What can you put in an air fryer or oven?
By AnoyUpdated Last reviewed How we calculate
Oven-safe metal, silicone, parchment and foil are fine in both. Oven-safe glass works in the oven and, with care, in the air fryer. Paper towels, cardboard and ordinary plastic don’t belong in either. In an air fryer, anything light must be weighed down by food, because the fan can lift it into the heating element.
| Item | Oven | Air fryer |
|---|---|---|
| Cardboard | No | No |
| Aluminum foil | Yes | Yes, with care |
| Parchment paper | Yes | Yes, with care |
| Glass dishes | Only if labeled oven-safe | Only if labeled oven-safe |
| Pyrex | Yes | Yes, with care |
| Metal pans | Yes | Yes |
| Toothpicks | Yes | Yes, with care |
| Paper towels | No | No |
| Plastic | Only if labeled oven-safe | No |
| Silicone | Yes | Yes |
Three rules that cover almost everything
- If it isn’t labeled oven-safe, assume it isn’t. That goes for glass, plastic trays and anything with handles.
- Nothing loose in an air fryer. Liners, foil and parchment go in with the food on top, never during an empty preheat.
- Don’t block the airflow. Leave the edges of the basket open; an air fryer only works when air can move.
Guides and converters
- Air fryer cooking times chartTimes and temperatures for common foods, with the oven version.
- Air fryer vs ovenSpeed, crispness, capacity and energy compared.
- Air fryer vs convection ovenSame principle, different size. When each wins.
- How long to preheat an air fryer2–5 minutes, and when you can skip it.
- Oven to air fryer conversionLower 25°F (15°C), cut time 20%.
- Air fryer to oven conversionAdd 25°F (15°C), time × 1.25.