Can You Put Metal in an Air Fryer? Safety Tips And More!

We’ve all been there. You unbox your shiny new air fryer, picturing crispy fries and juicy chicken wings, and then the question hits: can you put metal in an air fryer when air frying? This might sound silly. But when you’re used to avoiding metal in the microwave, it’s natural to wonder if the same rules apply.

It’s understandable if you are confused. So, let’s get one thing clear – using metal in an air fryer is a different story altogether. You just need to understand a few important factors, which we will explain in detail below:

Jump to:

• Understanding Your Air Fryer: It’s Not a Microwave
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Understanding Your Air Fryer: It’s Not a Microwave

Before we address whether you can put metal in an air fryer, let’s break down how an air fryer actually works. This helps us figure out what’s safe and what’s not, including the use of metal utensils. It uses hot air circulation to mimic deep frying. Imagine a super-powered convection oven blowing heated air all around your food.

This means that, unlike a microwave that uses electromagnetic radiation, the air fryer relies on simple heat. There’s no risk of arcing or sparking when the metal comes into contact with an air fryer’s heating element. Remember how nervous you used to feel putting a plate with a gold rim in the microwave? No need to worry about those scenarios here.

Metal: The Good, The Bad, and The Melty

The simple answer is yes, you can put metal in an air fryer. But – and it's a big "but" – not all metal. Now you're probably thinking, “Wait, you're saying you can put metal in an air fryer, but now there are restrictions?” Here’s what you need to know:

Safe to Use

• Stainless steel: Your stainless-steel baking sheets, pans, and even skewers are good to go in the air fryer. Stainless steel can handle high heat without reacting with food or warping.
• Cast Iron: That seasoned cast-iron skillet? You can use that, too. Just remember, preheating cast iron in an air fryer is usually not recommended – check the instructions that come with your air fryer.
• Aluminum foil: Yep, aluminum foil gets the green light as well. It can come in handy to line the basket and make cleanup a breeze. BUT – here comes a crucial tip – use foil sparingly.

Too much foil can block the air circulation that makes an air fryer work. For best results, only cover small sections of the basket, like the bottom to catch drippings, and make sure the foil doesn't interfere with the air fryer's fan.

It’s all about balance. You can also put metal in an air fryer with a bit of foil for easier cleaning. You heard that right! Just don't turn your air fryer basket into a solid metal box. And remember those tasty air-fried spring rolls? A bit of foil means enjoying those without the scrubbing aftermath.

Related: Silicone vs Parchment Paper for Air Fryer: Best Choice?

Proceed with Caution (or Avoid Completely)

• Nonstick cookware: Generally not recommended for the air fryer. The high temperatures might damage that nonstick coating, sending flakes into your food. And really, you wouldn’t want to ruin your favorite nonstick pan for a batch of air-fried french fries.
• Thin or lightweight metal: Like those disposable aluminum pans? They can get blown around by the powerful fan in an air fryer, interfering with its operation. If you hear your air fryer making odd sounds after adding a lightweight metal dish, there's a good chance this is the reason why.
• Metal with plastic or wood handles: Plastic handles melt – pretty straightforward there. And wood could even pose a fire risk. Stick to metal pieces with oven-safe handles, or use heat-resistant gloves to move hot dishes.

Metal Bakeware in Air Fryers: A Recipe for Success

So, can you put a metal cake tin in an air fryer? Many times yes. For things like baked goods, consider oven-safe metal bakeware as long as they fit inside the basket. Think mini Bundt pans or even individual ramekins for molten lava cakes.

Just make sure the dimensions are compatible and allow room for air to flow around the pan. When arranging your bakeware, remember that using a bit of parchment paper can prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

If you need to find the best bakeware options for your air fryer, take a look at your air fryer’s manual. Additionally, many retailers offer appliance service plans that can help with maintenance and troubleshooting, ensuring your air fryer continues to perform at its best.

Also read: What Containers Are Air Fryer Safe? Safe and Crispy Cooking

Air Fryer Rules: Beyond Metal

Just because we tackled metal in an air fryer doesn’t mean the mystery is entirely solved. Some items are better off cooked elsewhere. These guidelines recommend avoiding the following:

• Wet Batter: That crispy batter you love on fried chicken won’t work in the air fryer. It ends up soggy and could even create a messy situation. For best results, stick to pre-breaded or frozen foods. Think of those irresistible chicken sandwiches.
• Delicate Greens: Spinach, kale – these tend to fly around in the circulating air and just end up getting burnt.
• Unprotected Dry Spices: Those spice rubs you love will literally disappear if sprinkled directly onto food. Mix them with a little oil first. This helps them adhere to the food and ensures even distribution of flavor. For a wider variety of spices and seasonings, consider exploring the options at your local shop outlet or browsing online stores.
• Whole Roasted Chicken: I know this is a popular air fryer recipe, but a large, whole bird might not cook evenly in most air fryers. If you're looking to roast a whole chicken, using a traditional oven or a larger-capacity air fryer is recommended.

You also want to be careful with things that might obstruct airflow. For instance, completely covering the air fryer basket with aluminum foil will affect the cooking process and could damage your appliance.

Conclusion

So, can you put metal in an air fryer? Most of the time, yes. The air fryer isn’t a microwave, so it works differently. Knowing how this handy kitchen appliance uses hot air – instead of radiation – to cook food is a big part of getting those tasty, crispy results you're after.

The golden rule is simple: if a piece of metal is oven-safe and it fits without blocking the airflow, you are usually in the clear. Just keep those delicate or meltable items out of the fryer and stick to recommended materials, especially when it comes to cookware. With a little practice, you'll be whipping up delicious air-fried meals using a variety of safe and suitable cookware, including metal options.