Can Glass Go Into the Air Fryer Safety Tips and Answers

No, you should never put glass into an air fryer unless it’s explicitly labeled as air fryer-safe, as extreme heat can cause regular glass to crack or shatter. Always use tempered glass or borosilicate glassware designed for high temperatures to avoid dangerous breakage and ensure safe cooking. When in doubt, opt for metal, silicone, or ceramic cookware made for air fryers.

Key Takeaways

• Never use regular glass: It can shatter due to rapid temperature changes.
• Choose borosilicate glass: It’s heat-resistant and air fryer-safe if labeled.
• Avoid extreme temps: Preheat glass gradually to prevent cracking.
• Check manufacturer guidelines: Confirm air fryer compatibility before use.
• Inspect for damage: Discard chipped or cracked glass to prevent hazards.
• Use oven-safe lids: Prevent splatters without trapping excess moisture.

Can Glass Go Into the Air Fryer? The Surprising Truth

You’ve just pulled your favorite glass casserole dish out of the pantry, ready to pop it into your air fryer. But wait—can you actually do that? If you’ve ever hesitated with a dish hovering over the air fryer basket, you’re not alone. Glass is a kitchen staple, but when it comes to high-heat appliances like air fryers, things get a little more complicated. I remember the first time I tried to air-fry lasagna in my Pyrex dish. The smell of bubbling cheese was heavenly… until I remembered I hadn’t checked if the glass could handle the rapid temperature changes. Spoiler: it survived, but it was a close call.

This question—can glass go into the air fryer—comes up more than you’d think. Air fryers have taken kitchens by storm, promising crispy, delicious meals with little oil and even less cleanup. But their high-heat, rapid-circulation cooking method is different from conventional ovens, and that changes what you can safely use. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, baking a dessert, or trying a new recipe, knowing the do’s and don’ts of glass in the air fryer is essential. Not only can using the wrong glass lead to shattered dishes (and a mess to clean), but it could also be a safety hazard. So let’s dive in, clear up the confusion, and give you the real, practical answers you need to cook confidently and safely.

Understanding How Air Fryers Work (And Why Glass Matters)

Before we get into whether glass is safe, it helps to understand how your air fryer works. Unlike traditional ovens that heat food slowly from the outside in, air fryers use a powerful fan to circulate hot air at high speeds. This rapid airflow creates a convection effect, crisping food quickly and efficiently. Temperatures can range from 175°F (80°C) to 400°F (205°C), and the heat is intense and immediate. That’s great for crispy fries or golden chicken wings, but it’s a whole different ballgame for materials like glass.

The Science Behind Glass and Heat

Glass is a thermal conductor, but it’s also prone to thermal shock. Thermal shock happens when one part of the glass heats up much faster than another, causing stress that can lead to cracking or shattering. Think of it like pouring boiling water into a cold glass—the sudden temperature change can make it break. Air fryers create this kind of rapid heating, especially when the glass dish is cold from the fridge or pantry and placed directly into the hot basket.

Even if your glass dish says “heat-resistant,” that doesn’t always mean it’s designed for convection cooking. Oven-safe glass (like Pyrex or tempered glass) can handle steady heat over time, but the intense, focused airflow in an air fryer is a different beast. The glass may heat unevenly, especially if it’s thick or has a wide surface area. This is why understanding the can glass go into the air fryer question isn’t just about the material—it’s about how the appliance interacts with it.

Air Fryer vs. Oven: A Key Difference

Many people assume that if glass is oven-safe, it’s air-fryer-safe. Not quite. In an oven, heat rises slowly and evenly, giving glass time to adjust. In an air fryer, hot air blasts directly at the dish from multiple angles, often in a smaller, enclosed space. This creates “hot spots” and faster temperature changes. For example, I once tried baking a chocolate cake in a glass loaf pan in my air fryer. It came out beautifully—but I had to preheat the pan first and monitor it closely. Without that step, the bottom would’ve overcooked while the top stayed raw.

Tip: If you’re using glass, always preheat the air fryer first—and if possible, warm the glass dish slightly (like placing it on the counter while the fryer heats). This reduces the risk of thermal shock and helps food cook more evenly.

Types of Glass: What’s Safe and What’s Not

Not all glass is created equal. Some types are designed to handle extreme temperature changes, while others are fragile even under mild heat. Knowing the difference is key to answering can glass go into the air fryer safely.

Tempered Glass (Pyrex, Anchor Hocking, etc.)

Tempered glass is your best bet for air fryer use. It’s strengthened through a special heating and cooling process, making it up to four times stronger than regular glass. Brands like Pyrex and Anchor Hocking are made from tempered glass and are labeled “oven-safe,” which generally means they can handle temperatures up to 425°F (220°C)—right in the air fryer’s range.

But—and this is a big but—tempered glass still has limits. It’s not indestructible. Rapid temperature changes, uneven heating, or direct contact with heating elements (like placing the dish too close to the top) can still cause cracks. I once used a Pyrex pie dish to make a quiche in my air fryer. I preheated the basket, placed the dish in, and set it to 375°F. Everything looked fine… until I opened it after 15 minutes and found a hairline crack along the side. The issue? The dish had been in the fridge, and the temperature jump was just too much.

Pro tip: Always bring tempered glass dishes to room temperature before placing them in the air fryer. Never take a dish straight from the refrigerator or freezer and put it in the basket. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to warm up slightly.

Regular Glass (Mason Jars, Drinking Glasses, etc.)

Regular glass—like mason jars, wine glasses, or drinking tumblers—is not safe for air fryer use. These are not tempered and are extremely susceptible to thermal shock. Even if you’re just reheating soup in a mason jar, the rapid heating from the air fryer can cause it to explode or shatter. I learned this the hard way when I tried to heat up leftover chili in a mason jar. It lasted about 90 seconds before it cracked, sending hot food and glass shards everywhere. Not a fun cleanup.

Never use:

• Drinking glasses or wine glasses
• Non-tempered mason jars (unless specifically labeled “heat-resistant”)
• Glassware with metallic trim (can spark or melt)
• Decorative glass (often not designed for cooking)

Borosilicate Glass (Lab-Grade or High-End Brands)

Borosilicate glass, like that used in lab equipment or premium bakeware (e.g., some Duralex or specialty brands), is highly resistant to thermal shock. It can handle extreme temperature changes better than tempered glass. If you have a borosilicate dish, it’s likely safe for the air fryer—but always check the manufacturer’s instructions first.

One advantage of borosilicate glass is that it can go from freezer to oven (or air fryer) with less risk. I’ve used a borosilicate baking dish to make individual soufflés in my air fryer, and they came out perfect—no cracking, even when I pulled the dish from the freezer and went straight into the preheated basket. But again, I preheated the air fryer first and didn’t overload the dish.

How to Safely Use Glass in the Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Tips

So, can glass go into the air fryer? Yes—but only if you follow the right steps. Here’s a practical guide to using glass safely, based on real kitchen experience and best practices.

1. Check the Dish Label

Before anything else, look for labels like “oven-safe,” “tempered,” or “heat-resistant.” If it says “microwave-safe only,” avoid it. Also, check for any manufacturer warnings. Some brands (like certain Pyrex lines) have had recalls due to shattering issues, so it’s worth doing a quick online search for your specific dish.

Example: My Pyrex 9×13 casserole dish has a label that says “Oven Safe Up to 425°F.” That’s within my air fryer’s range, so it’s a go—but only if I follow the other steps.

2. Bring the Glass to Room Temperature

This can’t be stressed enough. Cold glass + hot air fryer = disaster waiting to happen. Even if the dish is oven-safe, thermal shock is the #1 reason glass breaks in air fryers.

What to do:

• Take the dish out of the fridge at least 10–15 minutes before use.
• If it’s been in the freezer, let it thaw first—never place frozen glass directly into the air fryer.
• For extra caution, warm the dish slightly by placing it on a warm stove burner (turned off) or near the preheating air fryer.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer (And the Dish, If Possible)

Preheating the air fryer helps create a more stable cooking environment. It also reduces the temperature gap between the glass and the air inside.

Pro tip: If your recipe allows, place the empty glass dish in the air fryer during the last 2–3 minutes of preheating. This gently warms the glass before you add food. Just make sure the dish fits without touching the heating element or walls.

4. Use the Right Size and Shape

Not all glass dishes fit well in air fryers. The basket is usually narrow, so wide or deep dishes can block airflow, leading to uneven cooking and hot spots.

Ideal choices:

• Small to medium casserole dishes (8×8 or smaller)
• Round or oval baking dishes (better airflow)
• Shallow dishes (less risk of trapping heat)
• Dishes with low sides (to allow air circulation)

I once tried using a deep glass loaf pan for banana bread. The center was undercooked, and the top was too brown. Switching to a shallower dish fixed the issue immediately.

5. Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes

Once your food is done, don’t pull the hot glass dish and place it directly on a cold surface like a granite countertop or metal trivet. This can cause cracking. Instead, use a wooden cutting board or a thick cloth to set it down.

Also, don’t run cold water on a hot glass dish. Let it cool naturally for at least 10 minutes before washing.

What Can You Cook in Glass in the Air Fryer?

Now that we know can glass go into the air fryer safely, let’s talk about what you can actually cook. The good news? A lot!

Reheating Leftovers

Glass is perfect for reheating casseroles, pasta bakes, or stuffed peppers. Just make sure the dish isn’t too cold. I often reheat my leftover mac and cheese in a small Pyrex dish. I set the air fryer to 350°F for 10–12 minutes, and it comes out creamy on the inside and slightly crispy on top—better than the microwave!

Baking Desserts

Individual desserts like chocolate lava cake, bread pudding, or fruit crisps work great in small glass ramekins. I love making mini apple crisps in 4-ounce Pyrex dishes. The air fryer gives them a golden, crunchy top without drying out the fruit.

Cooking Egg Dishes

Frittatas, quiches, and egg muffins cook beautifully in glass. I use a 6-inch round glass dish for a veggie frittata. The air fryer circulates heat evenly, so the eggs set perfectly without sticking.

Vegetable Casseroles and Sides

Dishes like scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, or stuffed mushrooms are ideal. Just remember: the smaller the dish, the better the airflow. I once made a cheesy cauliflower casserole in a large glass dish. It took longer to cook and didn’t crisp up as well. Switching to two smaller dishes fixed the problem.

Foods to Avoid in Glass

While glass is versatile, some foods aren’t ideal:

• Foods with high moisture content that can boil over (like soups or stews)—risk of overflow and messy cleanup
• Very thick batters (like pound cake)—can cook unevenly
• Foods that require constant stirring (like scrambled eggs)—glass doesn’t allow easy access

Alternatives to Glass: When to Use Metal, Silicone, or Ceramic

Sometimes, glass just isn’t the best choice. Here are safer, more efficient alternatives for air fryer cooking.

Metal Baking Pans and Dishes

Metal conducts heat faster and more evenly than glass, making it ideal for air fryers. Aluminum or stainless steel pans heat up quickly and promote browning. I use a small metal loaf pan for banana bread and get perfect results every time—no cracking, no preheating needed.

Pros:

• Heats faster
• Less risk of breakage
• Better for crispy bottoms

Cons:

• Can scratch the air fryer basket
• May react with acidic foods (like tomato sauce)

Silicone Molds and Liners

Silicone is flexible, non-stick, and safe up to 400–450°F. It’s perfect for individual servings like muffins, egg bites, or mini cakes. I use silicone muffin cups to make egg muffins—no oil needed, easy cleanup, and no risk of breakage.

Tip: Use a metal rack or tray underneath silicone molds to keep them stable and prevent spills.

Ceramic Dishes (Oven-Safe Only)

Ceramic is another great option, as long as it’s labeled oven-safe. It retains heat well and gives a nice crust on foods. I use a small ceramic pie dish for mini quiches. Just like glass, bring it to room temperature first.

One downside: ceramic is heavier and can chip or crack if dropped.

Data Table: Safe vs. Unsafe Glass for Air Fryers

Type of Glass	Safe for Air Fryer?	Max Temp (Approx.)	Key Tips
Tempered Glass (Pyrex, Anchor Hocking)	✅ Yes (with precautions)	425°F (220°C)	Preheat air fryer; bring dish to room temp; avoid sudden temp changes
Regular Glass (Mason Jars, Drinking Glasses)	❌ No	200–250°F	Never use—high risk of shattering
Borosilicate Glass (Lab-Grade)	✅ Yes (best option)	500°F+ (260°C+)	Can handle larger temp swings; still preheat for best results
Glass with Metal Trim	❌ No	Not applicable	Can spark or melt in air fryer
Non-Tempered Decorative Glass	❌ No	150–200°F	Not designed for cooking

So, can glass go into the air fryer? The answer is a cautious yes—but only if you choose the right type of glass, follow safety steps, and use common sense. Tempered and borosilicate glass are your best bets, while regular glass and decorative pieces should be avoided at all costs. The key is managing temperature changes: preheat your air fryer, bring your dish to room temperature, and avoid sudden shifts from cold to hot (or vice versa).

From reheating leftovers to baking desserts, glass can be a useful tool in your air fryer kitchen—just don’t treat it like metal or silicone. It’s more fragile, more sensitive, but when used correctly, it delivers great results. I’ve had my share of cracked dishes and kitchen mishaps, but with these tips, I now use glass in my air fryer regularly and safely. Whether you’re making a cozy casserole or a quick dessert, knowing how to use glass properly means more delicious meals and fewer shattered surprises.

Remember: your air fryer is a powerful tool, but it’s not magic. Respect the materials, follow the steps, and you’ll get the crispy, golden results you’re after—without the cleanup of broken glass. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can glass go into the air fryer without cracking?

Yes, but only if it’s labeled as oven-safe or borosilicate glass (like Pyrex). Regular glass can crack due to rapid temperature changes in the air fryer.

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

Use tempered or borosilicate glass containers marked as oven-safe. Avoid thin glass or jars with metal lids, as they can shatter or cause sparks.

Can I put a glass bowl in the air fryer for reheating food?

Yes, as long as the bowl is heat-resistant and fits without touching the heating element. Preheating the glass slightly can reduce the risk of thermal shock.

Is it safe to use glass in an air fryer at high temperatures?

Oven-safe glass can handle air fryer temps (usually up to 400°F/205°C), but always check the manufacturer’s guidelines. Sudden temperature shifts can still cause breakage.

Can glass go into the air fryer if it’s cold from the fridge?

No—always bring glass to room temperature first. Placing cold glass directly into a hot air fryer may cause it to crack from thermal stress.

Are glass containers better than metal for air fryer cooking?

Glass is great for even heating and monitoring food, but metal heats faster. Choose based on your recipe; just ensure the glass is rated for air fryer use.