Can You Put Ceramic in an Air Fryer The Ultimate Guide

Yes, you can safely put ceramic in an air fryer—but only if it’s labeled oven-safe and free of cracks or metallic finishes. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid thermal shock or damage, as sudden temperature changes can cause breakage. Stick to high-quality, heat-resistant ceramic bakeware for best results and never preheat empty ceramic in the air fryer.

Key Takeaways

• Check for air fryer-safe labels: Only use ceramic labeled as oven- or air fryer-safe.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes: Preheat ceramic to prevent cracking from sudden heat shifts.
• Use thicker ceramic pieces: Thick-walled dishes handle air fryer heat more evenly.
• Never use damaged ceramic: Chips or cracks can worsen and cause breakage during cooking.
• Place centrally in the basket: Ensures even airflow and prevents overheating edges.
• Clean carefully after use: Let ceramic cool fully before washing to avoid thermal shock.

Can You Put Ceramic in an Air Fryer The Ultimate Guide

Air fryers have revolutionized modern kitchens, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying with their rapid air circulation technology. From crispy fries to golden chicken wings, these countertop appliances promise convenience, speed, and delicious results. But as air fryer popularity soars, so do questions about what cookware is safe and effective to use inside them. One common query that arises among home chefs and cooking enthusiasts is: Can you put ceramic in an air fryer?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no—it depends on the type of ceramic, its manufacturing quality, and how you use it. While ceramic is a popular material for baking dishes, ramekins, and even air fryer baskets, not all ceramics are created equal when it comes to high-heat environments like air fryers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the science behind ceramic cookware, the risks and benefits of using it in air fryers, and practical tips to help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer user or a beginner looking to expand your cooking repertoire, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to use ceramic safely and effectively—without compromising your appliance or your food.

Understanding Ceramic Cookware: Types and Properties

What Is Ceramic Cookware?

Ceramic cookware refers to kitchen tools and containers made from clay-based materials that are shaped and then fired at high temperatures to harden. Unlike metals or glass, ceramic is a non-metallic, inorganic material known for its excellent heat retention, non-stick surface (when glazed), and aesthetic appeal. However, ceramic comes in various forms, and understanding these distinctions is crucial before placing it in an air fryer.

• Glazed Ceramic: Most commonly found in baking dishes, casserole pans, and ramekins. The glaze is a glass-like coating that seals the porous ceramic, making it non-stick and easy to clean. However, some glazes may contain lead or cadmium if not manufactured to food-safe standards.
• Unglazed Ceramic: Often used in traditional cooking like tagines or clay pots. These are porous and may absorb moisture or flavors, making them less ideal for air frying unless properly seasoned.
• Stoneware and Porcelain: Subsets of ceramic with higher durability and heat resistance. Porcelain is a refined, vitrified ceramic that is non-porous and highly heat-resistant, making it a better candidate for air fryer use.
• Ceramic-Coated Metal: Not pure ceramic but metal pans with a ceramic non-stick coating. These are often marketed as “ceramic” but behave differently under high heat and rapid air circulation.

Key Properties of Ceramic Relevant to Air Frying

When evaluating whether ceramic can go in an air fryer, consider the following physical and thermal properties:

• Heat Resistance: High-quality ceramics can withstand temperatures up to 2000°F (1100°C) when properly fired. However, rapid temperature changes (thermal shock) are the real danger.
• Thermal Conductivity: Ceramic conducts heat slowly but retains it well. This means food may cook more evenly, but preheating is essential to avoid cold spots.
• Thermal Shock Resistance: This is the ability to withstand sudden temperature changes. Most ceramic items are prone to cracking if moved from a cold environment (like a refrigerator) directly into a hot air fryer.
• Non-Reactivity: Ceramic is chemically stable and won’t leach metals or react with acidic foods—unlike some metals—making it ideal for cooking tomatoes, citrus-based dishes, or vinegar-heavy marinades.

Example: A porcelain ramekin used to bake a crème brûlée at 350°F (175°C) is likely safe in an air fryer. But a handmade earthenware pot that hasn’t been kiln-fired to high temperatures may crack when exposed to 400°F (205°C) air circulation.

The Risks of Using Ceramic in Air Fryers

Thermal Shock: The #1 Danger

The most significant risk when using ceramic in an air fryer is thermal shock. Air fryers heat up quickly—often reaching 350–400°F in under 5 minutes. If a ceramic dish is cold (e.g., just removed from the fridge or stored in a cool pantry), the sudden exposure to intense heat can cause microscopic cracks that expand and lead to breakage.

For instance, placing a chilled ceramic baking dish directly into a preheated air fryer is a recipe for disaster. The outer layer heats rapidly while the inner layer remains cool, creating internal stress. This can result in:

• Cracks or fractures in the ceramic
• Complete shattering, potentially damaging the air fryer basket or heating element
• Hot ceramic fragments mixing with food, posing a safety hazard

Uneven Heating and Cooking Issues

While ceramic retains heat well, it doesn’t distribute it as evenly as metals like aluminum or stainless steel. In an air fryer, where hot air circulates rapidly around food, a thick ceramic dish may create a “heat shadow”—areas where air flow is blocked, leading to uneven cooking.

Practical Tip: If using a ceramic casserole dish to air fry a lasagna, the outer edges may overcook while the center remains undercooked. To mitigate this, stir or rotate the dish halfway through cooking, or use a thinner ceramic dish to allow better air circulation.

Glaze and Coating Safety Concerns

Not all ceramic glazes are created equal. Some low-quality or vintage ceramic dishes may contain lead or cadmium in the glaze, which can leach into food when exposed to high heat and acidic ingredients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates lead levels in ceramic cookware, but older or imported items may not meet these standards.

Additionally, ceramic-coated metal pans (common in “ceramic” non-stick cookware) can degrade at high temperatures. The coating may chip or release fumes if overheated, especially above 500°F (260°C)—a temperature some air fryer models can reach during preheating or high-heat cycles.

Weight and Air Fryer Compatibility

Air fryers are designed with weight limits in mind. Ceramic dishes, especially large casserole pans or stoneware pots, can be heavy. Placing a 5-pound ceramic dish into a 3.5-quart air fryer may:

• Overload the basket, affecting air circulation
• Stress the drawer mechanism, leading to premature wear
• Reduce cooking efficiency due to mass slowing down heat transfer

Recommendation: Always check your air fryer’s manual for maximum weight limits and avoid overfilling with dense ceramic cookware.

Safe Ceramic Options for Air Frying

Oven-Safe, Food-Grade Ceramic

The safest ceramic items for air fryer use are those explicitly labeled oven-safe, food-grade, and thermal shock-resistant. These include:

• Porcelain baking dishes (e.g., Pyrex, CorningWare, or high-quality brands like Emile Henry)
• Stoneware ramekins and mini cocottes designed for baking
• FDA-approved ceramic casserole dishes with lead-free glazes

Look for markings on the bottom of the dish: “Oven Safe,” “Dishwasher Safe,” or “Thermal Shock Resistant.” Brands like Lodge, Le Creuset (ceramic line), and Staub offer ceramic products tested for high-heat cooking environments.

Air Fryer-Specific Ceramic Accessories

The market now offers ceramic accessories designed specifically for air fryers. These are lightweight, optimized for air circulation, and tested for rapid temperature changes. Examples include:

• Ceramic air fryer liners (reusable, non-stick)
• Ceramic crisper plates that fit inside the basket to elevate food
• Mini ceramic baking molds for cupcakes, quiches, or individual servings

Example: The Instant Vortex Ceramic Crisper Plate is a popular accessory that fits into Instant Pot air fryer lids. It’s made from food-grade ceramic and enhances browning by allowing air to circulate underneath food.

How to Test Ceramic for Air Fryer Safety

If you’re unsure about a ceramic dish’s suitability, perform this simple test:

1. Fill the dish with water and place it in a cold oven.
2. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it bake for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the dish with oven mitts and let it cool naturally.
4. Inspect for cracks, warping, or discoloration.

If the dish survives this test, it’s likely safe for air fryer use—but always start with lower temperatures (325°F) and avoid sudden temperature changes.

Best Practices for Using Ceramic in Air Fryers

Preheat the Air Fryer (and the Ceramic!)

Always preheat your air fryer for 3–5 minutes before adding food. For ceramic dishes, take an extra step: preheat the ceramic by placing it in the air fryer during the preheat cycle (empty, with the basket in place). This minimizes thermal shock and ensures even cooking.

Pro Tip: Never add cold ceramic directly to a hot air fryer. If your dish has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes first.

Use the Right Size and Shape

Choose ceramic dishes that fit comfortably inside the air fryer basket without touching the heating element or blocking airflow. Ideal options include:

• Small ramekins (4–6 oz) for individual servings
• Oblong ceramic dishes (8×4 inches) that fit in larger air fryers
• Round ceramic pans (6–7 inches in diameter)

Avoid oversized casserole dishes that extend beyond the basket—this disrupts air circulation and may cause uneven cooking or overheating.

Adjust Cooking Times and Temperatures

Ceramic heats more slowly than metal, so you may need to:

• Increase cooking time by 20–30% for dense dishes like casseroles
• Reduce temperature by 25°F to prevent over-browning
• Stir or flip food halfway to ensure even cooking

Example: A quiche recipe that bakes at 375°F for 25 minutes in an oven may require 325°F for 30–35 minutes in an air fryer with a ceramic ramekin.

Clean and Store Ceramic Properly

After use, allow ceramic dishes to cool completely before cleaning. Avoid thermal shock during cleanup:

• Don’t rinse a hot ceramic dish with cold water
• Use non-abrasive sponges to prevent scratching the glaze
• Store in a dry place to prevent moisture absorption (especially for unglazed ceramics)

Top Ceramic Products for Air Fryer Cooking: A Comparison

To help you make informed choices, here’s a comparison of popular ceramic products suitable for air fryer use:

Product	Type	Size	Max Temp	Thermal Shock Resistant?	Best For	Price Range
Emile Henry Modern Classics Baking Dish	Porcelain	9×13 inches	500°F (260°C)	Yes	Casseroles, lasagna	$$$
Lodge Cast Iron Ceramic-Coated Skillet	Ceramic-coated cast iron	10 inches	500°F (260°C)	Limited (handle may get hot)	Frittatas, searing	$$
Instant Vortex Ceramic Crisper Plate	Food-grade ceramic	Fits 6-quart models	450°F (230°C)	Yes	Elevating food, crisping	$
Pyrex Simply Store Ceramic Dish	Stoneware	8×8 inches	450°F (230°C)	Yes	Baking, reheating	$$
HIC Harold Import Co. Porcelain Ramekins	Porcelain	6 oz (set of 4)	500°F (260°C)	Yes	Desserts, individual portions	$

Note: Always verify compatibility with your specific air fryer model. Some accessories may not fit smaller or non-standard baskets.

Conclusion: Ceramic in Air Fryers—Yes, But With Care

So, can you put ceramic in an air fryer? The answer is a cautious but confident yes—provided you choose the right type of ceramic, follow safety precautions, and understand the limitations. Ceramic offers unique advantages: non-reactive surfaces, excellent heat retention, and a beautiful presentation for baked and roasted dishes. From individual crème brûlées to family-sized casseroles, ceramic can elevate your air fryer cooking when used correctly.

However, success hinges on avoiding thermal shock, selecting oven-safe and food-grade ceramics, and adapting your cooking techniques to account for ceramic’s slower heat conduction. Avoid vintage or unmarked ceramics, never subject cold dishes to hot environments, and always prioritize airflow and fit within your air fryer basket.

By following the guidelines in this guide—preheating, testing, choosing the right size, and using trusted brands—you can safely harness the benefits of ceramic cookware in your air fryer. Whether you’re baking a soufflé, roasting vegetables, or reheating leftovers, ceramic can be a versatile and valuable addition to your air frying toolkit. Just remember: not all ceramic is created equal, but with knowledge and care, it can be a game-changer in your kitchen.

As air fryer technology continues to evolve, so do the accessories and cookware designed for it. Stay informed, experiment wisely, and enjoy the delicious, crispy, and healthy results that ceramic and air frying can deliver together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put ceramic in an air fryer safely?

Yes, you can put ceramic in an air fryer if it’s labeled as oven-safe and can withstand high temperatures (typically above 400°F). Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid cracking or shattering due to rapid heat changes.

What type of ceramic is safe for air fryers?

Only use ceramic cookware or bakeware marked as oven-safe, such as ceramic-coated pans or stoneware. Avoid decorative or hand-painted ceramics, as they may contain materials not rated for air fryer temperatures.

Can you put a ceramic bowl in an air fryer?

Yes, a ceramic bowl can go in an air fryer if it’s designed for high-heat cooking and fits without blocking airflow. Ensure it’s free of metal trim or non-heat-resistant embellishments.

Is ceramic or silicone better for air fryer cooking?

Ceramic is great for even heat distribution and browning, while silicone is lightweight and flexible for easy removal. For high-heat tasks like roasting, oven-safe ceramic is ideal; for delicate foods, silicone may be safer.

Why did my ceramic dish crack in the air fryer?

Ceramic can crack in an air fryer if it’s not rated for high temperatures or exposed to sudden temperature shifts (like cold ceramic in a preheated fryer). Always preheat the ceramic dish gradually and use oven-safe products.

Can you put ceramic in an air fryer for baking?

Absolutely—ceramic is excellent for air fryer baking, especially for dishes like casseroles, bread, or desserts. Just ensure the dish fits the basket and is preheated properly to prevent thermal shock.