You find yourself looking at your air fryer oven. Maybe you just got it, or maybe you’re looking to use it in new ways. It can be confusing - you want crispy deliciousness, but you also don’t want a burnt, smoky mess on your hands. You’re probably thinking, what pan to use in air fryer oven to avoid a cooking disaster?
There are various air fryer styles, including toaster or oven-style air fryers, which offer advantages like larger capacity and the ability to look through the glass door for proper air circulation.
Don’t sweat it. I’ll break it all down, giving you the confidence to use your air fryer oven like a Master Chef. I’ll name the best pans to use and which ones you should avoid. What pan to use in an air fryer oven doesn’t have to be a mystery.
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Why Pan Choice Matters in an Air Fryer Oven
Let's get real: the pan you choose impacts more than you think when it comes to air fryer ovens. This isn't your grandma's traditional oven - it's all about that hot air circulating to get things crispy.
Airflow is King
Remember that using an air fryer with the wrong pan can totally block those good vibes, leaving you with uneven cooking and a sad, soggy dinner. Your best bet? Opt for pans that encourage airflow - think perforated surfaces or those with lower sides.
There are even specially designed air fry trays, like the ones Frigidaire makes. These help with quicker, crispier results because the air can circulate all around the food.
Heating and Browning
Darker pans are your new best friend - they heat up fast and give you that beautiful browning we all love. A shiny baking sheet, on the other hand, will reflect the heat, throwing off your cooking times and leaving you wondering why your food isn't cooking evenly.
Must-read: Is Air Fryer Healthier than Oven
The Best Pans for Your Air Fryer Oven
Alright, enough with the science lesson. Let's talk about what pan to use in an air fryer oven to make your life easier and your food amazing:
1. Dark, Non-Stick Baking Sheets
Remember our talk about darker pans? This is where they shine. Look for non-stick ones for super easy clean-up after those cheesy dishes or when using sugary sauces. Just be sure to grab a sheet with lower sides for prime airflow.
2. Air Fryer Baskets
Air fryer baskets come with most air fryer ovens, and for good reason. Their perforated design is perfect for air circulation and lets excess oil drip away. This keeps your food crispy without any unnecessary grease. Plus, the basket design makes it super simple to remove your food and avoid burns - just make sure you're using oven mitts because these babies get HOT.
3. Cast Iron Skillets (with caution)
Cast iron pans can be used in your air fryer oven. They typically have smaller handles that are part of a composite body. Iron pans with wooden or plastic grips can be a risky choice compared to cast iron pans.
But here’s the deal: They’re slow to heat up and are not great for delicate foods that could burn. However, once they’re hot, they retain heat beautifully and can provide even cooking for specific dishes, especially meats, where you want a nice sear.
Also read: Can Airfryer Replace Toaster? Exploring Kitchen Versatility
4. Parchment Paper
I’m a huge fan of parchment paper. I love using it when baking goodies in my air fryer oven. They keep your food from sticking to the pan. This is especially helpful if your air fryer oven doesn’t have a non-stick interior, it makes cleanup easy, and let's face it, who likes to spend hours cleaning anyway?
When using parchment paper in your air fryer oven, always make sure it’s secured to the pan. You can weigh the edges down with a small amount of food. This will prevent the paper from blowing around and potentially coming into contact with the heating elements.
And just as important - never put parchment paper in an air fryer oven that's preheating. It’s a fire hazard. Always add parchment paper after the air fryer oven is already hot.
Also read: Samsung Oven Air Fryer Review: Cooking Made Easy
What Not to Use in Your Air Fryer Oven
Let’s talk about what NOT to use - those pans that scream "kitchen disaster" waiting to happen. Trust me, some things are better left in the regular oven (or better yet, the drawer)!
1. Glass Dishes
They take forever to heat up. Glass dishes are also prone to cracking or shattering under the intense heat of an air fryer oven, which can create a dangerous situation. This doesn't mean you can't reheat leftovers, just avoid cooking in glass dishes.
2. Pans with High Sides
Remember how we talked about air circulation being vital? Pans with high sides are like airflow blockers. They trap heat and moisture, leaving your food steamed instead of crispy. Save your beautiful casserole dish for a different cooking adventure.
Also Read: What To Put Under Air Fryer To Protect Counter
3. Aluminum Foil
Here's a mistake I see people make: Aluminum foil directly on the bottom of the air fryer oven. Bad idea. It can block the airflow, leading to uneven cooking. But don't banish it from your kitchen altogether. Foil can be used sparingly to line a baking sheet placed beneath your air fryer basket to catch drips and make clean-up easier. Never use it directly on the oven surface, though.
Also read: Can Put Aluminum Foil In An Air Fryer? An In-Depth Guide
Pro Tips for Air Fryer Oven Success
Now you're a pro at choosing the right pans. Ready for some insider tips to really up your air fryer oven expertise?
- Don't Overcrowd: Give your food some breathing room on the pan - this ensures that glorious, even crispiness.
- Preheat When Necessary: Some recipes call for preheating the air fryer oven. Preheating helps activate baking powder and baking soda in batters and doughs and results in crispier textures.
- Flip and Shake: Flip your food halfway through for even cooking. Don’t be afraid to give the basket or pan a shake, too.
- Adjust Cooking Times: When trying a new recipe or a new pan, start with a shorter cooking time than the recipe suggests and adjust accordingly. It's better to check early and have to add a minute or two than to overcook your food.
FAQ's
You don't necessarily NEED special pans. The key is choosing cookware that promotes optimal airflow. So, while that fancy air fryer-specific pan might be tempting, a simple dark, non-stick baking sheet with lower sides will do the trick just fine. It's all about working smarter, not harder, in the kitchen.
If you're looking for a dedicated air fryer tray, you’ve got options. Check online retailers (like Amazon) or browse the accessory aisle of your local department store - chances are you’ll find compatible trays made specifically for your oven’s model. Just measure your air fryer oven's interior before shopping so you don’t end up with a tray that's too big or small.
Nope, you don't absolutely need a separate air fryer basket to air fry in the oven. The key is air circulation, so a baking sheet with low sides often works perfectly. Air fryer baskets just enhance that effect. However, if your air fryer oven didn't come with one and you're thinking of getting one, they can be a nice little upgrade. They are convenient and make it easier to take your food out of the oven without burning yourself.
Air fry mode uses circulating hot air to cook food, reducing the need for oil compared to traditional deep frying methods, resulting in healthier meals.
Yes, countertop air fryers are ideal for cooking French fries, giving them a crispy texture with minimal oil compared to deep frying.
You can use a variety of dishes like baking dishes or non-stick baking sheets in an air fryer, depending on the recipe and air fryer size.
Conclusion
Figuring out what pan to use in an air fryer oven can feel like a recipe for disaster if you're not careful. There’s nothing more disheartening than pulling out a burnt, unevenly cooked meal. Avoid ruining your dish (and maybe even your pan.), and use the advice I've given you - trust me, your taste buds and cookware will thank you!
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