Can We Put Steel in Air Fryer Safety Tips and Best Practices

No, you should never put steel or any metal in an air fryer unless it’s specifically labeled as air fryer-safe, as most metals can damage the non-stick coating or cause dangerous sparks. Always use oven-safe, non-metallic accessories like silicone, parchment paper, or heat-resistant glass to ensure safety and appliance longevity.

Key Takeaways

• Never use steel bowls: They can damage the air fryer basket or cause sparks.
• Opt for safe materials: Use oven-safe glass, ceramic, or silicone instead.
• Check manufacturer guidelines: Always verify what materials are approved for your model.
• Prevent fire hazards: Avoid metal that contacts heating elements during cooking.
• Use parchment liners: They reduce mess without risking steel-related dangers.
• Monitor cooking closely: Ensure no steel accessories slip into the heating zone.

Can We Put Steel in Air Fryer Safety Tips and Best Practices

You’re not alone if you’ve ever stood in your kitchen, air fryer humming, wondering, “Can I just use this steel bowl I have instead of buying another accessory?” I’ve been there. That shiny steel mixing bowl looked so perfect for holding my marinated chicken, and my air fryer basket was already packed. It seemed like a no-brainer—until I paused and asked: Can we put steel in an air fryer? The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no, and the last thing you want is to damage your appliance—or worse, create a safety hazard.

Air fryers have taken over modern kitchens for good reason: they deliver crispy, golden results with little to no oil. But with great power comes great responsibility—especially when it comes to what you put inside. From nonstick baskets to silicone molds, the market is flooded with accessories, but sometimes the simplest tools (like steel) seem like the most logical choice. Yet, metal and high heat can be a risky combo if you don’t know the rules. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using steel in your air fryer—what’s safe, what’s not, and how to make smart choices without sacrificing convenience or flavor. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned air fryer pro, these tips will help you cook smarter, safer, and with confidence.

Understanding Air Fryer Mechanics and Metal Safety

How Air Fryers Work: Heat, Airflow, and Conduction

Before we dive into steel, let’s take a quick look under the hood. Air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook food. A heating element warms the air, and a powerful fan pushes that hot air around the food at high speed. This mimics the crispy texture of deep frying—without the oil. The food sits in a perforated basket that allows air to flow through from all sides.

Now, here’s where metal comes into play. Unlike ovens, which rely on radiant heat, air fryers depend on airflow. If you block that airflow—say, by placing a solid steel bowl in the basket—you disrupt the cooking process. The air can’t circulate properly, leading to uneven cooking, longer cook times, and potentially undercooked or soggy results.

Also, steel conducts heat very well. That might sound like a good thing—but in an air fryer, where the basket itself is already metal, adding more conductive material can create hot spots. These hot spots may cause food to burn on the outside while remaining raw inside.

Why Metal Can Be Risky in Air Fryers

You might be thinking, “But my air fryer basket is metal—why can’t I use steel too?” Great question. The basket is designed for airflow. It’s perforated, lightweight, and engineered to work with the appliance’s heating system. A solid steel bowl, pot, or tray isn’t.

Here’s what can go wrong:

• Arcing or sparking: If steel touches the heating element or fan, it can create electrical arcs—especially in models with exposed elements. This is rare but dangerous and could damage the unit or start a fire.
• Uneven cooking: Solid steel blocks airflow, leading to hot and cold zones.
• Overheating: Thick steel retains heat longer than the basket, potentially overheating food or the appliance.
• Damage to nonstick coating: If your steel item scrapes the basket, it can scratch the nonstick surface, reducing its lifespan.

I once tried using a stainless steel measuring cup to hold meatballs. The cup was small and didn’t touch the heating element, but the meatballs on the bottom were charred, while the ones on top were still pink. Lesson learned: airflow matters more than I thought.

Types of Steel and Their Air Fryer Compatibility

Stainless Steel: The Best (and Safest) Option

Not all steel is created equal. Stainless steel is generally the safest metal to use in an air fryer—but with conditions. High-quality, food-grade stainless steel (like 304 or 316) is non-reactive, durable, and heat-resistant. It won’t leach chemicals into your food, even at high temperatures.

But here’s the catch: only certain stainless steel items are safe. The key is shape and airflow.

• ✅ Safe to use: Perforated stainless steel trays, racks, or baskets designed for air fryers. These allow air to circulate freely.
• ✅ Conditionally safe: Small, open stainless steel bowls or containers with high sides but open tops (as long as they don’t block airflow).
• ❌ Not safe: Solid, heavy steel pots, pans, or bowls with no holes or ventilation.

For example, I use a stainless steel air fryer rack (with holes) to cook chicken wings. The rack elevates the wings, allowing hot air to flow underneath. It’s a game-changer. But I avoid using my 8-inch steel mixing bowl because it blocks airflow and takes up too much space.

Carbon Steel and Cast Iron: Proceed with Caution

Carbon steel and cast iron are popular for their heat retention and searing power. But they come with major downsides in air fryers.

• Too heavy: These materials are dense and can overload the basket, especially in smaller models.
• Blocks airflow: Solid carbon steel pans or skillets block the fan’s airflow, defeating the purpose of an air fryer.
• Risk of cracking: Rapid temperature changes (like placing a cold cast iron pan in a hot air fryer) can cause thermal shock and cracks.

I once tried searing a steak in a tiny cast iron skillet inside my air fryer. The steak cooked, but the pan blocked airflow so badly that the outside burned while the inside was rare. Plus, the weight strained the basket’s handle. Never again.

Exception: Some air fryer models (like dual-zone or toaster oven-style) have larger compartments. In these, you might use a small, preheated carbon steel pan—but only if it fits without touching the fan or heating element. Even then, monitor closely.

Galvanized or Coated Steel: A Big No-No

Never, ever use galvanized steel (steel coated with zinc) or any steel with a non-food-safe coating in your air fryer. When heated, these coatings can release toxic fumes. Zinc fumes, in particular, can cause metal fume fever—a flu-like condition with symptoms like fever, chills, and nausea.

Even steel with paint, enamel, or unknown coatings should be avoided. Stick to bare, food-grade stainless steel or use silicone, ceramic, or parchment alternatives.

Safe Ways to Use Steel in Your Air Fryer

Use Air Fryer-Specific Stainless Steel Accessories

The safest way to use steel is to invest in air fryer accessories made for the job. Look for:

• Stainless steel racks with holes
• Perforated baking pans or trays
• Stackable baskets (great for cooking multiple items at once)
• Silicone-coated stainless steel molds (for cupcakes, eggs, etc.)

These are designed to fit your air fryer, promote airflow, and resist high heat. I use a stainless steel crisper plate for roasted veggies and fries. It elevates the food, catches drippings, and gives a nice crunch. It’s also dishwasher-safe—bonus!

Pro tip: Measure your air fryer basket before buying. A tray that’s too wide won’t allow air to flow around the sides, reducing efficiency.

Elevate Food with a Stainless Steel Rack

If you don’t have a rack, you can improvise—carefully. A small, perforated stainless steel steamer basket or even a metal cooling rack (with feet) can work. Just make sure:

• It doesn’t touch the heating element (usually at the top)
• It’s not wider than the basket’s interior
• It has enough holes for air to pass through

I used a metal cooling rack to cook bacon strips. The bacon didn’t sit in its own grease, and it crisped evenly. But I had to trim the rack’s legs so it wouldn’t touch the fan. A little DIY can go a long way—but only if done safely.

Avoid Direct Contact with Heating Elements and Fan

This is the golden rule: no metal should touch the heating element or fan. Most air fryers have the element at the top, so never place a tall steel bowl or pot that reaches near it. The fan is usually in the back or top, so avoid placing steel items in those zones.

If you’re unsure, do a visual check. Open the basket and look up. If your steel item blocks your view of the fan or gets close to the element, it’s too tall or wide.

Also, never preheat a steel item inside the air fryer. Preheating should only be done with the basket empty. Adding cold steel to a hot unit can cause thermal shock and damage.

Alternatives to Steel: Safer and Often Better

Silicone: Flexible, Safe, and Nonstick

Silicone molds, trays, and baskets are excellent alternatives to steel. They’re:

• Nonstick (no oil needed)
• Flexible (easy to remove food)
• Heat-resistant (up to 450°F/230°C)
• Lightweight (won’t block airflow)

I use silicone cupcake molds for mini quiches and silicone baking trays for cookies. They pop out cleanly and don’t scratch the basket. Plus, they’re dishwasher-safe and come in fun colors.

Downside? They can retain odors if not cleaned properly. But a quick soak in vinegar usually fixes that.

Parchment Paper and Perforated Liners

For foods that stick (like fish or sticky marinades), parchment paper is a lifesaver. Use pre-cut liners or cut your own with holes in the center to allow airflow. Avoid covering the entire basket—leave space around the edges.

Perforated parchment liners are even better. They let air flow through while catching drips. I use them for chicken wings and roasted Brussels sprouts. No scrubbing, no mess.

Ceramic and Glass (with Caution)

Ceramic and glass dishes can be used in some air fryers—but only if they’re labeled heat-safe and oven-safe. They must withstand temperatures up to 450°F (230°C).

However, glass and ceramic are poor conductors of heat. They take longer to heat up, which can extend cooking time. Also, sudden temperature changes (like putting a cold dish in a hot air fryer) can cause cracking.

Use them for casseroles, baked dishes, or reheating—not for crisping or searing. And always preheat the air fryer first, then add the dish.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Using the Wrong Size or Shape

One of the biggest mistakes? Using a steel item that’s too big. It blocks airflow, overheats, or touches the fan. Always measure your air fryer’s interior and choose steel accessories that fit with room to spare.

Example: My air fryer basket is 7.5 inches wide. I avoid any steel tray wider than 7 inches. Even a half-inch can make a difference.

Ignoring Preheating and Timing

Steel conducts heat faster than silicone or parchment. If you add a cold steel tray to a preheated air fryer, it can slow down the cooking process. Preheat the air fryer first, then add the food (and steel accessory, if safe).

Also, steel retains heat longer. Your food might keep cooking even after you remove it. Check doneness early—especially with thin cuts like fish or chicken breast.

Not Monitoring for Sparking or Overheating

Always keep an eye on your air fryer when using steel. If you see sparks, smoke, or the unit overheating, turn it off immediately. Unplug it and let it cool. Check for metal contact with the element or fan.

Never leave your air fryer unattended when using metal accessories—especially if you’re trying something new.

Steel Type	Safe for Air Fryer?	Conditions	Best Use Case
Stainless Steel (perforated)	✅ Yes	No contact with heating element; allows airflow	Crisping, roasting, elevating food
Stainless Steel (solid bowl)	❌ No	Blocks airflow; risk of overheating	Not recommended
Carbon Steel Pan	⚠️ Only if small & preheated	Fits without blocking fan; not touching element	Searing in large air fryers
Cast Iron Skillet	❌ No	Too heavy; blocks airflow; thermal shock risk	Not recommended
Galvanized Steel	❌ Never	Toxic fumes when heated	Never use

Final Thoughts: Can We Put Steel in Air Fryer?

So, can we put steel in an air fryer? The short answer is: yes, but only under the right conditions. Not all steel is safe, and not all steel items will work. The key is choosing the right type (food-grade stainless steel), the right shape (perforated, open, or rack-style), and ensuring it doesn’t block airflow or touch the heating element.

Steel can be a fantastic tool—when used wisely. It’s durable, conducts heat well, and lasts for years. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. For sticky foods, delicate items, or easy cleanup, silicone and parchment are often better choices. For elevating food and crisping, a stainless steel rack or crisper plate can be a game-changer.

At the end of the day, your air fryer is designed to work with airflow, not block it. So before you toss that steel bowl in, ask yourself: Does this let hot air flow through? Is it too heavy? Could it spark? If the answer to any of these is “yes,” it’s better to find a safer alternative.

I’ve learned these lessons the hard way—burnt chicken, warped racks, and one very smoky kitchen. But now, I use steel with confidence, knowing the rules. And my air fryer still works like new, three years later.

So go ahead—use steel, but do it smart. Your food, your appliance, and your kitchen will thank you. And remember: when in doubt, stick to accessories made for air fryers. They’re designed for safety, performance, and peace of mind. After all, cooking should be fun, not a fire hazard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we put steel in air fryer without damaging it?

Yes, you can safely place steel bowls or containers in an air fryer if they are oven-safe and fit without touching the heating element. Avoid thin or low-quality steel, as it may warp under high heat.

Is it safe to use stainless steel in an air fryer?

Stainless steel is generally safe for air fryers as long as it’s labeled oven-safe and doesn’t interfere with airflow. Ensure the steel item is placed securely to prevent sparks or fire hazards.

Can we put steel utensils in an air fryer during cooking?

Never leave steel utensils inside the air fryer during cooking, as they can overheat and damage the appliance or cause sparks. Use only for serving once food is removed.

What type of steel cookware can we put in an air fryer?

Opt for heavy-duty, oven-safe steel pans or bowls without plastic handles or coatings. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to confirm compatibility with air fryer temperatures.

Does putting steel in an air fryer affect cooking performance?

Steel conducts heat well, which can improve even cooking, but ensure proper airflow by not overcrowding the basket. Avoid blocking air vents with large steel containers.

Are there risks when putting steel in an air fryer?

The main risks include warping, sparks from loose metal, or damaging the air fryer’s non-stick coating. Always use steel items designed for high-heat cooking and monitor them closely.