Can You Put A Plastic Bowl In An Air Fryer: Safety Tips 2024

Originally posted on 18 September 2023 @ 19:57

Table of Contents

Can You Put a Plastic Bowl in an Air Fryer?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular as a convenient way to cook foods with less oil than traditional deep frying. Many people use their air fryers to cook foods like french fries, chicken wings, fish fillets, and more.

When using an air fryer, it’s important to use cookware designed explicitly for high-heat air frying. This raises the question – can you put a plastic bowl in an air fryer?

The Short Answer

The short answer is no, you should not put a plastic bowl in an air fryer. Plastic bowls are not designed to withstand high temperatures inside an air fryer. The circulating hot air inside an air fryer can get up to 400°F.

This high heat can quickly melt plastic or cause it to warp or leach chemicals into food. An air fryer works by rapidly circulating hot air around food to cook it quickly and evenly. Only cookware designed for oven/stovetop use is safe for an air fryer.

Why Plastic Bowls Are Unsafe In Air Fryers

Here are some key reasons why you should avoid using plastic bowls in an air fryer:

Plastic bowls can melt – Most plastic bowls are made from polypropylene or polystyrene. These plastics melt at temperatures between 320°F and 400°F. Since air fryers operate around 400°F, the high heat will likely cause plastic bowls to partially or fully melt inside the air fryer.

Risk of releasing toxic fumes – Heating plastics too high can cause off-gas or leach chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) or styrene. These fumes can contaminate your food.
Fire hazard – Melted plastic can drip onto the heating element of an air fryer, creating a fire hazard. This can damage the air fryer.
Can warp and lose shape – The high air fryer temperatures can cause the plastic to soften and become distorted or warped.
Not designed for high heat – Plastic food containers are only for microwave and fridge use. They lack heat resistance to oven temperatures.
Can damage the air fryer – Melted plastic can gum up the inner workings of the air fryer or drip onto the heating element. This can damage the appliance.

So, in summary, the high heat of an air fryer makes plastic bowls unsafe. It’s best only to use bowls and containers specifically rated as oven and air fryer safe at temperatures up to 400°F.

Suitable Bowl Materials for Air Fryers

Instead of plastic, stick to bowls and containers made from these oven-safe materials:

Metal – Stainless steel and aluminum bowls conduct heat well and will not melt or warp. Look for solid one-piece construction without any plastic handles.
Ceramic – High-fired ceramic bowls resist heat and won’t interact with food. Glazed ceramics work best.
Glass – Glass baking dishes, ramekins, and oven-safe glass bowls do well in air fryers. Please make sure they are borosilicate or tempered glass.
Silicone – Heat-resistant silicone bowls and baking cups can withstand air fryer temperatures. Look for ones specifically marketed as oven-safe.

The key is to use containers rated for oven/stovetop use up to 400-450°F. Avoid any plastic bowls or plastic parts that could melt under high heat.

Tips When Using Bowls in Air Fryers

Use oven-safe glass, ceramic, or metal bowls without plastic parts

Avoid large, heavy bowls – Smaller, lightweight bowls heat up faster
Don’t overfill – Leave space for hot air circulation
Use cooking sprays or liners – To prevent sticking
Handwash – Dishwasher heat can damage air fryer bowls over time
Check for maximum size – Don’t use bowls larger than your air fryer basket
Preheat before adding food – Helps prevent cracking with ceramic bowls

Allow bowls to cool before removing – Reduces risk of burns

FAQ

Can I put a plastic bowl in an air fryer?

No, you should avoid putting plastic bowls in an air fryer. The high heat can melt or warp plastic and release toxic chemicals into foods. Only use bowls rated as oven and air fryer-safe at high temps.

What happens if you put plastic in an air fryer?

Putting plastics not meant for high heat can cause melting, burning, and leaching of chemicals. At air fryer temperatures around 400°F, plastic can melt, overheat, or release toxic fumes. This can damage the air fryer and contaminate your food.

What plastic can you put in an air fryer?

Look for plastic bowls and utensils specifically labeled as air fryer safe. High-temperature plastics like silicone, polyethersulfone, and some nylons can resist air fryer heat without leaching chemicals. If uncertain, avoid plastic and use metal or ceramic instead.

Can you put a plastic container in an air fryer?

Most lightweight plastic food containers melt at the 400°F temps inside an air fryer. Only use plastic containers rated as an oven or air fryer-safe. Safer bets are glass or ceramic containers labeled oven-safe. Avoid plastic bags, wraps, and parchment paper too.

What happens if plastic melts in an air fryer?

Melted plastic in an air fryer can release toxic fumes, drip onto heating elements, causing a fire hazard, gum up interior air fryer parts, and leave behind residue. Inhaling melted plastic fumes is very unhealthy. Clean thoroughly if plastic melts.

Conclusion

While using plastic bowls in your air fryer may seem convenient, it is unsafe and can cause melting, burning, and release of toxic chemicals. Stick to oven-safe ceramic, glass, or metal bowls and containers rated explicitly for high temperatures up to 400°F.

Check manufacturer instructions and avoid plastics of any kind unless labeled as air fryer safe. With the right cookware, your air fryer can safely cook crispy, delicious fried foods.

Ian Welkins

I’m Ian Welkins, a seasoned professional in the kitchen industry. My passion now drives me to provide invaluable insights into the world of top-notch kitchen products. With years of hands-on experience, I’m your go-to source for culinary excellence.