risk of cracking
Thin or scratched glass	Low	No	High risk of shattering
Silicone (non-glass)	Very high	Yes	Best alternative; flexible and safe

Final Verdict: Can a Glass Baking Dish Go in the Air Fryer?

So, after all this testing, research, and a few kitchen mishaps, here’s the bottom line: yes, a glass baking dish can go in the air fryer—but only under the right conditions.

If you’re using a small, high-quality borosilicate glass dish (like modern Pyrex or Anchor Hocking labeled for air fryers), and you take steps to preheat it, avoid extreme temperatures, and let cold food warm up first, then it’s likely safe. But if your dish is old, thin, cracked, or made of tempered soda-lime glass without clear air fryer approval? Don’t risk it.

For most people, I’d recommend playing it safe and using air fryer-specific bakeware—especially silicone or metal. It’s more reliable, easier to clean, and designed for the unique environment of an air fryer. I’ve completely switched to silicone for baking, and I haven’t looked back.

But hey, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try glass, just remember: slow and steady wins the race. Preheat, keep it small, and watch the temperature. And if you hear a crack? Stop immediately. No meal is worth a broken dish or a kitchen fire.

At the end of the day, your air fryer is a powerful tool—but it’s not magic. It needs the right tools to work safely. So whether you’re baking, roasting, or reheating, choose your bakeware wisely. Your dishes (and your kitchen) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a glass baking dish go in the air fryer safely?

Yes, a glass baking dish can go in the air fryer if it’s labeled oven-safe and can withstand the air fryer’s temperature. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid cracking or shattering due to sudden heat changes.

What type of glass baking dish is safe for air fryers?

Borosilicate or tempered glass (like Pyrex) is generally safe for air fryers, as these materials handle rapid temperature shifts. Avoid using glass dishes with cracks or those not rated for high heat to prevent breakage.

Can I use my regular glass Pyrex dish in the air fryer?

Yes, most Pyrex glass baking dishes can go in the air fryer since they’re designed for oven use. However, ensure it fits comfortably without touching the heating elements or air fryer walls to avoid uneven cooking or damage.

Does a glass baking dish affect air fryer cooking time?

Glass dishes may slightly slow preheating and cooking because they retain heat differently than metal. Monitor your food and adjust the time or temperature as needed for best results.

Are there risks when putting a glass dish in the air fryer?

The main risk is thermal shock, which can cause the glass to crack if exposed to sudden temperature changes. Always place the dish in a cold air fryer and avoid drastic temperature shifts to minimize risks.

Can a cold glass baking dish go directly into a preheated air fryer?

No, placing a cold glass dish into a preheated air fryer can cause thermal shock and breakage. Let the dish warm up gradually by preheating it alongside the air fryer or starting at a lower temperature.