Can I Use Microwavable Container In Air Fryer?
No, it is not safe to use a microwavable box or container in the air fryer. Learn about the risks associated with it.
Just because an air fryer and a microwave perform many similar functions, it does not mean both share the same rules for putting different materials and containers.
While you can put microwaveable containers in a microwave, a big question mark appears when doing the same in an air fryer. We will share our experiences. You may also like to check out the best 8 quart air fryer and our selection of the best quiet air fryers.
Can I Use Microwavable Container In Air Fryer?
No, you cannot use microwavable container in air fryer. A plastic container cannot bear the high heat of an air fryer, it melts and damages the unit. I recommend do not put a microwavable container in an air fryer, even if it comes with a microwave-safe label.
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Why Using Microwaveable Dishes In An Air Fryer Is Not Safe?
A microwave-safe container can withstand max 250F temperature. Whereas an air fryer cooks food at a much higher temperature. Therefore, the possibility of a disaster stays associated with using a microwaveable container in an air fryer.
So, you can say with conviction that it is beyond the ability of even microwave-safe plastic containers to withstand heat in an air fryer. Hence, it is unsuitable for an air fryer.
Here is what happens when you use a microwaveable container in an air fryer.
Melts Under High Heat
When you put a plastic bowl in an air fryer, it shrinks and melts. The melted plastic will drip through the holes of the air fryer basket, reaching the heat vent, normally present at the bottom of the air fryer, and clogs.
Plastic can heat up to the point that your air fryer starts to smoke and causes a fire hazard. Apart from these problems, when plastic burns inside an air fryer, it produces a very unpleasant odor, which might linger in your house for some time.
Destroy The Air Fryer
Melted plastic sticking to the interior of the air fryer is not just horrible to watch; it can also slash your wallet by putting the air fryer on fire and making you buy a new one. In short, using a plastic container puts the safety of your air fryer at stake. Therefore, you should avoid its use.
Leach Chemicals Into Your Food
Some plastic contains BPA, a chemical incredibly harmful to human health. It usually is present in low-quality plastic. When the container melts inside an air fryer, this chemical seeps into your food, making it unsuitable for individuals.
Alternatives of Microwavable Container
Silicone is one such plastic that is completely oven-safe. It has a melting point of around 500F and can be used in an air fryer if you don’t cook beyond this temperature.
Crystallized polyethylene terephthalate is another plastic with high thermal and chemical resistance. It can withstand 400F. Due to these properties, it can be used in an air fryer. However, it does not mean that it will not melt. A high heat resistance means it will take longer and a higher temperature to melt.
Now that you know you cannot put a microwavable bowl in an air fryer, you must know what are the other air fryer-safe containers. Here’s a list:
- Ceramic containers (entirely made with ceramic)
- Silicone mold
- Silicone cupcake liners
- Aluminum containers
- Stainless pots and containers
- Glass containers and dishes
- Ramekins
- Copper containers
FAQs
What containers can you use in an air fryer?
Here are some of the best containers for air fryers:
- Glass containers
- Aluminum containers
- Steel cookware
- Ceramic containers
Can you put a tin container in the air fryer?
Tin is a metal type that can be used in an air fryer, but it is not the best choice. Tin can react with acidic food and ruin the ingredients by leaching into them. So, Tin containers must not be used, especially when alternatives such as steel or aluminum utensils are available.
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Wrapping Up
Hope we have answered your queries about using microwavable containers in air fryer. Containers are part and parcel of every house in the United States. The thought of using the containers in an air fryer is not strange, considering that microwaves and air fryers are related to reheating and cooking food. Since microwaveable containers are made of plastic, using them in an air fryer can summon a smoke and fire disaster. Therefore, our experts advise not to put plastic containers in the air fryer.
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