Do you need a special pan for an air fryer oven?

What kind of pan you need depends on the food you make in your air fryer. Normally, you can make almost everything that must be cooked in an air fryer in the basket coming with it. When you need to cook foods with batter or when the food needs to hold a particular shape, you need a special metal or aluminum pan—that, too, must be oven-proof.

Do You Need Special Pans For Air Fryer Oven?

Q: Do You Need Special Pans For Air Fryer?

No, you do not need special pans for an air fryer. Air fryers typically come with baskets or trays that are designed to allow hot air circulation. However, if you want to use a pan, ensure it is ovenproof, fits comfortably within the air fryer and is suitable for high-heat cooking. Avoid using anything made of plastic or wood.

Before you start cooking in your brand-new air fryer, it is crucial to search for what type of utensils you can put in it.

Most air fryers come with a crisper plate and a basket, the most recommended and suitable cookware for air fryer use.

But apart from the crisper plate and the basket, do you need special pans for your air fryer?

No, there are no special pans for the air fryer oven. However, you may need a particular pan based on your recipe. Foods like batter-coated wings may require a pan to hold all the juices and oils, helping the flavor percolate the food. For other foods, you can either use parchment paper to line the bottom of the air fryer basket or place the food directly into the basket.

When To Use A Pan In An Air Fryer Oven Combo?

You need to use a special pan in an air fryer in the following situations:

When Baking bread in an air fryer, you need a special loaf pan
For making cupcakes, you need silicone molds.
When baking a cake, pudding, and so on, you need a special pan in the shape you want to achieve.

Note: Examples of foods that don’t necessarily need a pan are French Fries, steaks, Tuna, chicken wings, etc. Ingredients in these recipes have a definite shape and do not call for using a pan.

Types Of Pans Suitable For An Air Fryer

Below are some pans you can use in an air fryer with or without putting a basket in it.

Ceramic Pans

Ceramic’s high heat conduction makes it ideal for an air fryer or oven.

Plus, it retains heat superbly without holding on to the flavor of the food cooked previously.

In the market, you will find two types of ceramic utensils:

Ceramic crockery
Ceramic cookware

Ceramic crockery is entirely made with ceramic, whereas ceramic cookware only has ceramic coating.

Both types are suitable for use in an air fryer.

The only thing needing your attention when using ceramic containers is decorative elements (designs and paints), which may make a pan unsafe for an air fryer.

Make sure to use ceramic pans without any decorative items or when you are sure that their paint/design won’t interfere with the cooking process.

Glass Containers

Glass dishes and bowls can be another choice for an air fryer.

Glass cookware’s quick heat retention and the ability to not retain the flavor of previously cooked food ensures each meal maintains its distinct taste.

Glass is rarely used for making cookware that is exposed to direct heat.

Instead, glass cookware is more commonly used for making casseroles and baking dishes.

When using glass pans in air fryer, it is essential to adjust the temperature gradually. A sudden drop or rise in the temperature can shatter them.

Cast Iron Pans

For most cooks, cast iron is often a favorite material for a metal pan because it can retain heat for a long time, penetrating it evenly into the food being cooked in it.

The only thing to ensure when using an oven-safe cast iron pan is that the lid—if you are using one—must also be oven-proof.

Aluminum Pans

Aluminum conducts, retains, and transfers heat evenly, ensuring food cooks evenly.

High-quality food-grade aluminum containers or foils don’t react with food, although foods containing acids like lemon and tomato require caution.

Disposable aluminum pans and containers have made cooking even more convenient.

You can place them in your air fryer, and once done, you can use the same as serving pans.

| ALSO READ: Can You Put Aluminum Foil In An Air Fryer?

Stainless Steel Pans

Stainless steel is safe for use in an air fryer because of its compatibility with high temperatures.

Additionally, it does not corrode by reacting with food acids or alter the taste of the food being cooked in it.

When buying a stainless steel pan, make sure it does not have any plastic handles that may melt during cooking.

Besides, pans with attached handles or loops might not fit properly in your air fryer.

Silicone Pans

Silicone is one of the most suitable materials for use in an air fryer.

It was approved by the FDA and deemed safe for use in cooking back in 1979.

Silicone pans and molds are frequently used to make baking containers, for example, muffins, loaf containers, and cake pans.

Don’t be fooled by this material's soft and pliable nature; most food-grade silicone accessories remain unaffected by temperature changes.

Therefore, they are commonly used for making spatulas and cooking spoons.

Pot And Pans You Cannot Put In Your Air Fryer

The easiest way to remember what not to put in your air fryer is anything that cannot withstand high temperatures.

Considering this parameter, some pans you should not put in your air fryer are mentioned below.

Plastic Containers

You should not put Tupperware or plastic containers in your air fryer.

Plastic will melt under the high temperature in an air fryer due to its low melting point.

The molten plastic may release toxic fumes and stick to your air fryer basket, making it unusable.

Wooden Plates & Bowl

Wood can singe or even catch fire when exposed to high heat.

For this reason, avoid using wooden bowls or plates in an air fryer.

In addition, refrain from putting flavored wooden chips in your air fryer to give a smoky effect to your food, as this could accidentally start a fire.

Can you use foil pans in an air fryer?

Yes, you can definitely use foil pans in an air fryer. Aluminum foil pans are the most recommended for use in an air fryer. Aluminum is a good conductor of heat, which helps cook food from all sides. Plus, aluminum is firm enough to let the food hold a precise shape.

Conclusion

Even if you don’t find any special pans labeled as “air fryer-safe” in the market, some recipes call for using specific types of pans. Ceramics, glass, and silicone are some suitable materials for pans that can be used in an air fryer. However, it is essential to read the instructions provided by the manufacturer before using any pan in your air fryer that did not come with it.