Can You Put a Metal Pan in an Air Fryer Safely

Yes, you can safely put a metal pan in an air fryer as long as it’s oven-safe and doesn’t block airflow—opt for lightweight, shallow pans to avoid damaging the heating element. Always check your air fryer’s manual and avoid warping or oversized metal trays to ensure even cooking and long-term performance.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can use metal pans in most air fryers—they’re safe and durable.
• Always check your air fryer’s manual to confirm metal cookware compatibility first.
• Avoid warping by using thick, heavy-duty metal pans that fit loosely inside.
• Never use metal on the heating element—keep pans away from top components.
• Prevent scratching by not sliding metal pans in or out aggressively.
• Opt for round or square pans that allow proper air circulation for even cooking.

Can You Put a Metal Pan in an Air Fryer Safely?

So, you’ve just pulled your air fryer out of the box, or maybe you’ve been using it for a while and are now wondering: Can you put a metal pan in an air fryer? It’s a great question—one I asked myself when I first tried to make a batch of brownies in my new appliance. I stood there, holding a small metal baking pan, staring at the air fryer basket, wondering if it was safe. After all, metal and heat don’t always mix well, especially in compact appliances like air fryers.

Let’s be honest: air fryers are magical. They promise crispy fries, juicy chicken, and even baked goods with little to no oil. But with great power comes great responsibility—or at least great confusion. One of the most common dilemmas home cooks face is whether metal pans, baking dishes, or even foil are safe to use inside the air fryer. The short answer? Sometimes. But the long answer? It depends on several factors, including the type of metal, the air fryer model, and how you use it. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—based on my own trial, error, and research—so you can cook safely and confidently.

Understanding How Air Fryers Work (And Why Metal Matters)

How Air Fryers Circulate Heat

Air fryers don’t actually fry food. Instead, they use a powerful fan to circulate hot air around food at high speeds. This rapid airflow creates a convection effect, cooking food evenly and giving it that crispy, fried-like texture. The heating element is usually located at the top of the unit, and the basket or tray sits below, allowing air to flow freely through the food.

Because of this design, air circulation is key. Anything that blocks or disrupts airflow—like a bulky pan or a poorly placed metal tray—can lead to uneven cooking, longer cook times, or even damage to your appliance. That’s why the material you use inside the air fryer matters more than you might think.

Why Metal Reacts Differently in Air Fryers

Metal is a great conductor of heat—much better than glass or ceramic. When you place a metal pan in an air fryer, it heats up quickly and evenly. That sounds good, right? Well, yes and no.

The problem isn’t that metal heats up—it’s how it affects the air fryer’s internal mechanics. Some air fryers have exposed heating elements or sensitive sensors. If a metal pan touches the heating coil (especially if it’s too tall or placed incorrectly), it can cause sparking, arcing, or even damage the unit. I once saw a friend’s air fryer emit a small spark when a loose piece of aluminum foil brushed against the heating element. Scary stuff.

Additionally, not all metal is created equal. Thin, flimsy foil can melt or warp under high heat, while thick, oven-safe metal pans may be perfectly safe. The key is understanding the difference between safe and unsafe metal use.

Practical Tip: Check Your Manual

Before you even think about putting metal in your air fryer, read the user manual. Seriously. Every model is different. Some brands, like Ninja and Instant Pot, explicitly allow metal pans and even sell compatible accessories. Others, especially older or budget models, may warn against it. For example, my Philips AirFryer HD9650 manual says, “Do not place metal objects directly on the heating element,” but it also lists approved metal baking pans for certain models.

When in doubt, stick to what the manufacturer says. It’s not just about safety—it’s also about preserving your warranty.

Types of Metal Pans: Which Ones Are Safe?

Oven-Safe Metal Baking Pans

If you’re making brownies, muffins, or a mini meatloaf, an oven-safe metal baking pan (like a small loaf pan, cake pan, or muffin tin) is often safe to use in an air fryer—as long as it fits properly. I’ve used a 6-inch metal cake pan in my Ninja Air Fryer without any issues. The key is ensuring it doesn’t touch the heating element and allows at least 1–2 inches of space around it for airflow.

Look for pans labeled “oven-safe” or “heat-resistant up to 450°F.” Most air fryers max out at 400°F, so this is usually safe. Brands like Nordic Ware and Wilton make small metal pans specifically designed for toaster ovens and air fryers.

Aluminum Foil: Use With Caution

Ah, aluminum foil—the kitchen multitasker. Can you use it in an air fryer? Yes, but with rules.

• Do: Line the bottom of the air fryer basket with foil to catch drips (especially for fatty meats). Make sure it’s flat and doesn’t cover the sides or block airflow.
• Don’t: Wrap food completely in foil (like a foil packet) unless the recipe specifically says it’s safe. Foil traps steam and can lead to soggy food. Also, never let loose foil touch the heating element.

I once tried making “air fryer baked potatoes” by wrapping them in foil. The result? Soggy, undercooked spuds. When I skipped the foil and pierced the skin, they came out crispy and perfect. Lesson learned: foil isn’t always the answer.

Metal Skewers, Racks, and Accessories

Many air fryer models come with metal accessories like skewers, racks, or grill plates. These are designed to be used safely because they’re made of heat-resistant, non-reactive metal (often stainless steel or coated carbon steel) and are shaped to promote airflow.

For example, I use a metal skewer rack to make kebabs. The food sits above the basket, allowing air to circulate underneath. It works great—and it’s 100% safe because it’s made for the air fryer.

But here’s a tip: if you’re buying third-party metal accessories, check reviews. Some off-brand skewers have been reported to warp or spark due to poor quality metal.

Non-Stick Metal Pans: A Word of Caution

Many metal pans have non-stick coatings. While these are great for easy cleanup, they can be problematic in air fryers. High heat can degrade non-stick coatings over time, releasing fumes or making the pan unsafe. Plus, if the coating flakes off, it could end up in your food.

If you must use a non-stick metal pan, keep temperatures below 400°F and avoid metal utensils. Better yet, use a silicone or parchment liner to protect the coating.

What Happens When You Use the Wrong Metal?

Sparking and Arcing: The Biggest Risk

This is the scariest outcome of using unsafe metal in an air fryer. When a metal object (like a loose foil sheet or a pan with sharp edges) comes too close to the heating element, it can create a spark or arc—a sudden burst of electricity.

I’ve seen this happen when someone placed a crumpled ball of foil in the basket. The foil expanded during cooking, touched the coil, and—zap—a spark shot out. The air fryer shut off automatically (thank goodness for safety features), but the smell of burnt plastic lingered for days.

Arcing can damage the heating element, trip your circuit breaker, or even start a fire in rare cases. It’s not common, but it’s not worth the risk.

Uneven Cooking and Hot Spots

Even if no sparks fly, using the wrong pan can ruin your meal. A thick metal pan that blocks airflow might cause:

• Food on the edges to cook too fast
• Food in the center to remain raw
• Longer cook times due to reduced air circulation

I once tried baking a small quiche in a deep metal tart pan. The edges burned, but the center was still liquid. When I switched to a shallower pan, it cooked evenly in half the time.

Damage to the Air Fryer Basket or Liner

Some air fryer baskets have non-stick coatings or silicone liners. A rough metal pan can scratch or tear these surfaces, reducing the lifespan of your appliance. I learned this the hard way when I used a metal springform pan with a sharp base. It left deep grooves in the basket coating—and now food sticks more easily.

Chemical Leaching (Rare but Possible)

Low-quality or reactive metals (like uncoated aluminum or copper) can leach into food when heated, especially with acidic ingredients like tomatoes or citrus. While this is more common in slow cookers or stovetop pans, it’s still a concern in air fryers if you use cheap metal accessories.

Stick to food-grade, oven-safe metals to avoid this risk.

Safe Ways to Use Metal in Your Air Fryer

Use the Right-Sized Pan

Size matters. A pan that’s too large will block airflow. One that’s too small might tip over or let food fall into the heating element.

General rule: Choose a pan that’s at least 1 inch smaller in diameter than your air fryer basket. For example, if your basket is 8 inches wide, use a 6- or 7-inch pan. This leaves room for hot air to circulate around the sides.

I use a 6-inch round cake pan for brownies and a 5-inch loaf pan for banana bread. Both fit snugly and cook evenly.

Elevate the Pan (When Needed)

If you’re using a deep pan and worried about blocking airflow, try elevating it with a trivet or metal rack. This creates a gap between the pan and the basket, allowing air to flow underneath.

Some air fryers come with a multi-level rack. If yours doesn’t, you can buy a small oven-safe trivet or even use crumpled foil balls (safely placed, not touching the heating element).

Line the Pan (For Easy Cleanup)

To prevent sticking and protect your pan, line it with:

• Parchment paper (cut to fit the pan)
• Silicone baking mats (reusable and heat-safe)
• Lightly greased foil (only if the pan is shallow and foil doesn’t touch the heating element)

I always use parchment in my metal cake pan. It makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the brownies from sticking to the sides.

Preheat the Air Fryer (With the Pan Inside?)

Most recipes don’t require preheating, but if you do, don’t preheat with the metal pan inside unless the manual says it’s safe. Some air fryers heat up too quickly, and the metal pan could overheat or warp.

Instead, preheat the air fryer empty, then add the pan with food. Or, if your model allows it, preheat with the pan for 2–3 minutes—but never longer.

Monitor the First Few Uses

When trying a new metal pan or accessory, keep an eye on it during the first few minutes. Watch for:

• Smoke or strange smells
• Sparks or flickering
• Unusual noises

If anything seems off, turn off the air fryer immediately and remove the pan.

When to Avoid Metal Altogether

Acidic or Delicate Foods

Some foods, like tomato-based sauces, citrus-marinated meats, or vinegar-based dressings, can react with certain metals (especially aluminum). This can alter the taste or cause discoloration. For these recipes, use glass, ceramic, or silicone instead.

I once made a tomato sauce in a metal pan—the sauce turned slightly metallic and the pan stained. Never again.

High-Temperature Cooking (Above 400°F)

Most air fryers max out at 400°F. If you’re cooking at the highest setting, avoid thin or low-quality metal pans. They can warp, melt, or release harmful fumes.

Stick to thick, heavy-duty pans (like cast aluminum or stainless steel) if you must use metal at high temps.

Models with Exposed Heating Elements

Some air fryers have heating coils that are visible or very close to the basket. In these models, even a small metal pan could be a hazard. Check your model’s design—if the heating element is exposed, stick to the manufacturer’s approved accessories.

For example, my older Cosori model has a protective mesh over the coil, so I’m more confident using metal. But my friend’s budget air fryer has a bare coil—she sticks to silicone and parchment only.

Comparison Table: Safe vs. Unsafe Metal Use in Air Fryers

Metal Item	Safe?	Why/Why Not	Tips
Oven-safe metal cake pan (6-inch)	✅ Yes	Fits well, allows airflow, heat-resistant	Line with parchment; don’t touch heating element
Aluminum foil (flat, in basket)	✅ Yes (with caution)	Prevents drips; avoid loose or crumpled foil	Never let foil touch heating element
Metal skewers (air fryer-specific)	✅ Yes	Designed for airflow and heat	Soak wooden skewers first if using hybrid
Non-stick metal pan (high heat)	⚠️ Risky	Coating can degrade at 400°F+	Use below 400°F; avoid metal utensils
Foil packet (fully wrapped)	❌ No	Blocks airflow; traps steam	Use parchment paper instead
Loose crumpled foil	❌ No	Can touch heating element and spark	Use only flat, secured foil
Copper or uncoated aluminum pan	❌ No	Reacts with acidic foods; poor heat distribution	Use stainless steel or ceramic instead

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can—But Be Smart About It

So, can you put a metal pan in an air fryer? The answer is a cautious yes—as long as you choose the right pan, use it properly, and follow your air fryer’s guidelines. Metal can be a fantastic tool for baking, roasting, and even grilling in your air fryer. It heats evenly, is durable, and often more affordable than silicone or ceramic alternatives.

But like any kitchen tool, it has its limits. The key is respecting the appliance. Don’t force a pan that’s too big. Don’t use foil recklessly. And always prioritize airflow and safety over convenience.

I’ve learned through trial and error that the best approach is to start small. Try one metal pan, monitor it closely, and adjust as needed. Over time, you’ll figure out what works best for your air fryer and your cooking style.

And remember: when in doubt, stick to what the manufacturer says. Your air fryer is an investment—treat it well, and it’ll serve you delicious, crispy meals for years to come.

Happy air frying—and stay safe!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put a metal pan in an air fryer safely?

Yes, you can put a metal pan in an air fryer as long as it’s oven-safe and doesn’t touch the heating element. Ensure the pan is designed for high heat and fits without blocking airflow.

What type of metal pans are safe for air fryers?

Oven-safe metal pans like stainless steel, cast iron, or aluminum are safe to use in an air fryer. Avoid thin or warped pans that could damage the basket or interfere with cooking.

Can you put a metal pan in an air fryer without damaging it?

Using a metal pan in an air fryer won’t damage it if the pan is heat-resistant and properly sized. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent overheating or warping.

Is it better to use a metal pan or the air fryer basket?

Using the air fryer basket allows for optimal airflow and crispiness, but a metal pan is great for baking or containing messy foods. Choose based on your cooking needs.

Can you put a metal pan in an air fryer for baking?

Yes, a metal pan is ideal for baking cakes, brownies, or casseroles in an air fryer. Just ensure it’s oven-safe and leaves space around the edges for air circulation.

Are there risks to using metal pans in air fryers?

Risks include blocking airflow or scratching the basket if the pan is too large or low-quality. Always use a pan that fits properly and is rated for high-heat cooking.