There are so many different meals and recipes you can cook using an air fryer, and the utensils and cookware you use for these do differ.
You might have a meal to cook or warm up in the air fryer that you would need to place on a plate.
However, can you put a plate in the air fryer? A plate can be placed in an air fryer, as long as the plate is heat-proof and rated as oven safe. You would not be able to put a thin plastic plate in an air fryer, but you can use appropriate ceramic, glass, and metal plates.
Learning what you can and cannot place in an air fryer definitely helps you broaden the meals you can cook!
Placing Plates In An Air Fryer
It is generally okay to place a plate in an air fryer, as long as the plate is suitable to be used under high heat, usually indicated by the plate being oven-safe.
This means that the plate is safe to use when exposed to high heat, no matter what the material is.
There is also no limitation to the material that can and cannot be used in an air fryer (such as not using metal in a microwave), so there is more freedom this way.
Almost all types of oven-proof plates can be used in an air fryer, such as ceramic, glass, and metal plates. The one limiting factor is that the plate fits into the air fryer properly, which could be a problem if you have a small air fryer.
If you have an oven-proof plate in the kitchen that fits into your air fryer, there is no reason that you cannot use it!
The Problem With Using A Plate In An Air Fryer
The one issue that you might have when using a plate in the air fryer is that the plate might end up blocking the airflow.
An air fryer depends on this airflow to properly and evenly cook food, and blocking the airflow with a plate will give you uneven cooking results.
Be careful with the position that you put the plate in when placing it into the air fryer, to ensure that none of the vents are blocked and that there is still good ventilation and airflow for the food to cook.
Can You Use A Plastic Plate In An Air Fryer?
It is not advised to use a plastic plate in the air fryer, just like you would not place a plastic plate into the oven. Along with plastic plates, you cannot place plastic utensils in an air fryer either.
The very high temperature in the air fryer will end up melting and destroying the plastic plate, and the food that was placed on top of it as well.
It is best to avoid using any plastic when using an air fryer, to avoid any unnecessary mess, and possibly a destroyed air fryer!
Can You Use A Silicone Plate In An Air Fryer?
It is safe to use a silicone plate in an air fryer if the silicone has been rated as oven-proof.
There are more and more silicone baking and cooking plates and trays on the market, and as long as they are oven-proof, it is fine to use them in the air fryer.
Once again, you just have to make sure that you are not blocking any air vents when placing the silicone plate into the air fryer.
Related Questions
Now that we’ve looked at which plates can be placed in the air fryer, let’s take a look at a few related questions!
Can you place glass in an air fryer?
You can place glass in an air fryer if the glass is heat-proof and can be used in the oven. Glass can be a great option to hold food while being cooked in the air fryer, as long as it allows for proper airflow.
Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?
You can place aluminum foil in an air fryer, and it can be placed on the basket. The aluminum foil might block the vents, so it is worth checking this.
The Air fryer cooks food at an astonishingly high temperature. Some air fryers can produce as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit, making them a wise choice for professional searing and grilling.
As the name implies, air fryers cook food that would have been cooked in oil. It boasts a fan that circulates the hot air to ensure foods are cooked evenly and faster.
Also, air fryers boast vents. Thus, not everything can go into the appliance. Blocking the vent would make it impossible to cook foods or function, as it should. There will be no escape route for the heat and that could be dangerous for the appliance.
So, before you put that ceramic, metal, aluminum, or paper plate in the air fryer, read this post to make the right decision.
Table of Contents
- 1 Can a Paper Plate Go in an Air Fryer?
- 2 Why Should You Not Use Paper Plates in an Air Fryer?
- 2.1 1. Fire hazard
- 2.2 2. Huge risk
- 2.3 3. Not ideal for cooking
- 2.4 4. Leeching harmful chemicals
- 3 What Can You Use in Your Air Fryer Instead of a Paper Plate?
- 4 Can You Put Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer?
- 5 Can I Put a Metal Plate in an Air Fryer?
- 6 Can I Put a Ceramic Plate in an Air Fryer?
- 7 Can I Put an Aluminum Plate in an Air Fryer?
- 8 What You Can Not Put in an Air Fryer?
- 8.0.1 Conclusion: Can you put a paper plate in an air fryer?
Can a Paper Plate Go in an Air Fryer?
No, you can’t put a paper plate in an air fryer. Given how hot an air fryer can get inside, it is not advisable. Seriously, it is not worth the risk. Use other paper plate alternatives considered safe and ideal for air fryers.
Most people may also want to know what someone can do to make it possible to use a paper plate in an air fryer. But the truth is there is nothing anyone can do.
So, reheating leftover chicken or food on a paper plate might seem easier than using other kitchenware, but if you can’t stand the risk, do the right thing.
Why Should You Not Use Paper Plates in an Air Fryer?
Most people may want to know why paper plates should never enter an air fryer. If you’re one of such people, here’s what you need to know.
1. Fire hazard
What happens when paper encounters high temperature? It could burst into flame. Isn’t that right? Yes, it is.
See also Can You Plug an Air Fryer Into an Extension Cord? (Is It Safe?)
The same thing could happen when you put paper plate in an air fryer. Don’t forget that the temperature produced by some air fryers could reach 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Now, this is higher than paper’s ignition temperature, which some suggest is 451 degrees Fahrenheit.
A Handy Tip: Even though many people suggest that paper plates withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, there is no reason to undertake such an experiment in your home.
2. Huge risk
Most people may underestimate the damages resulting from putting paper plates in an air fryer. But honestly, it is too big a risk to ignore.
The fire resulting from an ignited paper plate can damage your appliance and even extend further to your property. Additionally, the food you’re reheating would become uneatable. So, there is no point in using a paper plate in an air fryer. Not worth the risk!
3. Not ideal for cooking
You cannot use a paper plate to cook for the simple reason that they lack the weight or structural integrity to withstand the heat produced when cooking foods.
4. Leeching harmful chemicals
There’s a huge possibility for chemicals from the paper plate to get into your food when subjected to high heat. And when this happens, your food can become uneatable.
What Can You Use in Your Air Fryer Instead of a Paper Plate?
It should be clear to you by now that paper plates and air fryers aren’t best of friends. But that doesn’t mean other plates won’t work in an air fryer.
Here are awesome paper plate alternatives you can use without any worries.
- Metal
- Glass
- Silicon
- Ceramic
- Cast iron
The reason you can put these plates in an air fryer is that they are extremely durable and structurally intact. The temperature in the air fryer won’t affect them in any way.
These paper plate alternatives can also withstand temperatures higher than the temperature air fryer produces. So, you have nothing to worry about when using such plates in the air fryer.
A Handy Tip: It is important to check any of these alternatives for the write-up “air-fryer-safe. Check for oven-safe if you don’t see this boldly written on the plate.
If a plate is oven-safe, you can use it in an air fryer too.
See also Can Silicone Molds Be Used in an Air Fryer?
Can You Put Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can use parchment paper in your air fryer instead of the paper plate. Most people are considering or would prefer using paper plates to avoid washing dishes after eating.
However, parchment paper offers the same advantage. But you still need to be cautious when using parchment paper in the air fryer.
Please note this. You have to place the parchment paper on the plate or air fryer basket and then put the ingredient or food on it. Why is this important anyway?
The reason is to ensure the parchment paper stays in place from the moment you turn on the air fryer to the moment you take off the food.
Remember, there are fans in air fryers that circulate the heat. Thus, it can blow the parchment paper away, causing it to block the vent. The parchment paper may also land on the heating element and burn.
So, remember to put some food on the parchment paper to hold it down before turning on the appliance. Parchment papers should work fine if positioned properly.
They can handle temperature to the tune of 428 degrees Fahrenheit, which would be too much for paper plates, by the way. Additionally, parchment paper boasts an extra layer of wax, making them thicker than paper plates.
Tips for using parchment paper in air fryer safely:
- Ensure the food placed on the parchment paper is heavy enough to hold it down and prevent it from flying around.
- Always check the food and parchment paper regularly when you turn on the air fryer.
- Don’t ever utilize more than the recommended number of parchment paper.
Can I Put a Metal Plate in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can, provided the metal plate is oven-safe. Remember that any oven-safe plate can go in the air fryer, and it won’t experience any damage.
Another interesting thing about the oven-safe metal plate is that it can withstand a temperature of over 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
A Handy Tip: It is important to ensure the metal plate is oven-safe before putting it in the air fryer. Additionally, if it has any artwork or paint that can easily melt under high heat, don’t put such a metal plate in the air fryer.
Can I Put a Ceramic Plate in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can. That’s the straightforward answer: your ceramic plates, bowl, and ramekins can go in an air fryer. But one thing you mustn’t forget is to ensure the plate, bowl, or ceramic ramekins are oven-safe.
See also Can You Fry Chicken in The Aluminum Pan?
You can also determine if your ceramic plate is safe for the air fryer or not by using its finish. If the ceramic plate is plain, then it is likely oven-safe. You’ll find it written “oven-safe” boldly on the ceramic plate.
On the other hand, if the ceramic plate boasts other materials and finishes, you need to consider them before putting the plate in the air fryer.
A Handy Tip: Be extra careful when removing ceramic ramekin from the air fryer. Why? Ramekin does retain heat and can be very hot to touch.
Can I Put an Aluminum Plate in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can use the aluminum plate in your fryer. However, it has to go in the air fryer basket. And there are other precautions to have in mind.
Firstly, you need to keep the aluminum plate small and ensure it doesn’t cover critical components of the air fryer. The heat in the appliance should circulate properly to cook your foods evenly and faster.
Another thing is to mind what you cook in the aluminum foil. Avoid acidic foods such as pepper, citrus, and tomatoes, as these can easily react with the aluminum plate.
What You Can Not Put in an Air Fryer?
Some things shouldn’t enter an air fryer. Why? The risk is high. You could damage the kitchen appliance or start a fire by so doing.
So, here is a list of things you should never put in your air fryer.
- Water
- Plastic utensils
- Plastic plates
- Paper plates/paper towels
- Sauces (e.g. stew or gravy)
Conclusion: Can you put a paper plate in an air fryer?
The straightforward answer is no. Why? They’re not air-fryer-safe. The paper plate could start a fire. Don’t forget, air fryers cook at incredibly high temperatures.
Before placing any plate in the air fryer, ensure it is air-fryer-safe or oven safe. Check the body of the plate to be sure that the manufacturer noted it down.
We also shared tips on using parchment paper and aluminum plates in an air fryer. So, read and follow the directions for the safe use of these materials in your air fryer.