Can I put a metal pan in an air fryer?

Yes, as long as the pan is oven-safe and fits in the basket without touching the heating element. Aluminum, stainless steel, and cast iron are all safe. Avoid pans with plastic handles or non-oven-safe coatings.

Will glass explode in an air fryer?

Only if the glass is not oven-safe or if it undergoes thermal shock. Use glass dishes labeled oven-safe to at least 230°C, let cold dishes come to room temperature before placing them in the air fryer, and avoid adding cold liquid to a hot dish.

Is silicone safe in an air fryer?

Yes, food-grade silicone is safe up to about 230°C. Keep silicone away from the heating element, and use it for items that do not need browning, since silicone does not conduct heat well.

Can I use parchment paper in an air fryer?

Yes, but only parchment paper rated for high heat (around 220°C or higher). Weigh it down with food so it does not blow into the heating element, and never preheat the air fryer with empty parchment paper inside.

What Materials Are Safe in an Air Fryer: Myths vs. Reality

The Basket Is Not the Whole Story

Most air fryers ship with a nonstick basket, and that basket is the only surface most people ever use. But the moment you want to cook more than the basket holds, or use a pan for saucy dishes, you need to know what else is safe. The machine works by circulating hot air rapidly, so the material of any container you put inside has to withstand that airflow and the temperatures the machine reaches, typically 200°C to 230°C (400°F to 450°F).

The myth that only the included basket is safe is wrong. Many oven-safe pans fit inside the basket or the drawer and work perfectly. The real question is not whether a material is 'air fryer safe' in some special sense, but whether it is oven-safe at high temperatures and does not block the air flow. If a pan is oven-safe to 230°C, it is almost always safe in an air fryer, with a few exceptions that depend on shape and size.

What matters more than the material alone is the pan's fit. A pan that touches the heating element or blocks the fan vent can cause uneven cooking or, in rare cases, overheating. So the first check is not the material label but the dimensions: the pan must sit inside the basket with at least a finger's width of clearance on all sides and leave the air intake and exhaust vents unobstructed.

Metal: Which Types Are Safe and Which Are Not

Metal is the most common material people ask about, and the answer is not a simple yes or no. Aluminum, stainless steel, and cast iron are all safe in an air fryer, but they behave differently. Aluminum heats quickly and evenly, which is good for baked goods, but thin aluminum pans can warp under the fan's vibration if they are not heavy-duty. Stainless steel is sturdy and non-reactive, making it ideal for acidic foods like tomato sauce, but it does not conduct heat as evenly as aluminum.

The myth that all metal is unsafe comes from the fact that some metal pans are not oven-safe. A pan with a plastic handle, a nonstick coating that is scratched, or a decorative coating that is not rated for high heat can melt or release fumes. Also, some cheap metal pans have rivets or seals that are not heat-safe. Always check the manufacturer's label for an oven-safe temperature rating, and if there is no rating, do not use it.

Cast iron is safe, but with a caveat: the heavy pan can scratch the nonstick basket, and the seasoning can smoke at high temperatures. If you use cast iron, place it on a silicone mat or a piece of parchment paper cut to fit, and avoid preheating the air fryer with the empty pan inside. Enameled cast iron is fine as long as the enamel is intact and the pan is oven-safe.

Aluminum: safe if heavy-duty and oven-safe; thin disposable pans can warp.
Stainless steel: safe and non-reactive; use for acidic foods.
Cast iron: safe but heavy; protect the basket from scratches and expect smoke from seasoning.
Avoid: metal pans with plastic handles, rubber grips, or non-oven-safe coatings.

Glass and Ceramic: The Surprising Safe Options

Many people assume glass and ceramic will shatter in an air fryer because of the rapid temperature changes. The reality is that oven-safe glass and ceramic dishes are perfectly safe, as long as they are rated for high temperatures and are not subjected to thermal shock. A Pyrex or Anchor Hocking dish labeled oven-safe to 230°C will work fine in an air fryer, provided it fits in the basket and does not touch the heating element.

The myth that glass always explodes comes from using non-oven-safe glass, like a drinking glass or a decorative bowl, or from taking a cold dish straight from the fridge and placing it in a preheated air fryer. Thermal shock happens when a material expands unevenly. To avoid it, let cold dishes sit at room temperature for a few minutes before placing them in the air fryer, and never add liquid to a hot glass dish.

Ceramic is similar. Stoneware and glazed ceramic casserole dishes that are oven-safe are fine. Unglazed ceramic or pottery that is not marked oven-safe can absorb moisture and crack. Also, some ceramic dishes have metallic paint or trim that can spark in the microwave but is safe in an air fryer, since the air fryer does not use microwaves. Still, check the label for oven-safe to be certain.

A clear glass baking dish sitting inside an air fryer basket

Silicone: Flexible, But Not for Everything

Silicone molds and liners are popular for air fryers because they are flexible, nonstick, and easy to clean. Food-grade silicone is safe up to about 230°C, which matches most air fryer maximum temperatures. Silicone cupcake liners, egg bites molds, and baking mats all work well. The material is inert, so it will not leach chemicals, and it does not scratch the basket.

The myth that silicone is unsafe because it 'melts' usually comes from using cheap, non-food-grade silicone or from placing silicone directly on the heating element. Pure silicone does not melt at air fryer temperatures, but it can soften and deform if it touches the heating coil. Always use silicone products labeled food-grade and oven-safe, and keep them in the center of the basket, not pressed against the sides or top.

One limitation: silicone is a poor conductor of heat, so food cooks less evenly on silicone than on metal. Use silicone for items that do not need browning, like egg bites or reheated pastries, and use metal for anything you want crispy. Also, silicone can absorb odors, so wash it with mild soap and water after each use, and avoid using it for strong-smelling foods like fish.

Material	Safe in Air Fryer?	Key Notes
Aluminum	Yes	Heavy-duty only; thin pans warp.
Stainless steel	Yes	Non-reactive; even heating with a base layer.
Cast iron	Yes	Heavy; can scratch basket; may smoke.
Oven-safe glass	Yes	Avoid thermal shock; check temperature rating.
Oven-safe ceramic	Yes	Avoid unglazed or non-oven-safe pottery.
Food-grade silicone	Yes	Not for high-heat browning; keep off element.
Nonstick (PTFE)	Yes with caution	Use only if coating is intact and below 260°C.
Plastic	No	Melts; never use plastic containers.

Nonstick Coatings and Paper: Read the Fine Print

The nonstick coating on the air fryer basket itself is usually PTFE-based, which is safe up to about 260°C. Most air fryers do not exceed 230°C, so the coating stays within its safe range. The myth that nonstick coatings are toxic in air fryers is overblown, but the coating can degrade if you use metal utensils that scratch it, or if you run the air fryer empty on the highest setting for a long time.

If you want to use an additional nonstick pan, like a cake pan or a muffin tin, check that it is rated for oven use and that the coating is not scratched or flaking. Once the coating is damaged, it can release particles into food, and the pan is no longer safe. Replace any nonstick pan with visible wear.

Paper products are a common source of confusion. Parchment paper is safe in an air fryer because it can withstand temperatures up to about 220°C, but only if it is weighed down by food so it does not fly into the heating element. Wax paper, paper towels, and paper plates are not safe because they can melt, ignite, or shed fibers. Always use parchment paper specifically labeled for baking or air frying, and never preheat the air fryer with parchment paper inside and no food.