Can You Put a Mason Jar in an Air Fryer Find Out Now

Yes, you can safely put a mason jar in an air fryer—but only if it’s made of heat-resistant tempered glass and placed securely on the fryer basket or rack to avoid sudden temperature shifts. Always leave the lid off or use a vented lid to prevent pressure buildup, and monitor closely to avoid cracking from rapid heating or cold ingredients.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can use mason jars in an air fryer if they’re oven-safe and properly placed.
• Always check the jar’s label to confirm it’s heat-resistant and safe for air frying.
• Preheat the air fryer before adding the jar to avoid thermal shock and cracking.
• Place jars on their side to improve airflow and reduce risk of breakage during cooking.
• Limit jar size to 16 oz to ensure even heating and prevent overcrowding in the basket.
• Never seal jars tightly—use vented lids to prevent pressure buildup and explosions.
• Monitor cooking closely to avoid overheating and potential glass failure.

The Great Mason Jar Air Fryer Debate

Have you ever stared at your air fryer, then at your mason jar, and wondered, “Can I just… put this in there?” Maybe you’re trying to make mini cheesecakes, reheat leftovers, or even dry herbs. The idea seems simple enough, right? But before you toss that glass jar into the hot air vortex, let’s pause and think. Glass and high heat can be a risky combo if you’re not careful. I’ve been there—excited by the idea of multitasking my kitchen tools, only to end up with a cracked jar and a mess in my appliance.

Air fryers have become the Swiss Army knife of modern kitchens. They crisp, roast, reheat, and even bake with surprising efficiency. Meanwhile, mason jars? They’re the unsung heroes of food storage, meal prep, and DIY recipes. But when you bring them together, things get a little complicated. Glass expands and contracts with temperature changes, and air fryers blast hot air fast and hard. So, can you put a mason jar in an air fryer? The short answer is: sometimes. But there’s a lot more to unpack. In this post, I’ll walk you through the science, the risks, the safe practices, and the clever ways you can actually use mason jars in your air fryer—without turning your kitchen into a glass disaster zone.

Understanding the Science Behind Glass and Heat

Before we dive into whether mason jars can survive an air fryer, let’s talk about what happens when glass meets heat. Not all glass is created equal, and how it reacts to temperature changes is key to avoiding cracks, explosions, or worse—a shattered jar mid-cooking.

Thermal Shock: The Silent Enemy

Glass is a poor conductor of heat. That means it heats up and cools down unevenly. When one part of the jar gets hot quickly and another stays cool, the stress can cause it to crack. This is called thermal shock, and it’s the number one reason mason jars fail in high-heat appliances.

Imagine placing a cold mason jar (straight from the fridge or pantry) directly into a 400°F air fryer. The outer surface heats up rapidly, while the inner surface stays cool. The difference in expansion creates stress, and boom—crack. I’ve seen it happen with a jar of homemade tomato sauce I was trying to reduce. The jar didn’t just crack; it shattered, sending hot liquid everywhere. Not fun.

Types of Glass: Not All Are Created Equal

Not all mason jars are the same. Most standard mason jars (like Ball or Kerr) are made from soda-lime glass, which is durable for canning but not designed for rapid temperature changes. This type of glass can handle boiling water (like in a water bath canner), but it’s not tempered for extreme or uneven heat.

On the other hand, tempered glass (like Pyrex or borosilicate glass) is engineered to withstand thermal shock better. It can go from freezer to oven with less risk. But here’s the catch: most mason jars are not tempered. Even if they say “heat-resistant,” that usually means they’re safe for boiling water, not direct high-heat cooking.

Here’s a quick tip: check the bottom of your mason jar. If it says “tempered” or has a Pyrex-like logo, you’re in better shape. But if it’s a standard Ball or Kerr, proceed with caution—or better yet, avoid direct air frying.

Air Fryer Heat Distribution: Fast and Furious

Air fryers work by circulating hot air at high speeds. This creates intense, focused heat on the surface of food. While great for crisping fries or roasting veggies, it’s not ideal for glass. The jar’s surface heats up much faster than its interior, increasing the risk of cracking.

Plus, air fryers often have metal baskets or racks that conduct heat. If your mason jar touches a hot metal surface, the localized heat can cause stress points. It’s like putting a cold spoon on a hot stove—eventually, it’ll crack.

When It’s Safe (and When It’s Not) to Use a Mason Jar

Now that we understand the risks, let’s talk about when you can use a mason jar in an air fryer—and when you absolutely should not.

✅ Safe Scenarios: Low Heat, Gradual Changes

There are a few situations where using a mason jar in an air fryer is relatively safe, as long as you follow the rules:

• Reheating small amounts of food: If you’re warming up a few ounces of soup or sauce, and the jar is at room temperature, you can do it at low heat (250°F or below) for a short time (under 5 minutes). Keep the lid off to avoid pressure buildup.
• Drying herbs or spices: Place herbs in a jar (lid off) and air fry at 170–200°F for 10–15 minutes. This low-and-slow method reduces thermal stress.
• Melting chocolate or butter: Use a small jar, pre-warmed to room temperature, and cook at 200°F for 3–5 minutes. Stir frequently to distribute heat.

The key? Low heat, gradual warming, and short durations. Think of it like tiptoeing into a hot bath—don’t just cannonball in.

❌ Risky Scenarios: High Heat, Cold Glass, Sealed Lids

Here’s where things go wrong fast:

• Starting with a cold jar: Never place a jar straight from the fridge into the air fryer. Always bring it to room temperature first.
• Using high temperatures (350°F+): This is a recipe for thermal shock. Even tempered glass can fail under rapid, intense heat.
• Sealed jars: Pressure builds up inside a sealed jar when heated. This can cause the lid to pop or the glass to explode. Always remove the lid or use a vented lid.
• Large volumes of food: A full jar takes longer to heat through, increasing the risk of uneven expansion. Stick to small portions (½ cup or less).

I tried making mini frittatas in mason jars once. I preheated the jars, used tempered glass, and kept the temp at 300°F. Still, one jar cracked because the eggs expanded and created pressure. Lesson learned: even “safe” methods have limits.

Pro Tips for Safer Use

• Preheat the jar: Place the empty jar in the air fryer during preheating (if your model allows it), or warm it with hot water first.
• Use a trivet or rack: Place the jar on a silicone trivet or metal rack to avoid direct contact with hot metal.
• Stir or shake halfway: This helps distribute heat and reduces hot spots.
• Use tempered or borosilicate glass: If you’re set on using glass, invest in jars labeled for oven use.

Creative (and Safe) Ways to Use Mason Jars in Your Air Fryer

Just because there are risks doesn’t mean you can’t get creative. With the right precautions, mason jars can be handy air fryer accessories. Here are some fun, practical uses I’ve tested and loved.

Mini Baked Goods That Wow

Yes, you can bake in mason jars—but not the way you might think. Instead of filling them to the top, use them for:

• Mini cheesecakes: Line the jar with a graham cracker crust, add cheesecake filling, and bake at 300°F for 15–20 minutes. Let cool before adding toppings. Pro tip: Use a water bath (place jars in a baking dish with hot water) to regulate temperature.
• Individual brownies or mug cakes: Mix dry ingredients ahead, add wet ingredients in the jar, and air fry at 275°F for 10–12 minutes. The jar acts like a mini ramekin.

I made chocolate lava cakes this way for a dinner party. Guests loved the presentation, and cleanup was a breeze. Just remember: never fill the jar more than halfway to allow for rising and expansion.

Reheating Leftovers Without Sogginess

Air fryers are great for reheating, but bowls can get messy. Mason jars solve that. Try:

• Reheating soup or stew: Pour ½ cup into a room-temp jar, remove lid, and air fry at 250°F for 4–5 minutes. Stir and repeat if needed.
• Warming up sauces: Perfect for marinara, gravy, or pesto. Heat at 200°F for 3–4 minutes, stirring once.

The air fryer keeps the liquid warm without boiling it, so flavors stay intact. Plus, the jar is easy to handle with oven mitts.

Drying Herbs, Spices, and Even Fruit

Want to make your own dried herbs or fruit chips? Mason jars are perfect for small batches.

• Dried herbs: Fill a jar with fresh basil, thyme, or oregano. Air fry at 170°F for 10–15 minutes. The jar catches falling leaves and keeps them contained.
• Dried apple or banana chips: Slice thin, place in jar, and air fry at 200°F for 12–15 minutes. The jar prevents chips from flying out.

I dried mint this way for homemade tea. It was faster than a dehydrator and didn’t take up counter space.

Melting and Mixing in One Step

Need to melt butter, chocolate, or cheese for a recipe? A mason jar makes it easy.

• Chocolate fondue: Add chocolate and cream to a jar, air fry at 200°F for 4–5 minutes, stirring once. Serve with fruit or pretzels.
• Cheese sauce: Combine cheese, milk, and spices in a jar. Air fry at 225°F for 5 minutes, stir, and repeat until smooth.

Bonus: no double boiler needed, and you can store leftovers right in the jar.

Alternatives to Mason Jars: Safer Options for Air Frying

Let’s be real: mason jars aren’t the safest or most efficient choice for most air fryer tasks. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. There are better, safer alternatives that do the job just as well—or better.

Oven-Safe Ramekins and Ceramic Dishes

These are the gold standard for air fryer baking. Made from ceramic or tempered glass, they’re designed for high heat and even distribution.

• Pros: Heat evenly, come in various sizes, easy to clean, and safe up to 500°F.
• Cons: Slightly bulkier than jars, but still air fryer-friendly.

I use 6-ounce ramekins for mini quiches and crème brûlée. They fit perfectly in most baskets and never crack.

Silicone Molds and Baking Cups

Silicone is a game-changer. It’s flexible, non-stick, and handles extreme temperatures.

• Pros: Safe from -40°F to 450°F, easy to remove food, stackable, and dishwasher-safe.
• Cons: Can absorb odors over time, and some lower-quality silicone may degrade.

I use silicone mini loaf molds for banana bread and silicone cupcake liners for muffins. No sticking, no mess.

Metal Pans and Dishes (With Caution)

Small metal loaf pans, pie dishes, or cake pans can work—but only if they fit and don’t block airflow.

• Pros: Durable, excellent heat conduction, great for crisping.
• Cons: Can get very hot, so use tongs or mitts. Avoid aluminum foil—it can spark and damage the fryer.

I use a 7-inch metal pie dish for quiches. Just make sure it doesn’t touch the heating element.

Data Table: Comparing Air Fryer-Safe Containers

Container Type	Max Temp	Best For	Risks	Cleaning
Mason Jar (Soda-Lime)	250–300°F	Reheating, drying, melting	Thermal shock, cracking	Easy, but hard to scrub
Tempered Glass (Pyrex)	450°F	Baking, reheating, sauces	Still risks shock if cold	Easy, dishwasher-safe
Ceramic Ramekin	500°F	Baking, individual servings	Can chip if dropped	Very easy
Silicone Mold	450°F	Baking, freezing, melting	May absorb odors	Very easy
Metal Pan	450°F+	Baking, roasting	Gets extremely hot	Moderate (may stick)

The Final Verdict: Should You Put a Mason Jar in an Air Fryer?

So, after all this—can you put a mason jar in an air fryer? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It’s a “maybe, but only if you’re careful.”

If you’re using a room-temperature, tempered or borosilicate mason jar, cooking at low to medium heat, for short durations, and without sealing the lid, then yes—you can do it. It’s great for reheating, drying, or melting small amounts. I’ve done it successfully many times, and it can be a handy kitchen hack.

But if you’re planning to bake full recipes, use cold jars, crank the heat to 400°F, or seal the lid? Please don’t. The risks of cracking, shattering, or pressure explosions are too high. I’ve seen too many “just one more minute” moments end in disaster.

Ultimately, the best approach is to know your tools. Read your mason jar’s label. Understand your air fryer’s heat patterns. And when in doubt, opt for safer alternatives like ramekins or silicone molds. They’re designed for this, and they’ll save you stress (and glass shards) in the long run.

At the end of the day, the goal is to enjoy cooking—not clean up broken glass. So go ahead, get creative, but do it safely. Your air fryer and your kitchen will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put a mason jar in an air fryer safely?

Yes, you can put a mason jar in an air fryer if it’s made of tempered glass and labeled oven-safe. Avoid sudden temperature changes to prevent cracking.

What types of mason jars are safe to use in an air fryer?

Only use mason jars explicitly labeled as “oven-safe” or “heat-resistant,” such as Ball or Kerr jars. Regular glass jars may shatter due to rapid temperature shifts.

Can you put a mason jar in an air fryer for baking or reheating?

Yes, air fryer mason jar recipes like mug cakes or reheating leftovers work well. Ensure the jar is placed securely and not overcrowded for even airflow.

Do I need to adjust cooking times when using a mason jar in an air fryer?

Yes, glass conducts heat differently, so reduce cooking time by 2–5 minutes and monitor closely. Check doneness early to avoid overcooking.

Why does my mason jar keep cracking in the air fryer?

Cracking usually occurs from thermal shock or using non-tempered glass. Always preheat the jar slightly and avoid extreme temperature changes.

What are the best air fryer mason jar recipes to try?

Popular options include mini frittatas, baked oatmeal, and single-serve brownies. Use small mason jars (8 oz) for best results and easy cleanup.