Do you immediately plug in a new electrical appliance or take time to understand it first? It's recommended to do the latter.
Upon unboxing a new air fryer, the user manual should be your first point of reference. It's advisable to spend a few hours researching its various features.
It's better to take the time to understand an unfamiliar aspect of your air fryer than to risk misusing it or damaging it with incompatible items.
Today, we'll tackle a frequently asked question: Can a stainless steel bowl or plate be used in an air fryer? Let's hear from our experts on this matter.
Can I Use Steel Bowl In Air Fryer?
Yes, you can use a steel bowl in an air fryer. Steel cookware is able to endure high temperatures up to 1500°F. However, it is important to confirm that the steel bowl has an oven-safe label before using it in the air fryer. However, if the steel bowl doesn't have an oven-safe label or is not made of pure steel without any other base metal, it is not recommended to use it in an air fryer as it can warp or leach toxins into your food.
Things To Consider When Using A Steel Bowl In An Air Fryer
Using a steel bowl in an air fryer is allowed, but there are specific rules and considerations that must be followed. The following factors must be taken into account when using a steel bowl in an air fryer.
Use For Some Foods Only
To effectively use the air fryer, it is recommended to utilize the basket that comes with it to hold the food. Bowls should only be used in select cases, as using a bowl without perforations can impede the airflow, which is essential for the air fryer to cook food properly.
Cooking food in a steel container within the air fryer may not yield the desired results, particularly for dishes that require a crispy exterior. This is due to the lack of airflow in a steel bowl, which prevents the food from crisping up and may leave some parts undercooked.
However, it is possible to cook certain dishes in a steel bowl, particularly those that start as a liquid and solidify when cooked. Cakes are a prime example of a dish that can be cooked in a steel bowl using the air fryer.
Be Careful About The Paint
Steel bowls are frequently embellished with paint or designs on the surface to enhance their aesthetics. However, the coating on the exterior of the bowl is typically not suitable for use in an air fryer, despite the base material being adequate.
The extreme heat produced by the air fryer can cause the exterior paint to disintegrate and mix with your food, causing contamination by leaching into it.
If you intend to utilize a steel bowl in your air fryer, it is critical to ensure that it lacks any paint or markings.
Oven-Safe Mark On The Bowl
It's important to use only utensils that have an oven-safe mark when cooking with an air fryer, including steel plates and bowls.
Before using a steel bowl in your air fryer, check for an "oven-proof" mark on the back of the bowl. If there's no such mark or logo, it's best to avoid using that particular bowl.
If you're uncertain about the safety of your steel bowl, it's better to use a high-quality oven-safe glass bowl in your air fryer instead.
Why Using Steel Bowl in an Air Fryer is Good
There are several features of a steel bowl that make it suitable for use in an air fryer. These qualities include:
Durability
Unlike glass, which can shatter when exposed to high temperatures, steel can withstand up to 500F and does not crack. This makes it a safe option for use in an air fryer.
Shape Retention
Steel is also ideal for cooking foods that need to maintain their shape, such as cakes. The walls of the steel bowl allow the food to cook through evenly while retaining its shape.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is a major concern when it comes to kitchen utensils, but stainless steel makes this task effortless. It can be cleaned with ease, and some steel bowls can even be washed in a dishwasher.
Alternatives To Using Steel Bowl In An Air Fryer
There are other materials besides steel that can be used in an air fryer. Here are some suitable options:
Silicone Silicone is an excellent alternative to steel. It can withstand high temperatures, doesn't release chemicals, and can maintain the shape of food. Therefore, silicone molds are a great choice for baking cakes, lasagna, etc., in an air fryer.
Glass A high-quality oven-proof glass bowl is also a good substitute for steel. However, glass is still delicate, so you must be cautious. Make sure to check its temperature resistance and quality before using it in an air fryer. We do not recommend using pyrex glass.
Ceramic Ceramic bowls and accessories are safe for use in an air fryer. They have high heat resistance and are often labeled as oven-proof. Therefore, using a ceramic bowl in an air fryer is perfectly fine.
Regardless of the material you choose, make sure you know its specifications and properties before using it in an air fryer. You can also check out our reviews of the best ceramic air fryers.
FAQs
Can I use metal bowl in air fryer?
Yes, you can use a metal bowl in your air fryer, but it must meet specific criteria. The bowl must be oven-proof and have no signs of paint. If you are unsure about either of these factors, it is best to avoid using a metal bowl in your air fryer.
Can you use cast iron in an air fryer?
As for cast iron utensils, they can be used in an air fryer if they come with an oven-safe label. Cast iron bowls and plates can withstand high heat without getting damaged during the cooking process.
Wrapping Up!
In conclusion, the suitability of using a stainless steel pan or bowl in an air fryer depends on the specific utensil. If it is made only with steel and is oven-proof, it is safe to use. However, if you use a standard steel bowl, there can be associated risks such as warping or leaching toxins into your food, which is not recommended.
