Can i put a plate in the air fryer

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?

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 riskUse 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. 

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. 

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

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.

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. 

What kind of plates can I put in the air fryer?

You can use any ovenproof dish or mold in the Airfryer, whether it is made of glass, ceramic, metal or silicone. You can also use silicone or paper cupcake cups or molds to bake cupcakes, muffins or small gratins.

What can you not put in an air fryer?

8 Things You Probably Shouldn't Cook in an Air Fryer.
Battered foods. Avoid placing wet batter in the air fryer. ... .
Fresh greens. Leafy greens like spinach will cook unevenly because the machine uses high-speed air. ... .
Whole roasts. ... .
Cheese. ... .
Raw grains. ... .
Hamburgers. ... .
Toast. ... .
Popcorn..

Is it safe to put a glass plate in the air fryer?

Depending upon the sturdiness of the glass dish, you can decide whether Glass Pyrex can be used in an air fryer. If the dish is oven-safe, made of borosilicate or tempered glass, it can work in an air fryer. However, if the dish is made of soda-lime glass, it can't withstand high temperatures in an air fryer.

Can you put a plastic plate in an air fryer?

Don't: Plastic Unfortunately you cannot heat up your foods in plastic containers, such as Tupperware and plastic takeaway containers in the airfryer (like you can in a microwave). The general rule of thumb is what can go in an oven, can also go in the airfryer.