Can I Put Pyrex in Air Fryer Safely and Effectively

Let’s be honest—air fryers have taken over our kitchens. From crispy fries to juicy chicken wings, these compact appliances make cooking faster, easier, and often healthier. But as we get more creative with our air fryer recipes, one question keeps popping up: *Can I put Pyrex in an air fryer?*

You’re not alone if you’ve ever stood in your kitchen, staring at your favorite glass casserole dish, wondering whether it’s safe to pop it into the air fryer. I’ve been there too. After all, Pyrex is a kitchen staple—trusted for decades for baking, reheating, and storing food. It’s durable, oven-safe, and easy to clean. But the air fryer? That’s a different beast. With high heat, rapid air circulation, and sometimes unpredictable temperature shifts, it’s natural to question whether your Pyrex can handle it. In this guide, we’ll explore the safety, science, and best practices for using Pyrex in your air fryer—so you can cook confidently without risking a shattered dish or a ruined meal.

Understanding Pyrex: What Makes It Special?

History and Composition of Pyrex

Pyrex has been a household name since the early 1900s. Originally made from borosilicate glass, it was designed to withstand extreme temperature changes without cracking. This type of glass contains boron trioxide, which gives it low thermal expansion—meaning it doesn’t expand or contract much when heated or cooled. That’s why old-school Pyrex dishes could go from the freezer straight into a hot oven with little risk.

However, here’s a twist: since the 1990s, most Pyrex sold in North America is made from *soda-lime glass*, not borosilicate. The shift happened for cost and manufacturing reasons. Soda-lime glass is still strong and safe for oven use, but it’s more prone to thermal shock than its borosilicate cousin. So if you’re using a newer Pyrex dish, you need to be extra careful with sudden temperature changes.

Thermal Shock: The Real Enemy

Thermal shock occurs when a material experiences a rapid temperature change. For glass, this can cause stress on the structure, leading to cracks or even shattering. Think of it like stepping barefoot from a hot sidewalk into cold grass—your feet react sharply. Glass does the same.

For example, placing a cold Pyrex dish directly into a preheated air fryer (which can reach 400°F in minutes) is a recipe for disaster. The outside of the dish heats up fast, while the inside stays cool, creating uneven stress. That’s why understanding how your Pyrex reacts to temperature changes is crucial before using it in an air fryer.

Labeling and Safety Symbols

Always check the bottom of your Pyrex dish for labels. Look for:

Oven-safe symbol (an oven icon with heat waves)
Microwave-safe (usually a microwave icon)
Not for stovetop (a crossed-out pot)
Not for broiler (a crossed-out flame)

Most Pyrex is labeled oven-safe up to 450°F. But here’s the catch: air fryers often operate at 400°F or higher, and the intense air circulation can create localized hot spots. So even if your Pyrex is technically oven-safe, the *way* an air fryer heats may push it beyond its limits.

Can I Put Pyrex in Air Fryer? The Safety Breakdown

The Short Answer: Yes, But…

Yes, you *can* put Pyrex in an air fryer—but only under the right conditions. It’s not a “yes” or “no” answer. It’s more like, “Yes, *if* you follow these rules.” The key is minimizing thermal shock and ensuring even heat distribution.

For instance, I once tried making a small lasagna in a Pyrex loaf dish in my 5.8-quart air fryer. I preheated the air fryer to 375°F, placed the dish inside, and set the timer. After 20 minutes, I heard a faint *crack*. I opened the basket and found a hairline fracture in the corner. The dish survived, but it was a warning. I hadn’t let the dish come to room temperature first, and the air fryer’s rapid preheat created a sudden temperature jump.

When Pyrex Works in Air Fryers

Pyrex is safe in an air fryer when:

The dish is at room temperature (never cold from the fridge or freezer)
The air fryer is preheated *without* the Pyrex inside
The dish is placed gently and not touching the heating element or basket sides
The temperature is kept below 400°F (ideally 350–375°F)
The dish is not overfilled (food expands as it cooks)

I’ve successfully made mini quiches, baked oatmeal, and even chocolate lava cakes in Pyrex ramekins using these guidelines. The trick is patience—letting the dish adjust and avoiding sudden changes.

When Pyrex Is a Bad Idea

There are times when using Pyrex in an air fryer is *not* safe:

Direct from freezer to air fryer: Never do this. The thermal shock is almost guaranteed.
Using cracked or chipped dishes: Even tiny flaws can grow under heat stress.
Overcrowding or stacking: Air circulation is key to air fryer cooking. If the Pyrex blocks airflow, it can overheat.
Using lids: Most Pyrex lids are plastic or silicone and not safe for high heat. Remove them before cooking.

I once tried reheating leftover casserole in a Pyrex dish with its plastic lid on. The lid melted onto the basket. Lesson learned: always remove lids, and never assume “microwave-safe” means “air fryer-safe.”

Best Practices for Using Pyrex in Air Fryers

Preheat the Air Fryer—But Not the Dish

Always preheat your air fryer *before* adding the Pyrex. This ensures even cooking and reduces the risk of hot spots. But here’s the rule: **never preheat the Pyrex dish with the air fryer.**

Instead, let the air fryer heat up empty. While it’s preheating, place your Pyrex dish on a room-temperature surface. If the food inside is cold (like a casserole), let it sit on the counter for 15–20 minutes to warm up slightly. This small step can prevent 90% of thermal shock issues.

Use the Right Size and Shape

Not all Pyrex dishes fit well in air fryers. The ideal size depends on your air fryer model, but here’s a general guide:

Small air fryers (3–4 quarts): Use 1-cup ramekins or 6-inch pie dishes
Medium air fryers (5–6 quarts): Use 8-inch round or 8×8-inch square dishes
Large air fryers (7+ quarts): Can handle 9-inch pie dishes or loaf pans

Make sure there’s at least 1 inch of clearance between the dish and the basket sides. This allows hot air to circulate freely. I use my 5.8-quart Cosori air fryer with an 8-inch Pyrex pie dish for mini apple pies. The crust gets perfectly golden, and the dish stays intact.

Monitor Cooking Time and Temperature

Air fryers cook faster than ovens due to convection. A recipe that takes 30 minutes in an oven might only need 20 minutes in an air fryer. Always reduce the time by 20–25% and check frequently.

Start checking at 75% of the expected time
Use a meat thermometer for casseroles or meat dishes
Rotate the dish halfway through if your air fryer has uneven heating

For example, I make a spinach and cheese quiche in a 7-inch Pyrex dish. In the oven, it takes 35 minutes at 350°F. In the air fryer, I set it to 350°F and check at 25 minutes. It’s usually done by 28 minutes—crispy on top, creamy inside.

Cooling Down Safely

Just as important as heating is cooling. When your dish is done:

Remove it from the air fryer and place it on a dry, heat-safe surface (like a wooden cutting board or trivet)
Never place a hot Pyrex dish on a wet or cold surface (like a granite countertop)
Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before handling or covering

I learned this the hard way. Once, I took a hot Pyrex dish out of the air fryer and set it on a damp dish towel. The bottom cracked instantly. Now, I always use a trivet or dry cloth.

Alternatives to Pyrex: When to Use What

Oven-Safe Ceramic Dishes

Ceramic dishes, like those from Emile Henry or Le Creuset, are excellent air fryer companions. They’re designed for high heat and distribute heat evenly. Plus, they’re less prone to thermal shock than glass.

Pros: Beautiful, durable, oven-safe up to 500°F
Cons: Heavier, more expensive

I use a small ceramic casserole dish for making mac and cheese. It browns evenly and holds heat well for serving.

Silicone Baking Molds

Silicone is flexible, non-stick, and safe for air fryers up to 425°F. It’s perfect for muffins, cupcakes, or mini casseroles.

Pros: Easy to remove food, lightweight, dishwasher-safe
Cons: Can retain odors, not as crisp for crusts

I love using silicone muffin molds for egg cups. They pop out cleanly and cook evenly.

Metal Baking Pans (with Caution)

Some metal pans (like aluminum or stainless steel) are safe for air fryers, but avoid non-stick coatings that can degrade at high heat.

Pros: Conducts heat well, durable
Cons: Can block airflow, may scratch basket coating

I use a small stainless steel loaf pan for banana bread. Just make sure it fits with space around the edges.

When to Stick with Oven-Safe Glass

If you’re unsure, stick with Pyrex for low-to-moderate temperature cooking (under 375°F) and avoid rapid temperature changes. For high-heat recipes (like crispy roasted veggies), metal or ceramic is safer.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Putting Cold Dishes in Hot Air Fryers

This is the #1 cause of Pyrex cracking. Always let your dish warm up to room temperature first. If you’re reheating leftovers, take the dish out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking.

Using the Wrong Dish Size

An oversized Pyrex dish can block airflow, leading to uneven cooking and overheating. A dish that’s too small may tip over or cook too quickly. Measure your air fryer basket and choose a dish that fits snugly with clearance.

Ignoring Preheating

Skipping preheat might seem like a time-saver, but it increases the risk of thermal shock. The air fryer needs to be at a stable temperature before the Pyrex enters.

Overfilling the Dish

Food expands as it cooks. Fill your Pyrex dish no more than 3/4 full to prevent spills and uneven cooking. I once overfilled a quiche dish, and the egg mixture bubbled over, creating a mess in the basket.

Using Damaged Dishes

Even a tiny chip can grow into a crack under heat. Inspect your Pyrex before every use. If you see any damage, retire it to storage duty.

Data Table: Pyrex vs. Alternatives for Air Fryers

Dish Type	Max Temp	Thermal Shock Resistance	Best For	Air Fryer Friendly?
Pyrex (soda-lime)	450°F	Low-Medium	Baking, casseroles, reheating	Yes (with precautions)
Pyrex (borosilicate)	500°F	High	Extreme temp changes	Yes (more reliable)
Ceramic	500°F+	High	Casseroles, roasting	Yes
Silicone	425°F	High	Muffins, egg cups	Yes
Stainless Steel	500°F+	Medium	Meat, breads	Yes (check size)

Final Thoughts: Cook Smart, Stay Safe

So, can you put Pyrex in an air fryer? Yes—but only if you treat it with care. Think of your Pyrex like a trusted friend who’s a little sensitive to sudden changes. With a few simple habits—room temperature start, proper preheating, right size, and gentle handling—you can safely use Pyrex for a wide range of air fryer recipes.

I’ve made everything from mini meatloafs to fruit crisps in my Pyrex dishes, and they’ve held up beautifully. But I’ve also had my share of cracked dishes from rushing the process. The key is respect for the material. Pyrex isn’t indestructible, but it’s reliable when used correctly.

Remember: your air fryer is a powerful tool, but it’s not a magic box. It works best when paired with the right cookware and a mindful approach. So go ahead—experiment with Pyrex in your air fryer. Just do it wisely. Your next delicious, perfectly cooked meal might just come out of a glass dish that’s been in your cabinet for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put Pyrex in an air fryer without it cracking?

Yes, you can put Pyrex in an air fryer safely if it’s labeled as oven-safe and you avoid sudden temperature changes. Always preheat the air fryer gradually and place the Pyrex dish inside only when it’s at room temperature to prevent thermal shock.

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

Most Pyrex dishes are oven-safe up to 425°F (220°C), which aligns with typical air fryer settings. However, check the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific Pyrex product to ensure it can handle the air fryer’s heat.

What type of Pyrex should I avoid using in an air fryer?

Avoid vintage or damaged Pyrex dishes, as they may be more prone to cracking under rapid temperature shifts. Also, skip any Pyrex with plastic lids or metallic trim, as these components aren’t safe for air fryer use.

Can I put cold Pyrex in an air fryer directly from the fridge?

No, never place cold Pyrex directly into a preheated air fryer. Let it come to room temperature first to prevent sudden thermal expansion, which can cause cracks or shattering.

Does using Pyrex in an air fryer affect cooking performance?

Pyrex can slightly slow cooking compared to metal air fryer baskets due to its lower heat conductivity. However, it’s ideal for casseroles, baked dishes, or reheating leftovers while avoiding overcrowding for even results.

Are there air fryer-safe alternatives to Pyrex?

Yes, consider using borosilicate glass or ceramic dishes labeled as air fryer-safe for similar results. Always verify the dish’s heat resistance and avoid non-oven-safe materials like regular glass or plastic.

Key Takeaways

📑 Table of Contents