Have you ever thought about whether it’s safe to put glass in an air fryer? If you’re like many who love the convenience of air frying, you might be curious about what types of dishes and containers are safe to use.
Using the wrong cookware could damage your air fryer or even ruin your food. You’ll discover exactly what kind of glassware works, what to avoid, and simple tips to keep your air fryer running smoothly. Continue reading to get the best results from your air fryer without any hassle or risk.
How Do Air Fryers Work?
An air fryer cooks by moving hot air around the food. The air moves fast, which makes the outside crisp and keeps the inside tender. Think of it like a small oven with a strong fan and heating coil. The fan pushes hot air in every direction so your food cooks evenly.
I test air fryers here in Florence, Alabama, and I’ve seen the difference in daily use. They don’t just save time—they also keep the kitchen cleaner. Research shows that air fryers give off almost no smoke or fumes indoors. Tests found only 0.6 µg/m³ of particles in the air, which is close to normal room air. By comparison, pan-frying can release 92.9 µg/m³. Air fryers also give off fewer gases. The peak for VOCs is only 20 ppb, while pan-frying can hit 260 ppb.
Most air fryer baskets are made from metal. Some have a non-stick coating. Many models use stainless steel or aluminum, both safe and durable under high heat. From my own cooking, these materials hold up well, even with daily use.
What Types of Glassware Are Safe for Air Fryers?
Tempered glass is designed to handle high heat safely. It cools down quickly without cracking or breaking. This kind of glass works well in an air fryer because it can handle quick temperature changes.
Non-tempered glass is more fragile. It may crack or shatter under high heat or sudden temperature shifts. Do not use non-tempered glass in an air fryer, as it can lead to accidents.
| Glass Type | Heat Resistance | Air Fryer Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Tempered Glass | High | Safe to use |
| Non-Tempered Glass | Low | Not recommended |
| Oven-Safe Glass | High | Good for air frying |
Glass marked as oven-safe is usually a good choice for air fryers. They are built to handle heat and resist breaking. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before placing glass in your air fryer.
Is It Safe to Use Glass in an Air Fryer? Risks You Should Know
Glassware can break inside an air fryer. This happens when it cannot handle fast heat changes. A sudden jump in temperature can cause cracks or even full breaks. To avoid mishaps, you can learn more about air fryer safety in our common mistakes to avoid when using an air fryer article.
Glass also does not heat the same all over. An air fryer blows hot air very quickly. Some spots on the glass may get much hotter than others. This uneven heat puts stress on the glass and makes it more likely to fail.
I have tested glass in my own air fryers. In some cases, it worked fine. But I also saw small cracks form after only a few uses. That risk is real.
Research backs this up. In the U.K., nearly 1 in 5 air fryer users reported a fire risk. In 2024, the average insurance claim for air-fryer accidents was £29,555 ($38,000). Some claims went as high as £80,000 ($103,500).
That’s why it’s best to stick with oven-safe glass only. Even better, I suggest using ceramic, silicone, or metal pans. These materials perform better under the intense heat of an air fryer.
| Risk | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Shattering | Glass can break due to sudden heat changes inside the air fryer. |
| Uneven Heat | Hot air circulates fast, causing some glass areas to heat more than others. |
How to Safely Use Glassware in an Air Fryer?
Only use oven-safe glassware in an air fryer. Regular glass may crack or break due to high heat. Glass labeled as “tempered” or “heat-resistant” is the safest option. Avoid thin or delicate glass items.
Always check the glassware’s temperature limit. Most air fryers reach up to 400°F (200°C). Choose glass that can handle this heat. Choose smaller glass dishes that fit comfortably inside the basket.
| Recommended Glassware | Temperature Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tempered Glass Baking Dish | Up to 450°F (232°C) | Safe for most air fryer cooking |
| Pyrex Glassware | Up to 425°F (218°C) | Commonly used and reliable |
| Glass Pie Plate | Up to 400°F (200°C) | Good for baking and reheating |
- Never place glassware directly on the heating element.
- Use tongs or mitts to remove hot glass safely.
- Allow glass to cool before washing to avoid cracking.
- Never place chipped or cracked glass inside an air fryer.
Best Alternatives to Glassware for Air Frying
Silicone molds are one of my favorites. They are safe and flexible. These can withstand high heat without breaking. You can find them in many shapes and sizes. I often use them for baking muffins or cooking eggs in my air fryer.
Metal pans also work very well. Pick ones without plastic handles or parts. They heat quickly and help food become crispy. I use a small stainless-steel pan when I want a quick, crunchy pizza base.
Ceramic cookware is another smart choice. It heats food evenly and looks good on the table. Many newer non-toxic air fryer models now include ceramic inserts.
Research shows that by 2025, 6 in 10 people will choose air fryer tools made from non-toxic (PFAS-free) materials. The most reliable materials are stainless steel, ceramic, and glass. I recommend these if you want safe and durable options for daily cooking.
| Material | Benefits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone | Flexible, heat resistant, non-stick | Perfect for baking and easy to clean. |
| Metal | Heats fast, crispy results | Avoid plastic handles |
| Ceramic | Even heat, attractive | Handle with care to avoid chips |
Credit: www.splashoftaste.com
How to Clean and Maintain Glassware for Air Fryer Use
Glassware can get very hot after air frying. Always use oven mitts or a thick cloth to take it out safely. Let the glass cool down before washing. Sudden temperature changes can cause cracks or breakage.
Clean glassware with warm, soapy water. Avoid harsh scrubbers that may scratch the surface. Gently dry it with a soft towel to keep it clean and shiny.
Keep glassware away from sharp impacts. Place it gently inside the air fryer basket to avoid hitting the metal walls. Use silicone mats or liners to protect the glass from direct contact with hot parts.
Final Thoughts: Can You Put Glassware in an Air Fryer?
Yes, it’s possible to use glass in an air fryer. But only if it is oven-safe. Regular glass is risky. It can break when it heats too fast. That’s the short answer most people want.
I have cooked with air fryers for years. From my own kitchen tests, I learned this the hard way. I once used a thin glass dish to heat leftovers. It looked fine at first. The next day, a crack showed up. That experience was enough to make me stop using regular glass.
Studies also warn us. Many air fryer users report accidents. In the U.K., almost 1 in 5 users said they had a fire risk. Glass often played a part. In 2024, air fryer fire claims averaged £29,555 ($38,000). That is not small money. It is proof that safety matters.
So, what should you do? Use tempered glass or glass that says oven-safe. Better yet, use ceramic, silicone, or stainless steel. These are stronger. They distribute heat evenly and help reduce the risk of accidents.
Here is the simple truth. Glass can work. But it is not the best pick. I trust ceramic or silicone for daily cooking. If you use glass, check the label. Make sure it says oven-safe. Do not push it past its limit. It is like driving a car. You can take risks. But why would you when safer roads are right there?
FAQs About Using Glass in an Air Fryer
Can Glassware Safely Go Inside An Air Fryer?
Only heat-resistant glassware designed for ovens is safe in an air fryer.
What Types Of Glassware Are Best For Air Frying?
Tempered or borosilicate glass is best because it can handle high heat.
Can Regular Glassware Crack In The Air Fryer?
Yes, regular glass can crack or shatter from rapid heating.
How To Check If Glassware Is Air Fryer Safe?
Look for oven-safe labels or manufacturer guidance on heat limits.
Does Glassware Affect Cooking Time In An Air Fryer?
Glassware may slightly increase cooking time due to slower heat transfer.
Can Glassware Cause Damage To The Air Fryer Basket?
Glassware itself won’t damage the basket but dropping it can cause scratches.
Hi, I’m Joshua Miller, a U.S.-based food lover, review writer, and Co-founder of KitchenWink.com. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Culinary Technology, and for over five years I’ve been testing kitchen gadgets like air fryers, blenders, and other cooking tools.
I’m also a home cook, so every product I review is tried in real kitchens—not just in theory. My reviews are based on real results, simple fixes, and tips that anyone can use. With both formal training and hands-on testing, I make sure my advice is clear, honest, and practical.
My goal is simple: to help home cooks choose the right tools and make cooking easier every day.