So, Can Bakeware Go in the Air Fryer?
Let’s be real: your air fryer isn’t just for crispy fries and tantalizing wings anymore. If you’re asking yourself, “Can bakeware go in the air fryer?” — welcome to the club. The short answer is yes, but oh boy, there’s a lot to unpack before you toss your grandma’s vintage ceramic dish in there and pray for the best.
From glass Pyrex to silicone molds, metal pans, and ceramics, not all bakeware is a match made in air-fryer heaven. But don’t freak out yet. We’ve got the lowdown, the dos and don’ts, and everything in between, so your air-fryer adventures can stay delicious, safe, and stylish.
Why Even Bother with Bakeware in Your Air Fryer?
First, cooking directly in the basket is fine for a lot of things. But when you want to bake a mini cake, roast veggies evenly, or make a casserole without creating a mess that requires Olympic-level scrubbing, bakeware is your secret weapon.
Using bakeware in an air fryer can:
- Keep delicate foods from falling through the basket.
- Help cook more evenly by containing smaller ingredients.
- Reduce cleanup time by preventing food splatters.
But before your kitchen turns into a bakeware battlefield, there are crucial rules to know.
The Golden Rule: Oven-Safe Bakeware Only!
Your air fryer is essentially a mini convection oven. So, the bakeware you use must be oven-safe. Not just any dish will do. Oven-safe bakeware includes:
- Glass — Tempered glass like Pyrex is your best buddy here. It handles high heat, resists staining, and won’t freak out mid-cook.
- Ceramic — Plain, oven-safe ceramic dishes are good to go, as long as they have no metallic paints or glazes.
- Metal — Stainless steel, aluminum, and cast iron pans all work great. But steer clear of non-stick coatings not rated for oven use.
- Silicone — High-quality, oven-safe silicone molds and pans flex well with the heat.
Want more info on silicone bakeware? Check out our deep dive on Can Silicone Bakeware Be Used in Microwave? Here’s the Real Deal or Can Silicone Bakeware Go In The Freezer? The Chilly Truth Unwrapped for more chilly/fiery adventures.
The Fit Test: Size and Shape Matter
Imagine trying to cram your suitcase into a tiny overhead bin — it’s not happening, right? Same deal with bakeware and your air fryer basket. The dish has to fit comfortably, leaving room for air to do its magic.
Without proper airflow, the whole reason you bought that air fryer — crispy, even cooking — goes straight out the window, leaving you with unevenly cooked or soggy food.
Tips for fit:
- Choose bakeware smaller than the basket size.
- Avoid extra deep dishes that block airflow.
- Test the fit before adding batter or ingredients.
Plus, if you have an air fryer with a rotating basket or paddle, double-check that the bakeware doesn’t interfere with moving parts.
Material Matters: What Works Best in the Air Fryer?
Glass Bakeware
According to Table Matters, tempered glass dishes like Pyrex are ideal because they withstand rapid temperature changes, usually between -40°C and 350°C (about -40°F to 662°F). Just beware of any cracks or chips — those can lead to breakage under heat stress.
Ceramic Bakeware
The no-nonsense ceramic bakeware you see recommended on Also The Crumbs Please is fine, as long as it’s oven-safe and free from metallic paints or trims. That labyrinth glaze pattern on grandma’s heirloom dish? Better leave that for the display cabinet.
Metal Bakeware
Metal pans are classics. Stainless steel and aluminum reflect heat well and cook quickly. Cast iron brings the heat retention and browning power. Just make sure any non-stick coatings are rated for oven or air fryer use. When in doubt, metal beats plastic every time.
Silicone Bakeware
Flexible, colorful, and easy to clean — silicone bakeware is an air fryer favorite, if made for high temps. You can rely on oven-safe silicone to withstand typical air fryer temperatures up to 200°C (about 400°F). For full scoop on silicone care, see our article on Can Silicone Bakeware Be Washed in the Dishwasher?
Beware the Airflow Blockers: What Not to Use
One of the biggest culprits for air fryer fails is poor airflow caused by bakeware that’s just too big, bulky, or oddly shaped.
Avoid:
- Deep casserole dishes that block circulation.
- Glassware with metal trim (short for trouble in heat).
- Plastic containers or non-oven-safe materials.
- Bakeware that fills the basket edge-to-edge with no breathing room.
Air needs to whisper through your bakeware like a gentle breeze, not get choked like it’s rush hour traffic.
Temperature Limits: Don’t Go Overboard
Most oven-safe bakeware can handle typical air fryer temps — usually maxing out around 400°F (200°C). Pushing beyond those limits, especially for glass or silicone, is a gamble you don’t want to take.
When in doubt, cross-check the bakeware manufacturer’s specs and your air fryer’s max temp. Philips advises you can use any ovenproof dish (glass, ceramic, metal, silicone) in their Airfryer range, but emphasizes sticking to temp guidelines for safety (source).
Practical Tips for Baking in Your Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes for even cooking.
- Use lightweight bakeware to make it easier to handle and reduce heat absorption times.
- Check early for doneness; air fryers bake faster than traditional ovens.
- Don’t crowd the basket—leave that golden air circulation gap!
- Rotate or shake your bakeware if your air fryer doesn’t have a rotating basket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my regular glass casserole dish in the air fryer?
If it’s labeled oven-safe (like Pyrex), yes, as long as it fits and is free of cracks. Avoid glass with metal trims or decorative features.
Is silicone bakeware reliable for air frying?
Absolutely—but make sure it’s rated for oven use and fits the basket without blocking airflow.
Can I use non-stick pans in my air fryer?
Yes, if they’re oven-safe. But watch out for coatings that may degrade at high heat. When possible, prefer metal or silicone pans designed for oven use.
Final Whisk: The Takeaway
Can bakeware go in an air fryer? Yes — but only if it’s oven-safe, undamaged, fits well, and doesn’t block airflow. Glass, ceramic, metal, and silicone bakeware all have their moment to shine under the air fryer’s glow, just handle with care and a dash of wit.
Master this, and your air fryer will be your all-in-one kitchen sidekick — crisping, baking, roasting, and dazzling your taste buds one perfectly cooked bite at a time.