Can You Put A Plate In An Air Fryer? (Find Out Now!)
There are so many different dishes you can make in an air fryer; the versatility is endless. You can cook anything from brussels sprouts to a whole Thanksgiving turkey. But have you ever wondered whether or not it is safe to put a plate in an air fryer?
You can put a plate in the air fryer, as long as it is made of an oven-safe material. Approved materials include ceramic, glass, silicone, stoneware, and certain metals, while using plastic, paper, or wood should be avoided. Use a plate that is around 8 inches or less in diameter to ensure that the basket will fully close.
Follow along to learn if it’s safe to put a plate in an air fryer and the types of plates that are suitable for use inside. Additionally, this article will cover the plate materials that cannot be used in an air fryer.
Is It Safe to Put a Plate in an Air Fryer?
Air fryers work by circulating hot air at high speeds around your food, cooking it quickly and evenly. This process produces minimal oil, if any at all, making it a healthier option than traditional frying. Is this environment acceptable for a plate?
Yes, it is safe to put a plate in an air fryer. However, there are some things you need to keep in mind before doing so.
When deciding whether or not to use a plate in an air fryer, note these factors:
- Plate material
- Plate size
- What you’re cooking
Because the air fryer works by heating up the internal air space, it is important to use caution when adding any type of plate to the appliance.
We’ll get more specific as to which types of plates are approved for use below.
Types of Plates You Can Put in an Air Fryer
Plates come in all different shapes, sizes, and materials, but which ones are best for an air fryer?
Plate Material
Most standard plates are safe to use in an air fryer. This includes:
- Ceramic
- Stoneware
- Glass (or Pyrex)
- Metal
- Silicone
Air fryers reach a temperature of about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The general rule of thumb is that you can use any material that is deemed oven-proof (not microwave-safe).
However, if you have a specialty plate or one that includes design elements like plastic or wood, it is best to keep it out of your air fryer. This will help prevent any mishaps.
Plate Size
The size of the plate is also important.
You cannot put a large plate in an air fryer because it will not fit. In fact, the maximum size for a plate that can be used in an air fryer is around 8 inches in diameter. Although, this will vary based on the exact air fryer you have.
The appliance works best with small, compact items. If you have a large plate, consider using it in the oven instead.
What You’re Cooking
The entire purpose of the removable air fryer basket is so that you can toss in your food without using any other containers.
However, if you want to include a sauce or marinade with your dish, you will need a plate that is oven-safe and fits inside the air fryer.
Overall, it is best to avoid using a plate if you are cooking something that doesn’t require one. For example, if you are making french fries, there’s no need to dirty an extra plate just for the sake of using it.
Types of Plates You Can’t Put in an Air Fryer
Now that you know which plates are perfect for an air fryer environment, which plates should you steer clear of using?
As mentioned above, any plates with extra features made of wood or plastic are not safe to use in the appliance. Additionally, you should never use a plate that is:
- Too big
- Made of plastic, paper, wood, or other non-oven proof materials
Use only what fits and what won’t melt or catch fire in high-temperature environments!
Related Questions
Can you put a plate in the toaster oven?
Most toaster ovens come with an oven-proof metal tray that you can put your food on to cook. Although similar to an air fryer, you can use plates that are approved for oven use.These materials include:
- Ceramic
- Stoneware
- Glass
- Metal
- Silicone
Glass and ceramic plates usually cannot be recycled and must go in the trash, but plastic and paper plates can be reused.
Check your local county’s policies to see which items are safe to throw in your recyclable bin!
Are air fryers hard to clean?Air fryers are easy to clean with a simple wipe-down. Never put the electrical components in the dishwasher, but rather use a damp cloth to wash the exterior of the device.
However, the removable rack can be difficult to clean if you have cooked something that is very sticky or has baked-on grease. The easiest way to do this is to soak it in warm water and soap, then put the rack in the dishwasher for final cleaning.
Any parts that can be removed or are marked as dishwasher-safe can be machine washed. Check your user manual to confirm this.
In Summary
There are many types of plates that can be used in an air fryer, but there are also some materials you should avoid.
The majority of people who own an air fryer want to know whether or not it is safe to put plates inside of them and which ones they can safely use.
You cannot put a large plate in the appliance because it will not fit. The maximum size for a plate that can be used in an air fryer is around 8 inches. Additionally, stick to materials like ceramic, glass, and metal to limit the risk of a fire hazard and toxin runoff into your food.
Always consult your user manual to guarantee which types of plates can be used inside!
Emily is a copywriter with over five years of experience in crafting content for the home renovation and remodeling industry. She loves house projects, whether it be painting a room or tweaking small design elements to transform a space. Her favorite aesthetic is french modern because of its clean lines and airy feeling! When not writing, Emily loves to travel and check out architectural details all over the world.
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