Using baking pans in air fryers is a common question for those new to air frying. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food to produce a crispy, fried finish using little to no oil. This makes them a popular appliance for healthy cooking. While air fryers come with mesh or perforated cooking baskets, you may wonder if you can use other cookware like baking pans. Here’s what you need to know about using baking pans in air fryers.
Can You Use Any Baking Pan in An Air Fryer?
The short answer is no, not all baking pans are suitable for air fryers. Air fryers require cookware that promotes maximum air circulation. Solid baking pans prevent air from flowing freely and can lead to uneven cooking results. However, some baking pans that have perforations or a non-stick finish can work well in air fryers.
Here are some guidelines for choosing an air fryer-safe baking pan:
- Perforated or mesh pans – These allow air to flow through small holes and evenly cook food. Perforated cake or pizza pans work great.
- Non-stick finish – A non-stick coating prevents food from sticking and allows air flow along the bottom.
- Shallow sides – Pans with short sides promote better air circulation than traditional deep baking pans.
- Proper size – Make sure pans fit inside your air fryer cooking basket with at least 1-2 inches of clearance.
- Metal construction – Stainless steel, aluminum, or coated steel pans stand up better to high heat versus glass or ceramic.
Avoid using solid baking pans, casserole dishes, ceramic pans, or anything with tall sides that blocks air flow. Only use oven-safe pans as air fryers reach temperatures up to 400°F.
Common Baking Pans That Work
Here are some of the most common and effective baking pans to use in air fryers:
Cake Pans
Round or square cake pans with perforations work extremely well in air fryers. The small holes allow airflow to crisp up the bottom and sides of cakes, brownies, or other baked goods. Opt for a lightweight aluminum pan between 1-2 inches deep.
Pizza Pans
Perforated pizza pans can make crispy pizzas in an air fryer. The mesh bottom gets that golden crisp crust without a soggy center. Choose a stainless steel pan with small perforations and low sides around 1 inch high.
Loaf Pans
Small loaf pans with shallow sides are suitable for air fryers. The most common sizes that fit are 4×8 and 5×9 inches. Opt for a light metal pan with a nonstick coating for easy release. You can make meatloaves, banana breads, and other loaf-style bakes.
Jelly Roll Pans
Also called sheet pans, these wide shallow pans work nicely for air frying. Opt for a rimmed pan in aluminum or nonstick steel. The 1-inch sides promote airflow. Use jelly roll pans for roasting veggies or baking flatbreads, granola, or cookies.
Muffin Pans
Nonstick muffin pans with shallow indentations can make muffins, frittatas, and more. Look for a steel pan with cup cavities less than 1 inch deep for the best results. You may need to flip items halfway through cooking.
Baking Sheets
Rimmed baking sheets with a nonstick coating also work well, especially lined with parchment paper. The low sides allow air to circulate. Use for French fries, tater tots, chicken wings, roasting veggies, and more.
Tips for Using Baking Pans
Follow these tips to successfully use baking pans in your air fryer:
- Adjust cooking time – Items may cook faster in shallow pans versus an air fryer basket. Reduce temperature and check food often.
- Brush oil lightly – A thin coating of oil helps airflow and prevents sticking.
- Flip items – Turn food halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Allow space – Don’t overcrowd the pan, leave 1-2 inches around items.
- Use parchment paper – Lining pans prevents sticking and aids cleanup.
- Remove excess batter – This prevents overflow during baking.
- Clean pans well – Grease or food residue can affect results.
Common Baking Pans to Avoid
On the flip side, here are some common baking pans not well suited for air fryers:
- Deep cake, pie, or loaf pans – The tall sides block airflow
- Heavy ceramic or stoneware – These don’t conduct heat well
- Glass pans – Glass is prone to breaking under high heat
- Dark pans – These absorb heat and lead to burning
- Solid baking sheets – No holes prevents airflow to the bottom
- Warped pans – Uneven pans lead to uneven cooking
For best results, opt for lightweight metal pans in the right size and shape for your air fryer. Test out perforated and nonstick pans to find what works best for different recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a cake pan in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use cake pans in an air fryer as long as they have perforations or a nonstick coating that allows airflow. Opt for round or square aluminum pans between 1-2 inches deep.
What baking pans have holes in the bottom?
Common baking pans with holes include perforated cake pans, pizza pans, cooling racks, and mesh baking sheets. The small holes allow air to flow through and crisps the bottom of foods.
Can I use glass or ceramic pans in an air fryer?
Glass and ceramic pans are not recommended for air fryers. Glass can shatter under the high heat. Ceramic and stoneware don’t conduct heat well leading to uneven cooking. Stick to metal pans.
Should I get a baking pan made for air fryers?
You don’t necessarily need a special air fryer baking pan. Metal cake, pizza, loaf, or jelly roll pans you likely already own make good substitutes. Just make sure they have shallow sides, fit your fryer, and promote airflow.
Do I have to use the fryer basket?
No, the basket that comes with your air fryer is useful but not always required. Baking pans and other oven-safe dishes can be used instead to expand cooking options.
Conclusion
While air fryers come with mesh or perforated baskets, you can use certain baking pans for more cooking flexibility. The key is choosing a pan with holes, low sides, and the right size and shape to allow maximum airflow. Avoid solid or oversized pans that hinder circulation. With the right baking pan, you can cook up everything from frittatas to cakes in your air fryer. Test out cake, pizza, muffin, loaf, or jelly roll pans to see which ones best suit your favorite air fryer recipes.