Can I Use A Steel Bowl In An Air Fryer? A Detail Guide
An air fryer can make almost anything an oven can, but the main essence is its use of little to no oil. Furthermore, an air fryer can be placed conveniently on kitchen countertops making them more feasible.
With air fryers, I can enjoy the taste of fried foods guilt-free. If you are a health enthusiast like me, then the air fryer will be your go-to kitchen appliance from the first use. But this enthusiasm will soon be over once the process of purchasing air fryers’ compatible accessories kicks in. Therefore, the question arises of using alternative accessorries in air fryers. Many also ast “Can I use a steel bowl in an air fryer?”. We are going to find the answer to this below.
Alternative Utensils For Air Fryer
Yes, that is the answer! Alternative utensils can easily be used in your air fryer. But it is not necessary meant any container can be used. Remember, any container that is oven safe can be put in an air fryer. The main point to consider while using other utensils is to ensure they are heat resistant. Any material of low quality is only dangerous for your health but can also damage your air fryer. Well, a heat-resistant Container means you not only can use steel but also some other containers too, and these are:
Aluminum container
If I had to choose one good conductor of heat, then I would, without a second, choose aluminum. Aluminum containers are great for air fryers.. Aluminum, as a metal in an air fryer, can handle heavy-duty heat provided it does not have any heat-sensitive coating or handle.
Glass Container
Glass containers which are ‘Oven Safe’ are safe to be used in air fryers because they are very good at facing the onslaught of heat. Make sure to use good quality glass bowls because poor quality can lead to glass shattering due to quick temperature changes. Also read can you put an airfryer on counter top.
Tip: Always cool down the glass bowl before putting it on the cold surface
Silicone molds
Silicone is best known for its heat-resistant nature. Therefore, silicone containers are always a better option than an air fryer alternative.
Pro Tip: Make sure to read the instructions for any new dish you purchase to know how much temperature it can endure!
Ceramic Bowls
Ceramic bowls are another great alternative for air fryers. Ceramic can itself bear high heat. But the concern arises when it has a glossy coating or is painted. We need to make sure whether the paints used can withstand high temperatures or not. Many ceramic bowls even come with an ‘oven-safe’ marking, which makes things very easier.
Dangers Of Using Steel Bowl In Air Frier
Like everybody’s kitchen, the most common utensil is the steel bowl. But is it risk-free to put a steel bowl in an air fryer or not? Before using any steel bowl in your air fryer, ensure it is “Oven Safe.” If there is no such claim on your bowl or its packing, then I would not recommend using it.
The main reason is that the air fryer operates at very high temperatures. We are talking about greater than 400°F high! The main question is can you put a metal bowl in the oven? Well, If the steel bowl you are about to use is not ‘Oven safe,’ then there are chances that some of its compounds melt and mix into your meal which can make it potentially dangerous.
Tips For Using Metal Bowl In An Air Fryer
Most ask can you put metal in an air fryer? To answer this, I would like to state some considerations that would make it safe to use metal in an air fryer.
● Use an air fryer for a kind of food that you don’t want Crispy. This is because there are no holes in the metal bowl, which will not allow hot air to circulate the food necessary for making it crispy.
● Always use a steel bowl without handles because of less space available in an air fryer. Here, the question arises, can you use a pan made of metal in an air fryer? Yes, you can put a metal pan in an air fryer if you have a spacious air fryer.
● And if you have to use a steel bowl with handles, then make sure the handles are not made with fiber or any other heat-sensitive material.
● Try to put a metal bowl in an air fryer only if you want to make something that begins in liquid form, like a cake, to hold it better easily.
● Make sure there is no covering or base of any other metal that is not oven safe.
● Any metal bowls that have paint on them must be avoided too.
Things To Consider While Selection Of Steel Bowl For Your Air Fryer
If you are opting to use a bowl made from stainless steel for your air fryer, then make sure that it is premium-clad stainless steel. Stainless steel of substandard quality will only harm you in so many ways.
There are certain things that you should look for before purchasing a steel bowl that can be used in an air fryer afterward, and these are:
Grade
Stainless steel utensils are meant to last for a very long time; therefore, it is only wise to make a greater investment initially. If you want the toughest and the most corrosion-resistant bowl, then make sure it is made up of 18/8 or 18/10 stainless. It will neither lose its shape nor polish.
Weight
No one likes to deal with heavier stuff. But in the case of steel bowls, the heavier, the better! Why? Because a heavier bowl or pan can withstand greater heat and will not distort. Furthermore, it will not develop hot spots means no burning of food!
Core Material
Cooking in all stainless steel requires a lot of time then you can imagine. Therefore Using multi-clad utensils seems a better option because they let us enjoy cooking on a stainless steel surface. At the same time, the surface is layered with layers of other materials like copper or aluminum for boosting heat conductivity. The layer used at the base of your pan is called the core.
Keep in mind that clad cookwares are expensive, but because of the increased number of layers at the base, your food will be properly cooked in a much lighter-weight pot.
Pro Tip: Always spray a little oil in a metal bowl before using it in an air fryer.
What If My Steel Bowl Does Not Have Any Markings?
Have you ever heard the saying that it is better to be safe than sorry? The same goes for air fryers. They are expensive creatures, and no one wants to take any risk of damaging them. Therefore the question ‘ Can you put a metal bowl in the oven or air fryer’ is perfectly justified.
Therefore, if your steel bowl does not have any marking on it that declares it to be oven safe, then I would suggest not risking your air fryer by using that bowl.
Can You Bake In A Stainless Steel Bowl?
Any stainless steel bowl that is oven safe can be used in air fryers. As far as the baking in the air fryer goes, then it does not need any special container. Cakes, especially, can be baked in any steel bowl. But before baking anything in a steel bowl, make sure to grease it first for perfect results.
Air Fryers With Stainless Steel Baskets
Many brands have launched air fryers with stainless steel baskets for customers who do not want to use non-stick baskets air fryers. Some are even launched with stainless interiors meaning no non-stick coating at all.
Therefore, if you have concerns regarding non-stick basket accessories for your air fryer, then you can always opt for air fryers with stainless steel baskets. That will also save you from the risk of using any alternative for non-stick baskets.
Frequently Asked questions
Conclusion
Can I use a steel bowl in an air fryer? The question many ask! I tried to answer in this guide with a few other alternatives as well. After reading all of the above stuff, I hope I have helped alleviate many concerns regarding the safety of your air fryers.
Before using any kind of alternative utensil for your air fryer, make sure it has a proper marking on it. Stainless Steel Basket does not require too much care because it is not prone to marks or scratches. But make sure that the stainless bowl ticks all the boxes for your and your air fryers’ health as well.
