Can Pyrex Go in the Air Fryer Find Out Here

Yes, Pyrex can go in the air fryer, but only if it’s labeled oven-safe and preheated to avoid sudden temperature shocks. Always check for cracks or damage first, and never expose cold Pyrex to high heat to prevent shattering. Stay safe and enjoy your air-fried meals without worry!

Key Takeaways

• Check for air fryer-safe labels: Only use Pyrex marked as oven-safe and air fryer-compatible.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes: Preheat Pyrex gradually to prevent cracking or shattering.
• Never use cold dishes: Room-temperature Pyrex only—cold glass can crack in hot air fryers.
• Limit high-heat cooking: Keep temperatures below 400°F (205°C) for safety.
• Handle with care: Place Pyrex gently to avoid thermal shock from metal baskets.
• Inspect for damage: Discard chipped or cracked Pyrex before air frying.

Can Pyrex Go in the Air Fryer? The Ultimate Guide to Safe Cooking

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying while still delivering that coveted crispy texture. From chicken wings to roasted vegetables, these countertop marvels can handle a surprising variety of dishes. But as home cooks experiment with new recipes, a common question arises: Can Pyrex go in the air fryer? If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen, holding a glass Pyrex dish and staring at your air fryer basket, wondering if it’s safe to use, you’re not alone. This question touches on safety, material science, and practical cooking techniques—all critical factors when using high-heat appliances.

Pyrex, the iconic brand of heat-resistant glassware, has been a kitchen staple for decades. Known for its durability and versatility, Pyrex is often used in ovens, microwaves, and even for food storage. But air fryers operate differently. They use rapid, concentrated hot air to cook food, often at higher temperatures and with faster heat cycles than conventional ovens. This raises concerns about thermal shock, glass integrity, and potential safety hazards. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the science behind Pyrex and air fryer compatibility, provide practical advice for safe usage, and help you make informed decisions to protect both your cookware and your health. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer enthusiast or a curious beginner, read on to discover whether your favorite Pyrex dish can join the air fryer revolution.

Understanding Pyrex: What Makes It Heat-Resistant?

The Science Behind Pyrex Glass

To determine if Pyrex can go in the air fryer, it’s essential to understand what makes it different from regular glass. Pyrex is made from borosilicate glass, a special type of glass that contains boron trioxide. This compound gives the glass a low coefficient of thermal expansion, meaning it expands and contracts very little when exposed to heat or cold. This property is what makes Pyrex resistant to thermal shock—the sudden change in temperature that can cause regular glass to crack or shatter.

Traditional soda-lime glass, used in most drinking glasses and some older cookware, expands significantly when heated. When this glass is placed in a hot environment and then exposed to a cold surface (or vice versa), the uneven expansion causes stress, leading to cracks. Borosilicate glass, on the other hand, handles these temperature swings far better. For example, borosilicate glass can withstand temperature changes of up to 180°C (356°F) without breaking, whereas regular glass may fail at changes as small as 50°C (122°F).

Modern Pyrex: A Shift in Materials

It’s important to note that not all Pyrex is the same. In the mid-20th century, most Pyrex products were made from borosilicate glass. However, since the 1980s, many manufacturers (including Corelle Brands, the current owner of the Pyrex name in the U.S.) have switched to tempered soda-lime glass for cost and manufacturing reasons. This tempered glass is stronger than regular soda-lime glass due to a special heat-treatment process that increases its mechanical strength, but it still has a higher thermal expansion coefficient than borosilicate glass.

• U.S. and Canada: Most Pyrex products are now made from tempered soda-lime glass.
• Europe: Pyrex still uses borosilicate glass, which is more resistant to thermal shock.
• Label Check: Look for “borosilicate” on the packaging or bottom of the dish to confirm the material.

This distinction is crucial because tempered soda-lime glass, while stronger under impact, is more vulnerable to rapid temperature changes—exactly the kind of stress an air fryer can create.

Why Material Matters in High-Heat Cooking

Air fryers circulate hot air at speeds up to 400°F (204°C), creating an environment where temperatures can spike quickly. Unlike a conventional oven, which heats more gradually, air fryers can subject cookware to intense thermal cycles. For Pyrex made from tempered soda-lime glass, this means a higher risk of thermal shock, especially if the dish is cold when placed inside or removed and set on a cold countertop. Understanding your Pyrex’s material helps you assess whether it’s truly suitable for air fryer use.

Air Fryer Mechanics: How Heat and Airflow Affect Cookware

How Air Fryers Work

Air fryers operate by using a heating element and a powerful fan to circulate hot air around food at high speed. This process, called convection cooking, creates a crispy outer layer while cooking the inside evenly. Most air fryers can reach temperatures between 175°F (80°C) and 400°F (204°C), with some models even exceeding this range. The rapid airflow and high heat are great for foods like french fries, chicken tenders, and roasted vegetables, but they pose unique challenges for glass cookware.

Unlike ovens, where heat radiates slowly from the walls and elements, air fryers deliver heat directly and intensely. This can cause localized hot spots on glass dishes, increasing the risk of uneven expansion and cracking. Additionally, air fryers often have shorter cooking times (10–25 minutes), meaning the cookware experiences rapid temperature changes—from room temperature to 400°F in minutes.

Thermal Shock: The Biggest Risk for Pyrex

Thermal shock occurs when different parts of a material expand at different rates due to temperature differences. For glass, this can lead to cracks or even shattering. In an air fryer, thermal shock can happen in several ways:

• Preheating: If the air fryer is preheated to 400°F and a cold Pyrex dish is inserted, the sudden heat exposure can cause stress.
• Direct Contact with Heat Source: Some air fryer baskets have metal racks or heating elements close to the cookware. If Pyrex touches these, it can overheat locally.
• Cooling Too Quickly: Removing a hot Pyrex dish and placing it on a cold surface (like granite or metal) can cause the bottom to contract faster than the top, leading to cracks.

Real-world example: A user placed a room-temperature 9×13-inch Pyrex baking dish into a preheated air fryer at 375°F. After 15 minutes, the dish cracked diagonally from one corner. Investigation revealed that the dish had touched the metal heating element, creating a hot spot that caused thermal stress.

Airflow and Glass: A Challenging Combination

The high-speed airflow in air fryers can also affect glass cookware. While Pyrex is designed to handle radiant heat (like in an oven), it’s not optimized for convective heat transfer at such high velocities. The rapid air movement can:

• Cool the top surface of the dish while the bottom remains hot, creating stress.
• Cause uneven cooking, as the airflow may not circulate evenly around a glass dish.
• Increase the risk of the dish tipping if it’s not stable in the basket.

For these reasons, even borosilicate Pyrex may not perform as well in an air fryer as it does in a conventional oven.

Can You Put Pyrex in the Air Fryer? The Verdict

Short Answer: It Depends (But Proceed with Caution)

The answer to “Can Pyrex go in the air fryer?” is not a simple yes or no. It depends on several factors:

• Type of Pyrex: Borosilicate glass (common in Europe) is more air fryer-friendly than tempered soda-lime glass (common in the U.S.).
• Air Fryer Model: Some air fryers have better airflow distribution and safer basket designs than others.
• Cooking Temperature and Duration: Lower temperatures (under 350°F) and shorter times reduce risk.
• Preheating Practices: Preheating the dish (if possible) can help prevent thermal shock.

Manufacturer guidelines are mixed. Pyrex (Corelle Brands) states that their tempered soda-lime glass products are not recommended for air fryers, citing the risk of thermal shock. However, some third-party tests and user experiences suggest that careful use may be possible under strict conditions.

When It Might Be Safe (With Precautions)

If you decide to use Pyrex in an air fryer, follow these guidelines to minimize risk:

1. Use borosilicate Pyrex only: Check the label or manufacturer’s website. If it’s tempered soda-lime glass, avoid air fryer use.
2. Start with lower temperatures: Begin at 325°F or below and avoid preheating the air fryer with the dish inside.
3. Pre-warm the dish: Place the empty Pyrex dish in the air fryer while it’s cold, then turn it on to heat gradually.
4. Use a trivet or rack: Elevate the dish slightly to avoid direct contact with heating elements and improve airflow.
5. Limit cooking time: Avoid long cooking sessions (over 20 minutes) at high heat.
6. Cool gradually: Remove the dish and let it cool on a heat-resistant surface (like a wooden cutting board) for 10–15 minutes before placing it on a cold countertop.

Practical Example: A user in Germany (where borosilicate Pyrex is standard) successfully cooked a small casserole in a 2.6-quart air fryer at 320°F for 15 minutes. The dish was pre-warmed for 3 minutes at 200°F before adding the food. No cracking occurred.

When It’s Definitely Not Safe

There are clear scenarios where Pyrex should never go in an air fryer:

• Using tempered soda-lime Pyrex: The risk of cracking is too high, especially in preheated air fryers.
• High-temperature cooking: Avoid temperatures above 375°F, which increase thermal stress.
• Cooking from frozen: Never place a frozen Pyrex dish directly into a hot air fryer. Thaw first.
• Using cracked or chipped Pyrex: Even minor damage can worsen under thermal stress.
• Air fryers with exposed heating elements: If the heating coil is visible or close to the basket, avoid glass dishes.

One user reported their tempered Pyrex dish shattering after 8 minutes at 400°F, sending glass shards into the food. The dish had been cold before use.

Safer Alternatives to Pyrex in the Air Fryer

Best Materials for Air Fryer Cookware

To avoid the risks associated with glass, consider these air fryer-safe alternatives:

• Silicone: Flexible, non-stick, and heat-resistant up to 428°F (220°C). Great for baking and roasting. Look for food-grade, BPA-free silicone.
• Ceramic: Oven-safe and often air fryer-friendly. Ensure it’s labeled “air fryer safe” or “convection oven safe.” Avoid sudden temperature changes.
• Stainless Steel: Durable and excellent for high-heat cooking. Use oven-safe stainless steel pans or baking sheets.
• Cast Iron: Retains heat well and can handle air fryer temperatures. Pre-seasoned cast iron pans work best.
• Perforated Air Fryer Baskets: Many brands offer silicone or metal baskets designed specifically for air fryers, improving airflow and reducing hot spots.

Pro Tip: Use silicone muffin cups or liners for small dishes like egg muffins or mini quiches. They’re easy to clean and won’t break.

Recommended Products and Brands

Material	Product Example	Max Temperature	Best For
Silicone	Silicone Baking Mat (e.g., Silpat)	480°F (249°C)	Baking, roasting, lining baskets
Ceramic	Emile Henry Ceramic Baking Dish	500°F (260°C)	Casseroles, quiches
Stainless Steel	OXO Steel Baking Sheet	500°F (260°C)	Roasting, baking
Cast Iron	Lodge 6.5″ Mini Cast Iron Skillet	500°F (260°C)	Individual servings, searing
Perforated Basket	Air Fryer Silicone Liner (e.g., Innsky)	428°F (220°C)	All-purpose, reusable

Tips for Choosing the Right Cookware

• Check the manufacturer’s label: Look for “air fryer safe” or “convection oven safe” labels.
• Size matters: Ensure the dish fits comfortably in your air fryer basket with at least 1 inch of space on all sides for airflow.
• Avoid non-stick coatings: Some coatings can degrade at high temperatures. Opt for stainless steel or ceramic instead.
• Consider versatility: Choose cookware that works in the oven, microwave, and dishwasher for convenience.

Example: A ceramic 8-inch square baking dish fits perfectly in a 5.8-quart air fryer, allowing even cooking of brownies or casseroles without the risk of glass cracking.

Best Practices for Safe Air Fryer Cooking with Glass (If You Must)

Step-by-Step Guide for Using Pyrex (With Caution)

If you’re determined to use Pyrex in your air fryer—and you have borosilicate glass—follow this step-by-step safety protocol:

1. Inspect the dish: Check for cracks, chips, or scratches. Discard if damaged.
2. Pre-warm the dish: Place the empty Pyrex dish in the cold air fryer. Set the temperature to 200°F and preheat for 3–5 minutes.
3. Add food: Place your ingredients in the dish while the air fryer is still at 200°F.
4. Increase temperature gradually: Raise the temperature by 50°F increments every 3–5 minutes until you reach the desired cooking temp (max 350°F).
5. Use a trivet or rack: Elevate the dish slightly to avoid direct contact with the heating element.
6. Monitor closely: Check the dish every 5 minutes for signs of stress (cracking sounds, visible lines).
7. Cool gradually: After cooking, turn off the air fryer and leave the dish inside for 10 minutes before removing. Place on a wooden or silicone trivet to cool.

What to Do If Pyrex Cracks in the Air Fryer

If your Pyrex dish cracks or shatters during cooking:

• Turn off the air fryer immediately. Unplug it for safety.
• Do not open the basket until it has cooled completely. Glass shards can be sharp.
• Wear gloves and use tongs to remove large pieces. Avoid touching with bare hands.
• Discard all food in the basket. Even if it looks intact, it may contain glass particles.
• Clean the air fryer thoroughly. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove tiny glass fragments. Check the fan and heating element for damage.
• Inspect the basket for cracks or sharp edges. Replace if damaged.

Prevention is key: The safest approach is to avoid using Pyrex altogether in high-risk scenarios.

Conclusion: Making Smart Choices for Safe, Delicious Cooking

The question “Can Pyrex go in the air fryer?” doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. While borosilicate Pyrex may withstand the conditions in some air fryers under strict precautions, the risks—especially with tempered soda-lime glass—are significant. Thermal shock, uneven heating, and the potential for shattering make glass a less-than-ideal choice for the intense, rapid cooking environment of an air fryer.

Instead, consider safer alternatives like ceramic, silicone, stainless steel, or cast iron, which are designed to handle the high heat and airflow of air fryers. These materials not only reduce safety risks but also improve cooking performance, ensuring even heat distribution and better results. If you do choose to use Pyrex, follow the step-by-step guidelines above, prioritize pre-warming, and never exceed 350°F.

Ultimately, your kitchen tools should make cooking easier and safer, not more stressful. By understanding the science behind Pyrex and air fryer mechanics, you can make informed decisions that protect both your cookware and your health. Whether you’re baking a casserole, roasting vegetables, or making a quick snack, there’s a safe, effective way to do it—without risking a shattered dish or ruined meal. So next time you reach for that Pyrex, ask yourself: Is it worth the risk? With the right tools and knowledge, the answer is often a resounding no—and that’s a good thing for your peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Pyrex go in the air fryer safely?

Yes, most Pyrex glass dishes can go in the air fryer, but ensure they’re labeled as oven-safe and avoid extreme temperature changes to prevent cracking. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for confirmation.

What temperature can Pyrex withstand in an air fryer?

Pyrex is typically safe up to 425°F (220°C), which aligns with most air fryer settings. Avoid sudden temperature shifts, like placing a cold dish directly into a hot air fryer.

Can Pyrex go in the air fryer without breaking?

Yes, but preheat the air fryer gradually and avoid thermal shock by letting the Pyrex dish adjust to room temperature first. Older or damaged Pyrex should not be used.

Is it safe to use Pyrex in an air fryer for baking?

Pyrex is great for baking in air fryers due to its even heat distribution, but ensure the dish fits without touching the heating element. Monitor cooking times closely.

Can I put a cold Pyrex dish straight into the air fryer?

No, sudden temperature changes can cause Pyrex to crack. Let the dish warm to room temperature before placing it in the preheated air fryer.

Which Pyrex products are air fryer-safe?

Oven-safe Pyrex glassware (e.g., casserole dishes, pie plates) works well in air fryers. Avoid using cracked or non-oven-safe Pyrex, and always verify labels for compatibility.