An air fryer oven is a popular kitchen appliance that uses hot air and convection to cook food with less oil than traditional frying. When using an air fryer oven, having the right cookware is important to get the best results. So what kind of pan works best in an air fryer oven?
Should You Use Metal, Glass, or Ceramic Pans in an Air Fryer Oven?
The type of pan you use in your air fryer oven depends on what you are cooking. Here is an overview of the common materials used for air fryer pans and their benefits:
Metal Pans
- Work well for most foods like french fries, chicken, fish etc.
- Conduct heat efficiently, resulting in quick and even cooking.
- Durable and resistant to high temperatures in the air fryer.
- Come in a variety of sizes to fit different models of air fryers.
- Can be non-stick coated or bare metal. Bare metal may require oil or cooking spray.
Glass Pans
- Allow you to monitor food as it cooks without opening the air fryer.
- Are non-stick and easy to clean.
- Withstand high temperatures but may be prone to breaking if dropped.
- Come in oven-safe designs specifically for air fryers.
- Not ideal for tossing or flipping food during cooking.
Ceramic Pans
- Offer non-stick cooking and easy cleanup like glassware.
- Withstand thermal shock well.
- Come in attractive designs and colors.
- Prone to chipping if dropped.
- Heat conduction may not be as quick as metal.
So in summary, metal pans are the most versatile choice while glass and ceramic pans have benefits for certain foods. Avoid pans with plastic parts or handles that cannot withstand heat.
What Size Pan Should You Use?
The size of the pan depends on the capacity of your particular air fryer model. Here are some general guidelines:
- For small 2-3 quart air fryers, a pan around 7 inches wide works well. This allows air to circulate while still being able to cook a decent amount of food.
- For medium 5-6 quart air fryers, a pan around 9 inches wide is ideal. It can handle ingredients for 3-4 servings.
- For larger 8+ quart family sized models, a pan in the range of 10-12 inches wide suits the extra capacity.
It’s also important to not overload the pan. Crowded foods won’t crisp up well. Allow 1-2 inches of clearance around the pan edges so air flows properly.
Consider oval or rectangular pans to maximize cooking area for some models, but verify the shape fits inside first. Non-stick cake bars and pizza pans can also work nicely in air fryers.
Do You Need a Special Air Fryer Oven Pan?
Pans marketed specifically for air fryers are convenient, but not strictly necessary. Many standard baking pans work well, so long as they are oven safe at 400°F+ temperatures. Here are some tips for selecting an “air fryer pan”:
- Metal and ceramic pans designed for air fryers allow for maximum air circulation.
- Match the pan size to your model’s capacity based on quarts.
- Darker colors may promote better browning.
- Choose pans with shorter sides so ingredients are exposed to airflow.
- Non-stick surfaces reduce the need for oil and make cleanup easy.
- Avoid plastic handles that may melt under high heat.
- Silicone handles offer a high heat safe grip option.
Standard pans like cake, pizza and baking sheets can also be used. Avoid extra deep sides that block air circulation. Just note that specialized air fryer pans offer tailored designs to take advantage of the appliance’s forced air for crisping.
What is the Best All-Purpose Pan for an Air Fryer Oven?
If you want a single versatile pan for your air fryer rather than multiple specialized ones, look for these ideal features:
- Metal (aluminum or steel) construction – Heats quickly and evenly for thorough cooking.
- Rectangle or oval shape – Optimizes cooking area in square air fryers.
- Shallow sides under 2 inches – Allows for maximum airflow.
- Non-stick coating – Prevents food from sticking and eases cleaning.
- 9 x 11 inch size – Fits most medium 5qt air fryer models.
- Oven safe to 500°F – Withstands air fryer temperatures.
This type of rectangular metal pan with shallow sides and non-stick surface allows you to conveniently cook anything from fries and wings to cake and pizza in your air fryer. It’s a versatile all-purpose accessory.
For small 2-3qt fryers, a 7 x 9 inch pan offers similar utility. And a larger 12 x 15 pan suits bigger models. Match the size to your appliance.
Tips for Cooking Common Foods in an Air Fryer Pan
Here are some tips for cooking popular air fried foods using the right type of pan:
French Fries and Potato Wedges
- Use a metal pan for even browning and heat conduction.
- A thinner pan around 1 inch deep allows hot air flow.
- Toss fries in oil before air frying for crispness.
- Separate fries so they cook evenly.
Chicken Wings and Drumsticks
- Line a metal pan with parchment for easier cleanup.
- Use a foil tent to prevent over browning if needed.
- Give wings space and flip midway for even cooking.
- Brush wings with oil for crispness.
Fish Fillets and Shrimp
- A ceramic or glass pan lets you monitor doneness.
- Lay fillets evenly spaced in a single layer.
- Brush fish and shrimp lightly with oil before cooking.
Pizza
- Use a round pan the same diameter as your pizza.
- Place pizza directly on the pan, no parchment needed.
- Check bottom crispness after 5 minutes then add toppings.
Cakes and Muffins
- Use oven-safe silicone pans for easy release.
- Check doneness a few minutes early since air fryers cook fast.
- Let cakes cool before removing from pan to prevent sticking.
So in summary, match your air fryer pan to the type of food for the best results!
Air Fryer Pan Mistakes to Avoid
While air fryer pans offer convenience, be sure to avoid these common mistakes for best results:
- Overcrowding the pan – Leave space for airflow around and between ingredients.
- Not preheating – Allow 3-5 minutes for the air to fully preheat before cooking.
- Overfilling with oil – Only a small amount is needed for most recipes.
- Heating empty – Do not preheat an empty pan, the air fryer needs the food mass.
- No pan protection – Use liners or coating if needed to prevent sticking.
- Wrong pan material – Avoid glass or ceramic if tossing foods.
- No timer – Set a timer to prevent overcooking. Foods cook quickly.
- No flipping – Turn food halfway for even browning and crisping.
With the right pan type and size, preheating, and proper use, an air fryer oven can produce delicious fried foods, baked goods, and more using little to no oil.
Conclusion
Using the right type of pan in your air fryer oven is important for efficiently cooking crispy and delicious food. The best pans take advantage of the appliance’s rapid hot air circulation. Metal, ceramic, and glass pans all have benefits depending on your needs.
Match the pan size to your air fryer’s capacity, allowing at least a few inches of clearance all around for airflow. Specialized air fryer pans with shorter sides optimize this, but standard bakeware can work too. Go for rectangular or oval pans to maximize cooking surface.
Before cooking, lightly brush or spray food with oil to enhance browning and crispness in the dry heat environment. Monitor cooking and toss or flip food midway to prevent overcooking. With a properly sized, high heat-safe pan, your air fryer oven can produce amazing results for fries, meats, baked goods and more using little to no added fat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions given below:
Can you use glass or ceramic pans in an air fryer?
Yes, glass and ceramic bakeware is generally safe for air fryers provided it is oven safe to at least 400°F. The visibility allows monitoring of food as it cooks. Just avoid dropping them since they can shatter.
Should I use parchment paper or foil liners?
Parchment paper or foil can be used to prevent sticking and ease cleanup. However, liners also insulate food from the pan’s heat conduction. So use sparingly if crispness is desired.
How much oil or cooking spray do I need in the pan?
Most air fryer recipes call for just 1-2 tsp of oil or a light coat of cooking spray. The circulating hot air provides most of the crisping action, not large amounts of oil.
What if my pan doesn’t fit exactly in my air fryer?
Pans that are slightly too big can still work if you center the pan and do not use the top heating element. Air will flow around the outer edges. Just avoid pans that block significant airflow.
Should I flip or stir food midway through cooking?
Yes, tossing or flipping ingredients midway ensures even browning and cooking on all sides for foods like fries, nuggets or wings.
Can I cook more than one food at once?
Yes, but avoid cross-contamination and pick foods with similar cook times. Use liners between foods or clean the pan between batches.